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***
It’s an awkward limo ride over to Scarlett’s house. I finally introduce Wesley to Logan and almost instantly there’s this weird tension. Thank God Ash talks about his restroom mayhem the entire ride over.
“Are you sure you didn’t order a different curry to mine?”
“Positive.”
“And you didn’t go to the bathroom once?”
“Nope. Iron stomach.”
“I just don’t get it.” He shakes his head.
“So, why are you both in town?” Wes places his hand on my knee, a gesture which generally wouldn’t bother me but right now, it does.
There’s a visible flush in Logan’s cheeks. His eyes follow the movement of Wes’ hand as they rest on top of my knee. With his mouth turned down he speaks through clenched teeth, “We’re trying out for the US soccer team.”
“Nice.”
I want to strangle Wes for being a stuck-up, arrogant jerk.
We carry on with some small talk about the latest movies and who’ll be at the party. Ash keeps the conversation rolling, talking non-stop so the tumbling tumbleweed won’t roll past us. I know how he feels about Wesley, but he’s never one to keep his mouth shut.
Ash switches topics to the relief of Wesley who looks bored with the conversation. “So, I guess I forgot to say congratulations. You know, with the engagement.”
Wesley keeps his smile fixed, not letting on we aren’t together. He slides his hand above my knee until it’s resting on my hemline. I wriggle to move it away, only for him to grip tight. “Thank you. Your sister is quite the catch.”
“Just take care of her, or else you’ve got me and Logan to answer to,” Ash warns in a serious tone.
“Right. Of course, I’d never do anything to hurt her.”
Wesley places his arm around me, moving my hair to the side and kissing the crook of my neck. Across from where we sit, Logan looks at me with deep curiosity. No other emotion on his face aside from that. His muscles are flexed underneath the navy, short-sleeved shirt he’s wearing, his fingers tapping impatiently on the headrest beside him. His expression turns to boredom then he stares out the window uninterested.
“We’re here,” I announce with some relief.
Scarlett’s mansion is a large, modern home hidden behind many trees to keep the property private. In the last few years, any movie she’s starred in has become a blockbuster hit. The tabloids are forever in a frenzy over her love life. She apparently dates actors and funnily enough, our friendship began when she was rumored to be dating Wes.
Stories like that never faze me, so when I ran into her during a red-carpet event, we had a good old laugh and ended the rumor mill right there.
Scarlett’s the most wanted woman in the industry. She’s barely in town, but when she has some downtime, we usually catch up for dinner or drinks. I admire her ability to juggle it all and I often seek guidance about how to cope with this demanding lifestyle we call showbiz.
There’s a small booth at the bottom of the driveway with two security guards checking the guests’ names off on a list. Our limo drives through and up the steep hill until we stop out the front of the house. I can’t be more grateful. There’s way too much testosterone in the car and I’m desperate to escape.
Our regular camera crew are already positioned out front. Scarlett has given permission for the network to use footage for our show providing she approves the final edit. She told them they can only film in the foyer, living room, and outdoor area, where most of the guests are congregated.
“Okay guys, we need you to walk into the house. We’ll film you entering from here.” Josie points to the statue that sits out front. “Then Karl will come in from the right.”
Ash waves goodbye, heading into the house with Logan beside him. I wait for Logan to turn around but he doesn’t. He’s looking too eager to join Ash and the loud music streaming from the house.
I take a deep breath while waiting for Josie to hook me up with the mic. She clips it on and tucks the rest of the unit into the back of my dress then does the same to Wes. I try to keep my shoulders poised as Wes holds my hand while walking into the foyer.
“Emerson,” Scarlett yells from the top of the stairs. She steps down, wearing nine-inch gold heels looking absolutely stunning in a white jumpsuit. Taking each step slow, she finally hits the bottom level and greets me with a double air kiss before leaning over to Wes and doing the same, careful not to smudge her signature red lipstick. “I’m glad you guys made it.” She walks us outside, linking her arms between ours. “Drinks are over there, make yourself comfortable, and please excuse the hoard of Playboy Bunnies that somehow got invited to the party.”
It not difficult to find them. You only have to look at every man and where their eyes are directed to spot them huddled in the corner—fake boobies in tow. Wesley laughs, making some joke about ‘how many blondes does it take to change a light bulb.’ I’m not listening to his answer. Instead, my eyes move around the room until I find the only male not staring at them, but rather they’re staring at me—Logan.
I want to go and talk to him, but Wesley pulls me in the direction of the bar. He orders some drinks then becomes distracted talking to some friends of his. Thankfully, Scarlett’s beside me and ushers me to the table sitting by the pool.
“Okay, so we want you to talk about what’s been happening in your lives.” Josie lowers the camera, adjusting the lens and zooming in to where we sit, the boom mic held firmly above our heads and out of shot. “Scarlett, can you please move a little bit back?”
