Page 50 of Solid Ground

“Don’t hang up. I’m not trying to get you onto any other project. It’s about your last one.”

I roll my eyes. The name of that movie has changed several times and I’ve lost track. I’m not sure I really care anymore.

“What about it?”

“Have you seen the news about Jessie Lane?”

I freeze. Jessie was my co-star on that movie—her career’s been on the same trajectory as mine for other reasons. I’d heard she was difficult to work with, but she was really lovely. Although she was having trouble with a stalker at the time too.

“Nope. I’ve been busy with other things. What’s up?”

“She was stabbed by her stalker. She’s okay, and they caught the woman who did it, but the production company want to capitalise on the publicity and have a small premiere for the movie in a couple of weeks. And then they’ve sold it to Netflix for streaming.”

I choke out a laugh. “You’re kidding. Is she really okay?”

“Apparently so. I don’t have much detail on it.”

“Wow. Poor thing.”

“Yeah. Her stalker tracked her all the way to New Zealand and stabbed her there. I’d love to know more, but the detail just isn’t available. But anyway, what do you say?”

“About?”

“Attending the premiere. Small red carpet. Limited screening. And it’s in your contract, so you’re obligated.”

I huff out a breath. “I’ll think about it.”

“I’ll send you the details.”

An hour later, my phone rings again.Jessie Lane.

I gave her my number while we were working together just in case she needed support while dealing with her stalker.

“Jessie,” I say as I answer the call.

“Declan. How are you?”

“I should ask you the same. I’ve not seen the news, but my agent tells me you’ve been through an ordeal.”

She sighs. “I’m okay. But that stalker I had hurt me. It’s in the past now, and I just wanted to talk to you and see if you were going to this premiere.”

I grimace. “I probably should.”

Jessie pauses. “Do you have a date?”

Wait.

Is she asking me out?

Zoe and I haven’t discussed any of this. Can we go on dates while she’s pregnant with my baby? How would I feel if she went out with another man?

The idea of it doesn’t sit comfortably with me.

“I … uhhh.”

She laughs. “Relax, Declan. I’m not asking you out. I just …” Her tone changes, and the bounce she usually has disappears. “I just need a friend.”

Shit.

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