Page 41 of Wynns of Change
“Yes, and no. I’m too old and set in my ways. Now, your father…I can envision him and Lottie settling down together.”
“Me too. She’s such a sweetheart.” Harlow toyed with her chopsticks. “You really think the right person is out there waiting for me?”
“Of course. Who knows? He might even be right under your nose.”
Harlow immediately thought about Caleb Jackson. She and her former high school sweetheart were worlds apart and far from being an ideal match. Her career was full of sacrifices. Would she eventually find someone who didn’t mind jet-setting around the world yetalsoenjoyed living the laid-back island life?
Maybe it wasn’t possible and merely wishful thinking on her part. Dating would be a huge undertaking…an endeavor she wasn’t looking forward to. In the back of her mind, Harlow would always wonder if the person was only interested in her because of who she was or what she had.
Dating incognito wasn’t an option. Harlow would need to find someone in a similar line of work, an equal, or a man who was unimpressed by her fame and fortune.
After the meal ended, they climbed into Harlow’s Mercedes, a car she and Robert had purchased solely for the purpose of driving around town when she wanted to keep a low profile. She drove to her favorite spot, a small beach only the locals knew about. She and her aunt walked along the shoreline, talking about life, about the past and future.
They lingered to watch the setting sun, a bright orange ball of fire, sinking below the ocean’s edge. Harlow closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’ll miss this view.”
“I would too,” her aunt said. “Changes are coming. The Wynns of Change.”
A slow smile spread across Harlow’s face. “You’re right. Not only for me, but for Dad and you, too. Let’s head back. I’m ready to call it a day.”
By the time they returned home, Harlow was drained from the long day of travel and turned in early. Despite being exhausted, her mind refused to shut down.
She couldn’t stop thinking about her conversation with Selma. Thank God she’d made the trip to Malibu to find out the truth about what had happened between her husband and Jillian.
Robert wasn’t interested in salvaging his marriage because he loved her. His goal was to remain status quo, to continue reaping the benefits of his lavish lifestyle. Meanwhile, Harlow would stay on her hamster wheel, churning out movies and bringing in the big paychecks.
She thought about Lottie’s comment, how she had more than enough money to live comfortably for decades. Which brought her full circle. Harlow wanted it all. Home on the islandandher flourishing career. Whether balancing both was attainable remained to be seen.
*****
Harlow was up and at the film studio early the next morning. Director Steven, who had contacted her after she scheduled the retake, was there for the filming. After finishing, he invited her to join him for brunch in the studio’s cafe.
Sticking with her usual yogurt and a cup of fresh fruit, she grabbed a tall coffee and caught up with him at the table.
“You look good, Harlow.” Steven waited for her to take a seat. “How are you feeling?”
“Great. Except for an occasional twinge of pain, I’m back to firing on all cylinders,” she joked. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for having a hand in extending my contract after my accident. It gave me time to heal.”
“No problem. I’m glad it worked out.” Steven sawed off a chunk of his omelet and took a bite. “Rumor has it you and Robert are calling it quits.”
“We are.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, it happens to the best of us. Robert wasn’t happy about me cutting Jillian from the movie.”
“Nope. I heard she’s working with Charles Zenwith now.”
“Same. He didn’t take her on because of her talent.”
“Not after what we saw during filming in Vancouver,” Harlow said. “I guess her strategy is to keep moving up the ladder.”
“What about your plans? Are you still living on Mackinac Island?”
“I am. I have my eye on a property, although I won’t be able to pull the trigger until the divorce is finalized.” Harlow mentioned an upcoming movie she was considering, one Steven was also involved in.
“I think you would be perfect for the role.”
“Thanks. It caught my eye,” Harlow said. “I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I make the cut.”
“Me too.” Steven changed the subject and began chatting about mutual acquaintances.
