“I feel really bad.”
“You should. I’ll sort it, but don’t you ever do this to me again or that’s it. I’m not doing this anymore.”
I swallow hard. “Let me know what I need to do and I’ll make it happen.”
“You had better.” She pauses. “Are you seriously telling me you flew across the planet for a woman?”
I blow out a long breath. “Sure did.”
“Wow. That is insane. You are insane. And you’re very lucky I adore you.”
“Now you tell me.” I run my fingers through my hair.
“Not enough to sleep with you, but yeah. And it sounds like you’ve finally worked out what you want.”
I clutch the phone to my ear and look up at the clear blue sky. “I have.”
“Leave it with me and I’ll see what I can do.”
By the time I’ve sent a text to Pania asking for her address, there’s a message from Sara.
Sara: You’ve got two weeks. The shoot’s being rescheduled, and they’re not happy. But, thankfully, they have to wait for the site to be available again. I had to sweeten things a bit so your deal isn’t quite what it was, but it’s workable. And I did it on the assumption you’ll be fine because you screwed up.
Me: Thanks, Sara. I owe you everything.
Sara: You’d better get the girl, then.
I grin. Yes, I’d better.
23
Pania
“I’m so glad this term is nearly over.” Sam nudges my arm, and all I can do is nod.
“Me too. I’m so tired. And I’m not sure I can do the rest of the year.”
She laughs. “If I can, you can.”
My phone buzzes in my jacket pocket, but I do my best to ignore it. I shouldn’t be texting during the day, but it’s early evening in LA and the best time for Delaney or Reece to talk.
I wait until Judith’s got her back to me and slide my phone out of my pocket.
Reece: Where are you?
I look up. Judith’s busy talking to one of the other students.
Me: In class.
Reece: Send me the address. I’m coming to see you.
I gasp and slide my phone back into my pocket.
“Pania?”
I turn toward Sam, who’s looking at me with a crooked eyebrow. Feeling more eyes on me, I look around the room, plastering a faint smile on my face.
“I’m fine,” I say quietly.
