Page 47 of Be Our Ghost
Though Knox had heard as much before, Evan’s prolonged animosity seemed unjustified. “I don’t understand why he’s still pissed off. He got everything he wanted and sent me into exile. I’m hardly a threat to him.”
Logan barked out a sharp laugh. “Are you serious? He’s never gotten over the fact that you were the one with all the talent.”
“Evan had talent. The show’s initial premise—that was all him. No one was better at pitching a story than he was.” Knox had always envied Evan’s ability to work a room.
“For the first year, maybe. But after that, you were the creative force that shaped the next two seasons. You might have started off as equals, but your writing was ten times better than his would ever be. And he knew it. Everyone did.”
Knox sighed. During the first season ofThe Hidden Forest, he and Evan had been a dynamic duo. Just the two of them, with Evan providing the creative spark and Knox writing most of the episodes. Due to the show’s unexpected success, the second season had been far more ambitious, making a writers’ room a necessity. When the show’s producers chose Knox to be the head writer, Evan had flown into a rage. Though Knox had offered to share the title and the responsibilities with him, the damage had already been done. From then on, Evan was convinced that Knox planned to move up the ladder without him.
“I kept telling Evan I had no desire to be a producer. I just wanted to write. But whenever I got called to the set to work with the cast on the episodes I’d written, he accused me of hogging the spotlight.” Knox frowned. “Do I look like a spotlight guy to you?”
“Hardly. Besides, you made sure the other writers got that experience, too. Evan had just as many opportunities as you did, but he didn’t want to put in the work. And then he had the balls to force you out and spread those shitty rumors about you.”
Of all the things Evan had done, that had hurt the most. He’d trashed Knox’s reputation, painting him as a total fuckup with a terrible temper and addiction issues.
“The rumors just about killed me,” Knox said. “But do you know what hurt even more? After I left, the show did fine without me. My absence barely made a dent.” While the fourth season had stumbled badly, with fans protesting the darker storylines, the show had eventually recovered and won more awards.
“Sorry. If it’s any consolation, most of the other writers on staff didn’t buy Evan’s bullshit. That’s why he canned a bunch of them after the fourth season ended. So, he’s not someone you want to fuck around with. Not if your life’s back on track.”
Knox stood and resumed walking along the path. “The thing is, there’s not much he can do to me. I already lost everything.”
“Man, that sucks.”
“It’s okay. I’m doing better now. Telling Charlie about it really helped. I know working at the gala could be risky, but I’d like to catch a glimpse of the cast and crew again. Maybe connect with a few old friends, if they’re still around. It might help me move on for good.”
Now that he’d set his course, he wanted to see it through. Though staying hidden had initially served him well, it hadn’t allowed him to heal completely. Like Charlie said, he needed closure. And this event just might give it to him.
Nineteen
Charlie peekedat her phone again. If Knox didn’t show up soon, they’d be late for dinner. Today of all days, when her parents would be observing him closely—and no doubt judging him—she wanted him to shine.
Two minutes later, his truck pulled into the circular drive. She waited for him to get out, hoping he’d remembered the yacht club’s dress requirements. When he emerged from the truck, she stared at him like a lovestruck teen. Dressed in a sport coat and tie, his hair and beard neatly trimmed, he looked hotter than ever. It was as if a big, burly woodsman was playing at being a sexy professor. All he needed was a pair of wire-rimmed glasses to complete the look.
Back when she’d told him the yacht club required male guests to wear a jacket and tie while in the formal dining room, she wasn’t sure how he’d react. He’d just given her a slow smile and said, “Don’t worry about it. I can handle dressing up, sweetheart.”
Sweetheart.
It was one of his pet names for her, along with “pixie,” which was a particular favorite when they were in bed together. She’d never been with someone who was so affectionate. It made her realize how much she’d compromised, dating men her mother had foisted upon her, who had treated her like little more than arm candy.
He gave her an appraising look. “Nice dress. That’s a great color on you.”
“I saw it at the Bay Centre last week and couldn’t resist.” She twirled for him, letting the full skirt flare out. The crimson fabric resembled the maple leaves scattered around the front yard. A matching set of dark red pumps and a pendant necklace displaying an amber acorn completed the ensemble. “Thanks for picking me up. My parents went on ahead to have drinks with friends, so I thought we’d be better off meeting them there.”
“No problem. You still okay sleeping at my place tonight?”
“I’ve got my bag right here.” After enduring one too many comments about Knox’s truck, she was grateful for a chance to dodge her mother’s scrutiny. She picked up her duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder.
He opened the passenger side door. “Let’s head out. I’ve never been to a fancy Thanksgiving buffet before. I’m not sure what to expect.”
“It’s your basic mix of turkey and side dishes, but without doing any of the work. I’m guessing your family probably celebrated the holiday at home.”
“Oh, yeah. It was a big deal. My folks usually hosted, so we had our family of eight, plus a bunch of aunts, uncles, and cousins. And my grandparents. There was a ton of food, and the kitchen was sheer chaos.”
A familiar pang of longing tugged at her heart. Had her parentseverhosted a Thanksgiving dinner? The yacht club’s extravagant buffet had always been their go-to. Even when Randolph and his parents had joined them, dinner there was a subdued affair.
During the drive, a sudden bout of nerves took hold of her. She didn’t know why she was so anxious. It wasn’t like she was springing a new boyfriend on her parents without warning them first. And they were the ones who’d extended the invitation. Even so, she’d be glad when dinner was over and she could retreat with Knox back to his apartment.
Once they arrived, he handed his keys to the valet and helped her out. The sight of her parents, waiting outside the entrance, made her wonder if there was an issue. Had their reservation been canceled? Taking Knox’s hand, she walked over to join them.
