Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

“You’re actually wearing more clothes than is required, but it’ll do.” She smiled, arching her brow mischievously. “We’re going to meet a few of my work friends there. Don’t worry, though, I don’t have any more surprises for you.”

“Promise?” I was only half teasing her.

“I’ve learned my lesson. Cross my heart and hope to die on this one, okay?” She came forward and hugged me. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you…”

“I know, Shannon. I do,” I said. “But I need you to talk to me before you do anything to help me next time, okay? I’m not so good with the surprises.”

She nodded. “Got it.”

“Speaking of surprises,” I mumbled, “I asked Mom to read my book and give me her input.” I clicked on my email and sent the manuscript off to Mom, sharing our conversation with Shannon while I scanned my inbox.

“Has she read it before?” Shannon asked.

“Only you. And Frank Graham, I guess.” I shot her a look. “I didn’t want her to have to go there.”

“She’ll be okay, Claire.” She had the good sense to look somewhat apologetic.

“I just don’t feel ready to make any big decisions like that. Not yet.”

She flipped off lights as we went, closing the front door behind us. “You need to smile, enjoy some good food with your best friend. Then we’ll hit some clubs.”

I smiled, my mind flitting back to Josh again. I wished I was having dinner with him.

Chapter Six

“Another one, please.” I sounded funny. Am I slurring my words? The club was so loud that everything sounded a little distorted.

“Uh-huh, that’s just what you need,” Shannon said.

I finished my drink, swaying to the beat of the music. Why can’t I sit still?

“It’s her vacation. She can drink as much as she wants,” Arthur White said.

I smiled at Arthur. He was a delightful surprise. Bald and slightly round, Arthur had a witty sense of humor and a gentle face. I had the distinct impression that he might be Shannon’s boyfriend and I couldn’t be happier.

“Thank you, Arthur. I know…I mean, I think I’m drunk.” I paused, then nodded at my statement. “It’s been a long time, but this is the way I think it felt…then.” I saw Shannon’s eyebrows rise as I sputtered to a halting stop. “Don’t look at me like that. This is all your fault.” I stared at Shannon, eyes narrowed.

“My fault? Do tell.” She seemed to be swaying in her seat too.

Or maybe it was just me.

“The whole new life thing. This has been the most bizarre few days of my life. Which is saying a lot, considering how totally screwed up my life has been. Is this a mid-life crisis? Is thirty-five middle-aged?” I paused, but neither of them said anything, so I continued. “I mean, the damn book…” I pointed a wobbly finger at Shannon. “I should hate you for that. You know that, right?”

Shannon blushed and nodded. “You should. But you don’t.” I knew she felt sincerely sorry; I could see it on her face. Of course, I’d drunk most of a bottle of tequila, so I wasn’t one hundred percent about anything I was seeing at this point. “Any second you’re going to be stoked about becoming a published author. Just wait.”

“Why would anyone want to publish it? It’s so damn depressing.”

Shannon shook her head, watching me with arched eyebrows. “You’re going to have the mother of all hangovers tomorrow, Claire.”

I shrugged. “I’ll live. I guess I can blame you for Josh, too.”

“What about Josh?” Shannon smiled, nudging Arthur.

“Josh… Well.” Memories flashed, making my words rush out unsteadily. “If it wasn’t for you I would never have tripped or fallen or had him smile that smile at me. I’d probably never have seen his movie. Oh, maybe I would, since it was your movie too. But now he’s…I think…he’s really…” My throat was suddenly very dry. Josh filled my mind. “What am I doing?”

“Right now, you’re drinking. More than I’ve ever seen you drink.” Shannon winced as I downed the contents of my fresh drink.

“Can we dance?” I stood, wobbling.