Issy and Brad rolled up to the Sunrise Wellness Facility in Brad’s sleek red Porsche. It was a stifling hot day, the sky azure blue with puffs of white clouds high above. The building itself looked calm and serene, against a backdrop of the San Jacinto mountains, with palm trees dotted liberally throughout the grounds.
They parked up, stepping out of the air conditioning into the oppressive desert heat. Brad was wearing a baseball cap and glasses, and had dressed down in jeans and a T-shirt, but it was hard to get away from being one of the most famous people on the planet.
Issy greeted the reception staff, and they buzzed her in through the internal doors, where she headed along the corridor to her mother’s room. On the way, she quickly glanced into the communal areas, in case her mom was taking part in one of the many activities the centre offered, but she couldn’t see her and she was glad – she wanted a little privacy when her mom met Brad for the first time.
They reached room twenty-three. The door was partially ajar, and Issy could see her mother lying on her bed, reading a novel. She tapped gently on the door and Darlene looked up.
‘Issy,’ she smiled when she saw her, closing the book and getting up to greet her daughter.
‘Wait here for a moment,’ Issy murmured to Brad, before stepping into the room.
‘It’s so good to see you,’ Darlene said, giving her daughter a warm and lengthy hug.
‘You look great, Mom,’ Issy told her. ‘I love your hair.’ In the short time she’d been at the facility, Darlene had transformed. Her sallow skin, lank hair and emaciated frame had all disappeared. Now she looked healthy and happy.
‘Thanks,’ Darlene beamed. ‘I fancied a change. They have a hairdresser here, you know. In fact, they have a whole beauty salon. I might treat myself to a manicure next week.’
‘You should,’ Issy beamed, thrilled to see that her mother was taking an interest in herself again. The two had the same red hair, though Darlene’s was styled in a sleek bob and had flecks of grey, while Issy’s vivid and riotous curls were pulled back in a ponytail.
‘So what’s new with you?’ Darlene said. ‘Tell me some stories of the outside world.’
‘Actually, Mom,’ Issy began, unable to keep the goofy grin off her face. ‘There’s someone I’d like you to meet …’
Hearing his cue, Brad strolled into the room. He was carrying his cap, and had pushed his sunglasses up on top of his head. Even in the tiny room, he radiated charisma and star quality.
Darlene’s eyes widened. ‘Jesus Christ, am I tripping? Is that Brad Redford?’
‘Guilty as charged,’ Brad grinned, holding up his hands, his eyes twinkling.
Issy felt that familiar pull in her stomach as she looked at him, and was amused to see that her mother appeared to be equally smitten. Darlene’s mouth dropped open, a hand flying to her chest in shock.
‘No offence intended, but what the hell are you doing here?’ Darlene said, with a laugh of disbelief.
‘Actually, you owe him a thank you,’ Issy explained. ‘He’s been helping us to pay for your treatment.’
‘But I thought …?’
‘We’re kind of together,’ Issy giggled, slipping her hand into Brad’s.
‘Actually, we’re very together,’ Brad added, sliding an arm around Issy’s waist and pulling her to him.
Darlene stepped backwards and sat down on her bed. ‘You’re going to have to give me a minute,’ she said, looking at them suspiciously, as though they were playing a trick on her. ‘Wait a second – I read the National Enquirer religiously. Was Issy the reason you broke up with Lexi Parker?’
Brad considered the question. ‘No, she wasn’t. But I’m so grateful she was there for me when I needed her. I guess Lexi and I were over long before I realized I was falling in love with Issy.’
‘In love,’ Darlene squealed. ‘Brad Redford is in love with my daughter! Oh my goodness, are you planning on getting married?’
‘Mom!’ Issy chastised, her face flushing. ‘You’re so embarrassing.’
‘I can assure you, ma’am, I have only the best of intentions towards your daughter,’ Brad grinned again.
‘But Mom, you can’t tell anyone about this. Not yet.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘We’re only just getting used to the idea ourselves. When the news comes out, it’s going to be crazy. I worked for Brad for three years, and I know what his life’s like, and how intense it can be, what the press will say. We’re enjoying the privacy for now.’
‘Well, I’m dying to tell everyone in this place, but I guess I can hold it in for now,’ Darlene laughed.
‘You might not have to wait for too much longer,’ Brad said, as Issy looked at him curiously. ‘The High Voltage premiere’s slated for this summer. I thought it might be kinda nice if you were on my arm for the red carpet.’
‘Oh … Really? I …’ Issy trailed off. ‘Me?’ she said in disbelief, which made them all laugh.
‘Who else?’ Brad replied, looking at her adoringly.
Issy’s expression swung between excitement and terror. She’d been on the red carpet before, but always a few steps behind, the camera lenses pointing in another direction, never straight at her. The thought of being dressed up, scrutinized, judged, and on the front of millions of newspapers the following day was daunting. But, on the other hand, this was her life now. If she wanted to be with Brad, she had to get used to it. And she did want to be with him. She was madly in love with him, and she was pretty sure the feeling was mutual.
Once filming had wrapped, they’d spent a blissful two weeks holed up in Brad’s beach house in Malibu, barely leaving the bedroom. But now it was time to return to the real world and take their relationship to the next level. A very public level.
‘You don’t have to decide right now,’ Brad winked. ‘There’ll be plenty of time to choose a dress.’
Issy beamed up at him, she could barely believe he was hers.
‘Aren’t you two just adorable,’ Darlene sighed. ‘You’re so lucky, Iz.’
‘I hate to disagree with you, but I’m the lucky one,’ Brad chimed in. ‘Ms Winters, your daughter has made me so happy these last couple of months. In fact, I don’t think I realized how unhappy I’d gotten. I was so wrapped up in Hollywood, in things that don’t matter, like awards ceremonies and box-office takings and magazine covers. Issy’s made me see life differently, made me realize what’s important in life. Happiness. Love.’ He pulled Issy to him, kissing her softly.
Issy couldn’t keep the smile off her face, and Darlene looked as though she might melt into a puddle at Brad’s sentimental words.
