Page 33 of Wynns of Change
“Finally, some good news,” Harlow said.
“Great news. Brett is smart as a whip. He had it all planned out what he wanted to say.”
“I’m sure he’s done this a time or two,” she said. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“Both he and Morgan are.”
“Maybe I’ll get to meet her one day.” Back at the cottage, Harlow freshened up, half-hoping that Robert had changed his mind and wouldn’t show, after all.
Her hopes were dashed when his text came through a few minutes later letting her know his plane had landed.
She gave him the name of the restaurant, one with outdoor seating where they could sit a safe distance away from prying eyes and listening ears. She checked her reflection in the full-length mirror. Her first thought was that Robert would not approve of her attire.
But her husband no longer dictated what she did, where she went, what she ate or what she wore. She might have no other option but to keep him as her manager for another year, but nothing else. The sooner Robert realized he had no control over Harlow, the better.
She exited her bedroom and tracked her father down. “He’s here.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?”
“I’ll be okay.” Harlow mustered up a half-hearted smile. “Wish me luck.”
“Don’t let him push you around.”
“I won’t.” She grabbed her sling bag and caught up with Mort, who beat her to the door. “Sorry, bud. I have to go by myself this time.” She gently nudged him back and slipped out onto the porch.
During the bike ride into town, she gave herself a pep talk. Robert could be persuasive, but that was before her accident, when he showed her who he really was.
He’d all but abandoned her when she needed him most. And then there was Jillian, his assistant and protégé.
She made a mental note not to mention her name, certain it was still a sore subject. She wanted the conversation to go as smoothly as possible, with little conflict, keeping the end goal in mind.
What a fool she’d been…the laughingstock of Hollywood. Poor Harlow Wynn, being used by her husband. No wonder moving to Mackinac Island had appealed to her. It was like a different planet, not to mention a happier, healthier place.
Harlow reached the restaurant and parked her bike in the rack out front. Stepping inside she approached the hostess stand. “I’m meeting someone here. His name is Robert.”
The woman glanced at her seating chart. “He’s here.” The hostess stepped out from behind the counter. “He’s in the back. Follow me.”
Harlow straightened her shoulders and trailed behind, praying they would make it through lunch without any major blowouts. Little did she know the relationship between them was about to get turned upside down, even more than it already was.
Chapter 15
Robert sat facing the entrance, keeping watch for Harlow. Their eyes met. He gave a tentative wave and sprang to his feet. “Hey. You’re right on time.”
“I didn’t keep you waiting?” Harlow scooched past him to the seat farthest away.
“Not at all. You look good, like you’ve been getting a little sun.” His eyes flicked over her ball cap and T-shirt. A frown appeared and quickly vanished.
She knew exactly what he was thinking. He disapproved of her attire, unbefitting of a megastar. But Harlow wasn’t in California. Mackinac Island was a far cry from the glitz and glam of Tinseltown. No one cared what she wore. In fact, her goal was to blend in, not stand out like a sore thumb.
“It’s amazing what a little fresh air and laid-back lifestyle will do,” she replied. “You should try it sometime.”
“Maybe I will.” He changed the subject. “The studio contacted me. The check should be deposited into our account later today. By the way, they found a minor scene that needs to be redone.”
“I don’t recall the exact terms, but I know I agreed to the retakes within a certain timeframe.”
“Seven days. You have a week from today to fly out to the LA film studio.”
“Will they need to coordinate with the other actors?”
