Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

This was not going to ruin my day. He will not ruin it.

“Look, Mom, he’s too weak to walk. We’re starving.” Natalie was carrying Will.

I took a deep breath and rolled my eyes. “You need to take drama next semester, Nat.”

Arthur nodded. “Your mother has a point. You’re really quite convincing.”

“Wow, Mom.” Will pulled a flower from the arrangement and tucked it behind Natalie’s ear. “That’s a whole garden.”

“Oh, and they smell divine, too.” Mom joined us, bending over the arrangement to inhale deeply. “Flowers always make things nicer.”

“Nicer?” I looked pointedly around the room. It was exquisite, with intricate leaf and ivy crown molding, a ceiling medallion of striped silk, crystal chandeliers, and brocade settees and wingback chairs. I’d been too nervous to sit, let alone lounge about. “Really, Mom? Nicer?”

I was ready to get out, walk, explore, and have a fantastic day. And get away from those damn flowers.

My cell phone vibrated in my pocket and I pulled it out. I was smiling as I flipped it open. “Morning.”

“Morning. Are you all up and about?” He sounded tired.

“Yes. You?”

“I’m up and somewhat about. We’re almost there. Didn’t know if you’d eaten or if you wanted to go out?”

“We haven’t eaten, but the kids are starving. We’ll meet you downstairs?” I asked.

“Right. Five minutes.” He paused. “I didn’t get any bloody sleep.”

I felt my smile growing broader. “Me neither.”

“Good. Glad to know I didn’t suffer alone.” He laughed softly. “See you in a bit, then.”

Holding tightly to Will’s hand, we hopped every other step of the grand staircase that led to the hotel lobby. He was smiling and giggling, completely adorable. I wondered if stair-skipping was a common practice at the Ritz. As lovely as the hotel was, I was ready to go someplace less pristine—or wrap the children in bubble wrap.

“Natalie said I had to eat fish for breakfast,” Will said when we’d reached the lobby. I shot Natalie a look. She burst out laughing.

“No, Will, you won’t have to eat fish for breakfast. You can if you want to. I think Natalie said she was planning on trying some?” I looked back at her in question.

Natalie wrinkled up her nose and shook her head emphatically.

“Kipper is actually tasty,” Arthur said.

“Kipper? Kipper’s a dog. He’s in one of my favorite books,” Will told him. He looked very disapproving of Arthur at that moment. Shannon started laughing.

“Kipper is also a fish.” It was Josh, sounding amused. I felt a tingle shoot up the base of my spine. Our eyes met and I smiled warmly. Good morning.

“Morning,” Helen chimed in.

“Morning. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s eat.” Natalie led Helen toward the immensely elegant and terrifyingly grand dining room.

Josh and Will were regarding each other. I watched with interest.

“So Uncle Arthur eats the fish kipper, not my storybook dog Kipper?” Will was greatly concerned over this.

Josh squatted, meeting Will’s eye level. “That’s correct. I imagine Uncle Arthur doesn’t eat dog. That’s right, isn’t it, Arthur?” They both looked at Arthur for his nod. Once Arthur nodded, they regarded one another again. “There now, that’s good to know. I’m Josh, by the way.”

“I’m Will. Nice to meet you.” He shook Josh’s hand then smiled impishly. Will knows how to smile; it’s blinding. Josh smiled back at Will, somewhat startled.

Will took Grams’ hand and dragged her toward the dining room. “Come on, Grams. I want to see what a kipper looks like.”