“Sit. I have tea. Would you like something stronger? And please, call me Agnes.”
Jade took the chair opposite Agnes.
“Tea would be lovely, thank you.”
“I was prepared to push a plate of fattening food at you, but I see you’ve filled out nicely since the last time I saw you.”
Jade wasn’t offended. How could she be when Agnes was so bright and friendly? There was nothing malicious in her words. Nothing hurtful. If Jade had a grandmother, this was how she would want her to be.
“I’ve been getting a lot of that lately,” Jade smiled. “Good food, provided by genuinely caring people is never a bad thing.”
“Emphasis on the genuine.” Agnes handed Jade a delicate bone china plate with, of course, a floral pattern. She held out a tiered server full of little sandwiches. “The round ones are salmon, the rectangles cucumber.”
Jade took one of each. Genuine in this town was sometimes hard to come by. She weaved her way through the disingenuous so much of the time it was easy to become cynical. Or so hardened she assumed even the smallest gesture of kindness was attached to an ulterior motive. Jade had lived her entire life that way. Until Garrett. He showed her what real kindness was.
“I hope it’s a man who put that look on your face,” Agnes laughed. “Or a woman. I believe in loving who you love. Are those shining eyes for someone special?”
“I…”
Jade’s first instinct was denial. Keeping Garrett to herself was a habit she realized she could break without worrying about the repercussions. They were going on their first public date tonight. Soon everyone would know. Sharing a little with Agnes couldn’t do any harm.
“That blush tells me I’m right on target,” Agnes said, a bit smugly.
“There is a man. He… He’s very special.”
“Mmm.” Agnes sighed. “There is something about that first bloom of love.”
“Oh, I don’t know about love.” The butterflies in Jade’s stomach took flight again. At the same time, she felt a little tingling in the vicinity of her heart. “It’s too soon for that.”
“I knew five minutes after I met Porter.” Agnes laughed. “I made fun of his name. It is silly. Who names a child after a kind of beer? When he laughed back, that was it. We’ve been married fifty years this November.”
“That’s incredible.”
“No. It’s sheer determination.” Agnes set her cup on the table. Her dark brown eyes met Jade’s. “There were days when I wanted to walk away. Sometimes I wanted to run.”
“What made you stay?” Jade found herself unconsciously leaning closer, hanging on Agnes’ every word.
“Something my mother told me on my wedding day. Before you do anything rash, ask yourself one question. Have the good days outweighed the bad? No matter what the problem was that we were currently facing, the answer has always been yes.”
“That’s lovely, Agnes.” Jade wiped at something on her cheek, surprised when she found a tear. “I’m sorry. Crying isn’t very professional.”
Agnes handed Jade a tissue. “I hoped we’ve moved past that. I’ve always wondered what was under that cool exterior you presented to the world. I like what I see. Has that young man of yours helped you melt the ice?”
“With a blowtorch.” Jade groaned silently. Too much information.
“Don’t be embarrassed,” Agnes laughed with delight. “I remember that feeling. You think of him when he’s not there. When he is, you can’t keep your hands off each other.”
“Agnes…” Jade felt her cheeks heating up.
“Ah, so I’m right.” She nodded with satisfaction. “Good. There is nothing wrong with starting with sexual chemistry. Sometimes you build on that, sometimes you don’t. Either way, I hope you enjoy the ride.”
Before Jade could decide how to answer that, Agnes patted her hand reassuringly.
“Never mind that. You came here for a reason. I want to throw my darling Porter a seventy-fifth birthday bash the likes this old neighborhood has never known. Since I’ve decided you’re the perfect person to help, let’s get started. Toss out some ideas. Let’s see what sticks.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
GARRETT CALLED JADE just as she left her meeting with Agnes. He was running behind, which meant he would be later than expected. The re-writes of the re-writes were still not what he wanted. Smoothing out the script and the screenwriter’s ruffled feathers meant they would just make their reservation. There wouldn’t be time for a drink before they left.
Jade had no problem with that. Her meeting with Agnes ran much longer that she had anticipated. Instead of an hour, by the time they were finished laughing, planning, and enjoying each other’s company, three hours had flown by.
As long as she was in the neighborhood, Jade stopped to fill Callie in on her first paying gig. Naturally, Caleb joined them. Before Jade knew it, she was hurrying home to shower and change. She had hoped to spend a couple of hours primping for the big night. As she let herself into the loft, her watch read seven o’clock. An eight o’clock reservation meant no time to tarry.
Jade tossed her purse on the sofa. She would transfer her ID, comb, and lipstick to her little clutch before she left. Bouncing on one foot, then the other, she removed her shoes on the way to the bedroom.
Mentally running through her wardrobe, Jade lamented not buying that sexy little number Callie tried to talk her into when they went shopping.
It was completely impractical, Jade argued.
You’re bound to find an occasion to wear it to, Callie countered.
Too sexy Jade pointed out.
Just the right kind of sexy, Callie said emphatically.
It didn’t matter now. Jade left the store with her practical five outfits — nothing more. Now she would have to repurpose one of them for a night out with her boyfriend.
Jade almost giggled. At her advanced age, she had her first boyfriend. Her teenage years were filled with sons of her father’s business associates and one fumbling make-out session with the bad boy who delivered groceries to the house. He was nice. Nicer than his reputation made out. Jade was a day away from her eighteenth birthday. She liked the way he kissed. In one of her few moments of teenage rebellion, she lost her virginity in the backseat of his borrowed Ford Escort. It was brief, cramped, and nothing to brag about in her diary. Thank God, he wore a condom.
Jade could barely remember what Tim Leggett looked like. Tall. Lanky. Brown eyes? Still, she would always be grateful. Her first time had been with someone of her choosing. A boy with ripped jeans, who smelled faintly of motor oil. Not a five hundred dollar a bottle, cologne dipped pretty boy who only wanted to get into her pants so he could brag to his friends that he bagged the ice queen.
The bad boy was a onetime deal. She would never call the other boys anything but what they were — smoothing the way for her father’s latest business transaction.
It had taken twenty-seven years for Jade Marlow to find a boyfriend. She sighed happily. Boy, oh, boy, was it worth the wait.
A five-minute shower, then she would decide what to wear. As she reached to unzip her dress, Jade frowned. What was that on the bed?
A box tied with a large purple ribbon sat on the pale blue quilt. With a surge of anticipation, Jade reached for the gift. She almost hated to open it. Presents were not the norm in the Marlow household. Not personal ones. There were always expertly wrapped packages under the professionally decorated Christmas tree. It was hard to get excited when she knew a stranger picked them out and the only person who watched her open them was the maid who had to take the discarded paper out to the trash.
This gift was special. Her first from Garrett. One out of desire, not obligation.
One pull had the ribbon falling away. Sentimentally, Jade neatly folded the satin. Later she would tuck it away for safekeeping. Right now, she had to find out what was in the box. Lifting the lid, Jade pushed aside the tissue paper.
Oh, my.
It was a dre
ss. With great care, Jade lifted the garment from the box. She moved to the full-length mirror, holding it up in front of herself. It wasn’t the dress Callie urged her to buy. That one had been a low cut, shimmery silver lamé. This dress was red. Really? Jade worried. With her hair? But oh, it was beautiful. Hand-beaded. From her estimation, it would hit her mid-thigh. The material wouldn’t cling. Instead, the weight of the beads would make it swirl around her body, teasing at what was underneath.
Sighing with appreciation, Jade laid the dress on the bed. That was when she noticed there was something else in the box. Two things. Jade picked up the first object, opening the felt bag to peer inside. A shoe. No, not a shoe. An Italian work of art. Gold, strappy, with a sky-high heel. Taking out its mate, Jade held one shoe in each hand. They weighed almost nothing. A few pieces of leather and some sparkle. Completely impractical. Jade loved them.
Setting them on the bed next to the dress, Jade hurried into the bathroom. The quicker she showered, the sooner she could try on her new things.
Ten minutes later, Jade was clean, dry, and thoroughly lotioned. Her skin was soft. The scent of a gentle spring breeze filled the room. She loved her new body wash. She was ready for the dress — and Garrett.
Looking at the clock, Jade decided she had enough time to give her toenails a coat of bright red lacquer. If they were going to peek out of the end of her gorgeous shoes, they should be suitably prepared. By the time she fixed her hair and makeup, the shiny polish should be dry.
Jade decided her eyes should have a smoky, dramatic feel. She didn’t go all out very often. However, when she did, Jade had the touch of a professional. Some eyeliner, then mascara. She gave her cheeks a touch of color before she painted her lips a red as bold as her dress.
Jade took the pins from her hair letting it fall down around her shoulders. She ran her fingers through it giving her a tousled, sexy look. Perfect. She wanted anyone who looked at her tonight to see a strong woman who was proud to be on the arm of her man.
From her dress to her hair, tonight everything about Jade was bold and sassy. A new woman was emerging. No more hiding her emotions behind a wall. She felt as sparkly as the heels of her shoes. Inside and out.
Dropping the towel she had wrapped around herself after her shower, Jade picked up the beaded dress. The thin straps meant she either had to wear a strapless bra or none at all. Moving to the mirror, she looked her breasts over with a critical eye. Nice shape. Well placed. No visible sagging. The old Jade wouldn’t have gone out in public without a complete set of underwear. That decided her. No bra tonight. Panties, yes. Jade slipped on a lacy red pair. She might feel bold, but there was a limit. No way was she providing a bare crotch shot to any lurking paparazzi.
The dress fit like a dream. As she guessed, the hem hit her mid-thigh, showing off her long, shapely legs to perfection. When she slipped on the shoes and picked up her small satin clutch, her ensemble was complete. Somehow, Garrett got her size perfect on every item.
Taking a deep breath, Jade looked at the finished product. What she saw took her breath away. No one would call her an ice queen tonight.
“I can feel the heat from over here, Jade. You are absolutely the sexiest woman I have ever known.”
“Perfect timing,” Jade turned to Garrett. She opened her mouth to say something sassy, but one look at him stole every thought from her brain. Except one. Holy cow!
“Surprised?” Grinning, Garrett did a slow turn. “You aren’t the only one who cleans up nice.”
“Nice?” Jade said. She slowly walked across the room. “You’re wearing a suit and tie.” She leaned closer. “You shaved. That isn’t fair, Garrett.”
“What do you mean?”
“In jeans and t-shirt you drip sex appeal. Tonight?” Jade ran a finger along one of his lapels. “Dressed like that? Every woman who sees you is going to hate my guts.”
“And every man who sees you is going to wish he was the one taking you home.” Garrett pulled her into the circle of his arms. His lips brushed her ear as he whispered, “Let them eat their hearts out. All I see is you.”
Jade put her mouth against Garrett’s. She didn’t move to deepen the kiss. Being in his arms. Feeling his warm breath mingle with her own. If this wasn’t heaven, she didn’t know what was.
“You always smell so good.” Garrett lightly kissed one side of her mouth, then the other.
“It’s called Spring Meadow.” Her lips parted, anticipating Garrett deepening their contact.
“It’s called pure Jade.”
Garrett took her mouth with his — Jade melted. His tongue didn’t tease against hers. It tasted. Dipped. Swirled. Jade felt her body begin to burn. Much more of this and she would explode into a raging inferno.
“Let’s forget about dinner,” Jade gasped when Garrett finally raised his head. “I want you.”
“Tempting,” Garrett set her away from him. Giving her another look, he took a deep breath. “You have no idea.”
“Then…?” Jade eased the hem of her dress several inches higher. She was almost to her panties when Garrett stopped her. He grasped her hands, kissed each one.
“We have plans. Fix your lipstick. If we leave now, we should just make our reservation.”
“I’ll fix mine if you fix yours.” Jade held out a tissue. “That shade of red isn’t your color.”
Chuckling, Garrett wiped his mouth. “Well, it’s certainly yours. I’m glad to see you embraced the color. I was afraid you might balk. The whole redhead shouldn’t wear red. I’ve never understood that one. You look spectacular.”
Jade emerged from the bathroom, her mouth wearing a fresh coat of Passionate Crimson.
“There is always the fear of looking like a circus clown.”
Garrett held out his hand. Taking hers, he tucked it into the crook of his arm.
“Believe me. No one will be calling you Ronald.”
They took the elevator, nodding to the concierge. The doorman anticipated them, sweeping the heavy door open mere seconds before they got to it. Frowning slightly, Jade approached Garrett’s Lamborghini.
“Is something wrong?”
“No.” She hesitated, feeling silly. “I miss the other car.”
Realizing what she meant, Garrett smiled. “You mean Hamish’s clunker?”
Jade took Garrett’s hand, letting him help her into the passenger side of the low-slung sports car. In a blink of the eye, he was in the driver’s seat, pulling into traffic.
“When I would get to the motel, I was always relieved to see that car parked in the lot,” Jade explained. “Part of me was afraid you wouldn’t come. I guess that old, brown car will always have a place in my heart.”
“Be glad I gave it back to Hamish permanently. The springs stick up through the cushions. Not to mention the slight smell of cheese.”
“You’re making that last part up.” Jade sat back, enjoying Garrett’s easy driving style. Nothing flashy. He wasn’t trying to impress her by zipping around other cars. He was relaxed while staying alert.
“I swear. My guess is gorgonzola. Hamish swears it was there when he bought the car.”
“How much does he make?”
“Plenty,” Garrett assured her. “Hamish calls it being true to his roots. I call it being cheap.”
“As long as he’s happy,” Jade said.
“I’m not sure how long it will last.” Garrett sighed. “Hamish is involved with an actress who is known for liking nice things. Very nice things. I don’t know how she’ll react to driving around in what amounts to a brown turd.”
“She might really care about him, Garrett.”
“Fingers crossed,” Garrett pulled to a stop. They were fourth in line for the valet parking. “It’s lasted longer than I imagined. If the relationship blows up before we finish shooting Exile, I’m afraid there will be a shit storm of massive proportions.”
“How are you at shoveling?”
“This is Hollywood, honey. We are issued shovels a
long with our Director’s Guild cards.”
Laughing, Jade glanced around, noticing for the first time where they were.
“Garrett…”
“If we are going to do this, we might as well do it right.”
Plush was the hottest restaurant in town. Securing reservations was impossible — unless your name carried weight. Garrett would have no problem — even on the shortest notice. As he pulled the car up to the entrance, any hope Jade had of slipping under the radar vanished. The flashes from cameras started before the car door opened. The photographers didn’t know who they were yet. The pictures they took were in hope of catching a big name.
Congratulations, Jade sighed to herself. Tonight, you’ve hit the jackpot.
“Stay in your seat,” Garrett told her. He brushed his fingers over her cheek in a brief, comforting caress. “I’ll help you out.”
Jade waited for Garrett to make his way around the car. It wasn’t as quick a journey as it might have been. The paparazzi recognized him immediately. They made the usual push forward, blocking Garrett’s path. Jade schooled her features. Some of the pictures were bound to catch her inside the car. She didn’t want any of them to show her sporting a deer in the headlights expression.
However, instead of the old Jade. The one with the frozen half-smile. She reminded herself. Tonight is a new beginning. The face you show to the world has to reflect this life — not the old one. With that in mind, Jade remembered who was about to help her out of the car. Garrett. When she thought of him, her face lit up.
Garrett gestured the doorman away. He opened Jade’s door, extending his hand. In one fluid movement, she stood. She blocked out the popping cameras and the shouted questions. She had eyes only for Garrett. In her heels, she was only a few inches shorter than he was. Their eyes met. The absurdity of the situation hit them at the same moment. Without a word, they laughed. That shot flooded the internet. It trended all evening. Twitter went crazy.
Dreaming With A Broken Heart (Hollywood Legends #1) Page 24