His next smile makes my brain short-circuit. “You’re really coming?”
“It’s a little insulting that you think I’ll pull out.”
“I just want you there so bad.”
I squeeze him, and he chuckles. “I’m going to LA!”
His hand tangles into my hair, and I squirm from the throbbing below. “Good. I need you, Indie.”
I need you, Indie.
My new favourite words.
I need you, too, Spence. More than you will ever know.
Sixteen
Spencer
A couple days later, I’m watching Indie with amusement as she looks around the first class pod. Her jaw is practically on the floor. I remember being the same. I flew out to LA that first time in economy, and by the time I needed to fly across the Atlantic again, I was doing it in style.
Mum and Dad are on the row in front of us. Each pod has a door so we can have privacy if we want it.
I’m by the window on the left, and Indie is on the right.
“You’re going to have to sit down soon,” I tell her.
“The seat lays flat, Spencer! I have a table, a mirror, and a TV all to myself!”
Grinning, I lean against the wall of my pod. “You really haven’t travelled a lot, have you?”
She shakes her head gently and whispers, “No.” Her eyes meet mine. “I bet this cost a fortune. I’ll be fifty before I’m able to pay you back.”
“I don’t want your money.”
I only want you.
There are colleges in America. I wish she would study there.
In eleven hours, we’ll be in LA, and she will officially be on holiday. I want to take her around the world and watch that look of wonder every day.
That is if she’ll still speak to me after I bring up the unspoken banned subject. I have my homework from Mila.
“I’ve always wanted to fly, and my first time is like this! I’ll be ruined forever. Next time I’m on a plane and flying economy, I’m going to throw up.”
Laughing, I shake my head and continue to watch her snoop around her pod until we’re asked to be seated. I’m surprised she hasn’t exploded with excitement.
Indie buckles her seatbelt and takes the glass of champagne from the flight attendant with stars in her eyes.
Turning to me, she mouths, “I’ve got champagne!”
“You’re like a kid at Christmas.”
Her eyes turn sad before she looks into her glass and sips her champagne.
Okay, what just happened?
“This is good,” she tells me, pointing to the glass with her newly painted pink nails. She went with Mum to the salon yesterday so they could have their nails done together. I don’t think I’ve seen Indie smile as much as she did when they came home. Except for when she saw first class, maybe.
“It’s really not good.”
She rolls her eyes. “What, you want beer?”
“No, it’s just not the best champagne. I’ll take you out in LA and show you.”
Neither of us drink a lot but I’m sure she will enjoy one or two with me in the nicest bar in LA. I’m going to spoil the shit out of her while she’s with me. Indie once cried when my parents bought her a small sack of Christmas presents when we were thirteen. She still gets choked up about it every year.
It was the first time I became really curious about her family. Don’t they celebrate? She doesn’t belong to any other religion that I’m aware of.
“You’re on,” she says, taking a larger swig and closing her eyes. “I never want to get off this plane. Can’t you use all of your money on around the world flights?”
“Sure, I could probably keep you in the air until you’re forty.”
She laughs. “All right, Hollywood. What do I need to know about your friends? Do they know about me?”
“It’s just Jared, Ella and Ethan, really. Of course, they know about you.”
“I’m not some childhood secret?”
“What makes you think I would keep you a secret?”
She shrugs. “I don’t know. Don’t you get a whole set of new celebrity friends that come with the job?”
“Like an acting starter pack?”
She nods. “Ditch the drug problem and prostitutes. It’s tacky now.”
“Noted,” I say, smirking, withholding the fact that I’ve been to a few parties that heavily contradict her statement. “You’re not a secret, Indie. Ella and Ethan know all about you. I think they’re more excited to meet you than to attend the premiere.”
She freezes as the glass is about to touch her lips again. “I highly doubt that. Look at us, meeting each other’s friends this week.”
“I like yours. Mila is… colourful.”
She laughs. “She’s amazing. I love her confidence and the lack of shits she gives.”
“Does she live alone?” I ask, clearing my throat. I know this.
“I don’t think she’ll leave home until she’s married. She has the closest family, and they all like spending time together. Being the youngest and only girl, I think she’s treated like a bit of a princess.”
I got that impression. “She has brothers?”
Indie nods, her eyes sharpening. “Two. Why do you want to know so much about her?”
“Just curious. I already knew a bit about Wren and Brody from you telling me about the marriage thing.”
“You like her?” she asks, her voice low.
I love you. “Not in that way. I’m just trying to get to know your friends.”
Mila might be stunning, but I’m not interested in her.
“I think I’m going to need another one of these soon,” she says, pointing to her drink.
This carefree Indie who smiles constantly can stay. I love seeing her so happy.
We make it into my apartment eighteen hours after we left my parents’ house. Jared picked us up and brought us back. Mum and Dad head straight to the guest bedroom to shower and sleep.
Indie folds her arms over her chest. “I’ll take the sofa. It’s fine, Spencer.”
“No. I’m not sleeping in my huge bed knowing you’re out here.”
“Your sofa is about the same size as my bed.”
I look up to the ceiling. “We share or I sleep out here.”
“Share?”
I deadpan. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”
“I’m not worried about that. You snore.”
“I do not.”
She grins, shaking her head. “Fine. We’ll share.”
I lead her into my room, pulling her tiny suitcase along with me. Flicking on the light, I dump the bags and open the door to the en-suite. “You want to shower first or share that, too?” I ask.
“You wish, Hollywood.” She grabs the handle of her case and wheels it into the bathroom. “Ladies first.”
I’m still up for sharing.
While she’s getting ready for bed, I go to the kitchen and grab two bottles of water. Tomorrow, I’ll be out all afternoon, filming for an evening entertainment show with Ella. We’re scheduled to be on for thirty minutes.
Indie and I are meeting her at a restaurant for breakfast, while Mum and Dad explore LA alone for a while.
When Indie steps out of the bathroom, she’s wearing my old Godfather T-shirt and a pair of tiny shorts.
I gulp.
Fuck. Me.
“You still have that?”
It’s threadbare, and the writing has almost faded away. She must have worn and washed it a thousand times.
Her fingers brush the hem. “It’s my favourite.”
“It’s going to fall apart soon.”
“Then I’ll have to steal another one.” She climbs into bed and pulls my quilt up to her chest. “Ground rules.”
My eyebrow arches. “Ground rules?”
“No feeling me up under the covers.”
“Is that the only rule?” I ask, amused.
Her eyes narrow. “What else did you have in mind?”
&
nbsp; “May I remind you that I’m a gentleman.”
“Sure, sure. Are you getting ready for bed? I’m tired, and I can’t sleep with lights on.”
“That’s weird, you know.”
“Whatever. Hurry up, Spence.”
My shower is taken quickly because I’m desperate to get back out there and get into bed with her. Plus, I wouldn’t want to deprive her of her beauty sleep.
I towel dry my hair and sling a pair of shorts on. If I’m not allowed to touch her, she probably won’t want me to sleep naked, and I need something to help conceal the massive erection she’s given me. I bet I don’t get much sleep tonight.
When I open the door into my bedroom, she’s covering her yawn with the back of her hand and watching for me. “That was quick.”
“I was afraid you’d get shouty if I took my time,” I tease as I get into bed beside her.
She smells of my shower gel and perfection.
There is a ridiculous amount of space between us; probably enough to fit two more people. I turn the lamp off so the room is drenched in darkness. I can just about make out her silhouette.
“I’m glad you’re here, Indie.”
“Me, too. I don’t like it when you’re not home.”
I close my eyes, feeling like the biggest wanker ever.
“I didn’t mean that to sound so…”
“No, it’s okay,” I say. “I know how you meant it. Things are so different now, huh?”
“Almost unrecognisable,” she whispers. Her soft voice does nothing to calm the hormones raging in my body. All I want to do is reach over and touch her.
“Are you all right?” I ask.
“Of course. I’m in LA!” I hear the fake smile in her words.
Who is she trying to fool? Me or her? “And in general?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? I obviously miss my best friend, but uni is going really well.”
All she talks about is uni or her friends. Her success and happiness fall on those two things.
“You’re incredible, and you will have the best career. But what else do you want?” Silence crackles the air. I clench my hands into tight fists as my dick throbs. “Indie?”
“I want a nice little house by a river. I want a pretty garden with a swing outside. There, is that what you’re looking for? Yes, Spencer, I do like some material things, too. You’re not on your own.”
That’s not at all what I was looking for, but I can tell we’re not going to get anywhere tonight. Not while we’re jet lagged and she’s driving me into a horny coma.
“Would you have a boat?”
She giggles. “I don’t think my salary as a counsellor will stretch to a boat.”
“What about your husbands? You could take the kids for a ride down the river at the weekends.”
“I so have not thought that far ahead. What about you, Hollywood? Do you even know what country you want to be in?”
“I’ll always have a permanent address in England.”
“You still want to come here for work. Don’t you think that would get difficult? If you land back-to-back roles, do you think that you’ll make it home much?”
“I don’t have all the answers. I do know that I’ll take every opportunity I can to come back and see you… and my parents.”
“Just make sure you come home for as long as you can.”
As long as I can?
“You know I will.”
“I can’t believe you had someone meet us at the airport. We could have got a taxi.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s Jared’s job, which he takes very seriously.”
“He’s your driver?”
“Sometimes.”
She yawns again, and I feel the quilt move as her hand stretches out. I wait but she doesn’t touch me. Has she changed her mind or wasn’t she going for me?
“Sleep,” I tell her.
“I need to, or I’ll look like crap tomorrow. If I’m meeting the super glamorous and disgustingly beautiful Ella, I need all the help I can get.”
I roll onto my back and stretch my arm out by my side. I stop when I feel her warmth. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Night, Hollywood.”
I drift to into a broken sleep, content with my girl beside me.
Seventeen
Indie
I got a relatively good night’s sleep—which is a miracle considering Spencer was in nothing but shorts beside me—but nowhere good enough for meeting Ella. She’s beautiful and must work out at least ten times a day.
My face is pale, and my eyes are dull.
Surely she wouldn’t have a team doing her hair and make-up when she’s not on set? I’ve made up my face as well as I can. I’m in Spencer’s massive bathroom. It has a shower that could fit about six people inside, as well as two sinks. It’s glossy and white, and it belongs in an expensive hotel.
His view from the balcony is incredible. You can see the ocean and part of LA. I think I would faint if I knew how much it cost to rent. He hasn’t spent much money, so it’s nice to see that he’s living in a gorgeous apartment. He truly deserves all the best things.
He’s leaning against the counter in the kitchen when I step out of the bathroom.
“I thought you’d fallen down the toilet,” he teases, checking the time on his watch as if I’ve been hours.
“I’m meeting Ella!”
Shaking his head, he pushes away from the counter. “Indie, she’s got nothing on you.”
Yeah, right. The woman, quite literally, has everything on me.
“You’re not looking in the mirror properly.”
“You’re biased because I’m your friend.”
“I’m honest. You’re beautiful.”
I want to run out of his door and hide somewhere. Compliments feel weird—half nice and half awkward. I believe what he says to me—he doesn’t lie—but I also think he’s just being nice.
“Are you ready to go, Spence?”
“Have been for the last thirty minutes.”
“I was not that long. Come on!” I grab his hand, and we head out of his apartment.
It’s warm in LA in November; about the same temperature as an early summer in England, so I’m wearing my yellow sundress and black flip flops.
“Do you need security?” I tease.
He gives me a flat look. “Jared is meeting up with me later.”
That means he doesn’t want to scare me off with all the security and extra people. I bet Jared wants to be here. To be fair, in sunglasses and a cap, Spencer is almost unrecognisable. You would need to be quite close to notice him. The only people really out this early are runners, and they don’t seem interested in us at all.
Spencer side-eyes me for the fifth time as we walk down the street, towards the restaurant. As we get close, he removes the cap and pushes the sunglasses onto the top of his head. His pale blue sleeves are rolled up, which does stupid things to me.
I take a deep breath as he slows outside the fancy restaurant.
“Will you relax? Ella is going to love you.”
What would he do if I sprinted off? I don’t even know why I’m so nervous about meeting her. If he says she’s cool, she will be. It’s not like I’ll see her once I go home, either. I want his friend to like me, though. It means the same as him getting along with Wren and Mila.
I give him my best everything is fine smile. “We better go in then. I’m starving.”
I’m not starving. I’m actually feeling a little sick.
Spence holds the door open, and I walk inside, trying to ignore the trembling of my hands.
Instantly—from the expensive looking chandeliers, to the plush chairs with cushions—I know I can’t afford to eat here. This is where he goes out now? We used to do an early morning McDonald’s run to pick up a sausage and egg bagel and a cappuccino.
We’re so far from Maccies now.
Spencer is greeted by name by a man in a suit before he’s told that Ella is waiting.
�
�Tell me I can get something normal here?” I whisper as we pass very rich-looking people.
His lips fight a smile.
We have to behave properly in here.
I look up and see Ella. She’s sitting by the window of a huge conservatory at the very back of the building. She’s all platinum blonde hair, shiny skin, and manicured to hell. She looks like a filter.
“Ella,” Spencer says warmly.
Gasping, she jumps up and throws herself at him.
Calm down, hussy.
“Oh my God, Indie!” Ella lets go of my Spencer and turns to me. She wraps me in a hug that is, thankfully, much less enthusiastic than the one she gave him.
“Hi,” I say, awkwardly hugging her back.
She pulls away, and I’m unsure if she noticed my reluctance to be touching her. I don’t know the woman. She is very friendly. Is it fake?
“I can’t believe I finally get to meet the famous Indie.”
Ironic since she is the actual famous one.
“You, too. I’ve watched and loved a few of your movies.”
“Well, thank you. This new one is the best.”
“That’s because of your co-star,” Spencer injects. Ella rolls her big eyes. “Shall we sit? I’m starving.”
I bite my tongue to stop myself from asking if we can go somewhere else and get a bacon bagel.
Our table is round so we don’t have to pick who to sit next to. I pick up a black, leather menu. “What would you recommend?” I ask.
“The salmon is incredible,” Ella says, scooping her blonde waves behind her shoulders.
I’m a McDonald’s kind of girl.
“You’ll like the poached eggs,” Spencer tells me.
I blink as I spot them on the menu. Am I supposed to take out a loan to pay for this? What kind of royal chicken did these eggs come from? How can a place charge so much?
“The tea is good, too,” he adds.
“Sounds great,” I reply, closing the menu. I can’t continue to look at those big numbers and not be struck with vertigo.
“I just love that you both like tea,” Ella says. “You should have seen his expression the first day on set when he was brought a cup of tea.”
Just Like the Movies Page 9