Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 71403 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 71403 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 357(@200wpm)___ 286(@250wpm)___ 238(@300wpm)
“Dad’s making sandwiches,” says Heather, then dryly adds, “even one for you.”
“Hmm … still a bit raw about the headache I’ve caused all of you? How about this.” He taps on my chest—or more specifically, the mesh tank I’m still wearing. “I’ll give your favorite ex-boyfriend of Finn’s a lovely autograph straight across the chest in my finest gold ink.”
Heather purses her lips, then shrugs. “There is a slim chance that that … may buy you a few brownie points …”
Brooke rolls her eyes on the other side of me. “Ignore her and just join us for a mediocre sandwich or two while you spill all of that tasty tea you’ve got.”
River beams at her. “Sounds perfect. And I’ll settle for a brownie point or two,” he adds to Heather, whose eyes already seem to be warming up to him.
It’s a scene I could not possibly have imagined would be happening so soon, to be seated around a table with my dad, both sisters, and River, enjoying tasty sandwiches and laughing our asses off over all the insanity of the past few weeks. My dad and Heather are filled in on all the sneaking around they missed out on—something that Heather insists in hindsight would not have freaked her out as much as Brooke and I presumed, though we’re left fairly skeptical whether that’s true.
When Dad launches into questions about the movie, River shares about one of the calls he made. “Filming will resume as soon as they replace the director. But that won’t be for a little while, so …” He gives a light shrug. “I guess it seems like I’ll be stickin’ around a bit longer.”
Brooke next to me elbows my ribs and wiggles her eyebrows. I offer a diminutive smile back at her.
The truth is, despite how happy and relieved everyone looks and sounds right now, something is still weighing on me—an inevitable thing no amount of victories over Trent Embers can fix.
The fact that River is still on his way out.
Maybe not right away. But eventually.
And each time I notice how relaxed his shoulders look, or the way he laughs with his whole chest every time one of my sisters says something funny, or how his eyes shine like he’s finally allowed to be human again … I can’t help but wonder what other reasons inspire his joy.
And if those reasons include him imagining his life back in LA.
Embracing the cameras he once loathed.
Attending prestigious awards shows and premieres.
The red carpets.
And I’m sure he’s looking forward to reuniting with his dear friend, both of them having had separate journeys of their own through this hard time, journeys that began so many years ago when they were humble actors fighting for a chance to have their name on the big sign.
River isn’t staying here for good.
Only for now.
Somewhere between sandwiches and virgin drinks by the large back windows overlooking the water, I make the decision that I’m going to be fine with letting him go. He’s given me an amazing escape from the humbling torment of being “Theo’s ex-boyfriend” for too long. He’s helped me see how big the world is outside of this beach town. I owe River Wolfe more than I can say.
And I’ll force myself to be content with his departure.
Happy for him, even.
Wingless Angels Part 2—or whatever it’s called—will be a total blockbuster. I might even go and watch the first film, then make a whole thing out of it and hit the movie theater for the release of the second one.
Assuming I can get through either without breaking down and crying.
Heather hears back from Theo, who is hiding at some friend’s dormitory at the art college inland until the news people and crazy fans learn the full truth about the scandal. It’ll only be a matter of time before the crowds rush back to Dreamwood for a word on River’s take of the story, though it’s far more likely the attention has focused to hunting for Lexi and her full story—which she of course anticipated and is ready to deliver. I’m so glad that she and River have reconnected. It’s like a light switching back on in his eyes. These past few weeks have likely seemed quite dark.
It’s early evening when River decides to head back to the bungalow—but not alone. “I was thinking of taking a more … scenic route,” he tells me. “Wanna come with? To make sure I don’t slip on some slippery stones?”
That’s how River and I end up traversing the uneven, rocky beach once again, but with a little more sunlight than before, helping guide our way. River figured this route isn’t just about being more fun and “rule-breaking”, but because walking down the street runs the risk of being spotted by any lingering eyes or cameras. He and I have decidedly had our fill of both.