Someone not named Julie. Or Shawna.
“I figured the cherry blossom tree since it’s, you know, what I call her.” He walks around and points out the Easter eggs hidden in the mural just for her. “Her boba drink is here by the base of the tree. The train we took down to Oceanside is here in the background.”
He goes to point out more, but I step in front of him and pull him into a hug. “Jaim, I’m so fucking proud of you, man.”
We met in elementary school after I stuck up for him, and he returned the favor. He’s been my best friend ever since—more like my second brother. He keeps me grounded so this whole Hollywood movie star lifestyle doesn’t give me too big of an ego, and I do my best to support the shit out of him wherever I can. We came too close to losing him a few years ago, right before Lexi came into his life. I’ve thanked her every damn time I’m with her for being his ray of sunlight in dark times. I don’t know what I’d do without him.
“Thanks, pal. Hey, help me pull this back up so she doesn’t see it.” We get the sheet back in place and head back out to the van. “How’s the shoot going?”
“We wrapped the California stuff for now. Which gives me time to find a tux. I just found out I’m engaged.” Jamie stops and stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Yeah, when I got to my car to head over here, I had a marriage certificate on my windshield. Guess I got that going for me now.”
“Again?”
“They’re nothing if not persistent.” The exhaustion comes through in my voice. “I should take a break after this movie and go back to some of the smaller projects again.”
“Bro, I’m not sure anyone would hire you for small parts anymore. You’ve made your name, and it comes with one hell of a price tag.” He throws his arm over my shoulder as we walk back into the house. “You’ve got that award thing in Germany next week, yeah?”
“Yeah. I tried to get out of it, but my agent said I have to go for publicity. Do you guys mind watching Lulu for me?”
“Hell yeah, we’ll watch her. She and the pup can cause a little extra chaos. Are you taking Pongo?” I nod. “Hey, we could take a trip up to the mountains when you get back. It’s been a while since we did that, and Steve’s uncle still has the place up there.”
“I wish, but I can’t. I go from Germany to Romania, then off to Toronto for a bit, and back to Germany for the closing ceremonies. After that, I’m back for about a week before I’m supposed to head to Atlanta again.”
“Shit. Alright, well, how about we hang out this weekend before you leave? Play some video games, get high, clear your head.” He slaps me on the back before he checks his watch. “We’re early. Let’s go hit up Beard Papa’s on the way to the school. That shit always cheers you up.”
“Dude, you think food cheers everyone up.”
“Yeah, and I’ve been right every time so far, so let’s finish loading up and get you some damn cream puffs. Dick.”
Once again, he’s not wrong. By the time we get to the school, my mood has shifted and I’m eager to get in and hand out the bobble heads I brought to sign for the kids. I love coming to these things. Hell, anything that involves helping kids gives me a boost. There’s something about the way they view the world so differently than we do, even when it’s dealt nothing but shit to most of those kids. It’s like a shot of hope right into my heart.
“Okay,” Jamie says as he pulls open the van doors and starts pulling boxes out. “Once we get everything in, I’ll go find Dani’s sister and find out where we’re putting the extra toys you brought so they don’t get stolen.” He stacks the boxes on top of each other in my arms, grabs everything he can carry, and we head for the entrance to a gymnasium. “Have you met Dani’s sister?”
“Nah. Honestly, I forgot she had a sister.” We hang out with Dani every chance we get, but she never brings her sister along with her. She’s just scared we’ll freak her out or something. We’re kind of rowdy when we’re together. Dani included.
“She’s pretty cool. I’ll try to introduce you to her later if I get a chance.”
CHAPTER2
BRUTAL
OLIVIA RODRIGO
I’m jugglingpaint supplies that aren’t even mine right now, and I swear under my breath as something tries to slip out of my grasp. I hold my breath, waiting for the box to fall to the floor and decorate me and the hallway in electric green paint.
“Renate, what are you doing?”
“Marta! Hurry! It’s dropping!”
An older woman with long grey hair in a tight bun comes rushing over to me. Her billowy duster is flowing behind her like a cape, and like a superhero, she swoops in and saves my ass. I wasn’t even supposed to be here tonight, but my sister called and said her movie star friend was coming and might need to store stuff in my classroom. Normally, she would be here and take my key so I could go home, but she’s at a gig tonight. How convenient.
“I’ve got it!” Marta shouts, taking the paint jars from my hands. Her soft smile reminds me of myabuelaand makes me miss her. “Ren, getting the supplies there faster only helps if you don’t drop them all. Let the kids help! You know you can’t get it all in one trip.”
“The kids all fucked off because they said some superhero is here. I’m just trying to help and get this night over with faster, Marta.”
“I heard some gossip about a celebrity sighting. It’s going to be a madhouse if the press finds out.” She reorganizes the box and takes half of what I was carrying. “I know art isn’t your area, but we still appreciate you volunteering to help out.”
It’s not like I had any better plans beyond trying to catch up on my shows and grading papers. Mama isn’t happy about me working late. She has a crush on the man down the street who plays live music at one of the senior centers on Tuesdays. She’ll give me hell for not being able to drive her there, but I called a friend of hers and they’re going to take her. Maybe that will take some of the heat off me.
