The Summer of Sunshine and Margot(92)

Later he would mull over the fact that Margot knew him as well as she did, and that she had stood up for him, but right now he had a very angry, possibly hurt woman standing in front of him. He thought of a dozen responses, casting each of them aside. There was no way to convince Bianca he hadn’t deliberately set out to disappoint her. And saying that her reaction to his refusal was over-the-top wouldn’t help, either. Since when were they a—

He replayed the words in his mind, then hid a smile.

“‘I should have known that one day a woman would rip us apart, leaving us with nothing’?” he asked. “What movie is that line from? It’s familiar, but I can’t place it.”

She turned away. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Gardens of Snow. That’s it, isn’t it?”

Bianca’s choices in movie roles had never been conventional or expected. She’d played a lesbian in Gardens of Snow decades ago, long before that lifestyle had gained much acceptance.

“It’s what you said to your partner when you found out she was cheating on you.”

The glare returned. “Your excellent memory is annoying and inconvenient.”

“Too bad.” He put his hands on her shoulders and kissed her forehead. “I love you, but there will be no photo shoot.”

“You never let me have any fun.”

“By now you should be used to that.”



Chapter Twenty-Three


Sunshine finished getting ready for her girls’ night out with Phoebe. Despite liking the idea of having more friends in her life, she would really have preferred to stay home. Her tutoring sessions with Ann were starting to make a big difference and she wanted to go over her homework again. There was also the fact that she still had to wear a large bandage on her hand. But she’d promised to be there when Phoebe had texted to confirm and remind Sunshine “to wear something pretty so they could both feel special.”

Right on time, Sunshine walked into the Italian bistro in downtown Pasadena. Phoebe had said she would be waiting in the bar. Sunshine looked around, spotted Phoebe, then froze when she saw the other woman sitting at a table with two guys.

What on earth? Why would Phoebe be with two guys? Sunshine had assumed the evening out was a ruse so Phoebe could find out what was going on with Declan. She’d expected to be grilled and possibly to have to deal with tears.

Phoebe saw her, stood and hurried to greet her.

“Don’t be mad,” she said by way of greeting. “I know I said girls’ night out, but a double date will be more fun. It’s not like you’re seeing anyone.”

“Didn’t Declan tell you I was in a relationship?” She’d told him to mention that on his date with Phoebe.

“Maybe. I don’t remember. You just didn’t seem like you were.”

“But I thought you wanted to hang out so you could ask me about Declan.”

Phoebe dismissed that thought with a wave. “We had a night, it was great and then I moved on. What’s the big deal?” She turned back to the table. “The guy on the right is Marcus. Isn’t he yummy? He’s with me. You’re with Steven. He’s divorced, a movie producer maybe and super nice.” She linked arms with Sunshine. “Come on. Let’s go say hi.”

Sunshine resisted moving. “So you’re not interested in Declan?”

“No. Does he think I am? It’s always so hard when guys are needy. Oh well. Tonight is going to be fun. It’s two guys, a couple of drinks and a good time. What’s not to like?”

Sunshine looked back at the table. Marcus was a big guy—broad shoulders with plenty of muscle. He had dark skin and gorgeous eyes. Steven had an olive complexion and short, dark hair. Sunshine had no idea what to do. Leaving made the most sense but felt so dramatic.

“One drink,” she said.

“Perfect.”

Phoebe dragged her to the table. Both men stood as they approached.

“Marcus, Steven, this is my friend Sunshine.”

They all sat down.

The server came over and took their drink orders. Sunshine ordered a glass of white wine that she wouldn’t drink and promised herself on her way home she was so going by Taco Bell. After Phoebe’s setup, she deserved some comfort food.

Sunshine pushed away thoughts of tacos and burritos and smiled at Steven. “So, Phoebe mentioned you’re in the movie business. What do you do?”

Steven gave her a self-satisfied smile. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”

“Um, yes. That’s why I asked.”

His expression turned serious. “I don’t like to talk about it.”

“Okay. So are you from around here?”

“You mean Pasadena? No. Of course not.”

“Then Los Angeles?”

“I moved here a while back.”

“From where?”

He frowned. “What’s with all the questions?”

Sunshine held up both hands. “Sorry. Just making polite conversation. I’ll be quiet and let you talk.”

“Traffic was terrible getting here. I usually don’t like to go east of I5 if I can help it. There’s nothing out here.”

“Not counting entire communities,” she murmured.

“What? You mean people live out here? Sure, but who are they? What’s important to them?” He leaned toward her. “One thing I like about making movies is telling a story. That’s the secret to success, you know. Telling a story.”