Page 10 of Something New

She thought for a moment. “Sometimes. But we have done a live show occasionally. It’s rough because of the cameras and the timing. Television is so different from theater.”

“Will you ever go back to the theater? You seemed to love it when you did here or at UT.” He turned down the lane toward Caroline’s home.

“I hoped maybe I could do some theater work, but it’s hard being on a steady show in California. The schedules don’t mix. Besides, I’m doing very well where I’m at. Why would I change that?”

He scowled at her. “I seem to recall your dreams being loftier than a glorified soap opera at night. I mean, really, Anna. You play a snotty bitch, sleeping around and being nasty to everyone. Can you really tell me that that is the kind of career you want?”

She pursed her lips and glared at him. “I have to start somewhere, and that glorified soap opera has made me a lot of money and opened a lot of doors for me.”

“Yet you haven’t done anything more than that show and a few commercials. What has it really done for you?” He turned past the gates toward the house.

“It doesn’t happen overnight, Wyatt. You started as third-string quarterback, remember?” In that instant, she could have cursed herself for reminding him of his injuries, regret sitting in her stomach like a lead weight. “Wyatt, I…”

He waved off her words, although his shoulders tensed. “Forget about it. I’m over it. I have a new job, and I’m happy.”

Sure he was. It sounded more like he was trying to convince her and himself. “I’m glad, Wyatt. So, I guess it all worked out for both of us.”

“Really? You’re happy playing this Bianca St. John and acting like a bitch all the time? Is this really your dream?”

“You said it yourself. Dreams change. I’m perfectly happy.” She put on an airy tone, hoping he bought it.

He nodded slowly. “What about this latest dust-up in the tabloids?” He cast her a sideways glance. “I read the papers. We don’t live under rocks here in Texas. What’s going on, Anna?”

“Nothing. It was a misunderstanding. I cleared it all up, and everything is fine.”

He parked the truck in the driveway and turned off the engine. He twisted in the seat to face her, an arm on the back of the seat. “It certainly didn’t appear to be nothing. It seems to be the latest in a long line. Anna, you’re out of control, on the edge. You’ve changed and not for the better.”

She flinched. “You have no idea what my life is like or the challenges I face every day. Instead, you assume, like everyone else, that I’m a bitch, causing all these problems. You, of all people, should know better. Why did I expect anything else?”

She flung open the door and jumped down. She grabbed the bridesmaid dress from the back seat and draped it over her arm. With one last glare at him, she slammed the truck door and stomped up the stone walkway to the house where Caroline waited in the doorway.

Anna stopped in front of her, blinking back tears. Wordlessly, Caroline opened the door and stepped aside. Anna followed without looking back at Wyatt. Caroline gestured to Wyatt to bring the bags and closed the door quietly.

“I’m glad you made it,” Caroline placed an arm around Anna’s shoulder, hugging her close.

“You sound like you weren’t sure I was going to come. How could I miss your wedding?” Anna asked, surprised to hear her voice shake.

“Frankly, I wasn’t sure. Between your schedule and this scandal, I thought you’d hide out forever.” Caroline took the dress and hung it on the hallway closet door and drew her into the living room. “Are you okay?”

Anna drew herself up and arched an eyebrow in Bianca St. John fashion. “Of course, I am. It was nothing, really.”

Caroline folded her arms and waited. But Anna was on to her machinations, and could out-wait Caroline any day. Anna met Caroline's gaze evenly, making sure only confidence filled her own gaze.

Finally, Caroline sighed and hugged her tight. “Anna, we’re your friends. We would never betray you, none of us. You can trust us to be yourself. Use this week to figure out your next steps, and I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”

Steps clomped in the doorway, and Anna looked up to see Wyatt laden by her suitcase and his own duffel bag, a carefully blank expression on his face. “Where do you want these? I think Anna is moving in.”

Caroline pointed to the stairs. “You have your usual rooms on the left at the end of the hall. Delaney and Ethan just got here and are still upstairs. Brigid and Grady are out on the patio. Join us when you’re settled.”

She turned to Anna and took her face in her hands, peering into Anna’s eyes. “I’m here for you.”

Anna smiled. “I think I’m supposed to say that as a bridesmaid. Go on. We’ll be right out.”

Wyatt made a noise. “Any time today. Or you can carry your own bags.”

* * *

Anna stalked up the stairs, barely sparing a glance for Wyatt behind her, grumbling under his breath at the weight of her bags. “Anna, you’re here for a week. Did you have to bring your whole life?”

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