“Band?”
“No again. I didn’t do clubs or sports. Just wasn’t into any of that.” She shrugs again. “Honestly, if my name weren’t Greene, no one would’ve known me in this school.”
“I find that hard to believe.” I can’t help the way my gaze dips down her body.
“It’s true. Chevelle was the one all the guys wanted.”
“That surprises me.”
That’s the truth. Chevelle seems great, but she seems like a bit of a party girl. Which, now that I’m thinking about it, might have seemed like easier pickings for a high school guy, rather than a quiet girl with deep thoughts like the woman in front of me now. Still, I have no doubt Posey had her share of admirers whether she knew it or not.
We continue walking. She points out the cafeteria, the auditorium, the office, the music room. When she’s pretty much done with the tour, we walk back to the auditorium to grab our coats and belongings. Perfect timing, because Al is just finishing.
On the way down the hall to leave, I figure I’ve used every excuse I have to spend time with Posey, and I try to think of a way to keep her in my presence.
“Can I ask you a question?” Her voice is so quiet I barely hear her.
“Always.”
“Why are you meeting with the kids tomorrow?”
“You mean because they can’t vote?” I chuckle and she joins me, nodding.
“Yeah.”
“Because they’re the best ones to tell me what needs to change around here. The youth is our future. They have their own perspective.”
I open the door for her to exit and find that the weather is warmer than it’s been at night in weeks. It’s still coat weather, which I’ve come to love. At first when I moved here, I thought I’d miss the LA weather, but I don’t at all.
“And you really believe that we should take from the tourism budget and give to the schools?”
“I do. I understand that tourism is how Sunrise Bay survives and I’m not saying it’s not important, but we have to take care of ourselves too. The youth have to have the same advantages as other kids. If they don’t, then what’s the point? I just think we should come first. And by we, I mean the residents.”
She doesn’t say anything for a moment, and I figure, like a lot of Sunrise Bay lifers, she probably hates the idea.
“It’s the opposite philosophy from my mom’s,” she says. “She believes in making tourism priority number one.”
I nod, lips pressed together. “I know.”
I saw her reaction to my answers at the debate. She thinks that this mayor thing isn’t important to me. Which is fine, because I love to prove people wrong. The casting director who said I was nothing special. The agent who wouldn’t take me on after The Carters because I’d never be a heartthrob. Everyone thought of me as the little adorable kid with snappy comebacks.
“It’s a unique outlook no one before you has had. I’m interested to see it pan out.” She smiles and walks toward her car. “Good luck, Price.”
I follow her, and both of our hands land on the handle of her door at the same time. “Please, allow me.” My voice is gruffer than normal.
She stares at me for an uncomfortable minute, then her hand slides out from under mine. “Thank you.”
“You know, Posey, I—”
She shakes her head. “Don’t say it. We’re on opposite sides now, and maybe that will change in the future, but right now, you’re my enemy.”
I shake my head. “That’s crazy.”
“Is it though?” Her head tilts. “You’re standing in the way of what my mom wants. I’m sorry, but that puts you here.” She holds out her left hand, then her right hand comes up. “And me here.” We’re as far apart as her arms will reach.
I nod, stepping back from her car. “Have a good night.”
“Good night, Gavin.”
I watch from a few footsteps back as she starts her car and pulls out of the parking lot.
“That woman’s an enigma,” Al says from beside his beat-up Chevrolet.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re not the first guy to try to figure her out. Those Greenes… something sets them each back. Whether it’s Hank’s or Marla’s kids, you gotta get through their hard exterior before you’re rewarded. I’ve seen many guys fail because of a lack of trying or giving up, just as they would have won. Sad really. Tread carefully.” He gets into his pickup truck.
What the hell? He acts as if the Greenes are a different species.
I haven’t shied away from much in my life except for the press. I’m not going to start now.
I finish my run and see two missed calls. A long time ago, I decided I didn’t care whose call I missed, my runs are for me, and I wouldn’t sacrifice that time.
“Loved your thoughts at the debate,” Fran calls to me. She and her three friends are on the park bench.
Does it creep me out that they watch me with such intent? Hell yes, but they seem harmless.
“Thank you, ladies.” I wink and they each sigh.
I learned a long time ago I might not like having that effect on someone, but I have no control over it. Five years ago, I tried the whole scruffy face with unruly long hair thing. The more unkempt I became, the more attractive people thought I was. I was named sexiest man by People magazine that year.
I press my voice mail button, already knowing what to expect. I’ve been dragging my feet on contacting my agent, Darby.
“Gav, you have to return my phone call. People are calling for you, wanting you to audition. They don’t care about the rehab thing. You’re one of many, just like I told you. Call me today please.”
I sit down on the grass hill, staring at the bay, drinking my water. I need to send her the termination paperwork, which will mean paying her for ending my contract early. When I signed the one-year contract four months ago, I thought I could do it—go back to acting. But my first gig after rehab proved I was over it. But if that’s the truth, why haven’t I sent the termination paper back and ended it for good?
The next message plays. “Sweetie, it’s Mom.” As if I didn’t know. “Darby called looking for you. Please tell me you’re safe. If you’re in a bad way, come home. It’s okay. Please just call Darby. I love you, sweetie. Bye.”
The fact it took a call from my agent for her to worry whether I’m passed out in a ditch or high on pills reminds me of where my parents’ loyalty lies.
Standing, I pocket my cell phone and turn to go home to shower before heading to the high school, but I freeze when I see Posey outside the inn. Her sister Mandi is at her side and they’re talking. Posey’s head falls back in laughter.
She’s so beautiful. I wish I was the guy who could show her that. But the harder I push, the further I feel her pull away. Hopefully, one day she’ll find a guy who treats her as special as she is. Who worships her body, whispering how amazing she is. Someone to hold her hand as they stroll through downtown, showing her off because he’s the lucky bastard who got her.
Too bad that guy won’t be me.
I trudge up the hill, knowing I should go another way. What can I say? I suck at listening to my inner self. So instead of heading home for a protein shake and a shower, I’m suddenly being shown to a table on the terrace of the restaurant at the inn so I can have breakfast.