Page 16 of The Parkers' Handsome Holiday
I licked my lips and peered out at all the trailers in the lot. Mine would be somewhere out there in that mess with my name written on the door. I’d been so busy lately that I hadn’t even been home in the last couple weeks. I’d just moved from set to set with my trailer. “It would be nice to come home for the holidays.”
“Right? Does that mean you’re saying yes?”
I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Yes, I am.”
“Oh, good!” I could hear her trying to rein in her excitement. “Not to make you think I’m crazy or to scare you off, but I’ve been looking at flights. You could fly in tomorrow afternoon, and I can pick you up at the airport. That way, you get plenty of time back home. And we can catch up. And get ready for the holidays together.”
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. Was I actually excited about this? Had something finally cut through the fog of photo shoots and ad campaigns and reached my heart? “I think I can swing tomorrow.”
“Excellent! Also, I have another surprise for you.”
“Oh?”
“Yep, but you’ll have to wait until you’re here before I tell you.”
“That’s just mean. You’re still a tease, you know that, Kelli?”
“Sure do. And I don’t ever plan on changing.”
“Good to know.”
“I’ll text you the details of the flight I saw. And then we’ll arrange me picking you up at the airport. I’m really, really excited to see you, Lina. Seriously. I miss you like crazy.”
“I miss you too, Kelli. Talk soon.”
“Bye.”
I hung up the phone as the cold nibbled at my bare toes. I shivered and drew the robe tighter around myself. All I had to do now was go back inside and finish off the shoot, a shoot that was running four hours late. I’d been here for almost twelve hours, and there was no end in sight.
Fuck it. I wasn’t going to indulge these clowns any more. I was going to go home and pack.
I opened the door and marched straight back to the set. Mike looked up and smiled. “There’s our star. Hop on up there, Lina. Let’s take another stab at this. We might have to reschedule for a second shoot, but I know we’re getting closer. I can taste it!”
I shook my head. “I’m sorry, Mike, but I have to go. Family emergency back home.”
Mike’s eyes widened a little in surprise. “Uh, you can’t walk out on a shoot like this, Lina.”
“I don’t have a choice. I’m sorry. My agent will be in touch with you.”
I collected my things and went to change out of the terrible red bathing suit. Once I was back in my jeans and sweater, I called Joe, who answered on the second ring. “Lina? How’d the shoot go? All done?”
“No, actually, but I have to head back to Pittsburgh. Family emergency and I need to be there over the holidays. I’m sorry that I’m letting you down, Joe.”
“Lina, hold on a second here. You can’t just—”
“I have to go, Joe. I’m sorry. I hope you understand.”
I hung up my phone and put it on silent. For the first time in years, I felt free. I felt like I was in control. And it felt damn good.
7
CALLUM
My father came into the kitchen as I slid my spatula under a pancake and flipped it over. I did the same with the others before turning to look at my father as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He took a sip and closed his eyes as he savored the rich flavor.
“Morning, Dad,” I said.
“Morning, Cal. Are you satisfied? I let myself in with my key this morning instead of knocking.”
