Since it’s Sunday, Yuna’s not here. Jo and Kim have her out shopping, keeping her away from Ivy’s home until six—no spending time with the babies—while the decorators put the finishing touches and Bobbi brings over her super cake.
I can’t wait for Yuna to see the thing. It’s sheer art. And the gift I bought her, because it’s a sign of true love. She’s going to light up, and my heart is full of happy anticipation. We should go for a short drive in her brand-new pink wheels. A gorgeous Rolls coupe convertible. The color’s custom, and she’ll love how the baby drives. It’s hella more fun than an SUV like Nate mentioned, and Yuna deserves a fun ride.
Then we’ll close out the party with fireworks that spell out Happy Birthday to the Best Woman in the World, which was my idea. (And I’m damn proud of it.)
Afterward, we’ll come home to Malibu and dance all night. I don’t give a shit if her disapproving duo is going to be watching us move to the music.
Just as I’m about to leave for Ivy’s place, I get a call from my agent.
“You got some time?” he says.
I check my watch. “Depends. I can give you a few minutes.”
“Josh Fields wants to talk about a sci-fi flick he’s working on. He’s very interested in having you.”
“Really? That’s great!” Josh Fields is an Oscar-winning director, and he’s done an incredible range of films. Everyone in Hollywood wants to work with him, including me. Even when one of his films isn’t a commercial hit, it gets talked about and the actors get a lot of publicity and attention.
Tim says, “He’s seen you in Pushing His Buttons, and he thinks you’d be awesome because even though his next project is a thriller, it’s got a lot of comedic elements. He needs an actor who has good comedic timing and roguish charm. His words. The role he’s thinking of for you is a funny and charming playboy space pirate with a secret past. And before you say you don’t want a romance hero role, there’s very little romance in the movie, so you don’t have to worry about it being Pushing His Buttons in outer space.”
“All that sounds great. When does he want to meet?”
“Right now.”
Shit. If Josh is serious, the talk could take too long. Yuna’s party is going to start in an hour and half. I want to be there to say, “Surprise!”
“I’ve got something going on right now. Can we schedule it for tomorrow or some other day?” I ask.
“No can do. He’s leaving for London this evening, and he won’t be back for a couple of weeks. It won’t take long…maybe half an hour max. He just wants to get a look at you in person, talk a little. Like that. It can do amazing things for your career. Really. I’ll join you guys.”
I know that, but I still want to turn this meeting down, or at least delay it, but then…
Yuna’s mom acted like I’m not good enough for Yuna for so many reasons. And I told her none of them matter because I’m an accomplished, successful man. But a hit show or two on Netflix is far from the pinnacle of success, especially compared to the men her parents are shoving at Yuna. Those guys are running multibillion-dollar conglomerates and have fancy degrees and pedigrees.
I want Yuna to be proud. And I’ll be damned if I’ll give Yuna’s mother another objection to throw at me. The only thing I have to show her is what I’ve achieved, and working with Josh Fields is going to make me even a better candidate.
“Fine,” I say. “I’ll meet with Josh. Tell him it has to be short. When and where?”
Chapter Forty-Eight
Yuna
“The twins are going to look so cute,” Jo says as she parks her Lexus in front of Ivy’s home.
“I know, right?” I say, although I know Jo and Kim had ulterior motives for shopping all day today.
Still, I act like I have no clue. I don’t want to ruin their fun. Or my own. Watching them be happy is going to be all the reward I need.
I wish I could ready my phone to snap a picture of Declan jumping out and saying, “Surprise!” but that would spoil everything.
Ah, acting is so hard. How does Declan do it?
Kim carries half the glossy bags for baby things in consideration of how pregnant Jo is. We leave the other half in the car because they’re for Jo’s baby to come.
“I can help with those,” I say.
“No, I’m good,” Kim says.
“Ladies, let’s go,” Jo says. “I want air conditioning and food.”