Hollywood Ever After (Red Carpet 1)

The movie was decent, a big-budget piece with lots of CGI, invigorating music, over-the-top action, and a completely predictable plot. By the end of the first fifteen minutes, I was totally smitten with Josh Wiley. Besides a beautiful face, amazing physique, and expressive hazel eyes, he had talent.

After the movie credits rolled, Shannon and I climbed back into the limo. She sighed and giggled a little, then stared at me with expectant eyes. “Now the real fun begins.” Shannon shook off her shoes and curled up on the seat. “Spill.”

“Spill?”

“Come on. Don’t even try to dodge. Spill. The movie, the script, the cast; I want to hear your thoughts.”

I smiled, but wrinkled my nose. “The movie was okay.” I hesitated until she nodded. “Well, it wasn’t exactly an original script. Decent music and action, though. It would have been pretty bad without Michael Aubrey and—”

“Josh,” she said. “He’ll bring the money in all on his own.” She leaned back into her seat.

I mentally considered the soon-to-be superstar Josh Wiley. “He’s in the next big movie you’re producing?”

“Yes, it’s that sci-fi novel I sent you. He’s Captain Barnaby. It’s been morphed into a very stylized, dark kind of film. No happy ending like the book. But the film will play up the sex and physicality a bit. Okay, a lot.” She chuckled. “I’ve fought long and hard to keep a little of the original fundamental human element included. A small victory.”

“That’s very mature of you.”

“Hell yes. Choosing battles is essential in this business. Nothing ends up the way it started,” she said. “Small victories aren’t so small, really.”

I started pulling off my sandals. My feet were beginning to protest their designer torture devices. “Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your new life. It’s been an amazing evening.”

“We’re going to the studio party, Claire. You might want to hold on to your shoes.”

I didn’t realize we’d come to a stop until the door opened. When I was helped from the car, we were on the coast. “Wow!” I said, meaning it.

“Yeah, I know.” Shannon shook her head.

The sky was endless. The stars were amazing. The hotel was reminiscent of an Italian villa, two stories of gray and earth-toned stones. Smooth flagstone steps curved around a grand water feature trickling peacefully into a soothing pool. Pink and yellow plumeria blossoms were scattered around the pool, filling the night with their heady sweetness. I walked with her, feeling the pinch of my new shoes a bit as we started up the stone steps into the hotel.

“Let’s party!” The excitement in Shannon’s voice made me smile.

It was already crowded, the overall mood euphoric and somewhat victorious. Shannon was familiar with a handful of people, but she slid into unknown groups and made friends easily. She introduced me frequently, but I stopped trying to remember names after a while. We floated through groups of actors, studio execs, critics, and some very enthusiastic extras vying for a chance to schmooze with the “important people”. We wandered until Shannon found some coworkers, and the conversation turned to work.

“Did we get the green light on our production dates for End?” Shannon asked Victor Ennis, the director for her movie.

“Yes, ma’am. We’ll be ready for the December release date.” He rubbed his hands together as he spoke. “I know there’s been some really good buzz already. Hollywood flash plus your insight…”

“Speaking of flash,” Shannon said, looking pointedly at the entrance. “It’s a little early for the young ones to make an appearance.”

I followed her gaze and instantly regretted it. Josh Wiley had arrived with a group of beautiful trendy people. I excused myself to get a martini and carefully avoided staring at his pretty face—the knot in my stomach returning. I couldn’t ignore how attractive he was. There was no denying it, even if I wanted to.

Avoiding Josh might prevent more humiliation for me tonight. After all, a young movie star wasn’t going to give me a second glance. Why should he? Why would I want him to? I didn’t. I didn’t want to be a blip on his radar, I didn’t. I told myself this over and over, making my way to the deck railing.

I sipped my drink and looked out the balcony to the beach below. A quiet walk on the white sand was very tempting.

“Thinking about ditching?” Victor asked, coming to stand beside me.

I shrugged a little guiltily. “I am a bit star-struck.”

He smiled. “Take off all the fancy clothes and makeup and it’s just a party.”

I cocked an eyebrow at him and shook my head. “Full of beautiful naked rich people.”

Victor laughed.

“I’ve never been a big party gal. So, yes, I was thinking about taking a walk on the beach…without these.” I raised one strappy-heel-encased foot.

“How do you walk in those things?”