VALOROUS (A Quantum Novel)(28)

“If we make it very clear that we’ll never again discuss it, that should put an end to it for us. Others can say what they will, but it’ll be a dead subject for us.”

His cheek twitches with tension as he contemplates what I’ve said. After a long pause during which I have no idea what he’s thinking, he says, “Carolyn Justice. She’s the only one I trust to handle this properly.”

Carolyn Justice is a goddess, and I’ve been a fan of her show for years. “Okay.”

“You’re sure, Nat? Please don’t do this for me. My career and I will be just fine if we never say a word about this to anyone.”

“I’m sure, and I’m doing it for us, so we can have some peace and put a stop to the frenzy. If we do the interview and answer all their questions, then maybe they’ll move on to something else, and we can go to the SAG Awards without worrying about getting slammed with questions.”

Another long silence ensues. “I’ll have Liza set it up.”

“Are you angry at me?”

His eyes widen with surprise. “Angry at you? Why in the hell would I ever be angry at you?”

“Because I’m pushing you to do something you don’t want to do.”

He places his hands on my shoulders and draws me into his embrace. “I am not angry at you. I could never be angry at you. I think you’re fearless and fabulous and you amaze me every day with your strength and your courage and your fortitude. I’m angry that you’ve been put in this position in the first place. I’m angry at people who feed off the pain of others. I’ll never understand how someone entrusted with your most personal business could sell you out to the highest bidder.” He looks down at me and kisses my forehead. “I am not angry at you.”

I snuggle up to him. “You’ve been so tense.”

“A lot on my mind, sweetheart. This has been so nice, to have this time with you, relaxing and sleeping and stuff.”

I laugh at the word “stuff.”

“But I have to go back to work one of these days.”


“I’ve sort of wondered when that would happen.”

“We’ve got a meeting coming up for the foundation, and at some point I’ve got to be at the office with Hayden. He’s into postproduction on the new film that has defied naming. I’ve got to make some decisions on future projects. A lot to do.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve been keeping you from your work.”

“You haven’t been. I’ve enjoyed every second that we’ve spent together, and I’m looking forward to much more.”

“I was wondering… About the foundation.”

“What about it?”

“Would it be possible—and please feel free to say no if it’s not a good idea…”

His smile makes his eyes twinkle, and I’m struck again by how gorgeous he is. That I get to hug him and kiss him and make love with him any time I want still amazes me all these days later. “What’s your idea, sweetheart?”

“I’d like to be involved with the foundation.” I swallow hard. “If it’s okay with you.”

“Yes, of course it’s okay. I should’ve thought to ask you.”

“I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t think I could make a contribution.”

“I’d love for you to be part of it in any role you wish to take.”

I’m filled with the giddy sort of joy that reminds me of how I felt the night before my first day at school. “Thank you.”

“I guess I’d better go call Liza and make her day—and Carolyn’s. You’re really sure about this?”

“I’m sure. While you’re at it, call Addie, too. Tell her we’re going to the SAG Awards because my boyfriend is expected to win, and I need her and her stylist pal Tenley to fix me up.”

“You got it, sweetheart.” He kisses me and squeezes my hand before he leaves the room to go make his calls.





I have to do something. I can’t bear sitting around waiting for things to happen. I’m a proactive kind of guy, and this situation is forcing me to be reactive. I’m on the verge of losing my mind.

Liza and Natalie have talked me into the interview with Carolyn against my better judgment. Though I’ve had nothing but positive dealings with Carolyn in the past, I fear the interview will make everything worse rather than better. I know it’s irrational because Carolyn is a consummate professional, but I can’t help the way I feel.

I go into the office and shut the door. Dropping into the chair, I put my feet up on the desk and try to get myself together. Losing my shit isn’t going to make anything better for Natalie.

I need a shrink, but since I don’t know one I can call out of the blue, I settle for the next best thing. I call my dad. I’m not worried about interrupting his day, because he always takes calls from his family, no matter what he’s doing.

He answers on the second ring. “Hey there.”

“Hi, Dad. Am I getting you at a bad time?”

“Not at all. What’s wrong?”

“What makes you think there’s something wrong?”

“You’ve been my son for thirty-three years. I knew with ‘Hi, Dad’ that something was wrong.”