AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The rings stop, and I hear a booming voice on the other end. “Mr. Henry Brooks! What a pleasant surprise.”
“Viewmont is doing a new adaptation ofPride and Prejudice. Have they called you?”
Mark stutters to answer, good. My anger has translated over the line. “Henry, this is the first I’ve heard of it. Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sitting here with Max, who just met with them about casting.”
“I’ll call right now.”
I hang up. I don’t want another moment wasted on getting that movie in my name. After a deep breath, I take a large drink of my water and try to compose myself. The waiter brings our lunches, and I’m suddenly no longer hungry. I know better than to expect an immediate call back from Mark and try to calm myself.
“Aren’t you a little old to be Mr. Darcy, Max?” I turn my attention to my friend, who has a mouth full of his bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, which he almost chokes on while laughing at my joke.
“Well, based on your dating history, younger women appear to be interested in older men now. I might just be able to pull off the handsome owner of the famous Pemberley estate.”
Could this be one of those adaptations where they are changing everything? That is a trend I’ve noticed lately.
After chewing his bite and taking a drink of his water, Max continues, “Unfortunately, they did not ask if I would play Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley. I think I would have been great as Mr. Bingley back in the day. He was always my favorite character each time I read the book. Anyway, I was asked to play Mr. Bennett.”
“Congratulations, my friend. You will be great in that role!”
Max gives me an exasperated look, “We’ll see.”
“What does that mean? I assumed you were already signed on,” I asked.
“I let them know I won’t do it unless you are directing.I haven’t signed anything yet.” Loyalty is a strong component of our friendship. I can’t let him down. He deserves this role. I am determined to get this job. Surely, the years of our professional partnership and the considerable amount of money I’ve made them is enough for Viewmont to have me as the director.
Pride and Prejudicewill not be the one that got away.
As I turn the key in the lock to the boys’ townhouse, the smell of popcorn fills my lungs. They know it’s my favorite snack—they must be up tosomething. Letting the delicious scent guide me, I find a crowd around the kitchen island. My sons are here with Hannah, Mia, and Lucy.
My entrance has gone unnoticed, so I take this moment to lean on the door frame and watch the newest addition to our group. Her long brown hair falls in waves down her back as she leans over to grab a carrot off a tray in the center of the island. Permitting myself only the quickest of glances down her backside, I am startled from my admiration by Finn yelling, “Let’s play Uno.” As they laugh, Lucy is the first to notice me. She straightens her stance immediately and says, “Hello,” with a smile that isn’t quite friendly, more like she is planning something.
Six
LUCY
During my shorttime spent in London, it feels as though every experience is new, but at the moment, I find myself in a very familiar environment. Growing up with a large family who spent most of their time together at game nights, we all became a little competitive…well, very competitive, actually. While I have been able to keep that side of me at bay since my new group started our game nights, tonight, with Henry’s presence, I worry that covering it up will prove to be quite the problem.
Henry is the first to take his seat at the large round table that allows for poker games on one side and a flat surface for board games on the other.
We’ve only exchanged pleasantries until this point in the evening, but as I pass him to find a seat at the opposite side of the table, he pulls out the chair next to his and says, “Here.” He meets my eyes with a challenge in his gaze, intensely watching and waiting to see if I will take his direction. Never one to back down, I sit quickly and thank him.
Perhaps he has a plan to win the game by distracting me with his good looks, and he does look exceptionally well in those dark jeans and black Henley.
Nope,I willnotbe distracted. I must remember his personality.
Mia picks the first game since she is the current winner, and she goes with Finn’s suggestion of Uno. I may have downplayed my skills in a few games the last time we played.
As the cards are being dealt, Henry takes the opportunity to lean in, engulfing me in his intoxicating cologne. Every inch of my body tingles as I inhale the woodsy scent. It has been far too long since I’ve been this close to a man. This is unhealthy. He’s like a weapon.
“Have you ever played before?” he asks with slight condensation.
It was on his suggestion that I sit beside him, which in Uno terms also means he is directly in the line of fire to receive my draw two and draw fours. “Yes, I’ve been playing with everyone here since joining their game nights, and it’s quite enjoyable.” Not a lie, but I withhold my years of experience, watching for tells in those I am playing against. He will learn that even if I can’t guarantee a win for myself, I can be sure to save all my draw four and draw two cards for him.
The smug look on his face tells me he is now certain that I will not be a real threat in this game, and he moves his attention to the cards he was dealt. Of the first five games played, I don’t win every game but make sure he always loses with a handful of cards.
Coincidentally, Henry suggests a game change soon after, and we move on to trivia, yet this is a team game. Ofcourse, the couples pair up and leave Henry and I to be partners. While Oliver and Finn are setting up the board, Henry and I make our way to the kitchen to top off our drinks.
