Page 53 of One Kind Hand

“Yes, we’re truly fine. All three of us. I was actually calling to let you know that we’re thinking of taking a little road trip to Montpelier to see you if you’re not opposed.”

“You know I’m not opposed. I love when you all come out to a location.” His sisters usually did visit him at least once when he was filming, but he’d thought maybe Vermont was too tame for them this time. “I will warn you though, there’s no bustling city life here. Things close early and most of the fun people have around these parts involves the outdoors.

“Interesting concept,” Claire said. “Still, we want to come.”

“Great. Call Cody to get you a suite in our hotel and let him know the specifics so he can schedule the plane to grab you,” he said. “But not until tomorrow. I’m using the plane tonight.”

“Got it. We can’t come right away anyway. One of our friends invited us for a little Caribbean fun first,” Claire said. “Have fun tonight, Austin, and relax. I don’t see how this woman could be anything but charmed by you. Love you.”

“Love you too.” He lowered his phone after hanging up and walked Berto to Cody’s room two doors down so he didn’t have to worry about the dog while he was on his date with Charlie. He wasn’t sure where the night would take them and he wanted to be ready for anything.

He knocked on Cody’s suite door, not at all surprised when his agent answered the door with his phone to his ear. Cody motioned for Austin to enter with Berto.

“Yes, six o’clock. Got it. Thanks.” Cody tapped his phone then gripped Austin’s upper arm. “Dude, I got you an interview on Katie Shaw’s podcast! Tell me I’m awesome. C’mon. Say it.”

“You’re awesome,” Austin said, unhooking Berto’s leash. “Who’s Katie Shaw?”

Cody released him and smacked his own forehead. “Are you a movie star or not? Jeez, Austin. Katie Shaw is the premiere podcaster for all things Hollywood. She’s actually launched people’s careers by having them on her show. Now you’re already launched, but talking with her will get the buzz going about Hunting Justice. I’ll schedule all the usual promo stuff, but landing a spot with Katie is a big deal.”

“Okay. Thanks then.” Austin was certainly accustomed to the pre-movie release requirements of getting fans pumped about a new movie and drawing in new fans. For some reason, all that stuff was buried deep in his brain somewhere this time.

A reason that probably had something to do with one sexy chopper pilot.

Austin wasn’t about to voice any of that to Cody. It would only confirm his agent’s worries that Charlie might make him lose his focus. He wasn’t losing his focus. He was still all about making the best movie he could.

But he wasn’t against making time to explore this thing with Charlie too.

Cody pointed at Berto. “You’re going to behave yourself, aren’t you, pooch?”

“He always behaves,” Austin said. Except when he pressed his wet nose to Charlie’s bare ass last night. Austin understood the urge to do that though.

“Maybe I can use him to my advantage tonight,” Cody said. “Melanie is coming over and chicks like cute little dogs, right?”

“That seems to be the case.”

“Great.” Cody rubbed his hands together then took a step back. “You’re looking smokin’, bro. Have you taken any shots to post on social?”

Austin shook his head. He hated posting on social media, but like appearing on podcasts, it came with the territory.

“Give me your phone.” Cody wiggled his fingers. “Let’s get the ladies screaming. Virtually, of course.”

Reluctantly, Austin reached into the inner pocket of his suit jacket and extracted his phone. “Make it quick. Charlie should be coming soon.”

“And we wouldn’t want her to arrive, find your suite empty, and leave.” Cody grabbed the phone, but Austin didn’t let go of it.

“Do you have a problem with Charlie?” he asked.

Cody tugged harder on the phone and Austin released it. “No. I’m sorry. It’s just weird to see you all caught up in a chick so fast. You’ve always been more interested in your career than in women. It freaks me out a little.”

Austin rubbed the back of his head. “Well, it’s freaking me out a lot so . . .”

“It is?” Cody arched an eyebrow. “I thought you liked her.”

“I do. That’s what’s freaking me out. I came unraveled on the phone with Claire about Charlie.” He held his hands up to Cody. “I’m solid on movie stuff. Don’t worry about that, but I will admit that Charlie has scrambled my head a bit.”

“Admitting is the first step, I guess.” Cody held up the phone. “Let’s get those pics.” He gestured down to Berto. “Pick him up. Your fans will go wild for you in a suit plus Berto.”

“He’s going to get fur on my suit.”