Chapter 5 Easton
Easton
A weird sense of panic and powerlessness settles heavily in my chest while I sit at the island with Rachel and Nova.
Everything I’ve ever done has been for my baby sister. Fuck, I hardly dated because I didn’t want anything to disrupt our home life. Rachel and Lainey are my entire world. Without my sister, I won’t be able to cope with all the pressure. She’s kept me grounded over the years.
I look at Rachel, who’s only twenty-eight. When our eyes lock and I notice the fear trembling in her irises, my heart breaks a little more.
Getting up from the stool, I move closer and wrap my arms around her. Pressing her head against my stomach, I vow, “I’m going to find someone who can help you. We’ll get through this.”
Rachel doesn’t nod but only grips me tighter.
Fuck. I’m not losing her. I can’t.
Letting go of her, I dig my cell phone out of my pocket and dial Sylvia’s number. She’s been my manager from the beginning and has gotten me out of some serious, shitty situations.
There was one incident where I placed my hand on a teenage girl’s back for a photo. The press blew it totally out of proportion, practically making me out to be some fucking pedophile. Since then, I refuse to touch a female fan. Sylvia made sure the media stopped printing the false information.
Another time, a costar, Kate Phillips, spread lies that she had a sex tape of us. Sylvia went to town on Kate’s ass and got the rumors squashed.
Thankfully, my manager answers on the second ring. “What’s the problem?”
I suck in a desperate breath of air, and for a moment, I’m unable to speak.
“Easton?” Her tone is much more serious as she says, “Talk to me.”
When I finally get the words out, they’re strained. “Rachel is sick. She has cancer.”
It takes a few seconds before Sylvia whispers, “Oh God.” I hear her moving around as she continues, “I’m so sorry, Easton. What do you need me to do?”
“Postpone the filming and find the best doctors who deal with glioblastoma.”
“Glio . . .” Her voice trails away, and it takes a moment before she exclaims, “Jesus! I’m coming over.”
The call ends, and I struggle not to crush the device in my fist as I look at Rachel’s pale face.
“I’m so sorry that you have to postpone filming,” Rachel apologizes, looking absolutely devastated by the hell that’s been unleashed on us.
“Don’t worry about work,” I say to reassure her. “You come first.”
We stare at each other for a moment, then her face crumbles, and folding her arms around her middle, she admits, “I’m scared.”
Christ.
My eyes begin to burn as I pull her to her feet so I can gently wrap her in a hug. Dropping a kiss to her hair, I say, “It’s going to be okay.”
Since Rachel was fifteen, I’ve been her guardian. I’ve done everything in my power to give her a perfect life, and I refuse to consider that I might lose her.
It’s not an option. I’ll spend every last dime I have to save her.
“You’re going to be okay,” I repeat.
Her hold on me tightens before sobs burst from her again.
I press more kisses to the top of her head, then mention, “Sylvia’s coming over. She’ll find the best doctors for us.” I push Rachel backward, and leaning down, I lock eyes with her red-rimmed ones. “I want the details of the doctors you’ve seen and all your test results.”
She nods while turning away from me and walking toward the stairs. “I’ll get everything from my bedroom.”
When it’s just Nova and me in the kitchen, I glance at her while sitting down at the island again. Even though her face is blotchy from crying and her green irises carry a world of sadness, she still gives me a compassionate look.
“I’m so sorry, Easton.” She begins to reach out to me but changes her mind and pulls back her hand. “I’m here if you need anything.”
I have no idea how I’m this calm as I ask, “Can you focus on Lainey? Keep her busy so she doesn’t catch on that something’s wrong until we’re ready to tell her.”
Nova doesn’t hesitate to nod. “Of course. I’ll take her out today so you and Rachel can have time to process everything.”
“I’ll arrange a driver and guards for you,” I mention.
“You don’t have to.”
My eyes lock with hers. “Everyone knows Lainey is my niece. It’s for her safety.”
Nova’s gaze widens slightly, then she whispers, “Oh, right. Of course.”
Even though I’ve just been knocked off my feet, I once again notice how beautiful Nova’s become since I last saw her. When I came down the stairs and saw her sitting at the island, I was stunned speechless for a few seconds, which is a rare thing for me to experience.
Every time Rachel told me about her calls with her best friend, I still pictured the sweet seventeen-year-old girl who was always shy and awkward with me. Now she’s breathtaking with her ginger hair and dark-green eyes.
Over the years, I’ve become cautious around people because of my status, but looking at Nova, there’s a sense of familiarity that sets me at ease.
“Thank you for being here,” I mention.
“Of course,” she whispers, looking a little uncomfortable.
Yeah, she might be all grown up, but she still seems to be shy, which I find endearing.
Hearing Rachel coming down the stairs, I glance over my shoulder and watch her walk toward us.
She sets a folder down on the island, then says, “Everything’s in there.”
Pulling the folder closer, I open it and begin to read through all the documents. When I look at the scans and reports, a fist grips my heart in an unforgiving hold.
Seeing the actual growth in Rachel’s brain makes it all terrifyingly real. In one of my movies, Unhinged Minds, I played a CSI agent who was dying of glioblastoma, so I know enough about the illness to understand what the reports are telling me.
Fuck, it’s bad.
Again, my mind rebels against the thought of losing Rachel, and I search through all the documents for any sign of hope.
Rachel places her hand on my shoulder, and her tone is soft as she says, “I don’t think seeing more doctors will make any difference.”
I shake my head hard while my eyes snap to her face. “I’m not giving up, Rach.”
There’s a knock at the door, and Sylvia calls out, “Easton?”
“In the kitchen,” I reply.
My manager comes rushing in and makes a beeline for my sister. I watch as they hug each other, which makes Rachel cry again.
“I’m so sorry, Rach,” Sylvia says before pulling back.
“I found a specialist in tissue pathology and diagnostic oncology at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia who’s had success with some glioblastoma cases.
I’ve reached out to his office, and as soon as I hear back from them, I’ll let you know. ”
As Sylvia pats my shoulder, I ask, “Who’s the doctor?”
“Professor Anthony Fox,” she answers. “One of his patients has been cancer-free for two years.”
Hope soars in my chest. “I don’t care how much it costs. I want him to look at Rachel’s case as soon as possible.”
Sylvia glances at her wristwatch. “I’ll give them a call once their offices open. It’s only four a.m. in Sydney.” Her attention turns to Nova, and moving closer, she holds out her hand. “Sylvia Sloane. I’m Easton’s manager.”
“Hi,” Nova replies, looking awkward while she shakes Sylvia’s hand. “I’m Nova Allen, Rachel’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet you,” Sylvia says. “Are you from Verona?”
Nova nods and starts to fidget with her empty coffee mug. “Yes. I’ve known Rachel and Easton my whole life.”
Sylvia smiles at Rachel. “You have a whole team of people who love you and will stand by you.”
Rachel only nods, her face way too fucking pale.
I can kick myself for not asking sooner. “How do you feel, Rach?”
She lifts a trembling hand and presses her fingertips to her temple. “I have a headache that’s making me feel nauseated. I need to eat a slice of toast before taking my meds.”
“I’ll prepare it for you.” Nova jumps up from her stool. “Anyone else hungry?”
I can’t think about food right now, so I shake my head. “I’m good.”
“I ate on the flight home,” Sylvia replies.
We all watch Nova as she toasts a few slices of bread, and the air grows heavy again.
Sylvia is the first to break the silence by saying, “I’ve spoken to Tim. He’s not happy. We’ll have to sit down for a meeting to discuss how to proceed.”
“There’s nothing to discuss,” I mutter. “Rachel is my priority now.”
“I know.” Sylvia gives me a sympathetic look but still says, “The meeting has to happen. I’ll ask for a postponement of a month or two. I also left a message for Bobby, so you can expect a call from him. As your agent, he needed to know not to look at any other scripts.”
Christ, I can’t think about work at all.
My temper flares, and I level her with a look of warning as I snap, “We can talk about work later. Now is not the time!”
Nova drops the butter knife, and the sound draws my attention to her. She gives me an apologetic look, and her voice quivers as she whispers, “I’m sorry.”
I notice how tense she is and the trembling in her hand and assume it’s because she’s upset about Rachel.
Sylvia pulls my attention back to her as she agrees, “Okay. I’ll take care of everything at work. You take a few days to process the news.”
The only thing that matters is Rachel. Once she’s receiving treatment, I’ll think about work again.
“Uncle Easton!” Lainey suddenly shouts, and as I glance over my shoulder, I see her running toward me.
I quickly get up and give her a hug before pressing a kiss to her cheek. “How’s my princess?”
“This is the best day ever. I didn’t know you were coming home, and Nova is here.”
“I’m going to head out and do some damage control,” Sylvia interrupts us.
I nod, staring after her as she walks away from us. “Thank you for taking care of everything.”
“Of course. I’ll call once I have news.”
I turn my attention back to Lainey. “I missed you, so I came home early.”
Her face is filled with excitement. “We’re taking Nova shopping and sightseeing today. Are you coming with?”
Before I can reply, Nova hurries closer and wraps an arm around Lainey’s shoulders. “I haven’t seen you in such a long time and was hoping it could be just the two of us today. Would you mind?”
She glances at Rachel, who quickly says, “I think that’s a good idea. You can show Nova all your favorite places.”
“Okay,” Lainey agrees. “I’ll go get dressed.”
We all watch my niece head back up the stairs before Nova brings the toast and a glass of juice to the island.
“Eat so you can take your medication,” I tell Rachel. I glance at Nova. “Thanks for stepping in with Lainey.”
“Of course. I’m just going to go grab my handbag.”
I pull my phone out and dial the number for my driver, who’s on standby during the day. When Izak answers the call, I say, “I need you to drive Lainey and a close family friend around today. Be ready in ten minutes and tell Tyler.”
“Yes, sir.”
With that taken care of, I let out a sigh while I pick up my half-empty mug. I’m not a big coffee drinker, but seeing as I can’t have alcohol so early in the morning, caffeine will have to do.
While I’m sipping on the lukewarm beverage, Nova comes back into the kitchen and asks Rachel, “Where do you keep your medicine?”
“In my bathroom cabinet,” she answers. “I’ll go up and take it as soon as I’m done with my toast and juice.”
Nova seems to think about something before she asks, “Does Lainey have money? In case she wants to go shopping.”
When Rachel starts to get up from her stool, I say, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”
I pull my wallet out of my pocket and take one of the credit cards from it. I place the card down in front of Nova and say, “There’s no limit. Lainey can get whatever she wants.”
“Okay,” Nova murmurs as she carefully picks up the card, as if she’s scared she’ll break it.
“Get something for yourself as well,” Rachel adds, and it has me agreeing, “Yes. Have fun today.”
Nova quickly shakes her head, an awkward expression flitting over her features. “Oh no, I couldn’t.”
“Lainey is going to shop until you’re dead on your feet, so you might as well get something out of it,” Rachel chuckles.
“No, really, I’m fine,” Nova declines again. “I’m just going to enjoy spending time with her.”
Any other woman in LA would jump at the chance of a free shopping day with my credit card, but the offer makes Nova look very uncomfortable.
Before I can look too deeply at Nova’s response, Lainey comes barreling down the stairs again. “I’m ready!”
I glance at my niece and tell her, “Nova has one of my credit cards. Get anything you want and buy a few things for your aunt.”
“Yay!” she shrieks. “There’s a new fashion line out that all the girls at school are talking about.”
Rachel pulls her daughter in for a hug and plants a kiss on her cheek. “Enjoy the day with Nova.”
“I will.”
Seeing Lainey’s excitement has a smile forming around Nova’s lips, and it makes my eyes lock on her breathtakingly beautiful face.
She’s definitely going to draw attention while she’s visiting.
Getting up from the stool, I walk out of the house with Nova and Lainey.
Tyler, the head of my security team, is having a cigarette while he’s talking to Izak.
“Tyler, keep a close eye on Lainey and Nova,” I order.
He nods before asking, “Are you planning to go anywhere else today?”
I shake my head. “I’m staying in with Rachel.”
They all climb into the black SUV, and after I watch them drive away, I suck in a fortifying breath before heading back into the house.