Your Endless Love (The Bennett Family 9)

“Are you kidding me? We’re in the same city for the first time since we were kids. Of course I’ll fuss about you. If I don’t, who will?”

I chuckle. “I’ll call you if I need anything. What time are you bringing Drew tomorrow?” Drew is her seven-year-old son. I can’t wait to spend the day with my nephew.

“Does nine work?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s so psyched you’re here. Oh, shoot, I’ve got to go. My clients are here.”

“Good luck at the viewing. See you tomorrow.”

Sophie is a real estate agent here in San Francisco, and she found me this house. I used to fly here between movies, but I still saw her far too seldom for my taste. We’re from Portland, but she moved here after college. I’ve wanted to move out of LA for a time, and now is the perfect moment for a change of scenery.

When my sister asked what my requirements were for the house, I just said I wanted privacy, space, and the ocean within walking distance. She found me the perfect place. She took care of furnishing it for me too. I didn’t take any furniture from the home I shared with Amy in LA, but I still had so much crap lying around there that I hired a moving company to pack it in boxes and bring it over.

Filming of my last movie wrapped up two days ago, so I have the delivery scheduled for today. Sophie offered to take care of delivery and unpacking for me, but I want to do it myself. While on set or promoting a movie, everything is being done for me. I want to do things myself in my free time, regain some semblance of normalcy.

I check my watch, deciding to wait five more minutes for the delivery company to show up before calling them. If they’re not on time, I’ll have to call Summer Bennett and ask her to pick me up later for the trip to the group home, and I don’t like being late.

While I wait, I finish reading the e-mail I received when Sophie called. It’s from my manager, Preston.

Alex,

I’ve updated your schedule. We booked you for two events. It goes without saying, but you’re only allowed to answer any questions about Amy the way we discussed. The studio is antsy about this. You know what’s at stake.

Antsy is an understatement. They produced the romantic comedy Amy and I starred in, and part of the marketing for the romantic comedy was relying on the real-life romance between us. They’re also producing the superhero franchise I’m part of, and we’re in talks about developing a spin-off for my superhero character. Now is not the time to make them antsy.

I check my watch. Where is the delivery company? They should have been here five minutes ago. As if on cue, my phone rings, the company's number flashing on my screen.

"Mr. Fulton, we're sorry, but we're stuck in traffic five blocks from your house. We'll be fifteen minutes late."

The guy will realize who I am the second he sees me, but revealing my real name over the phone sometimes leads to unwanted paps visits.

"Thanks for letting me know, but hurry. I have an appointment in twenty-five minutes."

After hanging up, I immediately pull up Daniel Bennett's e-mail on my screen.

Hey Alex!

Talked to my sister Summer, she'll pick you up at five o'clock sharp. Here's her number in case you need it.

Bingo. I knew he'd sent me her number. I dial it, and she answers right away.

"Hey, Alex here."

"Hi!" she answers in a high-pitched tone.

"I'm sorry, but I'm going to be about fifteen minutes late. The movers bringing my things from LA should have been here by now, but they're stuck in traffic."

"Umm, okay. No problem. I'll just wait in my car."

"You're here already?"

She laughs nervously. "I didn't want to be late, so I hit the road a little early, and there wasn't much traffic. I parked just in front. Hang on, I'll move the car so the moving truck can access your gate. I'm blocking it."

Instinctively, I look out the window, but I can't see the street, obviously. Eight-feet-high evergreens surround my property, forming a thick wall.

"Come on in after you park. You don't have to wait in the car."