Chapter 99 The Invitation
Byron didn’t think he would see Nova again for a few weeks if not months. He feared it might even be forever. Her contract with his studio wasn’t yet renewed, and if she really hated him, she would probably sign on with any other studio of her choice. She was really making a name for herself, and any movie producer would be happy to sign her on.
Byron was planning some low-key world domination in his office when his receptionist rang and said in an excited voice that Nova Summers was here to see him.
Byron took a breath. He had a feeling this meant trouble. She couldn’t have forgiven him so quickly, which meant she was probably here to tell him off.
“Still the same old office,” Nova said, looking around. “Not much has changed here... except you.” She looked a little pale and tired, and Byron felt guilty about putting her through the emotional ringer.
“Did you come here to tell me what a terrible person I am?” he asked.
“No. I should have trusted my instincts, but sometimes it’s hard to sift through the rubbish to find the facts.”
“I’m sorry I lied about having high hopes for those films,” Byron said, “I didn’t think you believed me anyway.”
“I didn’t at first,” Nova said, casting a glance at the photo of Emily on his desk as she came around to his side. “But now I’m just confused. If you wanted to destroy my career, why are you being so nice to me and spending time with me now?”
“Maybe I really have changed.” Byron got up and took a few steps across the office in a seemingly casual manner. He was wary of Nova getting too close to him. He remembered only too well her sexual allure. Those lips he had kissed so many times were there before him, just like he had imagined back when he still yearned for her. “When I first came up with the idea to buy Papyrus Pictures, all I wanted was to make you suffer like I suffered. But now I don’t want that anymore, and I’m glad the films turned out well.”
“And you’re not mad at me anymore for breaking up with you?” she asked, her voice fragile.
“No, of course not,” Byron said.
“I’m not mad at you either,” she stated. “I realize now how much I hurt you with that breakup. If you were angry enough to try to ruin a whole studio, you must have felt strongly about me. I’m sorry I didn’t appreciate what we had at the time.”
Byron smiled wistfully. He was actually glad those times were behind him. He had adored Nova, and when she said she was leaving, seemingly on a whim, his whole world had crumbled to pieces.
“You don’t have to apologize,” he said, “I was a mess. You probably figured you could do better than me, and you were right. I’m sure there’s any number of Hollywood actors pining for you now.”
“But Byron, be serious,” she pleaded. “It was always you and me. We were meant to be together. I see that now.” She reached out for him, but he gently took her hand only to lower it away from a dangerous embrace.
He looked at her regretfully. “No, I’m engaged to the woman I love. But I’ve always missed you, Nova. I think we could still be friends if you wanted to.”
“Friends...” She looked so despondent that even her wavy hair seemed to sag.
“Why don’t you come over for dinner tomorrow?” Byron said. “You’ll see, we can make this work.”
The only thing he feared now was how Emily would react. She had barely managed to get through her last encounter with Nova, and even though she pretended to be okay with everything, he wondered if another such event would upset her.
Emily was playing with the dogs in the yard and seemed to be in a very good mood, which made him even more reluctant to tell her.
“I’ve invited Nova over for dinner. I hope you don’t mind.” He could see at once by the crease between her eyebrows that she did mind.
“I wish you’d asked me.” She was going to fling a stick for the dogs to chase, but she paused.
“Would you have said no?” he inquired.
“I might have said yes... ”
“Look, I know Nova is not your favorite person,” Byron said, “but she’s feeling a little down at the moment. I want to show her that I’m still her friend.”
“I didn’t enjoy the threesome date,” Emily said. “You and Nova just reminisce about old times, or Nova babbles on about what a famous actress she is. I’m really not looking forward to more of the same.”
“I could tell it was bothering you,” Byron said, “but it might be a different dynamic if we dine in.”
“A different dynamic you say?” Emily had a slightly naughty look in her eye, but not the fun kind of naughty. “I think we could have a different dynamic if I also invite my friend Carter Jacks. Four people is a much more balanced party than three.”
“If you’re just inviting him to annoy me, it’s not going to be balanced,” Byron replied.
“I’m inviting him for the same reason you’re inviting Nova,” Emily declared, her hands on her hips, “He’s my friend, and we can’t dictate to each other who our friends are.”
“More’s the pity,” Byron retorted, “since I wish you weren’t friends with a delinquent who’s never taken a bath in his life.”
Emily opened her mouth wide in astonishment. “I wish you weren’t friends with a b*tch who is trying to steal you away from me, but there we are.”
“Well, this should be fun,” Byron remarked.
“I can’t wait,” Emily snapped.
