Beyond Famous (Famous #3) (51 page)

 I stretched my legs out in front of me and continued to stroke the puppy.  "Not today.  I'm thinking I'm gonna blow off the London premiere."

 Nathan's eyes widened.  "What? I thought you'd want to go and hang with Cade's Family."

 I shrugged.  Cade was leaving for France the next day and would just miss me. "London won't be the same without him. It's bad enough in L.A."  He looked at me for a moment, studying my bland expression.  I glanced up at him.  "What?'

Nate shook his head.  "Nothing.  I never thought I'd hear you say you wanted to skip something for this film.  You were so jacked to get this role."

 I shrugged again.  "I know.  I guess my priorities have changed."

 Nate got up and went toward the kitchen. "Want something to drink? I’m thirsty."

 "Nah. Thanks, though."  I stared at the ceiling and ran a hand through my hair when Lucky hopped off my lap and settled next to me.  The wide release of my film was the same weekend as my birthday, and even though I told Cade it didn’t matter, I was sad we wouldn’t be together.  "Nate, does Mom or Dad have anything planned for my birthday?"  I called loudly, so he could hear me in the other room.  The refrigerator door opened and shut with a bang before he wandered back into the room. With their separation it might be better just to skip any family gatherings for a while.

 He was scratching his stomach through the dark red T-shirt he was wearing over his jeans.  "Even if I knew, I couldn't tell you, sis.  Mom would have my ass."

 I turned and lay down on the couch when he returned to the big chair he’d been sitting in.  "Please?  I really need to know."  

My brain was racing, remembering how much fun it had been to surprise Cade on that first Christmas in London, between shooting our first two films.  My heart ached and I felt so empty without him.  There couldn't be a better birthday present than seeing him.

 "Why?  You haven't made plans, have you? You said Cade will still be working in France, so...."

 "Yeah, exactly."  I looked him in the eye and his eyebrows shot up.

 "Are you thinking of going to France?"

 I bit my lip.  "More like just
decided
.  I spoke to him this morning and we're... it's been over a month since we've seen each other.  I know, you think I'm sappy, and but I miss him."

 "Maybe two years ago I would have considered it sappy, but not after you two got together. How's he doing over there?"

 "Okay.   I'm sure the film will be brilliant, but he's lonely.  I can hear it in his voice.  So?  Do they have plans for my birthday or what?"

 "Yeah. Mom and I were coming to the London premiere."

 My heart fell slightly at the possibility of disappointing my mom, but I knew he'd understand if I explained.

“That’s really sweet, but I'm sorry, but I have to do this. I’ll pay him back for the tickets and hotels. Or why don’t you still go? It’s the next best thing to my being there.”

“Seriously? Awesome!”

I left Nathan in the den and went into the kitchen to get my phone.

 Jeanne answered on the first ring.  "Hey, baby!  Are you excited for this weekend?"

 "I am now, Jeanne.  I've decided to go to Toulon."

 "Ugh.  You have the release of
The Dysto
-" she began.

 "I have a lonely man over there, and nothing you can say will change my mind."

 "Have you considered that he's trying to get to you?  Wouldn't it just be the shit if you passed each other over the Atlantic ocean?  And the movie studio won't be happy if you go MIA this weekend."

 "Tell them what's up and call Denise.  Make sure Cade doesn't leave Toulon."  My heart was beating faster in my chest.

 "We knew you'd do this, Brook.  It's been done," Jeanne said with a laugh.

 "What?" I asked, out of breath, excitement pulsing through every cell. 

 "KLM is the only airline with a flight from L.A. to Toulon, but it's got one stop for fuel in Paris. It’s twelve hours in flight, Brook." 

 My eyes widened.  I wished I could hug her.  "Jeanne!  I love you for doing this.  Did you book me?"

 "Yeah.  The flight leaves at 7:48 tonight and gets into Toulon around 1:30 in the afternoon their time tomorrow.  The guys will pick you up at 5:30."

 My heart was about to fly from my chest.  I had all day to pack, but I was already pulling my bag from the closet.  "I fucking love you, Jeanne!"

 "Well, you owe me and Denise's big time!  Cade is in a foul mood because she practically nailed him down over there."

 "He hinted that on the phone this morning, but he didn't seem mad at her. He's almost finished filming, and if I were rational, I could see him in a few weeks when we’re both free, but..." I laughed out loud, giddy with excitement.  "I'll admit it, I'm not rational when it comes to Cade.  I can't wait to get my hands on him, Jeanne!  Oh my God! I’m so excited to see him."

 She laughed on the other end.

 "He doesn't know, right?"

 "Nope.  We didn't want to get his hopes up in case I couldn't get you out of your commitments."

 "Let's keep it that way.  I love surprising him."

 "He'll be one happy Brit, Brook.  It's your birthday, but he's getting a present."

 "Seeing him is the best gift I could get.  I need to call my parents.  Maybe my mom and Nathan can come out in a few days?  I want to have a couple days alone with Cade first, though."

 "I'll check with Diane and try to work it out, Brook."

 "Great.  Thanks, Jeanne.  You rock. Love you!"

 CHRIST, I WAS TIRED.
  And I was worried.  I hadn't talked to Brook all day, and she only answered one text.  My driver was rushing through Toulon to the little jeweler that Denise found on the west side of downtown.  Very exclusive; full of antiques, but also unique pieces.  The owner was an old man who was known for his special orders.

 I sighed and ran a hand through my hair, which was still caked with the gel they put in it for my character.  It was longer than I normally liked it, but the producers wouldn't let me cut it.  It was driving me bonkers and the only benefit to having it longer wasn't with me.  Brook loved to thread her hands through it and tug on it when we made love. Now there was a thought.

 I glanced at my watch.  It was ten in the morning and so it would be midnight in L.A.  I pulled out my phone and looked at the list of incoming calls; one from my mum, one from Daniel, and two from Denise.  Not one from my girl. 
What the fuck?

 I was living on our playlist and every photo I could find of her online when I wasn't on set or sleeping.  I was thankful for the exhaustion because otherwise I wouldn't sleep at all.  I was constantly clock-watching, trying to get in a call to Brook whenever I had a minute.  I’d had months of commitments, but I was to the point that I needed some extended time off.  I needed a break to see my family, write music, train my dog and be with Brook.

 The shop was old and musty smelling, and had deep red carpeting and lots of glass cases with brass fittings all around.  A crystal chandelier hung from the center of the white ceiling lined with antique tiles embossed with a Fleur de Lis design.  I was anxious to see what he had made for me.  I'd described the bracelet that I'd given Brook on her birthday last year in the hope that he could duplicate it in to a necklace.  The bracelet didn't grace her wrist often, not when she was in public so much, so the necklace could nestle underneath most of her clothes and not be seen.  At least she'd be able to wear it more often.

 I fingered the black shoestring that was tied around my right wrist.  Ever since that limo ride back from Comic Con last year, we both wore it whenever we were apart.  So many of the fans noticed and made the connection, but it was something we could do without blatantly going against our contracts.  Those days were over, the contracts no longer valid, but we still wore them because it kept us close.

 Mr. Abel, the proprietor, must have been eighty years old, but still his frail hands were steady as a rock.  He looked up from where he was working, a smile splitting across his weathered face.  "Ah!  Caden!" he said, his accent thick as he scooted off of his stool to move toward me.  "It's finished!  Just as you wanted!"

 "Thank you, sir," I said politely, but bristled with impatience as he turned to retrieve the leather box from the case behind him.  He opened it and set it in front of me.  Nestled on the black velvet lining was a perfect replica of Brook's infinity bracelet.  Platinum with one diamond and one emerald in the center, a very fine box chain ran through one of the loops.

My fingers hovered over the delicate piece.  "It's perfect."

 "I see how strong you love this girl, Caden.  She is a lucky girl," the old man said quietly.

"Thank you for getting it finished.  Her birthday is in four days, and now I have time to send it to her.  It's brilliant."  I smiled and closed the box, pulling out my wallet and handing him a wad of cash.  Credit cards left trails and this wasn't something I wanted to share with the world.  This was between Brook and me.

 "Maybe you come back for wedding rings, eh?" The old man's brown eyes were alight with mischief and I smiled broadly in response.  "You marry this girl, yes?"

 "Yes, I'm sure I will.  She already has an engagement ring, but you're the first on my list for wedding rings when the time comes."

 "You bring her here? I have special present for the two of you."  He put the jewelry box into a bag and shook my hand before handing it to me.

 "I would if I could, sir, but Brook won't be in France at all during this trip."  I silently cringed since I doubted we'd have an occasion to be back unless we made it a point to do so.

 "Oh, no. That is very sad.  I am sorry. Will you sign?"  He pointed to a piece of paper on the counter.  I glanced at it.  Was he asking for an autograph?  It was blank, not a photo or book, which were the normal canvases I was asked to sign on.

 "Uh... of course."  My brain was shooting off warning signals that I shouldn't be leaving any evidence that I was there, but the old man was so kind, I couldn't resist.  I signed the paper quickly.

 "Please come back. Five days?" He asked with a smile. "I will have a gift."

 "That isn't necessary, Mr. Abel.  I am so happy to have this finished.  It's all I could ask..."

 "Caden, come back. Five days."  He patted my shoulder and nodded.

 "Yes, sir.  I will."  I thanked him again, and Bill, the bodyguard, motioned that it was clear to get back in the car.  I leaned my head back on the leather seat and closed my eyes, the box in my hand burned and my heart swelled as I smiled.  She loved the bracelet and she would love the necklace as well.  Too bad I couldn't see her face when she opened it.

 "Back to set, right, Cade?"  Bill asked from the front seat.  I still had one more scene to shoot before sundown; an outside scene in the streets.  I found it funny the studio used the South of France to find a set akin to 18th century Paris.  Paris would have worked, but it was expensive and crowded. I glanced at my phone again; still no call from Brook.

 "Yes," I answered tiredly.

 "It's almost over," Bill said quietly. 

 "One more week."  I was supposed to go to London when I was finished, but if I couldn't convince Brook to meet me there, I knew I'd be headed back to Los Angeles.  Either way, in a week, she'd be in my arms no matter what.

 I WAS SLEEPY. 
It was 1:45 in the afternoon, but to me it was just before 4 AM.  I hated jet lag.  As the bodyguards rushed me through customs, I was thankful that there weren't any press shoving cameras in my face.  Europe wasn't nearly as horrific as the United States and it was one of the things I always enjoyed about visiting. This smaller town was even less invasive.

 Cade would be working, so I had time to go back and clean up.  Denise made arrangements to get a key to Cade's room for me and I was strangely excited just to walk through those doors.  He wouldn't be there, but his stuff would be, his scent... and it would ease the constant ache.

 My stomach fluttered as I passed the key in the lock and the door clicked.  I pushed it open, and one of the guards followed me in with my bag. I pointed to the couch and he set it down.