Page 128 of What I Did for Love
“You’re her husband. You’re supposed to keep track of her.”
“Yeah, well…”
Paul turned on the water faucet. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m guessing you already know.”
“Tell me anyway.”
And Bram did. While the coffee brewed, he began by telling Paul about Las Vegas, only to learn that Georgie had already filled him in.
“I also know Georgie went to Mexico because she thought she was getting too attached to you.” Paul pulled a bright orange mug from the cupboard.
“Believe me,” Bram said bitterly, “that’s not a problem now. What else did she tell you?”
“I know about the audition tape, and I know she turned the part down.”
“It’s crazy, Paul. She was amazing.” He rubbed his eyes. “We’ve all underestimated her. We fell into the same trap as the public, only wanting her to play variations of Scooter. I’ll send you a copy of the tape so you can see for yourself.”
“If Georgie wants me to see it, she’ll let me know.”
“It must be nice to have the luxury of being noble.”
“You should try it sometime.” Paul filled the mug and passed it over. “Tell me the rest.”
Bram described his visit from Rory and everyone’s reaction to Georgie’s withdrawal. “They know I’m responsible, they want her in the film, and they expect me to fix this.”
“Not a good position for a new producer to be in.”
He couldn’t contain himself. He began pacing the kitchen, making awkward ovals as he told Paul the rest—his trip to Mexico, the lie about Jade, and then the worst, what he’d said to her today. He let it spill out, omitting only the detail about the baby, not because he was trying to protect himself—he was long past that—but because Georgie’s desire for a child was her own secret to reveal.
“So let me get this straight,” Paul said, an ominous note in his voice. “You lied to my daughter about Jade. Then you tried to manipulate her by pretending you were in love with her. After she threw you out, you magically realized you really do love her, and now you want me to help you convince her of that.”
Bram slumped onto a bar stool at the counter. “I’m so fucked.”
“I’d say.”
“Do you know where she is?”
“Yes, and I’m not telling you.”
He hadn’t really expected it. “Will you at least tell her…? Shit. Tell her I’m sorry. Tell her…Ask her to talk to me.”
“I’m not asking her for a damn thing. You created this mess. You can damn well fix it.”
But how? This wasn’t a misunderstanding that could be patched up with roses, mangoes, or a diamond bracelet. It wasn’t a simple lovers’ quarrel that a few words of apology could repair. If he wanted his wife back, he’d have to do something much more convincing, and he didn’t have a clue what that could be.
Georgie came downstairsas he drove away. She hadn’t been able to stay in Malibu with Bram pounding at the door, so she’d driven here. “I heard every word.” Her voice sounded strange even to herself, so cold, so detached.
“I’m sorry, kitten.”
He hadn’t called her that since she was a child, and as he put his arm around her, she buried her face in his chest. But her fury burned so strong she was afraid she’d scorch him, and she drew away.
“I think Bram just might be telling the truth,” he said.
“He’s not.Tree Housemeans everything to him, and I’m making him look bad. He’ll do anything to get my name on that contract.”
“Not long ago, that was exactly what you wanted.”
