Second Act (His Chance 1)

“I guess they must be pretty happy there, since they refuse to leave.”

“It’s all they know. I think they fear the change that’d come with a cross-country move more than anything.”

“Speaking of moves,” he said, “have you given any thought to where you want to go when you finish filming in San Francisco?”

“I want to be wherever you are, Lorie. That’s all I care about.”

He grinned and brushed my overgrown hair from my eyes. “That’s my plan too, just being wherever you are.”

I perked up a bit and asked, “What do you think about finding a house to rent for the two of us in L.A.? I’ve loved living at the resort on Catalina, and the guys will always be family. But I want a home, one with a kitchen so we can cook together, and a big, comfortable bed so I can spend every night in your arms, and maybe a little fenced patio, so Madame Leota can sun herself.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“It doesn’t have to be very big, or very fancy. And if I don’t land another movie after this one, I’ll wait tables and get a second job to pay the rent and help my parents.”

“I can easily find work, too. You don’t have to do this yourself.” Lorie caressed my cheek, which probably felt like sandpaper, since I was in the process of growing back Alex’s scruff.

“Okay, but let’s make a deal. If I do keep getting acting jobs, you’ll focus on work you’re passionate about, whether that’s with an animal rescue, or wildlife conservation, or whatever’s going to make you happy.”

“A lot of the types of organizations you’re talking about pay their veterinary staff,” he said. “My options were really limited when I was on Catalina, so I was strictly a volunteer. But it’ll be a different story in L.A.”

“As long as you love what you’re doing. That’s all I care about.”

He kissed me before asking, “Are you excited about getting back to filming next week?”

“Definitely. It’ll be great to see the cast and crew again, and spending three weeks in San Francisco with you will be fantastic. Did you see the pictures of that gorgeous, romantic hotel suite where we’re staying? It’s going to feel like we’re on our honeymoon.” One of those wide Cheshire Cat smiles spread across Lorenzo’s face.

* * *

Phoenix, Riley, and my cat were all waiting for us when we arrived at LAX. Riley had five days off before he was due on set in San Francisco, so he and Phoenix had driven back to L.A., where they both had apartments. I hugged my friends and thanked them for picking us up, and when I climbed into the SUV, Madame Leota jumped into my lap and started purring. “Aw, you actually missed me,” I said, as I scratched her ears and she rubbed against my chest.

Riley caught us up on the gossip from the set as Phoenix drove us out of the airport. Then he asked, “Are you sure it’s okay if we come with you to Catalina? It was really nice of you to offer, but I don’t want to be in the way.”

“It’s more than okay. I already let my friend Beck know both of you are coming, and he’s looking forward to meeting you. He’s the co-owner of this place, and one of the nicest guys on the planet,” I said. “He’s throwing a dinner party this evening, and he wanted to make sure I invited both of you.”

“I’m excited,” Riley said. “I’ve never been to Catalina.”

“You’ll love it,” Lorenzo told him. “The island is gorgeous, and the ranch is something special.”

“It’s a ranch? I thought it was a resort,” Riley said.

“It’s both,” Lorenzo explained. “It’s an upscale hotel that also has a fantastic equestrian center.”

Riley seemed so innocent and childlike when his eyes went wide and he asked, “Do you think it’d be okay if I went to see the horses while we’re there? I’ve never been around any, but they’ve always fascinated me.”

“I’ll make a point of taking you to the stables and showing you around,” Lorenzo said, and Riley’s face lit up with a huge smile.

As Phoenix merged onto the freeway, he said, “I know we’re all supposed to be on vacation right now, but let me know when you’re ready to talk business, Will. I have some good news for you.”

“What’s the news?” He asked me to look in his messenger bag, so Lorenzo fished it out from behind the seat and found three large envelopes with my name on them. I traded the cat for the envelopes as I asked, “What are these?”

“One of those contains your scenes for next week. I looked them over, and they’re all marked and ready to go. There’s also an advance copy of the magazine that’s coming out next week with your interview,” Phoenix said. “You ended up with a five-page spread, and both the article and the photos are sensational. But the real news is in the thickest envelope.” I lifted the flap and pulled out a script entitled Nights in Mississippi.