I snorted. “I will.”
“Now, I’d like to take a shower and go sleep in my own bed.”
“Feel free. Can I call you a cab?”
“No, thanks. I have the company’s driver waiting for me outside.”
When he was gone, I confirmed the booking for next Sunday and added a generous tip to his account.
9
At the Rosebud Club
LOTHAIR
Terrance had been soannoyed by the plan it was a miracle his eyes didn’t roll out of their sockets when I described the details. But I was still his client, so in the end, he relented. I would bet he thought it was cool as hell, even if he’d never admit it.
When the limo stopped at the edge of the red carpet, it was him climbing out of the back seat instead of me. The confused crowd of fans and photographers began hollering. I saw it all on the live stream on my phone. As instructed, Terrance ignored their questions and looked up.
I jumped.
The small parachute unfolded quickly, giving me only a second of glorious free fall. I glided down between the high-rise buildings, the humid wind beating my face. The next moment, I landed on the red carpet, right in front of Terrance, while a couple of my staff gathered the sagging fabric of the parachute from the limo’s roof.
The crowd cheered as I stepped out of the harness, adjusted my bowtie, and waved.
“The city will fine your ass again,” Terrance muttered behind me. “They even have a special rate for unauthorized base jumps.”
“Let them,” I said, my smile unwavering. “Worth it.”
Today’s stunt was a teaser for my new movie,Wild Cat, the first in a series of action flicks, and I had high hopes it would smash it at the box office.
With Terrance looming behind me, I signed a few autographs, and then we were ushered into the brightly lit atrium. The annual gala had top-notch attendance, consisting of A-list celebs only. Last year, they’d snubbed me.
And look at me now.
I wish I could feel happy about it, but the fun part of the evening—the base jump—was over.
As soon as we entered, a throng of photographers and reporters attacked us. I could sense Terrance behind me, creating a perimeter by the sheer force of his blue gaze so I could fucking breathe. The way he handled crowds was admirable. He rarely had to touch anyone, using only well-timed gestures, a few calm words, and clear instructions.
“Hey, Lothair! Couldn’t you walk in here like a normal person?” one guy asked, shoving a microphone in my face.
What kind of question was that?
So I said, “No.”
A couple of reporters laughed.
“It’s your first time at the Temple Gala. What’s your impression of it?”
“Ask me again in an hour.”
“Who’s the man with you?”
I pointed my thumb at Terrance behind me. “Him? My bodyguard.”
“He’s been seen with you everywhere these past few weeks. Are you in any danger?”
“I’m in acute danger of dying of thirst. Excuse me, gentlemen.”
