Dani tried to reach Sam but got the voice mail. She left a message begging her friend to call her back.
The next call she made was to Jason.
After all, if she was staying, she might as well have a trainer for the summer.
**********
Mark pulled on a clean shirt and searched around the bedroom room for his wallet. He was going out again tonight, and he didn’t think Dani would mind. He knew she had called Kayla and had made plans to do something. Mark and Dani had plenty of time now anyway, right?
Mark had done his best to appease Leila when he’d spoken to her the other day about having Dani stay for the summer. He hadn’t been dying to call her or hear her voice, but Leila had been cordial and business like, and he’d been polite and reassuring. He’d thought the room had been spinning, but that might have been the scotch before dinner.
It had taken a few days for Mark to refocus after the script-reading episode. Renna was right; he just needed to concentrate on his career. But tonight he wanted a distraction. And a few vodka martinis with the belly-ring girl was just what he needed.
Chapter 27
Dani pulled on the bikini strap that was knotted at her neck. Kayla would never let her hear the end of it if she got tan lines. She considered jumping into the pool, but then she’d have to remove Violet’s hairpiece. She had to laugh at herself, aware that she was growing unnaturally attached to the thing. Instead of a full-on plunge into the pool, Dani stepped delicately into the water and roamed the shallow side of the pool, careful not to splash away her makeup or wet her hair.
It had been two weeks since she’d decided to stay in California for the summer, and she had fallen into a comfortable routine. Mornings by the pool or at the beach club, afternoons shopping or at the spa, and evenings with the girls. And then, best of all, there were the training sessions with Jason. Not that they’d held onto much pretense of exercising, but Dani still dutifully put on work-out gear. So far, and much to the delight of her new friends, she and Jason had made out two more times in the pool, once on the deck off of her room, and twice on the well-cushioned couch in the living room. Kayla seemed happy that Dani was having a summer fling with Jason, a guy who was the best eye candy around. Sam loved all the details about her new romance and always demanded more pictures of the gorgeous boy. Dani always timed her visits with Jason so that Mark wasn’t around, which wasn’t too difficult considering how often he was gone. Not that she and Jason were running around the property naked or anything, but she really didn’t want to be caught canoodling in the Jacuzzi any time soon.
Twice a week, or so, she and Mark would go to eat a delicious, over-priced meal at a trendy restaurant where waiters would hover over the pair, not allowing water glasses to approach empty, and confirming that all traces of Mark’s loathed cilantro were removed from his food. But most nights he was out with a woman, and so far Dani had not heard the same date’s name mentioned twice. It creeped her out, but he didn’t pester her about her personal life, so how could she question his?
Mark always slept in late, and Dani was usually gone by the time he got up. Considering he’d been the one to ask her to stay, she thought they would have been spending more time together. Of course, Dani knew that she had been so busy, too, but at some point they would really need to get their schedules coordinated and fit in some father-daughter time.
Dani stepped out of the pool and pulled a plush towel around her waist. She headed to the veranda and through the French doors that led to the living room. A strong floral aroma permeated the room, and she knew Mark must have arranged for another floral delivery. She looked around the room and found three bouquets of perfectly shaped roses. Pinks, reds, whites, all leafless and tightly bound together in formal-looking displays. They were beautiful, certainly, but stuffy. She headed into the dining room, where more sculpted arrangements had been placed. Why couldn’t Mark have some flowing, whimsical bouquets? Like the ones Alan got for her mother?
Alan. She still wasn’t ready for that. Leila continued to try and get her to talk about their strained relationship, but Dani refused.
Dani saw a business card sticking out of one of the vases. Olivia’s. A street address and phone number were listed for the flower shop. Well, she would just ask Mark’s driver take her down to the shop, and she could tweak the standing order to include some displays that didn’t look like centerpieces at a royal wedding.
An hour later, after showering and forgoing what had become her standard beauty routine, Dani stood in front of the flower shop. She prayed she wouldn’t run into anyone she knew in her disheveled state.
Considering the upscale location of the shop, Dani was pleased when she opened the doors to find that this florist was noticeably unpretentious. In fact, the place felt rather disorganized. Large plastic buckets sat in tiers on wire shelving, each overloaded with different kinds of flowers. There were a number of puddles on the cement floor, and stems and cuttings littered the counters.
“Hello. Can I help you?”
Dani looked up from a woven basket filled with sunflowers. The woman in front of her was considerably un-Beverly Hills looking. She had to be at least a size six—practically obese by local standards—and wore a loose-fitting off-white dress. Dani guessed she was in her early thirties, but you never knew around here. She could be much older.
“Yes, hi. I think my father has a weekly delivery order here, and I was wondering if I could make a few changes to it.” Dani stepped over to the counter while the woman retrieved a thick file folder from a shelf.
“Sure. By the way, I’m the owner, Olivia. What’s the name on the account?”
“Ocean. Mark Ocean. And I’m his daughter, Dani.”
“Oh, yes. Him. He is definitely a client here.” Olivia made no attempt to hide her disdain. She slumped dramatically onto her elbows and cradled her chin in her hands. “What’s wrong this time?”
Dani noticed that Olivia blew her bangs out of her eyes the same way Dani did. Her shaggy blonde hair appeared natural, without the fake golden and white tints that most blondes around here had. “Nothing is wrong at all. I just wanted to see about getting some variety in the arrangements.” Dani leaned in. “I gather my father is not your easiest customer?”
“No one around here is easy, but Mark Ocean lives in a permanent state of dissatisfaction. What do you want me to change this time? Bows not strangling the roses enough for him? Did a gerbera daisy have one too many leaves?”
Dani watched as the florist flipped to Mark’s page in her folder. “He’s never said anything to me about being unhappy with the flowers. I just thought it might be nice to have something that wasn’t quite so put-together. Something softer and more fun. Like some wildflowers, maybe?”
Olivia popped her head up from the account page. “Really?” she asked, suddenly enthusiastic. “I’ve been waiting for someone like you to come in here for the past three years! If I have to jab stems into one more piece of that disgusting floral foam or put together one more funereal arrangement, I…Let’s just say this would be a much-needed change.” She dropped a pen and hurried toward the buckets in the back of the store. “I’ll put together a sample bouquet right now, okay?”
“Sure,” Dani said, somewhat taken aback.
“This is great. Nobody ever buys these poor flowers. They sit in the back, all alone, while their glamorous friends are sent home and showcased in crystal vases for wealthy jerks.” Olivia cheerfully selected a few poppies. “Oh, sorry,” she said apologetically to Dani. “I’m sure your father is a very nice man. Not a jerk at all.”
Dani watched as Olivia amassed an armful of Canadian lilies, butterfly weed, columbine, and forget-me-nots. “Have you met my father?”
“Nope. His assistant does all the ordering.”
“I’ve only known him for a short time,” Dani said, smiling. She briefly explained how she’d come to learn that Mark was her father. “It’s just beautiful in here. How long have you owned this shop?”
“Almost three years. My parents ran it for ages, but after they both died in a car accident, I felt an obligation to take over. I’d just finished getting my master’s in psychology, but I became a florist.”
Dani wrinkled her face in confusion. “You went to all that trouble in graduate school, and you never wanted to use your degree?”
“There, what do you think?” Olivia held up the collection of flowers and then answered Dani’s question. “God, no. I could never be a therapist. Sitting around listening to people complain to me for eight hours a day? I don’t know how people do it. But it’s an interesting field. All those personality disorders? Fascinating. I also have a master’s in English lit. That was just a good excuse to spend two years reading.” Olivia pointed happily to the bouquet in her hand. “So, is this what you had in mind?”
“Exactly.” The bright wildflowers reminded Dani of home. “It’s just perfect.”
Olivia began wrapping the wildflowers in thick paper. Dani liked her. She was smart, genuine, and outspoken. And didn’t have a wedding ring.
“So, do you have a boyfriend?”
“Nope. And I can’t imagine I’ll find one in this town. I’m not into the whole Beverly Hills scene, but the shop is here.” She snipped a long stretch of linen ribbon. Dani marveled at how quickly her fingers tied an intricate bow. “Why do you ask?” Olivia looked suspiciously at Dani.
Dani barreled ahead. “Have you ever been on a reality show?”
“What?” Olivia gasped. “No, I most certainly have not.”
“Do you wear thongs or see-through shirts?”
“Excuse me?”
So far, so good.
“What do you know about my father?”
“I know he is another actor making more money than he probably deserves. What is this all about?” Olivia placed her hands on the counter and squinted her eyes at Dani accusingly.
“I just think you’re interesting, and maybe you and my Dad could go out sometime.”
Olivia shook her head. “No. I don’t date actors. Or anyone in the business.”
“He’s nice. I think you two would really hit it off,” Dani encouraged. “That’s probably why he’s been so grouchy about the flowers. He’s lonely. But he is really cool. Smart, funny, handsome, considerate…not at all what you’re picturing.”
Olivia was precisely the kind of person her father should be dating. She didn’t have the forced glamour of Mark’s usual dates, but she was pretty in an understated way.
“You want me to date a movie star? I don’t think so.” Olivia shook her head, but Dani could tell she was considering. “It’s nice that you’re looking out for your father, but I wouldn’t fit in with his crowd. I can’t imagine we’d be right for each other.”
“Don’t you at least want to see a picture of him?” It was a little gross, but she didn’t mind pimping her father out for a good cause.
Olivia crossed her arms and sighed. “I cannot believe this. Fine. Show me a picture.”
Dani rummaged through her purse until she found her phone. She scrolled through the pictures and held out the small screen for Olivia to see: a gorgeous photo of Mark and Dani together.
Olivia stared at the screen and didn’t change her studious expression. “Okay, I’ll go out with him.” Before Dani could clap her hands together, Olivia stopped her with one finger held up in the air. “But one date only. I’ll have to see for myself what an ass he is.”
Now it was just a matter of convincing Mark.
Chapter 28
“You told her what?” Mark could not believe what his daughter had done.
“Now don’t spaz out on me yet. She’s really nice. Please?” Dani begged.
“I may not have been a father for very long, but even I know not to fall for those sad eyes and pout.”
“Okay,” Dani said. “But what’s the harm? You could at least meet Olivia.”
“I have a certain type of woman I prefer to go out with, Dani. I’ve been managing my own personal life for quite some time now, you know.”
“Well, she is blond. Shoulder-length hair. Pretty.”
Mark looked at Dani. She was so hopeful. One date wouldn’t kill him, would it?
“Is she old?” he asked.
“Just because she has a cane and a few signs of dementia, does not mean this couldn’t work out.”
“Seriously, how old is she?”
“Probably thirty or so.”
“She’s old.”
“She is not. You’re what? Thirty-five?”
“Fine, I’ll think about it,” Mark said, hoping to get Dani to drop the subject.
“Come on! You’ll like her. She’s very straightforward.”
“That sounds titillating,” Mark groaned.
Dani rolled her eyes. “I think you’ve had enough titillating to last you a lifetime.”
“Very funny. What was she wearing when you saw her?”
“I don’t know. Just a dress. Sort of a peasant dress. It was nice on her.”
A peasant dress? Mark mouthed in disbelief.
“And she’s very bright.” Dani kept talking, but Mark tuned out. This woman was not sounding very promising to him. But maybe Renna would ease up on him if he went out with someone ordinary and boring. Who knew? Maybe she would be a hot soccer mom type that let her hair down at the end of the day. Or one of those women with a sultry librarian vibe…
“…and then her parents died and she took over the flower shop.” Dani was still yammering on about Olivia’s many fascinating traits. “Now, don’t take her to some showy restaurant. I think she might prefer to eat at a more low-key, out of the way place—”
“I’ll call her.” Mark couldn’t help giving in to Dani, and her face absolutely lit up at his words. God, this kid was easy to please, and he liked to see her happy. “One date. That’s it.”
Dani looked at Mark. “That’s what she said.”
Chapter 29
Mark turned off the ignition to his Mercedes and eyed Olivia’s front door hesitantly. Why had he listened to Dani? He did fine on his own. He checked his reflection in the rear-view mirror and walked up the path to the condo complex. He rang the buzzer and leaned casually against the archway. He looked in and saw Olivia coming down the stairs. There was not a chance in hell he’d ever go out with her again.
Olivia was wearing a blazer and pants, of all things. How was he supposed to tell what kind of body she had? She didn’t wear makeup. Yes, her hair was blond, but her waves were unruly and frizzy. There was nothing striking about this woman. Actually... Mark had to admit that she had the most spectacular blue eyes he’d ever seen.
The door to the building swung open. “Hello. I’m Olivia. Are you Mark?” She stuck out her hand.
Mark realized that she didn’t recognize him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said automatically. “My car is parked right out front.” Mark held the car door open.
“Oh. You’re a Mercedes kind of man,” Olivia said as she slipped into the passenger seat.
Mark got behind the wheel and started the car. “Is that a problem?”
Olivia sidestepped the question. “Dani told me you’re an actor, correct?”
“Yes. You don’t know who I am?” He pulled the car into traffic and headed for the restaurant.
“No. I do my best to avoid anything Hollywood. Forgive me.” She smiled apologetically and brushed a wild curl out of her face. “I’ve lived here all my life, and I know what Hollywood can do to people. Of course it’s impressive that you’re an actor, but I bet you’re not the same person that you were when you started out in the business. Mark, do you know that you’re not required to drive this thing as fast as possible?”
Mark eased up on the gas. “So why do you still live here?”
“This is my home. As much as I don’t fit in here, I wouldn’t leave my parents’ flower shop. Silly, huh?”
Mark glanced at her. “No, I can understand that.”
Mark listened to her talk about her business, but he noticed that Olivia wasn’t staring at him the way most of his dates did.
Olivia startled him by reaching over and turning up the radio. “Hey, I love this song! This sound system is incredible.” She began singing along, oblivious—or uncaring— about her tuneless voice.
When they got to the restaurant, he left the car with the valet, and he and Olivia were seated at a table in the back of the room. Mark did everything he could to be charming, but by the time they had finished their first course, Olivia still didn’t seem to be intoxicated by his presence. Mark wasn’t used to not being wanted, chased after, and fawned over. Maybe he’d win Olivia over just to prove a point.
He took a large drink from his wine glass and flashed her his most flirtatious look. “This is one of my favorite restaurants. I hope you’re enjoying your meal. I’ve been coming here since they first opened, and the owner always reserves this table for me. It’s nice and private, don’t you think? There is nothing more irritating than being interrupted during dinner by someone asking for an autograph. The price of celebrity, I guess. But when you’ve starred in movies with the people I have, it’s unavoidable.”
“Yes, this restaurant is very nice, Mark, and my meal is delicious,” Olivia said. She paused and looked at him intently. “I don’t suppose you’ve had a real relationship recently.”
“What makes you think that?” Mark asked, annoyed.
Olivia raised an eyebrow. “Just a guess. But I’m right, aren’t I?”
“I’ve had plenty of girlfriends.”
“Yes, well, your definition of having a girlfriend is probably different from mine.”
“What about you, Olivia? Have you had a string of long-term relationships?”
“No, not at all. In fact, I’ve been pretty lonely.”