No arm candy.
An awkward twinge fired off in the pit of her stomach. She fidgeted a bit, squaring her shoulders to adjust her posture. Why the hell am I even feeling the slightest bit of guilt for bringing Jason? The man had his chance years ago and blew it.
“You look lovely this evening, Carrie Ann.” John’s deep voice pulled her out of a trance. Understanding lingered in his emerald eyes, whispering, “You okay?”
His protective tone, considerate and caring, indicating Shayla had already mentioned her meltdown over the roses. The couple didn’t keep secrets and told each other everything. Truth be told, Carrie Ann had a wee bit of a crush on her best friend’s husband. It wasn’t your typical crush of attraction or infatuation. It was more like a man-crush. John sat at the top of her Men You Admire Poll. He could build or fix anything. That alone was impressive enough, bearing in mind she grew up in a house where her dad couldn’t or wouldn’t even change a lightbulb. Plus, John was an amazing father. However, what she loved most about John was that he thought the sun rose and set inside Shayla. He was crazy in love with her and didn’t hide it.
“I’m good.” Her tender smile acting as a thank you. “You look very debonair this evening.”
“Ha! Debonair? I don’t think that’s a category I fall under. The boys said they made some cash off you the other day.”
“They sure did. I was just happy not to have to endure a tarantula sighting.”
Focus all but obliterated, Carrie Ann dared to take another look in Summer’s direction. Drew peered over his shoulder, perusing the room with wide-eyed interest. The sheer buzz of excitement was evident in his exuberant smile. They made eye contact. He raised a hand, flashing her a peace sign as he flipped a chuck of blond hair from his forehead. She couldn’t help but delight in his enthusiasm. It was probably the coolest moment of his life thus far. Tossing him a quick wink, she settled into her seat.
The director arrived on stage, sharing his zealous passion, showing his favorite cast interviews, who gushed about the incredible life-changing experience it was to work with the best director on the planet. Feeling distracted, Carrie Ann could barely pay attention to the ongoing ramble, preoccupied by the guilt seeping in through the cracks of her conscience. It wasn’t fair to invite Jason. Even though she clearly defined her intention for the evening as friendship, she used him as a buffer and knew it. Not my finest moment.
Theater lights dimmed giving warning that the movie was about begin.
Carrie Ann slipped a loose strand of dark hair behind her shoulder, but in mid-motion she saw a pair of warm cognac eyes in her peripheral.
Summer’s powerful gaze landed directly on her, demanding her attention.
A surge of guilt, ridiculous and unreasonable, simmered beneath the surface of her skin. The pounding of her heart, almost painful in its beat. He held the piercing stare for what felt like eternity before cutting to the male companion at her side. Though his face showed no emotion, his jaw stretched taut and rigid, bolding the cleft in his chin.
Carrie Ann squirmed in her seat. Without being able to stop herself, she inched away from Jason’s side.
A quick mental assessment of her own bizarre reaction fired off an internal round of head-strong tenacity. Irritation capsized. Gathering her defenses with several deep breaths, she turned to Jason showering him with a reserved smile.
As darkness lowered over the theater, Summer faced the screen leaving her to endure two of the longest hours of her life.
*
A list of Who’s Who filled the trendy restaurant which opened exclusively for the after party. Dinner tables were replaced with smaller bar-like high tables, covered in fine white linens and candles, giving the restaurant a more intimate party vibe. Men dressed in formal wear blended with a mixology of women’s colorful gowns and dresses making for an exquisite palate for the evening. Sparkly jewels nestled between vast amounts of enhanced cleavage, and a copious amount of free-flowing alcohol, made for a plethora of sightseeing. And not the kind you’d find on your average tour of Hollywood Boulevard.
“What would you like to drink?” Jason asked.
To drink or not to drink? That was the question. Lord knows she needed a dose of pink cure all, but she wanted to keep her wits about her. Carrie Ann tried to make an excuse for an early exit, but Tommy wasn’t having it, encouraging her and Jason to join them at the private after party. Jason rubbed elbows with LA’s wealthiest on a daily basis, yet Carrie Ann thought she might have to wipe the drool from his chin when Tommy Clemmins insisted they share his limo. She giggled to herself practically hearing the cha ching of dollar signs roll through Jason’s eyes like a Vegas slot machine at the mere possibility of assisting Tommy Clemmins with any real estate needs.
“I would love a water.”
“Water?” A hint of shock crossed his face. Judging by the quirk of Shayla’s brow, she was just as surprised. “Anything else?”
“No thanks, just water, please. I have to work tomorrow. The next few days will be brutal.”
Jason turned from the table, leaving her standing amid a small group including Shayla and John, Tommy and Tess, and a revolving door of people patting Tommy on the back for the near God-like production of The best film they’d ever seen in their lives. Carrie Ann loved the movie and the film’s merit would certainly make its mark on several award nomination lists, however, the well-rehearsed congratulations and felicitations bordered on some major ass-kissing.
JC called out to Jason as he made his way toward the crowded bar, “Can you make that two waters?” She waved before hiding a yawn in the palm of her hand.
A set of broad shoulders made their way through the horde of people. Reed approached with a chair. “Here you go, darlin’. I’ll get you a water. You want me to get you something to eat?” he asked sweetly, bending closer to inspect her face as if she were a young child or an elderly woman.
The muscles in Carrie Ann’s face slowly softened watching the tender exchange in awe. Reed placed a kiss near JC’s temple and rubbed a small circle over her flat tummy before catching up with Jason.
Her mouth popped open in recollection. “Are you…” Her question cut short gesturing a hand roll in the direction of JC’s mid-section.
“What? Why would you ask that?” Panic saturated her tone. JC’s eyes darted from side to side checking the proximity of prying party goers.
“It’s just…” Carrie Ann moved closer, whispering, “That’s the second time I’ve seen him touch you like that.”
“Touch me like what?” She attempted to hide her beaming grin, but the joy radiating in her eyes gave her away.
Carrie Ann glanced around, making sure no one in the near vicinity was paying attention to their quiet conversation. Most were immersed in Tommy and all things Oscar talk. She covertly circled a hand over her the waist of her sequin dress.
“Shit. Please don’t say anything.” A deep shade of crimson flushed her cheeks.
“No, no. I would never. Congratulations. Does anyone else know?”
“Only family…and we’d like to keep it quiet as long as possible. Maybe Thanksgiving, depending how soon I start to show. We just found out the other day when we saw you at Tommy’s place.”
“You better tell Reed to stop rubbing your tummy like that in public. Oh my gosh, I can’t even imagine how beautiful your baby will be. You two are the most attractive couple I know.”
Another round of severe blushing.