Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68743 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 275(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Before he could freak out, Serenity, his father, and Harrison walked over, joining them. Serenity was a beautiful woman. Her hair had been long until she’d recently had it cut to her shoulders, accentuating her features. Most importantly, she had a good heart.
“I’m so happy to be here,” Michael said. “I wish everyone could have come but it’s also nice to get more one-on-one time with you boys.”
Boys. Asher held back a laugh, knowing what his father meant. “I’m happy you’re here, too.” He rose to his feet. “Serenity, take the chair.”
“Thanks, hon.” She treated him to a warm smile and sat down, stretching out her legs.
His father lowered himself on the end of her seat, placing a hand on his wife’s calf. Harrison settled on the edge of Zach’s chair, shoving his legs to the other side to give himself more room.
“I’ll get more lounges in this area so we can all talk.”
Asher pulled out his phone and texted Corey to rearrange the chairs, then glanced at his family. “I want to check on Nikki. I’ll be right back.”
He walked over where she was still on her call, facing away from him.
“Meg?” Nikki paused. “I need to go. And since you don’t really like me, you should lose my number.” She disconnected the call and turned around, noticing him for the first time. “Oh! Hi.”
Her tone and cool words hadn’t sounded like the Nikki he knew. But if she was standing up for herself around the so-called friends she said she couldn’t trust? He was all for it.
“Hi,” he said. “Everything okay?”
Her smile filled him in places he hadn’t known were empty.
“Actually? Everything is great.” Her eyes sparkled with the truth of her statement.
“Okay then.” He let out a relieved breath, glad she wasn’t upset.
“I told Meg I’m finished with modeling, too.”
He shook his head. “I should be surprised but you’ve said you aren’t happy. Still, don’t you want to think things through after all this… other stuff blows over?” He didn’t mention the photos.
He’d been in touch with Derek, and the social media frenzy surrounding Nikki was dying down. The reporters weren’t stalking her building anymore, which meant they were getting closer to the end. He knew Nikki had spoken to her brother, too, but she hadn’t mentioned it and Asher didn’t bring it up.
“No. I don’t need to think. For the first time, I can see clearly. Even if I hate the reason I had to hide, getting away has helped me clear my mind.” She shrugged, seeming calm. “I have to tell my agent, but I’m certain. I have enough in savings for me to take time off after I get home and figure out what comes next.”
Zach was right. She was smart and wise for her age. Not that Asher hadn’t noticed it before. “How about you come hang out with my family and later you can spend some time with Harrison and ask him about movie production?”
Nikki stared.
“What is it?” he asked.
“You get me.” She’d said something similar last night, but now she sounded truly surprised. “Where my parents would be yelling, where Derek would support me but worry, you’re just… there for me. Helping me move forward.”
“You’re bright, Nikki. You’re smart enough to know what you want. I believe in you.”
Her eyes filled and she flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
He hugged her back, ignoring the heat of her against his bare chest and trying not to imagine what his family was thinking about them as he held on tight.
* * *
Later that night, after a surprise lobster dinner that Maggie had arranged, Asher sat in the comfortably large family room with his parents and Zach, having an after-dinner drink. It was late and everyone was tired after their day of travel and time out in the sun. The men wore shorts and the women were in light dresses, the typical casual outfits when on the island.
Serenity had just finished telling a story about how the boys had gotten themselves into trouble in college. “Nothing too serious, thank goodness.”
“I’m already turning gray,” Michael said. “I definitely am ready for a little peace and quiet, which I thought I would get once they were away.” He chuckled and shook his head. “It’s a wonder we survived all of you.”
Asher grinned.
“Amen,” Zach added.
“What are Harrison and Nikki talking about? They’ve been huddled together for an hour,” Zach said.
Asher glanced at the two sitting in the far corner of the room. “I’m pretty sure he’s telling her about filmmaking and production. She’s had it with modeling and wants to quit for good.”
“That poor girl.” Serenity’s expression softened. “She’s been through a lot, having to hide out until the press leaves her alone.”
“She has no parental support, either.” He wasn’t betraying Nikki’s confidence, as Derek had always told him as much.