Page 68 of The Uncomplicated Café
CeCe smiled. She could always count on Mia to speak her mind. “Is it okay if I step outside to call Jayce for a minute?”
“Of course!” Abby assured her. “Please tell Jayce we support him one hundred percent.”
“And I won’t work for anyone who won’t hire him,” Mia added, which warmed CeCe’s heart. Considering Mia’s foley skills were highly coveted in the industry, her threat would carry some weight.
She thanked them before slipping outside. Jayce answered on the first ring.
“You saw it,” he said in lieu of hello.
“If you mean your impromptu interview, then yes, I did. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Better than fine, actually.”
“I don’t believe you.” His entire career had just imploded. How could he be fine?
“I wouldn’t lie to you. I’m a reformed fibber, remember?” he teased, adding in a more serious tone, “But honestly, I’m okay. Humbled, but okay.”
“What about the movie roles you lost? What if Gretchen was telling the truth about speaking to the directors? How will it affect your screenplay? What if you’re blacklisted and no one in Hollywood will work with you anymore?” The words spilled out of her, unrestrained with worry.
“All valid questions, even if I lost track of them,” he chuckled softly. Instead of answering, he asked, “Where are you right now?”
“Standing outside the theater. Why?”
“I’m a few minutes away. I’ll be right there.”
“What about the bachelor party?”
“The guys will understand. I need to see you.” With his last words, his voice lowered to a thick and throaty murmur.
“I’ll wait here.” She hung up the phone, suddenly flushed.
After a few minutes, he appeared in the lamplight, striding purposely toward her. Her throat went dry.You’re being ridiculous, she chided herself.It’s just Jayce.
Except, there was no such thing asjust Jayceanymore. He washerJayce. Her fiancé. The man she’d soon promise to have and to hold, until death do them part.
He didn’t stop his stride until he’d scooped her into his arms. Holding her close, he whispered, “I can’t believe how hard it is to be apart, even for a second.”
She melted against him. “I know the feeling.”
“Don’t be mad.” He pulled back to meet her gaze. “But I told the guys about us. I know we said we’d wait but—”
She interrupted him with a laugh. “Don’t worry. I couldn’t keep it a secret, either.”
“Phew! I was afraid I’d spend the first few days of our engagement in the doghouse.”
“Not on my account,” she said, then immediately sobered. “But Jayce, I’m really concerned. Do you think it’s as bad as Gretchen makes it sound?”
“Maybe. You never know with Hollywood. Some scandals are career breakers. Others are career makers. Only time will tell. But either way, I’m glad the truth is out there. And there’s at least one person in the industry who’s willing to work with me.”
“Who?”
“Victor Delance. He called right before you did.”
“He’s the producer who wanted to read your script, right?” Her pulse quickened with hope.
“That’s the guy.”
“Don’t leave me in suspense! What did he say?”
