Chapter 28
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“Rita knows how to host a soiree,” Riley said.
She was walking through the grounds by herself, admiring the strung lights, nice tables and chairs, and the statues that looked as if they’d been pillaged from ancient Greek ruins.
Of course they were fake. And Rita had rented all this stuff. But it was still nice-looking.
“Okay, I see Rowan,” she said. “I’m approaching now.”
Her smartwatch was picking up what she said, transmitting it to the rest of those involved in Operation Brat. Everyone was wearing inconspicuous earpieces, so they could stay in constant contact throughout the night.
Rowan was sitting at a table on the outer edge of the yard that was sandwiched between two towering palms. It was still early, and the first guests hadn’t even arrived yet.
Riley had asked the actor to come early under the guise of wanting to review what Rita expected of them that evening. She’d been shocked when he’d agreed.
But there they were.
“Hey,” she said, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him. She tapped her watch, turning her mic off.
This was a private conversation. The man deserved that.
“Hey,” Rowan said back.
They sat there in the still night for a moment, before the murmur of guests, tinkling of glasses, and soft stringed music would fill the estate grounds. The sun was setting, washing everything in pink and yellow.
“How are you doing?” she asked.
“Eh.” He didn’t say more than that for a full minute. “I’ve got a court date. My attorney thinks he can get me off with just a little community service or a week in some treatment facility.”
Riley wasn’t sure what to say to that. Finally, she said, “Rowan, are you happy with any of this?”
That’s all it took. His shoulders shook as he began to sob, burying his face in his hands. Two minutes later, he said, “No. It’s just… I don’t know… it was all fun at first. But then things sort of got away from me and… I have no idea what to do, Riley.”
Reaching across, she laid her hand on his. “I don’t know exactly what you’re going through. But I’ve been through something similar. Friend, you’re not alone. I’m here for you. And I have a friend, Harrison Trent who—”
“The actor? He seems super cool!”
Riley nodded. “He is. And he battled some demons himself. We both know some people who could help you. They run a place that’s not just a resort. Like, they seriously know their stuff.”
He cringed. “This isn’t like a cult, is it?”
She laughed. “No. Licensed therapists and doctors who use the best practices. Would you like to talk to Harrison?”
“Yeah.” He nodded, perking up. “Yeah! Like, tonight?”
“Sure. He’s close.”
Riley tapped on her watch and said, “Harrison.”
While they waited, Rowan looked around. “I can’t be here tonight. Around the drinks. You know?”
“I do,” she said.
Harrison came out of the tree line at the edge of the property and jogged toward them. Noticing him, Rowan seemed excited.
Riley was glad. She thought the conversation might mean more between two men.
“Hey, Harrison.”
“Hey, Rowan. I’m a big fan. It’s good to meet you, man.”
They shook hands.
“Want to chat for a bit?”
“Yeah,” Rowan replied with a nod.
He started following the famous actor but stopped and turned to look back at Riley. “Thank you. Will you be okay? We were supposed to do this together, I guess.” He looked around, indicating the party that would officially start in moments.
“I’ll be okay. Trust me. Tonight is going to be… interesting.” She left it at that. The less Rowan knew, the better.
“You know,” Rowan said. “I’m going to beat this. Seriously. My best days are ahead.”
There was a spark in his eyes, and she knew he was telling the truth.
“And I can’t wait to see all you accomplish. Let’s hang out down the road.”
“Yeah. Maybe we could double-date. After I work on myself, I’m going to find a nice guy. You know?” He smirked.
So did Riley.
“I bet you will.”
He smiled at the wink she gave them, turned around, and eagerly went with Harrison.
Something told Riley that decision was the start of truly wonderful things for Rowan Keene.