Something new, p.5
Something New, page 5
Anna perched in the passenger seat, biting her lower lip, and cast a sideways glance at Wyatt who studied the beach at the end of the path that lay ahead, not sparing her a glance. His strong jaw was shadowed by the day’s growth of beard but it was tense, a muscle jumping slightly. Her fingers itched to trace the lines from being outdoors that now graced his face, the shadows she now saw that had not been present five years ago. But she didn’t have that right, not yet, maybe not ever again.
Did she want that privilege? Could she go down that path again, trusting her heart to him again when the last time he had thoroughly trampled on it like a longhorn steer? Was that even an option, a reunion of sorts this week, if they could ever move beyond their past?
“If you have a question, just ask it.” His deep voice rumbled up from his chest, reminding her again that he’d grown up, they both had, since the last time they’d been together.
Yet somehow, she didn’t feel like she had matured, only gotten older. Her time away had been filled with stunts and antics better suited to younger, immature actresses and she had played her part well, attracting the attention she had so richly desired to advance her career. Then, like a wild, untamed animal, it had turned on her and gored her, leaving her guts spilling out for the world to see, lying broken and bleeding on the ground.
Wyatt hadn’t once brought any of that up to her, not thrown it in her face, at least not yet. The week was young, only the first day really. Why was that? Why was he being so careful around her? Did she want to talk about their history or pretend it never happened?
She cleared her throat. “You look good, Wyatt.”
He shot her a surprised look, as if not expecting the statement. In fact, she hadn’t expected it either but it was true. He looked good, older, solid, better than any pretty boy in Hollywood. She had never found any of them particularly attractive since she had left Texas. It was true what they said about Texas men. They’re just better in all ways and Wyatt was the king of all of them.
He nodded once. “Thank you.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Nothing about how I look?” She tossed her hair over her shoulder, pulling the tresses over one shoulder and casting him a sexy look.
He barely spared her a glance this time. “You already know you look good. Lord knows you have enough hangers-on telling you that all the time. You don’t need me for that.”
Anna thought of how many people showed up when she needed them, when her need was dire, and her mood sobered. If only he knew how much her looks mattered to her, to her career. All of her work, her workout routine, her makeup regime, her diet, all designed to keep her as young as possible for as long as possible. And those hangers-on? Well, they only hung around as long as there was something in it for them. “Maybe it matters to me.”
He let his gaze roam over her, lingering this time, heat smoldering in his eyes. “You never needed to ask that before. You always knew how I felt.”
Despite the heat, his eyes were closed to her where once they were open windows to his soul.
She sighed, feeling a sadness she hadn’t expected. “I can’t read you anymore. Maybe I never really could.”
He let out a long breath, clearly sidestepping the emotionally charged issue. “So, care to tell me why you stopped me from dealing with those women?”
“Because it wouldn’t do any good, Wyatt. It never does,” she replied quietly. “At least I haven’t seen anything posted online. Maybe they took their posts down or didn’t tag me in it. Not that that means anything. It could show up at any time. I can’t let it make me crazy.”
He turned to face her. “Is it worth it? Being a Hollywood star?”
She straightened in her seat. Time to put on the Anna Costado bravado. No one could know about her troubles, least of all Wyatt.
She could never let him know that her career was in shambles, her whole life a facade. “Of course. I worked hard for that role and it’s setting me up nicely for some other options in television and movies. My star is rising, Wyatt.”
He studied her for a long moment, gaze pensive and piercing. She met his eyes steadily, evenly, while inside, her stomach flip-flopped, hoping her acting skills were better than they were five years ago, when Wyatt could see right through her every time.
“Nice that you were able to move forward, leaving Texas in the dust. I barely hear any hint of an accent in your voice anymore. You must be proud of yourself, leaving your family and friends behind as if we didn’t matter at all.”
The sudden stab of anger surprised her, even as she expected the attack. “What would you know of it? I haven’t seen you in five years, since you told me not to bother coming back.”
He barked a laugh, but there was no humor behind it. “Is that how you remember it? Funny how you reinvent history that is inconvenient for you. Just like you, Anna.”
“Inconvenient? Are you kidding me? I think you were too hyped-up on pain medication to remember what really happened.” She shook her head. “Look, I don’t want to have this argument. It’s not worth it.”
He snorted. “Of course, you don’t. I remember every word of that conversation, Anna. I needed you. My life was over and I needed you by my side and you were too busy to give a damn. In fact, if I recall, you had my replacement already waiting in the wings. Or maybe he was sitting next to you when you were talking to me. What was his name? Dirk Martinez? What kind of a name is that anyway?”
“I never cheated on you, not once. Not even when I called you and that bubbly little cheerleader answered your phone. I think you were well taken care of when you were in rehab for your knee.”
“What the... What are you talking about?”
“I called you after your injury, while you were recovering at home. Some bimbo answered the phone. She certainly sounded like she was taking good care of you.”
He shook his head. “I never knew you called. Not that it mattered. You were too busy pursuing your dreams.”
“What did you expect? That I would come home and hold your hand while you went through physical therapy? You could have come out to LA, you know. I had just gotten a part on Blazing Passions. It was a small part but I couldn’t leave. Why couldn’t you come out to me?”
“Because I had a life too, here in Texas!” He almost roared.
“Your life was over. You said so yourself,” she yelled back.
He flinched as if she had slapped him, the pain in his face stabbing her low in her gut. She steeled herself against his hurt and kept her face smooth and impassive, even as she wanted to pull her words back, suck them inside and apologize. But it was too little too late, as it was with so much of their lives. Regrets sucked. But she couldn’t look back. She couldn’t fix the past, could only look forward and figure out where to go from here.
She was a bitch. Time to embrace it and make sure no one could get close. Wyatt was the one person who could hurt her. But not if she hurt him first. She had to keep him off balance, keep him from seeing too much, from getting too close.
Silence reigned in the cab of the truck, only the cry of sea gulls outside intruded.
Anna sighed. “We should get to the house. Caroline is going to wonder where we are.”
Wyatt’s jaw clenched, a muscle ticking in his cheek, as he stared at her, hard and unyielding. “Fine.” He jerked the truck into gear and backed out of the lot, the movement harsh and almost violent. “Just stay out of my way this week, okay? I don’t need your head games or anything else.”
“Fine by me.” She crossed her arms over her chest, a sudden chill coursing through her as they drove to the house.
Never had she hated what she had become more.
Chapter Four
Wyatt tore out of the small parking lot and headed into the private enclave that housed Caroline’s family’s house, along with several other exclusive family summer homes. The silence dragged for a few moments then Wyatt shifted in his seat.
“I saw the Playhouse’s fall production is next week. Too bad we won’t be here for it. I know you loved acting there,” Wyatt commented. “That was one of the last productions you did out here, wasn’t it?”
Anna smiled, thinking about the Playhouse and the last show she did there. Bye, Bye Birdie. She loved playing Kim MacAfee, the teenaged star of the show, then Rosie Alvarez, the adult lead. She also enjoyed the singing and dancing. She sometimes missed theater productions, which was why she had such hopes for the Broadway show, although it sounded like that was going down the tubes like every other option she had. It didn’t escape her now the irony of the plot of the show, the publicity stunt, was so much like her own life.
She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Yes, I played Rosie Alvarez.”
“Do you miss singing and live productions like in theater?” he asked.
She thought for a moment. “Sometimes. But we have done a live show occasionally. It’s rough because of the cameras and the timing. Television is so different from theater.”
“Will you ever go back to theater? You seemed to love it when you did here or at UT.” He turned down the lane toward Caroline’s home.
“I had hoped maybe I could do some theater work but it’s hard being on a steady show in California. The schedules don’t mix. Besides, I’m doing very well where I’m at. Why would I change that?”
He scowled at her. “I seem to recall your dreams being somewhat more lofty than a glorified soap opera at night. I mean, really, Anna. You play a snotty bitch, sleeping around and being nasty to everyone. Can you really tell me that that is the kind of career you want?”
She pursed her lips and glared at him. “I have to start somewhere and that glorified soap opera has made me a lot of money and opened a lot of doors for me.”
“Yet you haven’t done anything more than that show and a few commercials. What has it really done for you?” He turned past the gates toward the house.
“It doesn’t happen overnight, Wyatt. You started as third string quarterback, remember?” In that instant, she could have cursed herself for reminding him of his injuries, regret sitting in her stomach like a lead weight. “Wyatt, I...”
He waved off her words, although his shoulders tensed. “Forget about it. I’m over it. I have a new job and I’m happy.”
Sure he was. It sounded more like he was trying to convince her and himself. “I’m glad, Wyatt. So, I guess it all worked out for both of us.”
“Really? You’re happy playing this Bianca St. John and acting like a bitch all the time? Is this really your dream?”
“You said it yourself. Dreams change. I’m perfectly happy.” She put on an airy tone, hoping he bought it.
He nodded slowly. “What about this latest dust up in the tabloids?” He cast her a sideways glance. “I read the papers. We don’t live under rocks here in Texas. What’s going on, Anna?”
“Nothing. It was a misunderstanding. I cleared it all up and everything is fine.”
He parked the truck in the driveway and turned off the engine. He twisted in the seat to face her, an arm on the back of the seat. “It certainly didn’t appear to be nothing. It seems to be the latest in a long line. Anna, you’re out of control, on the edge. You’ve changed and not for the better.”
Stung, she flinched. “Well, I’m sorry I’m not the same little girl you wanted, hanging on your every word. I have my own life now and I’ve grown up. You have no idea what my life is like or the challenges I face every day. Instead, you assume, like everyone else, that I’m a bitch, causing all these problems. You of all people should know better. Why did I expect anything else?”
She flung open the door and jumped down. She grabbed the bridesmaids dress from the back seat and draped it over her arm. With one final glare at him, she slammed the truck door and stomped up the stone walkway to the house where Caroline waited in the doorway.
Anna stopped in front of her, blinking back tears. Wordlessly, Caroline opened the door and stepped aside. Anna followed without looking back at Wyatt. Caroline gestured to Wyatt to bring the bags and closed the door quietly.
“I’m glad you made it,” Caroline placed an arm around Anna’s shoulder, hugging her close.
“You sound like you weren’t sure I was going to come. How could I miss your wedding?” Anna asked, surprised to hear her voice shake.
“Frankly, I wasn’t sure. Between your schedule and this scandal, I thought you’d hide out forever.” Caroline took the dress and hung it on the hallway closet door and drew her into the living room. “Are you okay?”
Anna drew herself up and arched an eyebrow in Bianca St. John fashion. “Of course I am. It was nothing, really.”
Caroline folded her arms and waited. But Anna was on to her machinations, and could outwait Caroline any day. Anna met Caroline’s gaze evenly, making sure only confidence filled her own gaze.
Finally, Caroline sighed and hugged her tight. “Anna, we’re your friends. We would never betray you, none of us. You can trust us to be yourself. Use this week to figure out your next steps and I’ll be here when you’re ready to talk.”
Steps clomped in the doorway and Anna looked up to see Wyatt laden by her bags and his own duffel, a carefully blank expression on his face. “Where do you want these bags? I think Anna is moving in.”
Caroline pointed to the stairs. “You have your usual rooms, on the left at the end of the hall. Delaney and Ethan just got here and are still upstairs. Brigid and Grady are out on the patio. Join us when you’re settled.”
She turned to Anna and took her face in her hands, peering into Anna’s eyes. “I’m here for you.”
Anna smiled. “I think I’m supposed to say that as bridesmaid. Go on. We’ll be right out.”
Wyatt made a noise. “Any time today. Or you can carry your own bags.”
Anna stalked up the stairs, barely sparing a glance for Wyatt behind her, grumbling under his breath at the weight of her bags. “Anna, you’re here for a week. Did you have to bring your whole life?”
She covered a wince, wondering how soon she’d be packing up her new house and moving, especially if she couldn’t find a new role. Oh, her situation wasn’t that dire. She had squirreled away her salary as much as possible, terrified of the day when she wouldn’t have the steady job, knowing how easy it could be to lose everything. However, she never really thought it could happen to her, not when she had seemed to be on top. How quickly people fell.
Still, she turned and frowned. “I packed light, trust me. Just what I needed. Stop complaining unless you’re not strong enough to handle it. I could always help you.”
He snarled a reply, something incoherent but the meaning was clear. She smothered a grin. Wyatt was so easy to manipulate, at least in this. Then her smile faded, remembering a time when he could see right through her. She had to be careful this week. He had already proven that he was as perceptive as ever, and not fooled by her charms. And she wasn’t sure where he stood with her, if he was still pissed or over the past. His signals were confusing. First, he was cold and distant, then he defended her, like a white knight. To be safe, she’d have to protect herself. Don the armor she wore like a second skin since living in Hollywood until she knew if she was safe, whatever that meant.
Deciding he could handle the luggage-honestly there were only a couple of bags-she headed up the stairs and turned the corner, running smack into the couple she hadn’t expected to see. Delaney Winters, the ice-cold society princess was wrapped around her ex-fiancé, the man she supposedly destroyed when she broke their engagement. Well, they certainly didn’t look broken up. Typical Delaney. Her father was arrested for stealing from all of their social class, hell, he had even tried to convince her middle-class family to invest in his scheme, then, before he could make things right, he died. No justice, not that he would have gotten any. Anna wasn’t stupid. People of his class didn’t go to prison; they went to Club Fed and had a much easier time than the average person.
No, the real punishment was to the people around the criminal-the people they stole from, their families, their friends. Delaney’s father’s crimes had started the fissure in the foundation of their friendship and within weeks, the group had fractured, never to be together until now. And now, Delaney was picking up right where she left off, with the perfect partner, Ethan Van Owen, scion of his family. Anna snorted. Delaney never had to pay for her crimes. Typical.
She stomped her feet, irritably, making enough noise to startle the couple. “Unfreakingbelievable. Get a room, would you? There’s one right there for, God’s sake.”
Ethan and Delaney broke apart, guilty looks on their faces, along with a cloud of lust.
Wyatt dropped the suitcases and leaned down to whisper in Anna’s ear, “Maybe you need to get laid, Anna. Pull that stick out of your ass.”
She glared up at him, foot tapping. She crossed her arms over her chest, restraining the urge to smack the smug look off his face. He only leaned against the wall, his duffel thrown over his back, grinning broadly.
“Sorry, man. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” Wyatt winked at the couple.
Traitor. He was always sympathetic to Delaney, treating her like a princess. Anna resisted the urge to snarl at him and settled for an elbow to his stomach. He barely flinched but she winced at the pain that shot down her arm.
“You weren’t interrupting anything. We were just talking,” Ethan replied smoothly.
“Sure you were, mate.” Wyatt stepped around her and clapped Ethan on the shoulder. Much manly hugging ensued while Anna rolled her eyes.
Meanwhile, Delaney studied Anna with a wary look, as if knowing there was little welcome there. “Anna. Good to see you again.” Delaney held out her hand, and Anna looked at it as if it were a copper head poised to strike.
Anna arched a perfectly manicured brow at the hand. “Is it? Wyatt, my room is down here. Bring my stuff, please.”
She pushed past Delaney, banging her with a suitcase. “Oops. Sorry, Delaney. Did I hurt you?”
She knew it was petty but, damn it, she had let Delaney in, despite her absolute confidence that they were too different, had too much separating them, to really be friends. She had overcome her initial wariness of the cool, beautiful woman, and Delaney had turned her back on Anna, on all of them, when the going got tough, proving that their friendship only ran as deep as a summer creek in the dry season, barely a trickle. Anna wasn’t worth a deeper friendship, wasn’t worth her trust, or her faith when Delaney needed her friends the most. No, Delaney cut them all out of her life and Anna learned to watch her friends, because chances were, they weren’t as good of friends as she thought.
