Page 125 of Score
Jill’s husband nods. “Happy New Year, Bellamy.”
Seth is one of thosecall men by their last namekind of dudes. His smile is much more subdued than Jill’s. His everything is much more subdued than hers, which seems to be why they work. She’s the sunshine to his grumpy. He’s the tech bro to her creative, but in fifteen years, they’ve made three beautiful kids and a wonderful life together. Marriages like theirs surviving, thriving, especially in Hollywood, are rare.
“So can I expect the entireDessicast and crew here tonight?” I ask. “Or just you?”
“Galaxy invited a lot of the above-the-line team,” Jill says, “so probably some. I did see Lawson Stone and Linh arrive as we were pulling in. At first I thought Lawson was another studio exec setting his family up with a job someone else deserved, that he probably forced Canon to use Linh. But then I saw her work. She’s incredibly talented.”
“So is her father,” I say, smiling at the memory of Dr. Garrison’s Chap Brody exhibit at Finley. “So the kids let you two out tonight?”
“Those little monsters. The grans are in town from Chicago, God bless.” Jill fist-pumps the air. “So we get to dress up and drink.”
“Not too much drink,” Seth rumbles from the corner of the elevator. “Remember what happened last New Year’s Eve. I’m pretty sure we’re banned at the Grove.”
“Who wants to do repeats anyway?” Jill asks with a wink. “You heard from Canon? Think he’ll show?”
“I don’t think so. Not tonight,” I reply as we exit the elevator and step onto the rooftop, where Galaxy Studios’ New Year’s Eve party is already in full swing. “We spoke briefly on Christmas and he was with his mom’s people in San Diego. I think he wanted to get out of town for a few days before we’re back on set, though.”
I give our names to the young woman at the rooftop entrance checking the guest list on her iPad.
We make our way over to one of the bistro tables loaded with an array of heavy hors d’oeuvres. My attention is split between our table and the rest of the rooftop while I surreptitiously scan the crowd for a woman wearing glittery gold.
Jill tips her head toward the pool, which is lined with tables, lounge chairs, and cabanas. “I see Verity’s here tonight.”
My head swings around and I search the pool area before I can catch myself. I spot her immediately. She’s talking with a guy I don’t know. Some light-skinned dude with green eyes. We aren’t close enough for me to discern the exact eye color, but I justknowthey’re green. He gestures toward an empty table and she sits down, still laughing at whatever goofy shit he said.
I just know it’s goofy.
I turn back to the table and draw in a deep breath. A long night indeed.
“Which one is Verity?” Seth asks, glancing toward the pool.
“The one in the gold dress, with the curly hair,” Jill says. “Sitting with the model-looking guy.”
“That guy? A model?” I scoff. “Catalog at best.”
“Okayyyyy.” Seth flicks a glance toward the pool. “You have a thing for her?”
“No,” I say firmly. “But your wife thinks I do, and she won’t let it go.”
“So you don’t mind that he just asked Verity to dance?” Jill widens her eyes guilelessly. “Or that his hand is on her—”
My head whips back around to the pool, where Verity and JCPenney are still seated at the table.Notdancing with inappropriate hand placement.
“Got ya!” Jill laughs. “Are you ever gonna tell me the deal with her? I know you two dated in college.”
“It was a long time ago.” I stand, feeling exposed. “I’m headed to the bar. You guys want anything?”
I order Old-Fashioneds for Seth and me, and something frothy andNew Year’s–themed for Jill. By the time I return to the table, Verity has joined them, and I smell Jill’s involvement getting her here.
I pause, taking a beat to gather my wits so Jill doesn’t trip me up. She’s a wily thing, and has a way of ferreting out information that is none of her damn business. Verity and I were definitely right to keep our arrangement on the low.
“Sorry it took a while.” I set the drinks down. “Bar was a zoo.”
“Thank you,” Jill says, accepting her pastel cocktail. “Look who joined us. Verity.”
“I see,” I reply in a neutral tone, barely sparing Verity a glance when I sit across from her. “Hey, Vee.”
“Hey.” She offers a stiff smile, and you’d never know those pretty lips were wrapped around my dick a few hours ago. “Happy New Year.”
