He had to catch his breath before he went downstairs. Shane would be able to tell with one look that he was rattled. They’d worked together off and on since they were both on On Deck together. He didn’t have a lot of close friends in the world, but she was one. Even after she’d decided acting wasn’t for her, too much attention, they’d kept in contact and when she came back to town, looking for styling work, he’d been happy to help her get a start. True friends were hard to come by in Hollywood and she’d been one through all the shit his parents put him through. Unfortunately, she knew him very, very well. She’d probably try to warn him away from Laura by telling him that she was all wrong for him. Too serious. And, boy, was she. When he’d opened the door to see her standing in the beachy hallway, he’d almost asked her what time the funeral was. Maybe he’d spent too much time with her in pink and sequins and feathers, but her gray slacks, black jacket, and white button-up blouse were just all wrong.
