A Hollywood Deal (Ryder & Paige 1)

I roll out of bed. I probably should’ve called Mira last night, but I was too distracted.

“Do you have your stories straight?” she asks.

“Ah…not yet.” Should’ve done that too, but the kiss threw me off.

“Keep it simple, stick to the truth as much as you can. Want me to send you a script?”

“No, it’s all right. Hey, gotta go,” I say as another call comes in. I don’t have to check to know it’s Elizabeth. “Do you know what time it is?” I say. “It’s not even seven.”

“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting to talk to you?” My sister’s voice is anything but patient.

“Hey, it’s not my fault you live three times zones away. Move out here if you want to talk in the a.m.”

“I just might.” Her tone’s serious. Ever since Dad bought that new house, she’s been his neighbor. I don’t know how she can stand it. I’d rather choke on vomit. “Anyway, I didn’t call to hear you complain. Is it true? You’re engaged to Paige? For real?”

“Yup. Gave her a ring and everything. You’re going to cry when you see it. It’s a beauty.” Elizabeth likes the finer things in life, and has a real weakness for fast cars and jewelry.

“I can’t believe it.”

“Where’s your romanticism? Pure fairy tale, baby.”

“But you said you were looking for a dumb woman.”

“No, that’s Elliot. I’m aiming for…” I rack my brain for the most romantic story I can think of, the kind that always gets women sighing longingly. “More of a Hollywood Cinderella story.”

“Uh huh. And I presume you cast yourself in the role of Prince Charming.”

“Well I can’t exactly play the girl. For one thing, no one makes glass slippers in my si—”

“Oh, shut up. You’re awful. How are you going to fake it for a year?”

She has no idea that my entire life is just one role after another, everything scripted by me. Movie sets aren’t the only place I play make-believe.

“Paige seems so rational, not prone to poor decisions.” Her tone turns speculative. “How much are you paying her?”

“Excuse me? In case you aren’t aware, I am the World’s Sexiest Man. Countless women want to marry me. For free.” I’m not going to discuss Paige’s condition with Elizabeth. It’s none of her business.

“Yeah, but not her. She knows how you really are. And she looks like someone who’d want something more lasting and genuine in her personal relationships.”

Paige turning her head to avoid my kiss. My hand clenches around the phone. “Yeah? And how do you know her so well?”

“She’s been with you, what, four years now? I’ve seen the two of you together at least a dozen times, Ryder. She’s not one of your groupies. She’s so professional it hurts. And now she suddenly decides to fall in love with you, right after Dad made his ultimatum? Come on.”

“What do you know about love, oh mistress of the successful relationship?” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I feel like a bottom-sucking asshole. “Sorry, I didn’t—”

“No, it’s fine,” Elizabeth says, her tone brisk. “I just… Well.”

If I could, I’d punch myself in the face right now. There’s a really awkward pause. Finally I say, “Hey, we’re having an engagement party this weekend. Why don’t you come? I’m inviting everyone.”

“Define ‘everyone’.”

“You know, all the Hollywood people.” I force a light tone to my voice. “You should come. You might find a schmuck to marry. If not, maybe another donor or two for your foundation.”

“How can I resist such a charming invitation,” she says dryly. “Well, I suppose. Send me the details.”

We chat briefly about her future p

lans for the foundation, and I promise to make hefty donations, partly because I support what she does and partly because I feel guilty about snapping at her.