Common Ground

by Wendy Smith

  It doesn’t deter Josh.

  I turn, and start my long walk across the airstrip back to the car.

  “Delaney!” he yells.

  I look back over my shoulder. Josh is halfway up the stairs.

  “What?”

  “Send nudes.”

  I flip him off.

  He just grins at me.

  “I love you!” I yell.

  “Bye, beautiful.”

  I get one last glimpse before he disappears inside and I run back to the car, so I can watch the plane take off.

  As it does, my heart goes with it.

  This time, it’s not torn apart. But it’s far from whole.

  Thirty

  Delaney

  It’s been six weeks since Josh left.

  Despite his vow to call me every day, he’s been filming in a jungle in the Philippines for the past week and unable to call.

  He knew going in it’d be difficult, so at least he warned me, but it’s been tough. Especially when some gossip site has photos of him on set with his new co-star.

  Another romance for Josh Carter the headline screams at me. We don’t get a lot of reporters hanging around our town that I know of. The fact these photos leaked out of the jungle tells me there’s someone on the cast or crew who did it.

  I know better, but it hurts.

  He looks happy, and it doesn’t help that the actress he’s working with is a former model and stunningly gorgeous. Jessie Lane is a good-looking woman, but Gabby Reynolds puts all us mere mortals in the shade. It’s like she was created by Zeus himself.

  The photos show them laughing and joking, and then there’s the icing on the cake: her heading into Josh’s trailer right behind him.

  I know he loves me. I know there’s an explanation.

  But right now, I’m lying in bed watching Grey’s Anatomy and cramming a bag of potato chips into my mouth as fast as possible while trying not to think about it.

  When my phone buzzes beside me, I pick it up and look at the screen.

  Josh.

  “Hey, baby,” he says.

  “Hi.”

  “I’ve missed talking to you. We were in this damn jungle, and the reception really was non-existent. I tried to get a satellite phone, but that proved to be too hard. I’ll make sure we have one when we go back.”

  I swallow. “You’re going back?”

  “Yeah, we had a permit to be there that expired. So, we’ve got a week here and then we’ll take a break for a couple of weeks while that gets sorted out. It’s ridiculous.” He yawns. He sounds so tired, and I think he’s called me before having the sleep he so desperately needs.

  “Where are you now?” Where’s Gabby?

  “Manila. There are a few scenes we can shoot here.”

  “Okay.”

  “Are you okay, Delaney?” Concerns bleeds through his tone, and it brings tears to my eyes.

  “I’m not sure.”

  “You’re usually talkative, but you’re so quiet.”

  I wipe a tear rolling down my cheek with the palm of my hand. “Are we okay?” I ask.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean, you couldn’t call me all week, but photos of you and Gabby Reynolds made it out of the jungle. Are you with her?” I sniff.

  “What photos? She’s here with her partner. And damn it, Delaney, as much as I’d love you to be with me here, I wouldn’t want you to witness all I had to.”

  I snort. “What do you mean?”

  “The man oozes sexuality. And him and Gabby are real hot for each other. The air-conditioning in her trailer broke down, and I invited her to share mine while it was fixed. I couldn’t turn my head without seeing them practically having sex around the trailer.”

  I clamp my lips together to avoid laughing while I wipe my cheeks again. “Really?”

  “Really. If anyone’s trying to link me and Gabby Reynolds, they are way off the mark. Hell, Antonio’s enough to confuse me.”

  “Well, she does share the last name of my favourite Canadian.”

  Josh chuckles. “Oh, not this shit again. That’s my title.”

  I laugh.

  “I love you, Delaney. There’s no way I’m fucking this up for a fling. I’m living for the day when I can see you again. Which is another reason why I’m calling.”

  “You didn’t just want to hear my sexy accent?”

  Josh sighs. “That too. Reece has offered me his holiday home in Hawaii while we’re on break, and I know it’s late notice, but I want you to come and spend my time off with me.”

  My heart seizes. Hawaii? I haven’t had a holiday since before Melly was born. Lying in the sun and relaxing sounds more like a pipe dream than reality.

  “Melly has school. It’s only halfway through the term. And neither of us have passports.”

  “If Amelia is in school, then maybe you could come over by yourself? Would Pania look after her?”

  I blow out a breath. “I’m sure she would.”

  “I’ll pay for an emergency passport, and get Mindy to book your tickets. You won’t have to do a thing other than apply for it.”

  I groan. “It’s so tempting.”

  “Then do it. I’d give anything to kiss you right now.”

  “I’d give anything to jump your bones.”

  He laughs. “That thing you do when you squeeze my balls …”

  “That thing you do with your tongue.” I sigh.

  “What thing?”

  “Anything.” I laugh. “I just want your tongue.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t leave it behind with you.” He pauses. “What are you wearing?”

  I laugh. “I’m in bed, but I’ve got my winter pyjamas on. Nothing too exciting.”

  “You’re in bed; that’s a start.”

  “Without you.”

  “Then get online and order that passport. When you’ve done it, let me know and I’ll get your tickets booked. Just think about it. Two weeks on the beach.”

  I laugh. “We’d never see the beach. I’d be pinning you to the bed.”

  “Even better. I miss your tits.”

  Oh, we’re going to play that game.

  “I miss your cock more.”

  “Believe me, he misses you.”

  “He?”

  “He has a mind of his own when it comes to you. My hand’s not cutting it.”

  I look down at my crumb-covered shirt. “I don’t think I’d cut it right now. I look like a slob. Maybe you should use moisturiser.”

  Josh laughs. “I’d rather be inside you. You drive me crazy. I can’t wait to see you again.”

  “I miss you.” I brush the crumbs off to the side of the bed where they fall on the floor, and snuggle down under the covers.

  “I miss you. And I need you to trust me. There’s no one on this earth I want to be with. Only you. I hope you know that.”

  Cradling the phone close to my ear, I move until I’m comfortable. “I do. It’s just … those sites are ruthless.”

  “They are, but this is me telling you that you never need to doubt how I feel about you. We’re owed our happy ending, Delaney.”

  He’s right. Deep down I know he wouldn’t put us at risk, but after not being able to see him or speak to him, that story hit a nerve. I need to steel myself for worse. It’s not ever going to get better.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just a bit much.”

  “No. I’m sorry. I should have warned you about this kind of thing. The media will do anything if they get a sniff of what they think is news.”

  I sigh. “So, this isn’t a one-off?”

  “They’ll try and link me with anyone when all I want is to be with you. Please try and remember that.”

  “I will.” I stare at the ceiling.

  “What have you been doing? How’s Amelia?”

  “Work and school. She’s good. She’s missing you too.”

  “Next time I’ll try and call earlier. Give her a kiss for me.”

  “I will.
”

  “I guess I should let you go and get some sleep. I love you.”

  “Love you too. Goodnight, Josh.”

  “Still wish you were here. Goodnight.”

  When we terminate the call, I look at the clock by the bed. It’s only nine-thirty, so I scroll to Pania in my contacts and press call.

  “Yo.”

  I laugh. Even that short word tells me she’s eating. She’s probably in bed watching TV and stuffing her face like me.

  “If I wanted to go away for two weeks, would you come and stay here to look after Amelia?”

  “You know I would.” Her words are muffled. “Why?”

  “Josh just asked me to spend a fortnight in Hawaii with him.”

  “I hope you said yes.” I hear her swallow. “You’re insane if you didn’t.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to dump you in it.”

  She laughs. “My best friend’s Hollywood boyfriend has just asked her to spend two sex weeks in Hawaii, and you think I’m not going to bend over backwards to make it work for you? You’d do the same for me.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “Don’t you forget it.”

  “I promise I’ll find you your own Hollywood boyfriend.”

  She lets out a dramatic sigh. “Oh, Delaney, that’s what I’m counting on.”

  Thirty-One

  Delaney

  “Excuse me.”

  The very tall man in the aisle seat looks me over. “Yes?”

  “Could I squeeze past you? That’s my seat.” I point past him to the middle seat in the row. The thought of having to bug this guy if I need to use the toilet while we’re flying tightens my chest.

  In the diner, I can handle social situations—I know my customers. But I’m not a fan of being surrounded by people, and that’s how this feels.

  I hated flying economy to the US last time, and although the flight to Hawaii isn’t as long, the thought of being sandwiched between two guys is not exactly awe-inspiring.

  All I want is a bit more space and a comfortable seat.

  At least at the other end of this flight, Josh’ll be waiting and it’ll be worth it.

  The man in the aisle seat eyes me and lets out a loud sigh as if I’m asking for the moon. Slowly, he stands and steps out to let me in. He grunts as I make my way past.

  “Thank you.”

  There’s no acknowledgement as he sits back down.

  I tug off my jacket and tuck it into the seat pocket in front of me. Sitting down, I buckle my seatbelt, lean back, and close my eyes.

  This brings back memories. I was a nervous eighteen-year-old last time I flew long-distance, and I’ve been through so much since then. But I thought I could conquer the world, and I travelled alone for nine months before I met Josh.

  My flight home I barely remember; I was still shell-shocked by what had happened.

  Mum had picked me up, grumbling about how it wasn’t fair that the flight landed at some ridiculous hour of the morning. Within weeks, she’d cut me out of her life completely. Everything fell apart.

  But this trip will be different. Josh and I need time together to finish rebuilding things between us, and I’m confident it’ll go well.

  I’m going to miss Amelia like crazy. But she’s in her first year of school and still making friends and establishing routines. I don’t want her to get the idea that because Josh is her dad we’ll be flitting off whenever he calls.

  I watch the safety video, and soon the plane rumbles on its way to take off.

  Here we go.

  The first couple of hours of the flight, I flick from show to show on the in-flight entertainment. Nothing keeps my interest, and my mind keeps wandering. If it’s not Melly I’m thinking about, it’s her father.

  I don’t care if she has school. The next trip, we’ll do together.

  Maybe I need to find a movie to keep my mind off things.

  Selecting Magic Mike XXL, I smile.. I don’t get to watch a lot of grown-up movies at home. By the time Melly’s asleep, I’m lucky if I don’t fall asleep in front of the television most nights.

  Channing Tatum gyrates on my screen. Does Josh know him?

  My life really is about to turn weird.

  The man to the left of me snorts. “The movies get worse every time on these flights.”

  I turn up the sound, cross my arms and block him out.

  It’s just me and Channing for the next couple of hours.

  The time passes pretty quickly, and as the credits roll, the smell of hot food fills my nostrils. My stomach grumbles even though I had a snack at the airport as I knew my ticket didn’t come with a meal. At least I’ll get a cup of coffee to tide me over for a while longer.

  The men either side of me are served a meal. It looks like a beef wellington with mashed potato, but I try not to look because my mouth is watering.

  “Coffee or tea? Or maybe a cold drink?” the flight attendant asks me.

  “Coffee would be lovely.”

  My neighbour glares as the attendant reaches over to hand me the small tray with a cup full of coffee in it. I pour in the milk, stir in some sugar, and open the wrapped chocolate chip biscuit. At least I’ve got something to eat.

  Flicking through the movies, I find one that stars Josh. I’ve only seen the one movie of his so far, and maybe this’ll distract me while I’m waiting for this flight to end.

  Settling in with my coffee and my movie, I gaze at the screen and smile. This’ll all be worth it when I’m in his arms and we can forget about the outside world.

  My stomach clenches when Josh appears on the screen. Watching him is a revelation.

  Before my eyes, he transforms into an action hero. This movie’s so different to the last one I watched, which was moody and dark. This one is full of running and explosions, and he’s the good guy who’s been betrayed and has to rescue the girl.

  Even when he kisses her, I swoon before the jealousy hits me.

  It makes me think of him in the jungle with Gabby Reynolds, and even though he told me she’s there with her partner and they’re crazy in love, the thought of her in his arms drives me a little more than crazy.

  By the time the movie’s over, I feel empty.

  There are still two hours left on the flight. At least I haven’t had to pee yet.

  Of course, the thought of that gives me the urge to.

  I let out a long breath and stare at the ceiling of the plane.

  The urge to pee builds.

  I should have two choices. But the guy to my left is snoring, and Mr. Grumpy on the right is in the middle of his own movie.

  Shit.

  I have to do this before it ends up being urgent. Taking a deep breath, I tap Mr. Grumpy on the shoulder.

  He glares at me.

  “I’m sorry, but could I please get past you? I just need to pop to the bathroom.”

  He scowls, sighs dramatically, and tugs off his headphones. For six and a half hours he’s not been disturbed, so he could just do it.

  With another big sigh, he stands, and I move past him.

  The plane bathroom gives me a few moments of peace—as much as you can get on a plane anyway—and then I’m back with the knot in my stomach, asking him to move again.

  He’s still grumbling when I’m back in my seat. I swear, Melly is more adult than this guy.

  I only hope the flight home’s better.

  It’s a bit of a miracle I make it through border security in one piece with my knees knocking the way they are. Not that I’m doing anything wrong, but it’s one of those things that’s enough to make you nervous.

  As it is, I worried I’d accidentally leave something in my handbag that I wasn’t supposed to carry on the plane, so I shoved my phone, passport, and purse into my jacket pockets and stuck my handbag in my checked bag. At least I’m not about to be separated from the things I need.

  I cast my gaze over the rows of people waiting.

  No sign of Josh.

  B
ut then a tall, grey-haired man in a black suit catches my eye. He’s holding up a sign that reads Delaney Carruthers.

  He smiles when I walk up to him.

  “Ms. Carruthers?”

  I nod. “Josh isn’t here?”

  “He apologised for not being able to make it himself. It’s my understanding he was called into a meeting with the production team for the movie with all the issues they had in the Philippines. But I’ll take you to the house and he’ll be there as quick as he can.”

  “Thank you.” It’s not ideal, but at least my feet are on the ground and surely I’ll be able to find something to eat soon.

  “Just the one suitcase?” he asks.

  “That’s right.”

  “Come this way.” He takes the case from me, wheeling it as I follow him through the airport and out to a black stretch limousine. For a moment, I just stare at it because I’ve never ridden in anything like this.

  After opening the door for me, the driver smiles as I step inside the car. I blow out a long breath as I sink into the soft leather seat.

  “Good flight?”

  I look up to see an older man sitting opposite me.

  I don’t answer for a moment.

  “I’m Mac.”

  I know of Josh’s agent, but we’ve never met. “Uh, hi. Flight was as okay as a flight that long can be.”

  He chuckles. “You’ll have to get used to flying long-distance if you and Josh stay together.”

  My ears tingle. Why is he in the car to pick me up, and why is he talking about my relationship with Josh? It’s none of his business.

  “It’s been a while. I’m sure once I’m used to it, it’ll be fine.”

  The limo starts moving, and I’m relieved that soon I’ll be with Josh and away from this guy. Something’s not right.

  “You’re probably wondering why I’m here while Josh is busy. I needed to talk to you.”

  “Me?”

  His expression gives nothing away. “I’m here to make you an offer, Delaney. I’ll give you a million dollars if you leave now and get on the first plane back to New Zealand.”

  I swallow hard. This is far from the welcome I expected. And now I’m pissed. “I’m not interested. Josh invited me here for us to spend time together, and that’s what I’m planning to do.”