Page 49 of The VIP Doubles Down

“You mean your first Julian Best novel didn’t sell right away?”

Gavin snorted. “It took me a while to find Julian, and even then, it took Jane’s ruthless editorial pen to whip him into shape.”

“It’s rough when an editor doesn’t like your character, but it’s got to be worse when a casting director doesn’t likeyou.”

“You must have loved him very much.”

She looked startled.

“You’re still making excuses for him.” He had done that for Irene. For too long.

She twisted her fingers into a lock of her hair, making him want to do the same. “Troy and I were high school sweethearts.” She shrugged. “He’s in LA now with a short-term role on a soap opera. If they like him, it might become permanent. I wish him success.”

The information about her ex being three thousand miles away loosened a tightness Gavin hadn’t known he was feeling. “How long were you married?”

“Five years, give or take.” She picked up her fork. “You should eat or your omelet will get cold.”

Five years.His omelet was already cold, but he ate it so he had time to rearrange the pieces of Allie in his mind. She’d been part of a couple for a significant amount of time. That changed a person, especially when the couple broke apart.

If she were a character in one of his books, he’d have to go back and rewrite all the scenes she was in to drop in clues about her backstory. He’d made assumptions based on his own preconceived notions, not on her reality.

“Why do you keep looking at me that way?” she asked, her tone challenging.

“Because I can’t wrap my mind around the fact that you were married for so long.”

“Long? My grandparents were married for fifty-seven years.” She began to stack the plates. “I was a failure in the longevity department.”

“There must have been serious problems for you to give up on the marriage.”

“At some point you have to admit you made a mistake.” She shrugged and stood up. “The one positive feature this building has is plenty of hot water, so you can shower while I do the dishes if you’d like. And if you don’t mind the cat’s litter box.” She gave him a rueful smile.

“I’ll help you with the dishes,” he said.

“You cooked. I clean up. That’s the deal in this household.” She headed for the kitchen.

So many divorced couples he knew hurled all the blame at the other partner. His Allie took it on herself.

Walking to the bedroom, he opened the door Allie had closed, and the cat bolted out like a gray streak.

“Yes, Miss Pie, I saved you some of my breakfast,” he heard Allie say from the kitchen.

The warmth in her voice tempted him to go watch her interact with the cat, but he wanted aNew York Times, so he retrieved his shoes and socks. As he tucked in his shirt, his cell phone vibrated.

“I’m alive and well, Ludmilla,” he said.

“I know, Mr.Gavin. Security tell me if you aren’t,” his housekeeper said, deadpan. “You have important visitor.”

He glanced at his watch. “On Sunday morning? I didn’t schedule any meetings.”

“Is friend on unexpected visit.” A male voice sounded in the background. “One minute,” Ludmilla said.

“Gavin, I didn’t want Ludmilla to tell you who was here because I was afraid you’d refuse to come home.”

A grin tugged at the corners of Gavin’s mouth. “Hugh, you son of a gun. When did you get into town?”

Hugh Baker’s acting career had been launched by his role as Julian Best, but he was now a superstar in his own right. He could have handed over the role of Julian to another actor, but his gratitude and friendship with Gavin kept him in the franchise.

“Late last night. I’m filming a PSA—sorry, public service announcement—for the next couple of days. I hoped I could beg a room from you.”