by Any Hahn
"Isn't he the dreamiest man you've ever seen in your life?” Elizabeth asked. “I've never met anyone so handsome and gentlemanly in my whole life. He truly is a prince."
"That's what his pedigree says,” Chloe remarked. She couldn't keep the sarcasm from her voice. Talk about torture. “I have to go."
"Bye, Miss Tanner."
"Have a good meeting."
Chloe hurried in the opposite direction, out the back door, across the pool area, and to the guest cottage where the meeting was being held. She took a deep breath and tried not to think of what surprises awaited her beyond the door. She had a very bad feeling about this meeting, and she didn't want to attend. For a split second, she considered turning around and hightailing it back to her bedroom. But she couldn't do that. She was so close to finishing this job, to honoring her contract.
"You can do it,” she whispered softly. She lightly rapped her knuckles on the door.
"Is that our hostess?” Mr. Parker's irritated voice boomed angrily through the door.
"Yes,” she replied, wincing at the croaking sound of her voice.
"Come in. Come in. We've been waiting for you. We can't have a meeting without our lovely hostess."
Chloe took another deep breath and pushed the door open. Mr. Parker and several members of his production team sat around a large rectangular table. Max and Eric Von Stratton were also there, and both smiled warmly as she entered. She acknowledged them with a quick nod before sliding into an empty seat.
"I'm sorry. I truly am."
"Oversleeping again, Miss Tanner?” Mr. Parker asked.
"A late start."
"I need another cup of coffee.” His assistant jumped from her chair, grabbed his empty mug, and filled it to the brim. “You know I hate to have an empty cup."
"Yes, Mr. Parker.” She set it before him on the table and offered him an apologetic smile, but the smile faded when he didn't thank her. Chloe felt sorry for the girl. She waited on him hand and foot and he hardly took notice of her at all—that was, until his coffee cup was empty.
"We can start, now that Miss Tanner has decided to grace our lives with her presence.” Mr. Parker took a long drink of his freshly brewed coffee. “Actors,” he snickered softly.
Chloe reddened. She hoped she didn't have too many directors like Jack Parker in her future. She wanted to chop his head off as much as she wanted to claw out the too-perfect hair of Ingrid and Elizabeth.
"Good morning, Chloe."
Chloe's eyes met Max's across the table. “Good morning."
"We've been discussing what's going to happen during the final week."
She nodded. “Yes, I read the agenda."
Mr. Parker hooted. “Well, isn't that a first. Usually you choose to read the agenda at the meeting or after. I think you're improving—though your punctuality could still use a little work."
"That's enough, Mr. Parker. Shouldn't we get on with this meeting so we can attack the rest of the day?” asked Eric Von Stratton. He frowned with disapproval at Mr. Parker.
Chloe tossed a thankful smile in his direction, and Von Stratton smiled back. She liked Max's sidekick. She admired his loyalty to Max and felt as if he'd started to look out for her best interests over the past couple of weeks. It was nice to be protected; she could get used to someone taking care of her.
"That's an excellent idea, Mr. Von Stratton.” Mr. Parker picked up his agenda sheet and began to rattle off the week's priorities.
It didn't take long for Chloe's mind to drift. She only bothered to listen in meetings when things directly related to her, which happened very little. Max was always involved, as were the contestants, but she was usually in the background.
As the meeting continued, she tried not to focus her attention on Max. She slathered a blueberry bagel with cream cheese and politely asked Mr. Parker's doe-eyed assistant for a coffee. The people at the table continued to talk about agenda items she only vaguely understood. She supposed it would be in her best interest to listen and learn, but she didn't really want to. The whole conversation seemed so meaningless, so trivial. She had bigger issues on her mind, and she didn't have a committee to solve them. Was there such a thing as a committee for mending broken hearts? That was the meeting she needed to attend.
"Now that we've taken care of the major issues, let's move to the last item on our list. Chloe, we need you for this."
Chloe quickly swallowed the piece of bagel in her mouth and dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “And what is that, Mr. Parker?"
"The choosing of the ring."
She swallowed again. She wasn't sure she had heard correctly. “What did you say?” she whispered hoarsely.
"The ring. You're going to help the prince choose a ring for his bride."
Chloe reached for a glass of water and took a long drink. Her hand shook, and the bracelets on her arm rattled against the colored glass. This couldn't be happening! She was going to choose the ring? How could Max ask her to do this? But he wasn't asking her—the show's director was. Still, it felt like Max was behind this. Another betrayal. Another way to torture her. She wanted to look at him, but she forced herself to keep her gaze on Mr. Parker.
"The ring? But shouldn't Prince Max do that?"
"He's selected three, but he'd like your opinion."
"My opinion?"
"Yes.” Mr. Parker turned to his terrified assistant. “Get the rings."
"Yes, Mr. Parker.” The assistant reached underneath her chair and pulled out a small black velvet bag. “Here they are, sir."
Chloe still refused to look at Max. Feeling the heat of his gaze on her, she wanted to die. She simply wanted to die. She'd thought things couldn't get any worse, but this had to be the icing on the cake or the nail in the coffin—she wasn't sure which cliché she'd use to describe her feelings at that moment. Probably the one about the final nail in the coffin. Yep, that sounded about right. Dying. She definitely felt like dying.
"I don't think I want to do this,” she admitted softly as the assistant untied the bag and pulled out three blue boxes. “I think Prince Max should choose on his own."
"I can't, Chloe."
She looked across the table into Max's blue eyes, and her heart stopped beating. The tenderness in his eyes took her breath away.
"I need your help."
"But I can't do this. I can't do this."
"You can. Choose the one you like the best, Chloe."
"The cameras aren't rolling, Miss Tanner,” Eric Von Stratton assured her softly. “We promise.” He turned to Mr. Parker. “Right, Mr. Parker? You promised. No cameras, hidden or otherwise."
"Yes. No cameras. We agreed,” snapped Parker. “But I want to be on the record as saying I think that's a bad idea."
"Noted.” Von Stratton turned back to Chloe. “Go ahead. Choose one."
Chloe glanced around the table. Everyone nodded, affirming his statement. They smiled encouragingly at her, each and every person at the table, and she felt an overwhelming feeling of love. She was startled by it. She'd been so focused on getting away, leaving because of her feelings for Max; she'd forgotten how wonderful the people she worked with were. Even Mr. Parker had his moments. He wasn't always brash and insensitive; in fact, she'd learned a lot from his tutelage. Over the course of the last five weeks, they'd become like family to her.
She laughed, trying to act as if she hardly cared about choosing the ring Max's fiancée would wear upon her finger. “Yeah. No big deal. They're only rings, right?"
Heads nodded in unison, and looks were exchanged. They almost looked as if they all shared an amazing secret, a secret she knew nothing about. But that was ridiculous. Julia had always criticized her about being paranoid.
"What's going on here?” No one responded. She turned to Max. “Max?"
"I know this is difficult. And I'm sorry to ask it of you, but could you please help me one last time?"
The people around the table faded into nothing. She only had eyes for Max.
He filled the entire room. His blue eyes, his gentle smile. His hands covered hers, and she wanted to weep with joy. His touch felt so incredibly good; she never wanted to be without it again.
"This is hard for me, a nearly impossible task,” she whispered.
Max nodded. “I understand. I'm not trying to hurt you."
Her fingers curled about his. “How can I choose a ring for you to give someone else? How can I do it?” A sob caught in her throat. She closed her eyes briefly, praying for composure. She was surprised she wasn't angrier with him, but she couldn't be. She was tired of being mad at him, so very tired. She just wanted it to be over.
"Choose the ring you like best. Do it for me. This last time. One more favor."
One could argue she'd done too many favors for him, but she was finished with fighting. She nodded and pulled her hands from his.
"Miss Tanner?"
Chloe nodded at the assistant, who opened the shimmering boxes. Three rings blinked back at her. She gasped in appreciation of each one's unique beauty.
"Oh, my goodness,” she sighed. She couldn't help but smile. The diamonds glimmered brilliantly in the light. One was a round stone with a gold band, the second a marquis shape with a white and gold band, and the last was the loveliest piece of jewelry she'd ever seen. She touched it lightly with her fingers. It was exactly the ring she would've selected: a square-cut diamond mounted on a thick platinum band, it was simple and elegant and yet extravagant and oh so very royal. She fell in love with the ring. It was the ring from her imagination. It was the ring she'd always hoped for.
"This one.” She looked up at Max and smiled. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes. “This is the ring you should give your bride-to-be. It's perfect. It's exactly the one I'd pick to be mine."
"That's the one I thought you'd choose.” Max smiled her smile, the one he reserved only for her, and Chloe longed to throw herself into his arms and confess her love all over again.
He loved her, didn't he? He had to. There was no other way to interpret the deep tenderness in his blue eyes.
"That's a wrap!” shouted Mr. Parker. He quickly downed the remainder of his coffee. “Mystery solved. We're going with the square-cut diamond. Everyone may leave now; get back to work. We've got a big week planned."
A dozen people rocketed from their seats and bolted for the door, filing out in a chattering stream and leaving Max and Chloe and Eric Von Stratton in the room.
"A tasteful choice, Miss Tanner."
"Thank you, Mr. Von Stratton."
"We should go, Max. We've got a lot to plan."
"Thank you for choosing."
"It wasn't as hard as I thought.” She watched as he closed the lids on the boxes and tucked the treasures back into the black bag. “It truly is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."
Max leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “You are the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on. Diamonds can't compare. Nothing can compare."
She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. Gosh, he smelled good. She wanted to remember that soapy freshness for as long as she lived. His breath caressed her cheek. His lips were light and gentle. She wished for more time with him; she wanted to be with him forever. A tear slipped free, zigzagging down her cheek, and he wiped it away with his thumb.
"Don't cry."
"Why not? There is so much to cry about."
"You're going to have everything you've ever dreamed of. I promise you that."
She opened her eyes and looked directly into his. “How can you promise me that when all I want is you?"
Von Stratton politely cleared his throat. “I'm sorry to break this up, but we have to go. We have to go now. Things to plan. Things to plan."
Max drew away from her. She felt cold without him near.
"Goodbye, Chloe."
"Goodbye, Max."
And she knew it was their final goodbye. It was over. Despite his romantic promises. It was over. At last. For good.
It was the saddest moment of her entire life.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Fourteen
"You look beautiful, Chloe. You're going to knock their socks off."
Chloe smiled sadly into the mirror. She wrapped a string of pearls about her neck and wished she could stop the trembling in her fingers. The Courting His Royal Highness makeup and wardrobe staff had done an excellent job. She looked like a princess. She looked better than she'd ever looked in her entire life, except for portraying Queen Mab at the EVE Halloween Ball. She would probably never look this lovely again.
"I'd like a minute by myself,” she pleaded softly to the bubbling assistant Linda, an adorable college intern who thought Courting His Royal Highness was the best gig in the entire world. She idolized Chloe and was goggle-eyed over the charming Prince Max.
"No problem. I can't believe tonight's the final night. I'm so bummed. This job was awesome. I'm so lucky I got to do it."
"We were lucky to have you on board. You do magic with makeup and hair,” Chloe complimented sincerely. “I've never looked better."
Linda flushed with pride. “Thanks, Chloe. I'll tell everyone you'll be down in a few minutes."
Chloe smiled at her. “Try to keep Mr. Parker from having a heart attack while waiting for me. And hide the coffee."
Linda giggled as she set down the brush on the small vanity. “I'm really going to miss you,” she whispered, trying to smile through the tears that filled her eyes. “I hope EVE will hire me. I really need a job. I really want a job in Hollywood."
Chloe reached over and squeezed her hand. “I'll be a reference for you."
Linda glowed. “Truly?"
Chloe nodded. “Truly."
"You're the best boss in the world!” cried Linda, startling Chloe by throwing her arms about her and hugging tightly.
Chloe hugged her back. “You're the best assistant I could ever have. I'll not forget you."
Linda pulled back. “Maybe I'll work for you someday."
"Maybe."
"I just know you're going to be big. This show is going to skyrocket you to stardom."
At one time, being a famous movie star had been all Chloe ever wanted. A career in the movies was what she'd dreamed of.
But now things were different. She only wanted the man downstairs. She only wanted the prince who would select his princess tonight. And she would not be chosen. She was not a choice. She had never been a choice.
"Go. I promise I won't be too late.” She forced a shaky smile. “Only typically late."
"Fashionably late,” Linda teased.
Chloe laughed. “Yes, fashionably late. That's fits me exactly."
Linda gave Chloe another hug before leaving the room. She closed the door softly, leaving Chloe alone with her thoughts and a tidal wave of emotions that threatened to drown her.
Chloe looked back at her reflection. She did look lovely—very royal-like. Her dark hair was piled on top of her head, secured by a tiny tiara of pearls and diamonds. It was very tiny, hardly the type of crown a true princess would wear. She'd been shocked when Linda showed it to her and refused it initially, but that was what the director wanted her to wear. So that was what she'd do.
Dark tendrils of her hair tumbled down about her neck and shoulders in soft curls. Dangling diamond and pearl earrings danced on her ears, and the four-stranded pearl necklace was gorgeous. More exquisite than any piece of jewelry she'd ever owned, it looped elegantly about her long neck. She touched it lightly with shaking fingertips.
"I can't do this. How can I do this?” she whispered at her reflection.
Tonight she had to give him away. Officially. Finally.
Her throat tightened, and she swallowed a sob. Max was the love of her life. She didn't know how she would ever live without him. And yet she had to. She had to move on with her life. Without him. Alone.
Some other woman, Ingrid or Elizabeth, would exchange vows of love and honor and fidelity with him. One of them would have the
honor of being his wife, of gazing into his amazing blue eyes every morning, of being loved every day, of curling in his arms every night.
"I can't think about that now. I can't. I'll fall apart if I do. Tomorrow I can think about him, about us, about what might have been. But tonight I have a job to do. Tonight I have to hold it together. I have to be brave. I can't let others see how my heart is shattered, how my life is in shambles."
Chloe smoothed the satin of her dress. She loved the dress. Long and elegant, with a high empire waist and full skirt, it swooshed about her as she moved. She felt as though she'd stepped off the pages of a fairy tale. And the best part about the dress was that the soft blue satin fabric seemed to replicate the exact shade of Max's eyes.
She stood, grabbing the matching wrap off the back of the chair. She draped it about her shoulders and took one last look at herself in the mirror.
"Chloe, you'll put on the best performance of your entire life,” she told herself. “You will. No one will know you're in love with Max. No one. Even Max himself will wonder if he actually heard you say that you loved him."
The words made her feel better, more confident. She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. She decided she needed to keep telling herself over and over again tonight that her goal was to make sure no one know of her feelings for Max. It was a challenge, but she could do it. She had to. And it was going to work—she knew it was.
Twenty minutes later, she'd changed her mind. She didn't feel so brave or so confident. Being in the presence of Max, his bachelorette choices, and surrounded by the entire production crew rattled her already frayed nerves. The scrutiny of the camera lens didn't help either.
It wasn't going to work. Most definitely. Most certainly. All of America and the world would be able to see her love for Max. There was no way she could hide it; attempting to do so was a hopeless task.