Relatively Famous

by Jessica Park

  Forty-five minutes later, Mark was ready. “Dani! Dani! Come on out here!” He couldn’t believe how excited he was. It wasn’t like he was giving her a Porsche or anything. It was just a stupid tent and fire.

  “I’m here. What’s going on?” Dani emerged from the house onto the spacious deck with sweeping views of the Colorado Mountains. “I was wondering what you were doing out…” She caught sight of the crooked tent.

  “I just thought you might want to rough it for a night,” he said dismissively.

  “It’s wonderful.” She walked slowly to the tent and popped her head in. “Are forty of us going to be sleeping in here?” she called, her voice muffled behind the nylon.

  “Sorry. Is it too big?” he asked. Had he screwed this up already?

  His daughter whipped her head out and rushed over to him. “Are you kidding me? This is beyond awesome! And we’re cooking out, too?”

  “Hot dogs. I know it’s not chili, but I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to eat anything I made.”

  Dani threw her hands on her hips and asked him playfully, “You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”

  “I couldn’t help it,” he said, chagrined. “You want to help me fix the tent? I’m sure you’re much better at this than I am.”

  “I think it’s amazing just the way it is.”

  “Yeah, it has character, right? Not everyone can enjoy the pleasures of a Mark Ocean original.”

  She laughed warmly. “Exactly.”

  “How about we go for a walk, and then we’ll start the fire?” Mark rubbed his hands together.

  “Sure. We probably have time before it gets dark. You’re not going to get us lost, are you?” she teased.

  “Very funny. Actually, if I remember correctly, there’s a trail that leads to a beautiful view.” Mark pointed off to a narrow clearing through the dense trees. “If we hurry, we might be able to catch the sunset. I’ve got flashlights, so we’ll be okay getting back.” He picked up a small backpack that held the flashlights, plus bottled water and a blanket.

  As they made their way silently into the woods, Mark realized that he hadn’t walked this trail since his first visit here after he bought the house. Most other visits had been indoors with a date. He held a branch off the trail so that Dani could get by.

  Dani wasn’t chattering like she sometimes did to fill the silence with Mark. In fact, she seemed perfectly comfortable with the lack of conversation and hummed to herself as they walked.

  The odd thing, Mark thought, was that as much as he enjoyed the quiet, he found that he wanted to talk to her. He thought about what he had heard Olivia say. He was the parent, and it was his responsibility to reach out to his daughter. Maybe he had forgotten how normal people live.

  They soon reached a clearing and it was even more spectacular than Mark remembered from his walk here years ago. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a glow across the mountains.

  Dani stood next to him. “Wow,” she breathed in a whisper.

  “Look, they’re still here. I can’t believe it.” Mark pointed to two red Adirondack chairs sat next to each other.

  Dani plopped herself down in one of them. “Well, grab a seat.”

  Mark sat down and turned to Dani. The light from the setting sun illuminated her face. Tonight she had on jeans and an old sweatshirt, and she looked happier than he had ever seen her.

  And he was happy, Mark realized with a start. He was actually happy right now. And peaceful. It was in this moment, with the light so remarkable and Dani so…so there, that he understood that his life wasn’t about pleasing his agent, or the suits from the studio, or even Evan Dodd.

  Something, or rather somebody, came before everything else.

  It was suddenly clear that he had a connection with this kid—young woman, really—that made him happy.

  And she needed him.

  “Pretty cool view, huh, Dad?”

  That was the second time she’d called him Dad.

  “Pretty cool,” he agreed. “Pretty cool, indeed.”

  Dani placed her hand in his, and he held it tightly.

  “I’m sorry, Dani.”

  “Sorry for what? Everything is great.”

  “Nah, it’s not great. But it will be.”

  They sat together until the last of the sun was barely visible.

  “I guess we should head back?” Mark asked, terrified to break the moment and let go of her

  “Yeah, I’m getting hungry. You, too?” Dani stood up. “Good thing you brought the flashlights, huh?”

  “Yeah, good thing,” Mark said. He fumbled through the backpack. “Here you go. Don’t trip, it’s getting dark.” He started back down the trail, but Dani fell into him.

  “Oops, too late. Sorry,” Dani said.

  Mark took her hand again to lead them home. “We’ll just take our time. There’s no rush.”

  As they made their way through the dark, Mark and Dani talked easily. She described her house in Michigan, raved about walking through fresh fallen snow on the way to school with her friend Sam, and complained about the pre-calculus class she was starting in the fall. She loved Indian food and bird watching, and hated jazz music and documentaries.

  After they’d lit the fire and roasted hot dogs, Mark darted into the house to retrieve his guitar. “It’s a campfire tradition, right? Singing horrible songs? I bet I could do ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ or some Cat Stevens.” He sat down on the blanket and began to play.

  Dani covered her ears, giggling. “Who is Cat Stevens?” She pulled a blanket up over her shoulders and scooted closer to her father. “I didn’t know you played the guitar.”

  “Not very well. I forgot I had this here, and it needs a little tuning.”

  “What else do you know how to play?” Dani pulled her knees up against her chest and rested her head down on them.

  “How about some jazz?” he joked.

  “Maybe not,” she joked back

  They were quiet for a moment..

  “Dani? I think you should call Alan,” Mark said. Dani stayed quiet, thinking, and Mark fiddled with the guitar strings. “Hey, what was that song you were humming earlier?”

  “Was it totally annoying?”

  “No, not at all. It sounded familiar. Do it again.”

  Dani hummed, and Mark wracked his brain. “Ah, I know!” he cried triumphantly. “That’s an old Blues Traveler song. ‘Precarious.’”

  It took a few tries, but Mark eventually got the chords right, and Dani lifted her head up. “Yeah, that’s it. Mom always hums that, but I never knew what it was. I don’t even know the words.”

  “It goes like this.” Mark began singing gently and then paused.

  “Why did you stop? What’s wrong?” Dani asked.

  “Nothing is wrong. Everything is right,” he said before finishing the song.

  Chapter 36

  “Hi, Alan.” Dani gripped the phone. She lay back on her bed with her arm over her eyes, hoping it might somehow make this call easier. They had returned from Colorado a few days ago, and she had finally summoned the courage to call Alan. “How are you?”

  “Hi, sweetheart!” Alan practically sang into the phone. “It’s so good to hear your voice.” He paused. “Oh, you probably called for your mother. Let me go see if I can find her. She’s in the garden, lost among the tomato plants, I think. Hold on.”

  “No, wait.” Dani curled her toes tightly. “I didn’t call for her. I called for you.”

  “You did? I’m glad. I’ve missed you, kiddo. Tell me about California. How’s it going with Mark?”

  “Everything is good,” Dani answered. “Mark took me to Colorado for a few days. Camping. Alan…I didn’t think you’d want to talk to me. I thought you, sort of, hated me.”

  “Aw, Dani. People have fights, and that’s okay. I always want to talk to you, but I thought you might need a little space. I’m sure you have a lot going on in your life right now. There is nothing you could do or say that would m
ake me hate you. Ever.” Alan’s voice was gentle and reassuring.

  Dani took her arm away from her face and blinked against the sunlight that poured into her room. “Really? Because I owe you an apology for my behavior. So, I’m sorry.”

  “Water under the bridge. It’s done and over, okay. Hey, did you know I spoke to your father on the phone the other day? He couldn’t stop talking about you and what a fantastic and amazing young lady you are.”

  “I didn’t know he called you.”

  “He called to check in with your mom, actually, but she was out, so I ended up speaking with him. He’s obviously crazy about you. But how could he not be?”

  “Yeah, it turns out that Dad—” Dani stopped herself as a hard pang of guilt took over.

  Alan finally spoke. “So you’re calling him Dad? I think that’s great, Dani.”

  “You do?” she said, surprised at the relief she felt.

  “Of course. Were you worried I’d be mad?”

  “No. I mean…No.”

  “Because I’m not. Kiddo, I know I’m not your father. And just because I’m not your father doesn’t mean I care about you any less. We have our own thing going, right? Nothing will mess with that. Even if, for instance,” he said, pausing, “I was to marry your mother.”

  Dani sat up. “What? Does this mean…?”

  “I asked Leila to marry me, and she said yes!” Alan said happily. “I know she wanted to tell you herself in person, but apparently I can’t keep my mouth shut.”

  “Oh, my God! This is awesome! I’m so happy for you!” Dani bounced around the room.

  “I’m sorry you weren’t here, but the time was just right. Business at the restaurant really picked up, and I was finally able to pay for a ring. Once I had the ring, I just couldn’t wait.”

  “Don’t worry about that. I’m so happy for you guys. I really am.”

  “I’m happy for all of us, Dani.”

  She told Alan about the camping trip and Mark’s lopsided tent, and then she told him all about the party that Mark was throwing for her on her last night in L.A. Mark had presented his idea on the flight back from Colorado and was so enthusiastic about it that she couldn’t say no. He’d insisted that she write out a guest list right then, and he promised to invite some of his friends, as well. Mark had suggested a winter theme and was already busy making calls to secure a great location.

  When she’d hung up with her stepfather-to-be, Dani gleefully walked downstairs to find Mark. She stopped at the top of the stairs.

  She heard Olivia say, “I like the way you read it the first time better. I think it suits the character more, don’t you?”

  Dani leaned over the banister. Mark and Olivia were on the couch together reading from a script, and it bothered her.

  “You think?” Mark asked his girlfriend. “I can’t tell anymore. I don’t know what Evan is looking for. Maybe I shouldn’t even be trying out for this part,” he said as he tossed his script down.

  “Babe, you’re doing great. Really.” Olivia moved closer to Mark and then lay down, resting her head on his chest. He ran a hand through her hair and kissed the top of her head. Olivia peeked up at him. “Don’t give up now. You still want this, don’t you?”

  “Of course. It won’t be the end of the world, though, if it doesn’t work out. But you’re right. I’m not going to give up.” He leaned over and retrieved his script. “Okay, can we try that scene again?”

  Dani pivoted around and tiptoed back to her room.

  Chapter 37

  There was a knock at Dani’s door. “Dani? Can I come in?”

  “Nathan?” Dani jumped up in a panic and checked out what she was wearing. Gross. She had on pajama bottoms, a black tank top, and worse, she hadn’t even brushed her hair yet. Great. So much for keeping up her image. To make matters worse, Nathan looked perfectly adorable in his cargo pants and sleeveless shirt.

  “Your father said it would be okay if I came up.”

  “My dad is awake?” Dani glanced at the clock. It was just past nine in the morning.

  “Yeah. He’s in the kitchen making breakfast, but you might end up starving to death. There’s a strange smell coming from the skillet,” he warned, cracking a smile.

  “Ew. Thanks for the heads up.” Dani smoothed out her bangs, which she was sure were standing up on end. “Sorry, I’m sure I’m a total mess.”

  “Not at all. You look beauti—I mean, you look fine. You always do.” Nathan tucked his head down. “Oh, here. It’s the official invitation to Ava’s party next week. You’re coming, right?” He handed Dani a large rectangular envelope with her name embossed on the front in orange lettering.

  “I’ve already got my coconuts ready to make into a bikini,” she said.

  “Nice. I’m still waiting on the arrival of my grass skirt. I don’t know what I’ll do if the shipment is delayed.” He feigned distress and lifted the back of his hand to his forehead.

  Dani opened the envelope. She’d have to find the perfect thing to wear for Jason. She put the invitation on the desk and plopped herself down on the bed.

  Nathan squinted his eyes, catching sight of something through the window. “Hey, is that a tanager?” He crossed the room. “It is! It’s a Western tanager. You don’t see too many of those around here.”

  “A what?”

  “A Western tanager. It’s a cool bird with red, orange, and black. I saw one at the Botanical Gardens once.”

  “Come out on the deck.” Dani rose and beckoned to Nathan. “We can probably see better out there.”

  Nathan followed her outside. The pair leaned over the stone wall to watch the bird at the feeder.

  “I didn’t even know there were feeders out here. I don’t think they were here before…” Dani bit her lip as she stared into the tree. “Wow, that bird is really beautiful. She’s so colorful.”

  “Actually, that’s a male. The females don’t have such bold colors. That’s how it is in nature,” he smirked. “I guess the males have to work harder to get noticed by the females.”

  “I didn’t know you were a bird-watcher,” Dani said. “I have lots of feeders at my house in Michigan, but I’m just starting to identify birds. All those different sparrows look the same to me.”

  “I go to the arboretum a lot and walk around,” Nathan admitted. “I’ve even taken a few classes there. But you can’t tell anyone that I’m secretly such a nerd, okay?” He gave her a nudge with his shoulder.. “Oops, there he goes.” The bird flew away.

  Dani noticed how close she was to Nathan. Their arms were touching. Dani knew she should move away. What was she doing, standing so close to him? She swallowed. “Um, so what are you up to this weekend?”

  “That’s the other reason I came by. My parents are having a barbecue tomorrow. They’re hoping you and Mark will come by. Six o’clock. Do you think you can come?”

  “I don’t see why not. That sounds fun.”

  “My dad was hoping to barbecue, but my mother insisted on having a caterer take care of everything. I’m sure we’re in for herb-encrusted tuna kabobs and truffled egg salad.”

  “I’ll force it down.” Dani grinned. “I’m beginning to understand that no one around here does anything without professional help. And speaking of elaborate parties, you should be getting an invitation to the one my father is throwing for me on my last night here. A going-away party, I guess.” Dani shrugged. “I don’t even know who is on the guest list, so you’ll have to come so I have somebody to talk to.”

  “Of course I’ll be there.” Nathan looked out across the lawn. “I can’t believe you’re leaving. It’s too bad you can’t stay longer.” Still shoulder-to-shoulder with Dani, he turned his head and locked eyes with her.

  Instead of moving away, she held his gaze. “I know. I can’t believe how quickly the summer is going by.”

  Nathan reached up and gently placed one hand on her cheek, stroking her face. He tilted his head slightly and cautiously leaned in. Nathan’s lips
touched hers. He kissed her slowly, tentatively at first, and then Dani found herself pressing her lips hard to his. This was so different from the deep, assertive way Jason kissed her, like he always wanted more. Jason’s hands were constantly in her hair or roaming her body, pulling her against him, his breath hot on her neck. But Nathan was tender and precise…and somehow more provocative than Jason…

  She pulled away slightly. “I shouldn’t do this.” Dani whispered more to herself than to Nathan.

  “Oh,” he breathed. “I didn’t think…I didn’t know you and Jason was still going on.”

  “Well, yeah.”

  Nathan took his hand off of her cheek and took a step back. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

  “No, it’s okay. I, uh, I have to get ready. I’m going out with Kayla. Your sister. Yes,” Dani spluttered. “So thanks for bringing the invitation over.”

  Nathan inhaled loudly. “Yes. The invitation. The reason I came over here. I have to go, too.” Nathan retreated. “I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  “We’ll be there.” Dani tried to look nonchalant and waved casually as Nathan left.

  What had she just done?

  Chapter 38

  “There you are. I just texted you.” Kayla tucked her hair behind her ears and clicked a heel on patio.

  “You texted me from fifty feet away?” Dani asked. “What did I miss?”

  The Dodds’ party was in full swing. Dani had barely seen Kayla, who had been busy flirting with a young actor.

  “Turns out that Nathan has been up to no good.” Kayla smiled smugly.

  Uh-oh. Did she know? “What, what do you mean?”

  “Remember when we sent Sanchez to find out where Nathan was going?”

  Dani breathed a sigh of relief. “Yeah.”

  Kayla pulled her phone from her tiny purse. Her cheeks were flushed with excitement. “According to this photograph, my brother has been slumming it. They couldn’t figure out what he was doing.”

  Dani looked at the screen. Kayla was right. Nathan was walking up the steps of a crumbling apartment building. Internet headlines asked if the son of a famous Hollywood producer was involved with drugs.