“Why aren’t you with family or friends? This is when you need them most.” He said that as if family was everyone’s automatic go-to, but after Shiloh died, he’d pulled away from his own family, which was why his mother had been pressuring him to come home.

“The dynamic there is a little...complicated right now.”

Had that started with the accident? They had to be worried about her, didn’t they? Or maybe they didn’t act as though they cared. “What happened that day? Didn’t you see the traffic light?”

She stared down at her food. “All I remember is catching a glimpse of a white van speeding toward me after it was too late to stop.”

He let his breath seep out slowly. “It might be smart to get some professional help, Tia.”

“Are you talking about a shrink? Therapy won’t restore my face or my career.”

“Talking to someone might help you cope with your losses.” Again, he felt like a hypocrite. He hadn’t gone to a therapist after Shiloh died, even though it might’ve helped. “And while you’re already upset, I should prepare you for something else.”

Going rigid, she looked toward the entryway as if he might’ve lured her here to surprise her with the paparazzi, who would be busting in any minute. “What is it?” she asked apprehensively.

“My mother knows who you are and that you’re in town.”

“You said you wouldn’t tell anyone.” She didn’t sound happy about this, but some of the tension left her body, suggesting she was relieved it wasn’t worse.

“I didn’t,” he said. “My brother did.”

Her eyebrows snapped together. “The most trustworthy man in the world?”

He made a sheepish face. “Hyperbole. Anyway, I’m sorry. I don’t think Eli realized he couldn’t tell the family.”

“So the word is out.”

It was a fatalistic statement, not a question. “No,” he assured her. “Nothing like that. I just... I wanted you to know because she might try to reach out to you, even though I asked her not to.”

“What does she want? A picture? An autograph?”

“Neither. The only movie star whose name she can recall off the top of her head is Tom Cruise. Or maybe Clint Eastwood. She just wants to help. I told you before, she’s good at that sort of thing, good with people.”

“I remember. But...she doesn’t even know me.”

He smiled. “She barely knew me when she decided I needed her. But without her, I’d probably be in prison right now.”

“You were a child. I can understand why she might step in. I’m an adult. I don’t see how she can help.”