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“Yes. I’m in L.A. looking into a potential investment. How are things with you?” I hoped to steer him away from the topic of me and definitely wasn’t about to tell him I wrote a script and had an interest in a film career of some type. But he persisted.
“Why are you moving so fast on this engagement with one Hannah Adams?”
Hannah? So that was her real name? Damn, Dad’s private investigator had a knack for digging deep into anyone’s lives.
He continued. “I see a reporter online says you’re getting married in a few weeks. I don’t recall getting an invitation.”
“Yeah, about that. It’s just an intimate affair. I didn’t think you’d be interested in attending.” Fuck, I hoped he wouldn’t show up.
“Is she pregnant? What do you even know about this woman?”
I kept my snicker to myself. Of course he’d go there. Always concerned for the Rodgers family name. The reputation of the Fund with all of his charitable works couldn’t be soiled by involving ourselves with the wrong people. Yada yada. I knew this speech he’d called to give me by heart.
It’s the whole reason I relied on my own money, instead of the family trust.
“I know enough about her. I wouldn’t be marrying her if I had any doubts. And no, she’s not about to give you a grandchild.” I rubbed my temple. Although, if this thing with Honey were real, it moved way too fucking fast for my tastes.
“I hope you have a prenup. Of course, our money is tied into the trust and cannot be claimed in a divorce.”
“I’ve got it covered. And damn, thanks for the vote of confidence. You have Hon—Hannah and me divorced before we’ve even begun.”
A heavy sigh reached through the phone and choked me with his disapproval. But I didn’t care. Long ago, I decided I never needed his permission for anything I did.
I just didn’t want to turn out like him. A lonely fucker. Sure, he did good works in the world. Too bad one of his good deeds couldn’t be supporting me in whatever I did with my life, unconditionally.
“Look, I’m running late. I hate to cut this call short.” Yes, I did.
“I’m aware of your trip to Boston. And since you haven’t called to tell me you’re coming, I can assume you have no plans to see me or to bring Hannah to meet me?”
How—? “What are you doing? Tracking my every move?”
“Always. Someone has to look out for you and this family, protecting you from any mistakes.”
I had myself to blame for the mistake he referenced. Sara… The first love of my life. Her tragic ending brought a lot of exposure to the family, the kind Dad hated.
Dammit, I couldn’t go back to the night of the accident…to all the signs I’d missed about her mental wellness…to the guilt I lived with for years after.
“Why do you even pretend to care, Dad? Is it a control thing with you? If I’m that much of a burden, then take me out of your will. Remove me from the family trust.”
“I would never. You’re a Rodgers. My own blood.” His voice raised.
“Whatever. I have to go. Let’s keep in touch. These chats are always so predictable.” I hung up and stewed about it all the way to the airport hangar to meet Honey.
The Love Muffin
HONEY
“Perfect. Just a few more,” yelled a member of the paparazzi. As usual, they somehow managed to find us, even here at the private hangar where Dad kept his jet. The camera flashes were everywhere, but I relaxed as best I could, focusing only on the warmth of Buddy’s hand on the small of my back, so comforting.
I’d kept him busy all week with revisions on his script, but the few times we caught lunch or dinner together were enjoyable. I found his laid-back style so opposite mine. He’d always know just what to say or how to get me to laugh so I’d relax; a friendly reprieve from my hectic responsibilities at the studio.
Friends. I guess that’d describe us best. At least until we became husband and wife.
Finally, Cal’s pilot, Jack, announced the time to take off. Buddy and I boarded, settling in across the aisle from each other in the same row.
“Jack, this is Buddy Rodgers,” I introduced them and they shook hands.
A new face popped out of the galley as well. A cheerful young man. “Hi folks. I’m Delancey. I’ll be your attendant today. Shall I start you off with some champagne?”
