by Harlow Layne
“I’m no longer worried about if he’ll like me or not, but if I’ll like him. He’s turned into a good friend and I’d hate to put a rift between the two of you like I have you and Ryan.”
“Ryan is being stupid, and I don’t know why he won’t see reason.”
“He’s looking out for his friend and it doesn’t look good when your friend’s boyfriend has some woman posting pictures on social media claiming that they are dating. I’m grateful that you believe me and aren’t buying into her craziness.”
“I probably shouldn’t believe you, but you're not a liar and from all accounts Ashlyn Jade's a crazy woman.” I rang the doorbell and turned back to him. “Is your publicist still keeping a record of everything that's being posted?”
“Yeah,” Luke answered right before the door was thrown open and Jenner picked me up in a big bear hug.
Holding me by the arms, Jenner looked me up and down. “Look at you.”
“Look at you! You look great and so happy.”
“Of course, I'm happy. You're here!”
Wrapping my arm through Luke's, I introduced them. “Jenner, I want you to meet Luke Sandström. Luke, this is Reeves Jenner.”
After exchanging greetings and doing all their silly male posturing, we went inside where Jenner had a buffet of Chinese food containers waiting for us on his kitchen counter.
Jenner swept his arm out indicating the smorgasbord that awaited us. “I wasn't sure what you guys would want, so I ordered one of everything.”
“I hope you like leftovers because there's no way in hell we can eat all of that. There has to be at least forty containers here.”
Luke’s eyes twinkled as he looked down at me. “I don't know. I'm pretty hungry after exerting so much energy earlier.”
My eyes widened. I couldn't believe he’d just said that.
“Dig in,” Jenner called with a plate already in his hand.
We ate as if we'd been deprived of food for the last week. I don't think I’d ever ate so much in my life.
“Oh my God, I think I'm going to bust. I shouldn't have eaten that last thing of noodles. You may have to carry me out of here.”
“Normally I’d say that wouldn't be a problem, but I'm about to go into a food coma over here. It's like Thanksgiving all over again.”
Jenner laughed and then slumped over onto the couch closing his eyes for a brief second. “Yeah, I heard about dinner and the wrath of Ryan.”
Running a hand through his hair, Luke let out a deep sigh. I had a feeling the way Ryan treated him bothered him more than he let on.
“Everyone had been so open and fun that when I met Ryan, he took me by surprise. At first, I thought I was imagining all the looks he was giving me until I heard Alex and him arguing in the kitchen. I get it though.” He shook his head. “He's looking out for Alex and if I was in his shoes, I’d be skeptical too.”
“Have you talked to him lately?” Jenner asked me.
“Not really. I tried, but every time he asks if I'm still seeing Luke and I tell him nothing’s changed, he hangs up. Every time that crazy bitch posts something Ryan sends it to me. I have no clue how to prove to him that Luke isn't cheating on me and I think that it will only get worse the more time we’re apart, especially if she keeps spewing her lies.” I let out a weary sigh. “It's fucking ridiculous. You believe Luke isn't cheating, right?”
“He wouldn't be in my house if I thought for one-second he's going behind your back. Especially after what happened with Matt. It helps that I've heard all the rumors about Ashlyn and they all come from very credible sources. I can't believe there's nothing that can be done to stop her. I’d say to address her, but I have a feeling that would only make it worse. She just might be certifiable.”
After Luke found out about Ashlyn Jade’s posts, he talked to his lawyer and publicist to see what they had to say and what he should do about her making up these stories about them being together. Sadly, there wasn’t anything he could do unless she slandered him in some way and then Luke would be able to sue her, but for now all anyone could do was take a record of each post she made about him. It was a little creepy that she seemed to be able to find him wherever he was and take a picture of him in the background. Luke had even started to look around for her when he went out hoping to catch her, but he hadn’t spotted her once.
“I don’t know what to do about either situation. I’m not sure Ryan will ever believe that Luke isn’t or didn’t cheat and without taking a hit out on that crazy bitch there’s not much we can do.
“Not having Ryan in my life sucks. We’ve been friends since high school and even stayed friends after we broke up. We lost track of each other for a time, but when we reunited it was as if no time had passed, and I had missed him being in my life. I’m not saying things have been perfect between us though. It wasn’t that long ago that I found out some information that changed our friendship. He kept at me to forgive him and I eventually did. Maybe I’m a bad friend because I’m not trying harder to get him to listen to me, but right now I don't care.”
“Don’t think that,” Jenner cut in. “I don’t know Ryan from a hole in the wall, but from what you’ve told me it’s got me thinking that maybe Ryan’s feelings for you are more than platonic. Have you ever thought about that?”
“No,” I shook my head vehemently. “Not since high school has it ever crossed my mind and I’m not sure it ever crossed my mind back then. Ryan was my first everything. I was so fucking naïve back then and to think a boy was interested in me was unfathomable. I’m sure he thought I’d be an easy lay or something, knowing what I know now. I don’t know what he was thinking. But fuck Ryan and his suspicions. I’m with two of my favorite guys and I don’t want him ruining our night.” I stopped to lean over and give Luke a light kiss. He’d been quiet and taking all of this in about Ryan which I’m sure wasn’t too fun for him.
Pulling back our eyes met. “Are you good?”
“It’s all good,” Luke answered, then pursed his lips. “I don’t like that I’ve come between you and your friend.”
“If I had to choose who I want in my life, I’d choose you over Ryan.” Shrugging my shoulders, I continued. “Maybe he knows that.”
“He knows,” Jenner interjected. “He’s repeatedly told you that your boyfriend is cheating on you and you’re telling him to fuck off.” Chuckling to himself, Jenner finished, “That’s what I think your buddy is thinking. That and he lost his chance with you.”
There was no way that Ryan was interested in me like that. If he had been, wouldn’t he have tried to convey that sometime between my divorce and now? Unless he knew that, I didn’t feel the same way. It didn't matter now. I had Luke in my life and I wasn't going to let go just because my friend was being stubborn and still might be interested in me after all these years.
“Either way it doesn’t matter. As of right now, we aren’t talking to each other and I don’t want to keep talking about him. I’m on vacation and I don’t want to be dragged down by his bullshit.” Shaking my head, I turned to look at Jenner. “Let’s talk about your bullshit.”
“Mine? No, I don't think so. Let’s not, and say we did. Doesn’t Luke have some shit we can talk about? He can be in the hot seat.”
Luke chuckled and scrubbed his hand across his stubble. “We already talked about mine. Remember?”
“Jade? Yeah, I’m sure you’ve got more than that going on.”
“Shouldn’t the night be light-hearted instead of us all talking about our problems?” I asked, saving Luke.
Jenner narrowed his eyes but left it alone. “What do you want to talk about?”
I didn’t know, but nothing that was going to stress anyone out.
“I know,” I exclaimed. “Luke surprised me after picking me up at the airport by taking me to his new house. He bought a house, and it’s awesome! I love everything about it, or at least what I've seen, but I doubt there's anything there that could change my mind.”
“Co
ngratulations you’re an adult now,” Jenner sneered.
“Hey! Don’t be an asshole.” With my brows set, I huffed and shook my head at him. He needed to play nice. “Don’t judge.”
“You’re right and I’m sorry. I’m in a bad place right now as you can probably tell. Poppy and I had a huge fight earlier and I’m taking it out on the two of you.”
“Shit. I’m sorry, Jenner. Do you want to talk about it?” I scooted over and gave him a side hug.
I wasn’t sure when he was going to wake up and smell the coffee that his wife wasn’t good for him. I was ninety-nine-point nine percent positive that she was cheating on him, and that was why he felt the way he did about cheaters. Yes, Jenner was there for me after I was in my wreck with Matt, all because he freaked out about our newfound friendship and because he felt guilty for cheating on me, but I felt he used that as an excuse instead of admitting to himself that his wife had been cheating on him for who knows how long. Not only did I think she was cheating, I was pretty sure that she was doing drugs and might be an addict.
I tried to give Jenner every opportunity to talk about it if he wanted, but he wasn’t ready. There were a few times when he’d opened up to me, but he seemed to be back in denial or he didn’t wish to talk about it in front of Luke.
“No, like you said tonight should be cheerful and I know just what the doctor ordered.”
“What’s that?” I asked intrigued.
“Christmas presents. Let me go grab yours and I’ll be right back. Don’t think I didn’t notice you dropping your package underneath my empty tree.”
“I wasn’t trying to hide it. What would be the point? I told you I had a present for you.”
“I’ll be right back,” Jenner called as he rushed from the room. Now he was excited, and it was good to see the smile back on his face.
“Baby, he’s not ready,” Luke said softly so that Jenner couldn’t hear. “He wants to help you with your problems as a way to detach himself from his own. Let him live in denial a little while longer. At least until the holidays are over.”
“I know, but I hate seeing and hearing how much she hurts him. I swear if she was here tonight I probably would’ve punched her in the face. Maybe the boob too just for good measure. She’s like the female Decker. I hate her.”
Using his finger in a come-hither motion, Luke patted his leg with his other hand. “Come here.”
Yes, please! I scrambled over the couch cushions to crawl onto his lap as graceful as possible. With the quiet laughter that was shaking his body, I obviously wasn't successful. It didn’t matter though because Luke hugged me to his body and kissed my temple.
“You’re a good friend. Be patient and he’ll come to you. It’s got to be hard to accept that the woman you love and pledged your life to is going behind your back.”
I ran my fingers through his silky hair. “I hate to see him hurting this way.”
“Ugh,” Jenner moaned as he walked into the room. “Really guys, I was gone for all of a minute and you’re already all over each other.”
Sliding off Luke’s lap, I kissed the dimple in his chin and then gave my attention to Jenner. I was happy he hadn’t heard us talking about him and gotten upset.
“I hate shopping, so you should be happy that I actually went out myself and got you your present.”
“Pfft.” I dismissed him. “It’s nothing like trying to shop for people who have everything and can buy themselves anything they want, while living in a town with a tiny mall. Yes, men hate shopping but guess what, I’m not too crazy about it either so stop tooting your own horn.”
“You’re feisty tonight. Okay, how about Merry Christmas?”
“Perfect. Merry Christmas to you too! Now open your present.” Shoving his present at him, I chewed on my lip. I wasn’t sure if he’d like it or not.
“And bossy too.” Jenner laughed as he unwrapped his present.
“I had no clue what to get you because you’ve never said you wanted anything.” I said nervously. I wasn’t kidding about trying to figure out gifts for people who could literally buy almost anything they wanted.
Jenner’s grin grew as he pulled out a dark blue cashmere scarf that I’d knitted him. Once I figured out that I’d make him a scarf, I scoured the Internet for patterns that caught my eye. Of course, I found one that was more complex than anything I’d ever made, but I was determined to make it for him. I may or may not have had to start over a couple of times from messing it up.
“I know it doesn’t get super cold here, but I figured you can use it when you travel or when you’re on set. I hope you like the color because I stood in the yarn aisle for forever trying to decide a color for you.”
“Wait!” Jenner’s jaw dropped open. “Did you make this?” Jenner asked, wrapping the scarf around his neck.
“I did. I know it’s not as awesome as some that you can buy in the store. I’m not that great of a knitter.”
“The fuck you are. This is awesome. I can’t believe you made this. Did you know she could knit?”
“Yeah, but only because she told me she was making you a scarf. She did an amazing job. I know there’s no way in hell I could knit anything.”
“Sure, you could,” I said to Luke. “If I can, anyone can.”
“There’s something else in there.” I told Jenner indicating the box he’d placed to the side as he examined his scarf.
“A hat to match?” He placed his knitted cap on his head. “Hell yeah! I’m going to rock this all over town.”
“Oh my!” I laughed. “You don’t need to go overboard. I’m just glad you like it.”
“Like it? I love it. This is a gift from the heart. What more could I ask for? I kind of feel bad about my gift now that I know that you made mine and went to so much trouble.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. Obviously to these two knitting was extremely hard. I wasn’t saying it was easy, but I felt that I’d taken the easy way out even if I’d bought expensive yarn to do it with. “I didn’t go to that much trouble. I mean I didn’t have to donate a kidney or anything to buy the yarn.”
“Whatever. It’s time for you to open yours. Have you guys exchanged gifts yet?” He asked eying Luke.
“Not yet. I haven’t been in town for that long and Luke surprised me with his house. I’m kind of sad that we’re leaving tomorrow night, and I won’t have more time to spend in it.”
“It’s not going anywhere. When you come back in March, you’ll have plenty of time.”
“Yes, because I want to wait over three months. I want it now,” I laughed. I was a big believer of instant gratification and three months was way too long. It was a real possibility that I would make him take me for a tour during one of our FaceTime chats.
“Fight about it later,” Jenner said good naturedly. “Right now, it’s time for you to open up your present.”
Excitedly, I tore the gold wrapping paper off the small box. It wasn’t crazy small making me think it was jewelry. Inside was a smaller box that would be used for gift cards. I gave him a big smile as I pulled out a gift card to the nicest spa in the town next to mine.
“Jenner, this is great! How did you know that this is the best place in town?” I held the gift card up for Luke to see. I’d only been once, and that was right before Taylor had moved. We enjoyed a spa day, relaxing in their lounge room, massages, using the sauna and arctic rooms, and got our nails done.
“By reading lots and lots of reviews. I wanted to get you something that I knew you’d use and would never buy for yourself. Now every month for a year you can get a massage.”
My eyes widened. A whole year? That would cost a serious chunk of change and all I did was knit him a scarf and hat.
“Stop being so shocked and give me a hug,” Jenner said elbowing me in the side.
Giving him the hug that he deserved, I wrapped my arms around Jenner and squeezed tight. “Thank you.” His arms tightened around me for a few moments before he patted me on the back and l
et me go. “Really, Jenner, thank you. You’re right that I wouldn’t spend the money, but I do appreciate it and will totally use it. I love getting massages.”
“Good to hear. I hate to say it, but I’m going to have to kick you guys out, so I can go to bed. I’ve got to head to the airport at four so that I can catch my flight.”
“Did the studio book your flight?” Luke asked as he stood up and then helped me to my feet.
Jenner laughed without humor. “Those assholes always find the worst times to fly. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one.”
“It’s because they’re the cheapest flights. We should get going anyway so we can get up early.”
Jenner gave Luke a weird manly back-pat-hug thing. “It was good to meet you, man. You know I have to say it so let’s just get it out of the way, shall we?”
Luke laughed, wrapping his arm around my waist. “Have at it.”
“Don’t hurt my girl, or I’ll have to hurt you.”
“I expect nothing less from a friend, and it was good to meet you too.”
“Have fun in the sun and send me lots of pictures. I’m going to be in Canada freezing my balls off for the next three months.”
“Poor baby,” I said, patting his cheek. “Have a safe trip.”
“You too,” Jenner answered with a hug. “See you on the other side.”
17
“You can sit here while Mr. Sandström gets into wardrobe and makeup. We’ll come get you when he’s done.” A tiny girl who was all of twenty sneered at me, pointing to a chair that I’d been assigned.
“No,” Luke argued. “She’s with me.”
“But.” She started, but quickly closed her mouth at the flash in Luke’s eyes when she tried to deny him. “Yes, sir. If you’ll both follow me.”
“I can stay here.” I whispered as we followed the girl back to hair and makeup. “I don’t want to be a problem.”
“What would be the point of you coming? I want you to see the whole process of what it takes to make a commercial, not sit in a room and wait for me.”