by Laura DeLuca
Blanche put her hands on her hips. “As soon as I heard the story from Miss Haroula, I put two and two together; though neither of us figured out he was this Randy Palmer fellow.”
With her vision a mist of tears, Lainey wrapped the old woman in a tight embrace. It was funny how true friendship transcended age barriers or for that matter, personality differences.
“Here’s your water.” Elisa returned and thrust the pitcher into Lainey’s hands, splattering a few drops on her smock. “Now I have to run because I passed a few folks who were asking for drinks. You go ahead in. I promise I’ll be waiting when you get back.”
Lainey didn’t have time to be surprised that Elisa volunteered to play server in a hospital ward before her friend disappeared down the hallway, ice buckets in hand. Blanche shrugged as she vanished around the corner. “I suppose it’ll be easier if you go alone. Being so short-staffed, we rarely work in pairs so that might raise suspicions.”
“Okay, okay, I can do this.” Lainey gave herself a pep talk. “No problem.”
“Of course, you can do it, dear,” Blanche encouraged. “Some things in life are worth fighting for.”
Taking a deep breath, Lainey gave Blanche’s hand a squeeze of gratitude before marching toward the end of the hall. She held her head high the whole time, trying to present an air of authority. She nearly lost her nerve when the two foreboding figures stared down at her like a pair of giant titans. Their expressions never faltered, always maintaining a blank, bored demeanor, but still massive and intimidating.
“I’m dropping off clean linens and water.”
Lainey held up the bundle of towels and then felt foolish. She almost panicked for a moment, afraid they might volunteer to take the linens from her. Thankfully, they stared at each other and apparently spoke telepathically because one of them nodded. The other actually held open the door for her without ever speaking a word. Thanks to Blanche, it was that simple to creep into Drew’s room, but once she stepped over the threshold, it took all her self-control to cling to the pile of linens. She would’ve liked to have used them to muffle a cry, but no matter what she saw, she had to stay in control.
Forward, Lainey told herself. Move forward.
Lainey didn’t want to stare at Drew lying so still in the bed, his face a shadowed mask, pale and sunken against the background of pure white sheets, but she couldn’t tear her gaze away. Seeing him in such a wretched condition was almost unbearable. It brought back every nightmare she’d ever had about her parents. Though Drew had been cleaned up, there was still a large bruise on his forehead and one arm was in a cast. And those were only the injuries she could actually see. Who knew what horrors hid beneath the sterile white sheets?
Drew tossed slightly in what was obviously a fitful sleep, but Lainey’s entrance didn’t cause him to stir. She longed to take a step closer, but seeing the man she loved so broken wasn’t the only devastating factor in that room. Drew wasn’t alone.
Red-haired hellcat.
Lainey found herself agreeing with Blanche’s assessment when she saw Catherine Beaumont live and in person for the very first time. Of course it was mostly envy because this woman was the pink of perfection. Long legs, slim waist, perfectly styled hair, and a trendy outfit that would’ve had Erin drooling for sure. The stunning Hollywood diva sat on the cross-legged edge of the bed, clutching Drew’s limp hand. Her lips were set in a frown, as though she was concerned or worried. So much for Drew’s claim that the relationship was a publicity stunt. Not many people would fly cross-country for a make-believe boyfriend.
That possibility alone should’ve frozen all her sympathy for Drew. Obviously he was alive and being taken care of which was her primary concern. If she had any intelligence at all, Lainey would’ve laid down the supplies on the nearest counter, stalked right out the door, and never looked back. But she didn’t. A part of her wanted to jump on top of the gorgeous redhead and pummel her senseless, but engaging in a catfight on Drew’s bed wasn’t very sensible, no matter how tempting. Instead, she gawked at Drew, desperate for him to open his eyes and notice her there, to whisper her name and give her some sign that her thoughts moved in the wrong direction. Lainey longed for him to wake up and give her an explanation she could believe.
“Lay those things down in the bathroom and get out,” Catherine ordered.
Lainey was too stunned to do anything but obey. Even though her feet felt weighted down, she forced herself to cross the room. It wasn’t easy, especially when her eyes never strayed from Drew. Somehow she still managed to deposit the towels in their proper locations, but as she inched closer to the lunch tray, Drew moaned in his sleep—a long plaintive sound that tugged on her heartstrings and startled her so badly she dropped the pitcher. Ice and water cascaded onto the floor, splashing Catherine’s designer shoes. The actress instantly jumped to her feet and practically hissed in Lainey’s direction.
“You clumsy idiot!” Though she spoke in barely a whisper, the infliction of the words, coupled with her flashing blue eyes, was enough to make Lainey flinch and take a few steps backward.
“I’m s—so sorry,” Lainey apologized. “I’ll clean it right up.”
Lainey ran back into the bathroom and grabbed the towels, ready to clean up the mess and run out as quickly as possible. She would’ve wiped up the spill and gotten right out of there, except when she emerged, Catherine hadn’t returned to her seat. Instead, she tapped her foot against the tile as Lainey dabbed up the water, her red lips set in a scowl of recognition.
“Very clever,” the actress acknowledged. “Tell me, is that getup a disguise or do you actually have the misfortune of working here?”
Lainey played dumb, hoping to avoid a confrontation. “I’m sorry. I have no idea what you’re talking about. “
“Don’t be coy with me.” Catherine kicked the wet pile of towels, spraying Lainey’s face with the dirty water. “I know who you are, Lain-ey. What I want to know is what you think you will accomplish by coming here.”
Lainey stood and brushed the dust from her knees. Her cover was blown, but she could at least hold her ground and stay strong. She tried not to let it bother her when Catherine looked her up and down with a disdainful sneer. Lainey was never more aware of her windblown hair or her make-up free complexion. Nor had she ever considered herself fat when she was only a size six. Yet, compared to the perfectly manicured, striking actress, Lainey felt ugly and almost infantile, but she didn’t let her resolve waiver or let this nasty woman’s celebrity status intimidate her from her mission.
“I only wanted to make sure he was okay.”
Catherine snickered, a cold and intentionally demeaning sound. “Oh, isn’t that sweet. You actually care about him, don’t you?”
Her trite voice, with its hoity French accent, began to grate on Lainey’s nerves. Feeling a burst of confidence, she lifted her gaze to meet Catherine’s hard stare. “I’ve spent almost every minute with him the last few months. I have as much right to be here as you do.”
“Do you actually think that means something?” Catherine threw back her head to laugh, still managing to keep her voice low so she didn’t disturb the slumbering Drew. “You are a naïve child. Drew and I ... we have what is called an open relationship. We are allowed to—how do I phrase this—play around with other people. It’s quite common in the Hollywood sect. We’ve both had an occasional tryst on the side. Some last longer than others. At times we even share our playthings, but make no mistake, little Lainey—that is all you are to Andy, a plaything—a toy to entertain him for a while but which he will eventually cast aside. I am his future.”
Lainey refused to flinch. “I want to hear Drew tell me that himself.”
Catherine crossed her arms. “I’m sure Andy would be happy to, but as you can see, he is resting now. I’m certain he’ll be in touch when he awakes. My Andy is too much of a gentleman to leave without saying goodbye, even to the help. Why, he went around handing out bonuses to the maids before he lef
t for vacation. He may even have a nice parting gift for you. But know this, Lain-ey, this little adventure you had with Andy is over. It’s more than someone in your position should have ever dared to dream about, so be happy with the time you had with him and move on. That is what we’ll be doing.”
“And if I refuse?”
Catherine stepped so close that they were almost nose to nose. Lainey could smell the scent of stale cigarettes on her breath. “You have no choice. As soon as he is released, Andy is coming home to Los Angeles with me. We have a date on the red carpet this Saturday evening. Masked Secrets, the movie that brought us together, will be making its national debut. Didn’t he tell you?”
Suddenly Lainey’s heart constricted as she remembered Drew’s plans to head back to Los Angeles for the weekend for what he’d claimed was a business meeting. She couldn’t bear to utter another word when she realized that was really a tryst with Catherine. This meant the actress had to be right. Lainey was nothing more than a vacation fling or at best, a seaside mistress, neither a position she would’ve applied for willingly.
Catherine watched, waiting, daring with her cocky smirk for Lainey to challenge her again. But what else could she possibly say? This was a war a small-town girl never had a chance of winning. She wasn’t cut out for the deceit and cruelty of Hollywood. With her heart shattered into pieces, Lainey raced from the room, Catherine’s laughter echoing in her ears the whole way.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“What the hell were you thinking?”
The sound of a man’s voice, gruff and anxious, pulled Drew from a deep slumber. Only half the words were intelligible as he struggled back to full awareness. Forcing his eyelids open a crack, he recognized the hazy figures of Catherine and Paulie arguing in a corner. They stood beside the window, almost lost in the forest of get-well balloons and flower arrangements that had materialized sometime during Drew’s nap. Paulie flailed his arms wildly as he spoke, while the actress remained cool and aloof, even bored.
“Oh calm down, Paulie.” Catherine rolled her heavily outlined eyes. “We both agreed this was what had to be done.”
“Damn straight.” Paulie wiped the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his dress shirt. “But at least give a guy some warning next time. You’re lucky I can think on my feet. Maybe I’m in the wrong line of work. I should’ve been the one to go into acting. Christ, I deserve a freaking academy award for that performance.”
Catherine’s lips turned in a condescending grin. “Luckily it all worked out for the best. After meeting me, I’m sure she won’t bother Andy again. Problem solved.”
Feeling a sudden urgency he couldn’t explain, Drew snapped his eyes open the rest of the way so he could read their expressions. His head swam with dizziness, making it hard to focus, but the pain was minor compared to the last time he woke up. The meds obviously hadn’t worn off completely, which explained why his senses were dulled. Forcing himself to overcome the grogginess, he listened to Paulie and Catherine’s conversation, hoping to understand what plot the two of them cooked up before they figured out he was awake. He refused to get pulled into any more tinsel town drama.
“I’m telling you, Cat.” Paulie pointed a finger directly in her face. “I’ll be glad when this whole mess is behind us and we’re back in L.A. But you’re right, we’ve gotta keep that chick away from Andy before she screws up everything we’ve worked for.”
Catherine pushed his hand out of her personal space, clearly peeved. “You really must keep your voice down, Paulie. Do you want to wake him?”
“Too late for that.” Realizing he wasn’t going to get anywhere eavesdropping, Drew opted for the more direct approach. “Care to fill me in on what you two are chatting about?”
Catherine clicked her heels on the tile as she glided to his bedside, a forced smiled plastered on her lips. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with, love. Paulie and I have everything under control.”
“Damn it, Cat, don’t patronize me. I’m not a child and I’m hardly an invalid. I don’t need or want you to coddle me.” Drew forced himself to sit up, ignoring the jolt of pain the drugs only half-masked. He met her open-mouthed stare without flinching. “Now, tell me what it is you’re trying to hide.”
Catherine sighed, looking defeated and tired. Maybe that story about her flight on the red-eye hadn’t been an exaggeration after all. “There’s no need to be so brass. We were only trying to keep you from worrying until you were feeling stronger.”
Drew pinched the bridge of his nose. “What could possibly be worse than what’s already going on?”
“More than you think.” The actress chewed her lower lip thoughtfully. “One of the reporters is threatening to announce your accident was the result of drug and alcohol abuse. Of course we all know that is ridiculous ... but the public is another story, especially after that unfortunate incident a few years back. This woman has been harassing us all day. She says she plans to run with the story unless we give her a more interesting scandal to print.”
Drew groaned. That was the last thing he needed. Already the Hollywood sect had him labeled as a drunk and a user, regardless of his adamant denials. In reality, he was probably one of the few celebrities who didn’t fit that description. He wasn’t a heavy drinker and aside from a few joints in college, he’d never touched any drugs. Even worse than the repercussions to his reputation was the reaction Lainey would undoubtedly have if she saw that type of headline. She was already reeling over the discovery of his star status and the exaggerations about his relationship with Catherine. If she believed for even a second that he’d gotten behind the wheel of a car when he was impaired, he would never win back her trust. After all, a drunk driver had caused the death of her parents.
“Don’t look so worried, kid,” Paulie consoled. “We told that lady where to stick it. The government doesn’t negotiate with terrorists and neither do we. If she dares to print those lies, I’ll have our lawyers sue her ass for slander before she can say ‘hear all about it.” But even if she does go through with it, we’ve survived worse. Don’t let it get you all hot and bothered.”
“See that? Everything will be fine.” Catherine patted his hand, clearly forgetting the no patronizing rule already. “Now forget all about this nonsense. Tell me, are you hungry? You haven’t eaten a thing all day.”
Drew’s stomach answered before he could, giving off a loud rumble the moment food was mentioned. He realized he was starving. Visions of juicy steaks and flame boiled patties on buns caused his dry mouth to instantly salivate. Once he became aware of his body’s long-ignored needs, he also discovered he had an even more urgent desire to relieve himself. His bladder felt like it was about to burst, but that wasn’t something he was going to announce with an audience.
“Since you’re offering, I’d be eternally grateful if you’d grab me a burger. You know how hospital food is.”
Catherine immediately turned to Drew’s agent. “I’m certain Paulie can scrounge something up for you.”
“Actually.” Drew fingered the stubble on his chin. “I have a few things I need to go over with Paulie. So if you wouldn’t mind running out for me, I’d really appreciate it.”
Though the smile never wavered there was a definite flaring of nostrils. It was obvious Catherine wasn’t happy about the situation, but refusing would destroy the doting wanna-be girlfriend façade she was trying so hard to perfect. Grinning through barred teeth, Catherine kissed Drew on the cheek before grabbing her handbag.
“I’m certain it won’t be a delicacy, but I will see what they have in the deli downstairs,” she offered. “I will be back soon.”
Drew’s smile was no less forced as she slipped quietly through the door. As soon as she was out of eyesight, he wiped his cheek, knowing there was no way those red lips hadn’t left behind trace evidence. Then he turned to Paulie. “Now tell me what’s going on between the two of you,” Drew demanded. “I know you’re up to something.”
Pauli
e feigned innocence, raising his hands in a defensive posture. “The only thing we’re trying to do is keep that ugly mug of yours off the front page until you’re strong enough to handle the press yourself—something that wouldn’t be an issue if you hadn’t decided to hole up in this backwater town to begin with.”
Drew sighed. He wasn’t buying it, but it was apparent neither Paulie nor Catherine was going to budge. Whatever ploy his agent masterminded this time would have to wait until Drew was able to do his own research. He had more important things to worry about anyway. Hoping he’d get a more honest answer to a new line of questioning, Drew changed the subject.
“So aside from the roving paparazzi, has anyone else come to visit while I was out of it?”
Paulie scratched his balding head. “I think just about every teenager in a fifty mile radius has tried to get in. I’m tellin’ you, it’s a zoo out there. We’re gonna need an industrial size hose to hold them back when we try to get outta here.”
Drew exhaled. “No word from Lainey?”
For a moment his agent seemed almost sympathetic. “Look, I have this hospital on high alert. They’re screening every character that walks through those doors, but if they have any question about the visitor being legit, they know to come find me. Not to mention I gave your little friend my direct line. I’d escort her in myself if she expressed any interest in seeing you. But like I already told you, she’s cut the cord. Best you move on and worry about getting the hell out of here.”
Drew hadn’t expected better news, but it still stung. He couldn’t believe Lainey wouldn’t stop in or at least call, even if it was just to say one last goodbye. He knew he deserved her scorn after the way he’d deceived her, but maybe if he kept trying to prove how much she meant to him, she’d give him another chance.
“Did you at least get me her number?”
Paulie nodded, but his eyes narrowed. “It’s on your tray over there along with a new cell phone I picked up while you were resting. It’s a different number. With your old phone missing, I figured it might’ve been compromised so I had the whole thing disconnected. I have to tell you though; I still think it’s a bad idea, you calling her. You’re setting yourself up for a punch in the gut.”