The Prince and the Player

“I’ll text Reggie that we can’t make it tonight.”

“No!” Her hand shoots out, grabbing my phone. “You have to make the most of this. Get his attention, one on one.”

I study her face. It’s a mixture of happiness and misery, and again, I feel like a traitor.

“I’m sorry I left you so long. I kind of got… tied up with Cal in the deep sea room.” Memories of his kiss, of his touch filter through my mind, and I do a little shiver.

“You need to get back on track with Rowan tonight. Take advantage of my absence.”

She relaxes into one of the bucket chairs and picks up a magazine. I watch her for any signs of irritation or anger. I don’t see any. She just seems… sad.

“You’re right,” I say, lying on the couch again. “I have to try harder. Be a better actress. All my jobs require a certain degree of acting. No reason this one should be different.”

Her eyes fly to mine. “You have to act?”

“Yeah…” Now I feel uncomfortable. “I mean, he’s gorgeous and built, and those blue eyes are stunning, but I don’t know. He’s just anot

her spoiled elitist snob, don’t you think?”

She flushes and looks away, not answering, and for a few moments we’re quiet. Her eyes are fixed on the magazine, but she turns the pages too quickly. I wait a few minutes longer as she keeps flipping.

“Okay, then,” I finally say. “I guess I should start getting ready.”

With a sigh, she stands and goes to her bedroom. “Have fun tonight,” she says softly before closing her door.

If I weren’t committed to this job, I wouldn’t go anywhere tonight. Ava’s acting weird, and I don’t know if she’s really not feeling well or if it’s something more. My phone chirps with a text, and I see it’s Reggie.

Any progress with CPR?

Pressing my lips together, I study his question for a moment trying to think of how to answer. The short answer is no. As much as I try to get to know Rowan, he seems pretty stiff and disinterested. I have loads more fun hanging out with Cal, which of course is counterproductive.

I finally text back, Not as much as I’d like.

A nice walk on the beach at sunset will break the ice. Perhaps a damsel in distress act?

You want me to try drowning?

Nothing so dramatic. Think about it. See you in a bit.

Think about it. That’s all I’ve been doing for the last twenty-four hours. I’ve got to do like Ava said and try to regain ground. Damsel in distress… Whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean.

Confusion

Rowan

When Reggie and Zee arrive for dinner, my chest caves. Ava’s not with them. “Hello, Miss Benedict,” I force a smile. “Welcome to my humble home.”

Her eyes are wide as they circle the vast foyer. White marble floors are dotted with small, brown diamonds. Arches overhead with images of blue skies and clouds painted on the ceiling, and the Occitan cross sprinkled throughout.

“It’s amazing,” she whispers, looking around. Her eyes snap back to me when Cal appears at the top of the curved staircase.

“Hello, below!” He trots down the stairs, but when he reaches us, my uncle leaves his escort and walks toward him.

“Cal, would you mind showing me a map of the vineyards at Cote d’Azur?”

“What?” My brother’s sunny disposition dims.

“Yes, I was telling a colleague the folle noir was outstanding. I want to see which vineyard he should visit.”