Page 89 of Love Unscripted
“Hey, hon. I hope I didn’t wake you.”
“Oh no, not at all.” She motioned to the director that she needed a moment. He looked displeased. They hadn’t exactly reconciled since her abrupt exit from the series. In his eyes, she was still the temperamental star who had walked away.
“What’s up?” she asked, moving farther from the noise.
“I’m not having the luncheon today. Just wanted you to know.”
Relief flooded her. She had been dreading that conversation—how to explain her absence without lying outright.
“Okay. That’s fine.”
“The reason is I’m dining with my parents. They’re celebrating their wedding anniversary. All of us kids arespending the day with them. Madison and I are even attending their church.”
Her heart lifted. This was working out better than she could have orchestrated.
“Oh, that’s wonderful,” she said warmly.
“The reason I’m calling,” he continued, “is that I want you to come with me.”
Her breath caught. “Uh…”
“I know it’s late notice. I’m sorry. This week’s been crazy with wrapping the film. Alex only reminded me this morning.”
“Umm...”
“So will you come? I really want my parents to get to know you better. This would be perfect.”
She swallowed. Her brain working overtime to find a way out. Then she hit on one.
“What about us not being open? The press could be there.”
“Why would the press be at my parents’ church?”
“Well… they’re a famous couple. Wedding anniversaries of famous people are documented. Some eager photographer might hang around hoping for a shot. And there I would be.”
He paused.
“I suppose that’s possible.” Another beat. “Okay, fair enough. You don’t have to come to church. But you can come to their house for lunch afterward.”
Her pulse quickened. There was no graceful way to decline twice.
“Sure,” she said carefully. “Sure.”
“Great. See you later. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
She ended the call and stared at her reflection in a prop mirror. She needed to find a way to leave early.
After the next scene break for lunch at 12:30 p.m., she searched for Simon. He wasn’t on set. She dialed him.
“Hi, Simon,” she said when he answered. “I have to leave early.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
“I’m not feeling well.”
A pause. “What’s the matter?”
