“I figured it would make up for me accusing you of scooping a story,” he said, taking a step away. “Good luck with Alanis. She’s a beast, but she’s the best.”
What a strange guy. Even as he backed away and disappeared into the crowd, I couldn’t help but wonder if all the boys from LA were like that. Ridiculously good looking enough to stop a girl in her tracks, but also stiff and entirely disapproving in a way that made me feel like I’d done something to personally insult him. It was weird.
“Lexi, if all the boys on set look like that, you’re going to have the time of your life,” Charlotte said, elbowing me in the side and making Beth giggle.
Hunter’s grunt of disapproval had her laughing and reaching up to kiss him quickly on the cheek. “Relax, cowboy. I’d never give up the boots and buckles. You’ve got me addicted.”
A proud smile worked its way onto his face as he draped his arm over her shoulder. “Good, then my plan worked.”
At that moment, Dad came walking up beside me in his three-piece black suit that didn’t quite fit him in the shoulders. His face glowed with childish excitement as he took in the party scene ahead of us. “All right, kiddos, are we ready to roll? Maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet a real-life movie star.” His grin faded as he looked down at me and his gaze took in the red stain on my blouse. “Alexia, baby, what did you do to yourself? I was only gone a few minutes.”
I shook my head in a warning and backed away for the restroom I’d spotted down the hall. He seriously did not want to know. And there was no time to discuss for the hundredth time my lack of responsibility.
Been there. Done that.
This might not have been the introduction I’d wanted to the Hollywood scene, but I wouldn’t let this bad first impression ruin everything. That was what Hollywood was about, right? Everyone else got to remake themselves into the perfect version of themselves. This was my chance to start all over again.
Lexi Black. Makeup artist to the stars.
It sounded like heaven to me.
***