The Mighty Quinns: Ryan (12 page)

Hell, his two brothers had sailed through the process. In a matter of weeks, they’d found their perfect mates. Both had decided to make a home in New Zealand, giving up their lives elsewhere. But Serena was different. She belonged to her fans—and perhaps to Ben Thayer. She didn’t belong to him.

7

S
ERENA
JOGGED
ALL
the way from Ryan’s
bach
to the business district of Raglan, Duffy trotting beside her the entire way. The town was a perfect mix of quaint shops and galleries, tantalizing cafés and pubs, and businesses geared toward the surf culture. Huge palm trees lined Bow Street, lending the town a relaxed, vacation vibe.

Though they were in the midst of summer in the southern hemisphere, the town was decorated for the upcoming holiday, Christmas lights hung from light poles and wrapped around palm trees. Maybe next year, she and Ryan could spend the holiday in London, where there was at least a chance of snow. But then, she might not even be with Ryan next week, let alone next year.

She found a spot to buy a latte, a bottle of water and the local newspaper, then walked to the end of the street and found a small park that overlooked the water. No one gave her a second glance or pointed and whispered. Her new hairstyle and sunglasses were enough to throw people off. And she’d managed a passable Kiwi accent.

She and Duffy found a comfortable bench and she gave him a drink from the water bottle before opening the paper. She scanned the articles and the advertisements, her gaze coming to rest on an ad for a local bakery.

“Help wanted,” she murmured. Serena had always wondered what it would be like to live in the real world, to have a job that required her to work from nine to five. If she ever put her film career behind her, she’d want to do something else she enjoyed.

She’d always loved cooking and baking. Her youth had been spent sitting in the kitchen with her mother’s housekeeper, watching her prepare meals and treats for the two of them. Good food had always meant home to her, even when her parents were away. But Serena’s love of cakes and biscuits wasn’t enough of a qualification to be hired in a bakery, and she’d want to work in the back so she wasn’t recognized.

She read the requirements for the job, surprised that she did qualify. Jumping up from her spot, Serena tucked the newspaper under her arm and called to Duffy. She was curious. Would they even consider her a suitable candidate? This would be a good test. “Come on, boy. Let’s go.”

The bake shop was located right on Bow Street. Colorful patio tables were set out front, beneath striped awnings. She hooked Duffy’s leash beneath the leg of a chair, dropped her things on a table and walked inside. She waited while two customers placed their orders, then stepped up to the counter.

To her surprise, Serena found that she was nervous. It had been years since she’d had to compete for movie roles. Auditioning was a thing of the past. But here, in this little bake shop, she was no different from anyone else searching for a job. And that felt good.

“Hello,” the clerk said. “What can I get you?”

“I read in the paper that you’re looking for help,” she said, responding in a Kiwi accent. “Is there an application?”

“Yes,” the woman said. She walked over to the register and pulled a piece of paper out of the drawer beneath it. “Just fill this out,” she said, handing the application to Serena. “Bring it back and we’ll set up an interview with you. I’m the owner, Amanda. Are you from around these parts?”

“No,” she said. “But I’m considering moving here.”

“Great!” the woman said. “I moved here from the States about ten years ago. I married a Kiwi. It’s a great place to live.”

“Yes, I’ve noticed that.”

“Everyone knows everyone else. There’s a bit of gossip, but mostly people are very sweet. Have you worked at a bakery before?”

Serena shook her head. “No, but I’ve done a lot of home baking. And I had a wonderful teacher. And I learn fast.”

The woman frowned. “Are you sure we haven’t met?”

“No,” Serena said, stepping back.

“You look familiar. Anyway, I’m hoping to open up a new shop in Hamilton, and I need to hire a few more people for this place. When would you be able to start?”

“Oh, I don’t know. I’d prefer to bake than to handle customers. I’m not really sure I’d be right for the job.”

Amanda laughed. “Well, why don’t you leave that up to me. Fill out the application and we’ll talk.”

Serena nodded, checking on Duffy. “I really have to go. I have my dog outside, and I—”

“Is that Duffy?” the woman asked, peering through the wide glass windows.

“Yes. Yes it is. I’m just walking him for a friend.”

“You’re friends with Dana Quinn? She comes in here almost every morning. If you’re friends with Dana, then I’m sure she’ll give you an excellent reference. She hasn’t been in this morning. I’ll talk to her if she stops by.”

“Please, don’t bother her about this. I’ll just look over the application and get back to you.”

Amanda’s hopeful expression fell. “Can I get you anything before you go? On the house. You should try our cinnamon rolls. They’re so good you’ll have to come work here.”

“Sure. I’ll take a cinnamon roll. And are those dog biscuits?”

“They are. Our own recipe.”

“Give me five of those.” Serena pulled some money out of her pocket, then gathered up her purchases, thanked the owner and walked out the front door. She sat down on one of the chairs and snatched up Duffy’s leash. “Come here. I have a treat for you.”

As she fed him the dog biscuits, Serena scanned the questions on the application. Most were simple enough to answer. Maybe running the shop would be fun, she mused. But then, she didn’t know anything about making a business a success. She’d probably bankrupt the place in a matter of months.

She had to face facts: she was qualified to do just one thing in the world and that was act. And Serena was a good actress. She’d studied her craft and chosen the right films and she had a career that most actresses would kill for. She was on the verge of doing roles that would win her awards. She’d no longer be just a pretty face.

And putting down roots here didn’t mean she had to give up her career. She’d done the math. L.A. was a thirteen-hour plane ride from Auckland. That was just a few hours longer than the trip from London to Los Angeles. Plenty of actors lived in Australia. Why not New Zealand?

Of course, she wouldn’t be able to dash off to a meeting at a moment’s notice or shop with her stylist. But she could have a career on her own terms.

Then again, putting a plan together might be a bit premature. She and Ryan hadn’t really discussed the future. And after their argument this morning, it was quite clear that he expected her to go back to L.A. What if she refused? What if she just moved to Raglan and set up house?

Serena smiled to herself. Most men would be scared off by such an aggressive move. But telling Ryan about her plans would give her a clue to his feelings for her. Did he want her in his life, or was he just waiting for her to leave?

“Who stole my dog?”

Duffy leaped to his feet and trotted down the pavement to an approaching figure. Serena recognized Dana immediately and stood up. “Hello,” she said.

“Hi,” Dana replied, frowning. “Oh, my God. Serena! What have you done with your hair?”

Serena reached up to fuss with a curl at her temple. “I decided I needed a change.”

“I barely recognize you. It’s a big change. But it’s really cute. Highlights your cheekbones. I see you’ve found my favorite bake shop.”

“I have,” Serena said, nodding.

Dana glanced down at the table. “You have a cinnamon roll. And a coffee. And—a job application?”

Serena winced inwardly. “Yes. I’ve been thinking about staying in Raglan for a while. I was just curious about the jobs available.”

“Really?” Dana tried to appear unfazed by Serena’s admission, but she was clearly having a hard time with it. “But why would you ever give up acting. You’re so fabulous at it.”

“Oh, I’m not saying I would.”

“That’s a relief. I like your films. But it would be great if you stayed in Raglan. It’s not Malibu or L.A., but it’s really nice here.” She paused. “Do you really need to work in a bakery?”

“No. But I want to do something, and I was curious if I could even qualify for a regular job. Just reviewing my options.”

Dana sat down at the table, and Serena had no choice but to join her. “Do your options include Ryan? Because he’s a really good person. He’s loyal and he’s brave and he’s smart and...and I’ve just made him sound like Duffy.”

“I do care about him,” Serena said. “I’m just not sure his feelings are mutual...yet.”

“Give him time,” Dana said. “It takes a lot for Ryan to trust. He took our father’s death the hardest. He doesn’t talk about his emotions easily. Or much else that’s going through his head. But there’s a really decent bloke in there.” She paused to take a breath. “I can’t believe I’m sitting here talking to Serena Hightower. It’s so weird.”

“If I stay in Raglan, we can talk every day,” Serena said.

“If you really want a job, you could work for Max Adrenaline. Oh, it would be so nice to have another woman around the office. Sometimes those boys are just unbearable. I hoped maybe Amy or Claudia would want to help with the family business, but Amy’s too busy with her writing and Claudia is still working in Sydney. We have loads of work to do before the Everest trip. Oh, and you have to meet my mum. She is a huge fan. I hope you don’t mind, but I spilled the beans that you were staying with Ryan. She was shocked, I tell you, shocked. Ryan barely says a word about his personal life. We all wondered if he would ever—” Dana stopped short. “I should just stop talking. Full stop. So, what are you doing this morning?”

“I’m going to walk back to the
bach
. Maybe go surfing or do some reading.”

“Let me drive you. My car is just down there,” she said, pointing to a small blue Toyota.

“All right,” Serena said. “But don’t you have to get your pastries first?”

“Oh, where is my head this morning? I’ll be right back.”

“And don’t tell Amanda who I am,” Serena said as Dana rushed to the door. “She didn’t recognize me and I’d rather just remain—”

“Incognito?” Dana asked. “I completely understand.”

Serena watched Dana through the glass, wondering if the other woman would be able to keep her secret. There was no reason to make a spectacle of herself. And she loved the fact that she was able to walk down the street without anyone noticing. It had been years since that had happened, and it was wonderfully liberating.

Maybe she ought to change her name. She could go by the name on her passport—Ellsbeth Serena Sheridan. She hadn’t been Ellsbeth since she was born. Her parents had always called her Serena. And she’d chosen to use her grandfather’s name for her career. Hightower was a famous English acting family.

The thought of disappearing into a new place, without any of her old baggage was intriguing—and a bit exciting. But she’d have to make sure her secret stayed safe. No one could know she was in New Zealand.

Which meant it was time to make that call to Thom Perry. And to her former fiancé. They wanted her in L.A. in a matter of days and were both determined to take away the freedom she’d so recently realized she craved. And they had too many reasons to set the media on her trail.

* * *

R
YAN
SAT
ON
the front porch, his tent spread out on the plank floor. He found the tear that had come from an errant crampon and snipped a small patch from the repair kit he kept in his pack.

He’d been occupying himself with mindless tasks all morning, waiting for Serena to return. But it was nearly noon and she’d been gone since dawn—nearly six hours. If she wasn’t back soon, he’d go looking for her. She couldn’t have gone far on foot and with Duffy along. But then, maybe someone had recognized her and— He tossed the repair kit onto a nearby chair, then pulled his mobile from his pocket.

He stared down at the screen. He’d never gotten her number. Ryan cursed softly. His mind raced to all sorts of possibilities. She could be hurt. Or maybe she’d met some handsome surfer and was enjoying lunch with him now. Or maybe—

The sound of a car on the gravel drive interrupted his worry, and he jogged down the steps as Dana’s Toyota pulled up to the
bach
. His sister got out, and a few seconds later, Serena followed. A sigh of relief slipped from his lips and he hurried over to help Serena with the sacks of groceries she was carrying.

“I’ll get the things from the boot,” Dana called.

“Thanks,” Serena said.

“Hi.” Ryan bent close and brushed a kiss across her cheek. “You’ve been busy.” He grabbed the sack, and his gaze came to rest on her hair. It had changed again, the cut a bit shorter.

“I met Dana at the bake shop. She took me to her hairdresser to get my hair fixed and then we had a mani and a pedi and got to talking. And then I had to stop at the market because I wanted to cook a nice dinner tonight.” She paused. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”

He met her gaze and saw the regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “It was my fault. I’m glad you’re home.”

Dana came around the rear of the car with another sack of groceries and a few bottles of wine. She set it on the porch, maneuvering around his tent. “All right. That should be it. Elly, I will see you later. Brother, be nice to her. I want her to stay around for a while. Oh, and I’m keeping Duffy. I know you’ve been feeding him human food.”

Dana got back in her car and pulled out of the drive, waving as she passed Serena. Ryan waited until the car was out of sight before he turned to Serena. “Elly?”

“Ellsbeth,” she said. “It’s my real name. I was just trying it out.”

“Ellsbeth is your real name?”

She nodded. “Ellsbeth Serena Sheridan. Hightower is my grandfather’s name. No one calls me Ellsbeth, except my grandmother, and she died ten years ago.”

“Why do you need to change your name?”

“If I start a new life, I’m going to need a new name. And if you call me Elly Sheridan, no one will ever know I was Serena Hightower. I can just slip into Raglan society as a whole new person.”

“You’re planning to stay in Raglan?”

“How would you feel about that?”

“I’m not sure,” Ryan said. “Could you be happy here?”