Chapter 31
ALEX
T here was good news all around today.
Jared’s case would be settled. And breakfast with Aiden’s parents had gone better than I had hoped.
I was surprisingly at ease, especially with Aiden’s mum. She reminded me of my own. Tough but loving, and fierce when it came to her family.
Speaking of family, I sent a group text to my parents and my sister Lucinda for a video chat.
I wanted to give them the news about Jared and Aiden before we became the news.
The relief I felt this morning was tempered with the knowledge that not everyone was as accepting as Aiden’s parents.
My worries began to mount, but I forced them aside.
While on set later that afternoon, I watched Jared directing Dylan and Tate in a fight scene. The whole choreography was amazing to watch.
One thing I could say for certain, I was never bored on this job. But I was doing a lot of thinking about what was coming next.
Maybe I could sell the business and do something else. But what?
I wanted to have a flexible schedule, to spend as much time with Jared and Aiden as possible. There would be a lot of travel ahead.
If Jared and I remained in the US. He’d hinted that he was open to leaving Los Angeles.
The press in the UK could be just as relentless, but maybe we could have a home base outside of London. Or somewhere else in Europe. Something to investigate.
Aiden’s mom and dad were curious about the workings of the movie set, and Jared had invited them to come along with us.
Juliana and Kiernan were battling it out on who could ask the most questions. Kiernan was winning.
My mobile pinged and I glanced at the message.
Lucinda: Let’s do a call now!
My nerves kicked up, and fuck, I hadn’t felt this anxious since I came out to my parents when I was seventeen.
Here goes nothing…
I found an empty dressing room and closed myself in, then I tapped the call link.
My sister’s smiling face popped up first.
She and I shared the same blue eyes and dark hair (well, she had long hair, I barely had any) but that was about it.
Lucinda was petite and delicate-looking, but she was anything but. She was strong as hell from baking all day, every day and had a voice like an air siren.
My sister didn’t know the meaning of the word ‘subtle,’ and she didn’t take shit from anyone.
“Lexi, how are you? Why the fuck don’t you call me more often?”
I laughed at my sister’s frankness. She would get along famously with Aiden.
But her booming comment had me scrambling to turn down the volume on my mobile. I didn’t want anyone to overhear this conversation.
Especially my nickname…
“I work weird hours. You know that, Luce. And I’m good. How’s John? And Lewis and Iain?”
“Everyone’s doing well. The kids are finished with school next week and then off to summer camp. The bakery made the London Eatery News Top 20 and sales have been through the roof. John’s been busy looking for locations so we can open a second place.”
“Fantastic. I’m hoping to fly out there in August.”
“We’ve got a room for you. And what’s new on your end? You never organize a group call with mum and dad. Everything okay?”
I swallowed past a huge lump in my throat. “Yeah. Just, I have some news I want to share.”
Just as I was finished talking, my parents popped up on screen. They were both perpetually tan now. Spain agreed with them.
My mum waved while my dad sipped on his cuppa.
“I read the news about Jared’s lawsuit and about that woman trying to poison him,” my dad barked out. “Is Jared all right?”
I’d told them a lot about Jared over the past year. More than I did about any client, ever.
That right there should have been a clue that he meant so much to me.
“He’s fine. The woman was arrested, and between us, his lawsuit should be settled soon.”
“Good. And what about you? Are you sleeping okay?” My mum asked.
She’d seen me through some of the worst of my nightmares and PTSD.
“I’m doing good. Better than good. Look, the reason why I called you is that I have some personal news. Do you remember me mentioning Aiden Barstock?”
“Jared’s barrister, yes. What about him?”
I licked my dry lips. “Well, he’s been here with me and Jared in Thailand. Jared’s filming and Aiden flew out to prep him for the lawsuit. We’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
Despite the stifling heat in the room, my hands were ice cold.
“And then, things happened, and so…Jared and Aiden and I are in a relationship. The three of us. I’m in love with both of them.
They’re in love with me. We haven’t come out publicly yet with our relationship because of the case, but once that’s over, we will.
And I wanted you to know before anyone else. ”
I said the words so quickly I was out of breath.
I waited for their response, and all I saw was shock on their faces.
“You landed not one but two incredibly hot men? That’s so unfair, Lexi!” my sister yelled, but her smile settled some of my anxiety.
I ran a hand over my face to wipe away the beads of sweat. “What can I say? I’m a fortunate man.”
My parents were quiet. Too quiet.
“I realize that a throuple isn’t common, but I can’t help how I feel. We love each other and?—”
My mom shook her head. “It’s fine, luv. It’s all fine.
Surprising, that’s for sure, but it’s your life.
Whatever makes you happy. I know that losing Ben was so difficult, and you’ve been single for a long while now.
I think your dad and I are just in shock to hear you’re in a relationship at all.
Now when do we get to meet these men in person? ”
“In a couple of months. I’d like to head over to the UK in August. Maybe we can then fly over to Spain.”
“That would be lovely. Then your father can question them at his leisure.” My mum winked at me.
“I have questions now,” my dad commented, the Sheffield patented scowl in place.
“How about next time? Aiden’s parents flew out here last night, and we’ve already gone through one line of questioning. I’m already knackered.”
“You’ve got two men to keep happy now, Lexi. Better take your vitamins.”
I gave my sister the middle finger.
“Well, if his parents can fly out there, why don’t we do the same?” my dad asked as he turned to my mum.
“Now, hold on. There’s no reason for you to fly to Thailand. We will meet up in a few months. I promise.”
Our families were lovingly concerned, but this was turning into a bizarro circus.
“As soon as you’re able, get your arse on a plane and come see us. You and your boyfriends,” my dad grumbled. “Is it just the three of you, or are you in one of those open relationships?”
My face burned. “We are exclusively together. Just the three of us. And now I really have to go.”
“How about another video call, luv? With Jared and Aiden? Then we can say hi and meet them,” Mom offered.
“I’ll see what I can arrange.”
“I want to be on that call,” Lucinda piped up. “Hey, I want to know why you’ve got two men in love with you. Showing me up like that.”
“Piss off, Lucifer,” I grumbled, reverting to my childhood ways.
“Same to you, Lexi.”
“Call us. Or we may change our minds and hop on the next flight to Bangkok.”
“Very funny, Dad.”
“I’m not taking the piss.”
“Love you all, bye!” I said and tapped end.
Fucking hell, I was glad that was over with.
God help us if we got my parents and Aiden’s in the same room together. And my sister. I pictured Aiden and Lucinda having a conversation. Snarky wouldn’t be the half of it.
I stepped out of the dressing room and startled when I saw Dylan waiting in the hallway, script in hand.
“I need to get changed for the next scene.”
“Sorry, I just needed a private space to take a call. It’s all yours now.”
“Thanks. Lexi.”
Dylan chuckled as he walked past me and shut the door in my face.
“Dylan,” I warned, knocking on the door. “Dylan, if you repeat that to anyone, I will put you in a headlock. I’m not joking.”
“You can’t do that! I’ll tell Jared!” he yelled back.
“Tell me what?”
Jared’s sudden voice startled me again.
I turned to find my love smiling in that way of his that made my heart take off running.
“Nothing.”
The door opened and a shirtless Dylan stood there smirking.
“Lexi here threatened to put me in a headlock,” Dylan chuckled.
“Dylan,” I scowled at him, but he just laughed harder.
“Lexi?” Jared asked.
I sighed and crossed my arms. “My sister calls me Lexi. Go on, have a laugh, get it over with. Jesus, I have lost all control over my life this past month.”
“That’s so adorable. I love it,” Jared reached up and kissed me. “Mmm. Sexy Lexi.”
I rolled my eyes at his pun and refused to kiss him back.
Well, I tried for about a half-second and then, of course, I couldn’t resist. The man had me wrapped around his very talented fingers.
“Wait until I tell Aiden,” Jared teased.
“I think he has more important things to do than learn about my nickname.”
“Oh, he’ll want to know,” Jared gave me a final kiss and faced Dylan. “And you, hurry up and get changed. Filming starts in five minutes. No more delays.”
Jared gave my arse a not-too-subtle squeeze and walked back to the set.
“You got it, boss,” Dylan called out as he stepped back inside the dressing room. “See ya later, Lexi.”
“You—”
Dylan slammed the door in my face again.