As promised, Ryan did not go into the building right away. He too was rattled by their encounter. It was obvious Christine saw him as another problem in her already stress-out life. He was so convinced Christine had sent him the letter but after encountering her, he began to have doubts. He returned to his car to check himself in the mirror. Sitting in his car, he fought the impulse to drive away and pretend this encounter never happened. But no, he's come this far. He's seen his children.
There was no going back now. As a big Hollywood star, he acknowledged to himself that he was not used to being treated as nothing but a nuisance. No time to worry about that now.
Ryan combed his hair. Stretching his knuckles in and out, he glanced at his watch. Ten minutes. He would give her ten minutes to get herself settled.
Exiting his car, he walked slowly to the building. Her boss had offered him a parking space in the garage for convenience as well as keeping in mind his desire for anonymity. He took pains to compose himself before encountering her again. Ryan breathed deeply and shut his eyes to slow down his beating heart: this life-changing meeting could not be delayed any longer.
***
In the eerie silence of the parking garage, Ozzy witnessed their whole exchange.
At first, his heart raced with excitement: He felt his jacket pocket for his cell phone to take pictures, but although the woman was surprised and Monti looked uneasy, all they did was talk for a few moments. He had hoped something scandalous would have occurred—Ozzy relished the thought of Ryan Monti summarily dethroned and blacklisted from his top Hollywood elite status by the afternoon. This brick of gold had fallen into Ozzy's lap and the media the world over would be covering his findings on Monti's visit to Boston. He envisioned investigative journalism jobs pouring in—everyone would want him. But he nearly dropped his cell phone when he saw the woman walk away and Ryan heading back inside his car. She didn't ogle over him—she apparently knew him, albeit dismayed to see him.
The song "Shattered Dreams" began playing in Ozzy's head.
No! he told himself. He had to follow the actor further and uncover what he is doing here.
YOU ARE READING
An Unforeseen Turn of Events
General FictionA-list actor who thinks he has it all realizes what he has shunned all his life turns out to be his biggest blessing. Ryan Monti is tall, strikingly handsome and one of Hollywood's top actors. He's perfectly content with his life devoted to career a...
