Shine With Me (With Me in Seattle 15.5)

“I hate avocado. Unless it’s in guacamole. Does that count?”

“Sure, but you can’t have chips.”

“Well, damn.” We laugh together, and I pass a road sign. It feels good to be able to laugh about something that was so horrible just ten years ago. “I’m only fifty-two miles from Seattle. Thank God. I’ve been driving forever.”

“What time did you leave this morning?”

“Around seven.” I sigh and look in the rearview mirror. “I probably brought way more with me than I need, but I’m going to be here for six weeks.”

“No break for the holidays?”

“No, working right through. It doesn’t matter, Z. It’s not like I see my parents or anything over the holidays.”

“You see me,” he reminds me, his voice dry as sandpaper. “What am I, chopped liver?”

“You could come to Seattle for Christmas,” I offer. “I’m staying in a whole house. I’ll have plenty of space.”

“I just might do that. It would be good to get out of LA for a few days.”

“Yay, this makes me happy. Don’t call me a week before and tell me you can’t make it. Just make it.”

“You’re damn bossy for a woman who isn’t my wife or my mother.”

I grin. “And you love me.”

“Yeah. I do.”

“Oh, thanks for the donation a couple weeks ago, by the way. That was generous and appreciated.”

“Well, it’s a tax write-off.”

“Right. That’s the only reason you sent me six figures. It has nothing to do with you being a good guy. Or wanting to help out women and children. We wouldn’t want anyone knowing that.”

“I’m a dick, sweets. You know that.”

“That’s your reputation. I know better. Okay, I’m starting to hit some city traffic so I’d better pay attention. I love you, and I’ll see you at Christmas.”

“Love you too, babe. Call me later and tell me everything.”

“As always.”

I hang up and bring up the GPS with the address Luke gave me already punched in. I send off a pre-typed text, alerting Luke that I’m getting close. In less than an hour, I pull my car into a driveway.

A gorgeous brunette waves from the front porch. That’s Luke’s wife, Natalie. I’ve only seen her a few times with Luke at awards shows and in tabloids, but I’d recognize her anywhere.

Luke is fiercely private. His children have never appeared in the public eye, and he makes sure the paparazzi keep their distance.

How, I have no idea.

I open the door and step out of my car, cringing at the soreness in my muscles from sitting so long.

“Welcome,” Natalie says as she approaches with a big smile. “Long drive?”

“Yeah, and I’m not a road-trip girl so I’m cranky about it.” I offer her a smile. “But I’m already over it. I’m Rina.”

“Nat,” she replies, holding out her hand for mine. “Luke’s told me all about you. I’m excited to finally meet you.”

“Same here,” I reply.

“He’s at the office this morning for a last-minute meeting so he couldn’t be here, but I’m happy to give you the keys and show you around.”

“Great. This is a beautiful house.”

“Thank you. My parents left it to me when they passed away. When I married Luke, I didn’t want to sell. And it’s a good thing I didn’t because this house gets so much use in our family. People come and go and need a place to call home for a while until they either buy something of their own or go on their way back home. I’m happy we have it to offer for times like these.”

“That’s awesome. And handy.”

“Exactly.” She opens the door for me. “The code and the keys are on the counter there, along with the WiFi password.”

She shows me the large home. It has plenty of open space and gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean.

“So, we’re in the Alki Beach neighborhood of Seattle,” she says as she leads me upstairs. “It’s a fun area, with some shops and cafes. Great restaurants. It’s safe to walk down by the waterfront. And you’re a short ten-minute drive from downtown.”

“Awesome. And who doesn’t love a view like this?” I ask as I stand at the window of the master bedroom, looking out at the water.

“I know, it’s the best. Please make yourself at home here. I can help you bring your things in if you’d like.”

“No, it’s honestly fine. I’ll go at my own pace and get settled. I really appreciate you and Luke. I feel safe here.”

The other woman reaches for my hand. “You are safe here. There’s an alarm system, and we’ve never had issues with paparazzi. You’re on the down low.”

“I have been for a long, long time.” I smile. “And I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Well, you won’t have any problems with it here.”

We chat for a few more minutes before Natalie leaves. Before she waves goodbye, she lets me know that I can call for anything I might need.