Sleeping with Beauty

by Donna Kauffman

  Lucy glanced at the clock, then at Vivian, and pointedly not at Grady. “Vivian,” she said, clearly worried.

  “Now, now, darling,” Vivian said, beaming up at the two of them. Such a handsome couple they’d make. “What good is it having a fairy godmother if she can’t handle the small details, hmm?” Before Lucy could say anything, Vivian glanced at Grady. “It was a pleasure to meet you. And, if you don’t mind a bit of advice from someone who’s been around the block a few times, a woman can’t make up her mind about what she really wants unless she’s aware of all her options.”

  Lucy looked nonplussed, but Grady’s gaze sharpened instantly. Vivian smiled in satisfaction. “’Night, you two.” She ducked into the hall and hurried to the elevator. If she was going to intercept Mr. Prescott before he got on the lift coming up, she had to hurry.

  Lucy watched Vivian disappear in a cloud of garment bag and Black Cashmere, slipping into a conveniently available elevator before Lucy could call her back. Sighing in defeat, she closed the door. “I’m sorry,” she said to Grady, “I have no idea what she was talking about.”

  Grady’s jaw twitched a little. Was he angry at her again? Now what? “Actually, I think she understands more than the both of us put together.”

  He lifted his hand toward her and she ducked back, having no idea what his intentions were, but if his expression was any indication, it wasn’t good. He scowled when she ducked, and reached farther, touching her cheek. “You had something stuck to your cheek. It looks like dried lettuce.”

  She paused, raised her hand to her face, and cringed at the crusty little bumps she could feel around the edges. “A facial mask that didn’t come off right,” she said defensively, though she didn’t know exactly why. “What are you doing here? I’m getting ready—”

  “I know. For a date with Prescott.” At her arched brow, his scowl deepened. “Jana told me.”

  Lucy sighed. “I know I’ve been begging you to talk to me more, but now really isn’t a good time.”

  “Actually, I can’t think of a better one.” He turned around, walked into the living area and made himself at home on her couch.

  “Grady! Didn’t you hear me?”

  “The whole floor heard you.”

  “Well, given the fact that you can’t even utter the man’s name without grinding your teeth into stubs, you’ll understand if I’d prefer you not actually be here when he shows up at my door.”

  “I don’t think he’s going to show up at your door. Not if your fairy godmother has anything to say about it.”

  Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “Okay, what’s really going on here?” Because Vivian had taken one look at Grady and changed her thinking on everything. And Grady had looked a bit taken aback by her mysterious bit of advice. Now, however, he seemed totally on the same page. “I’m really getting tired of everyone else knowing what’s going on besides me.”

  Her doorbell rang.

  “Oh, for God’s sake!” She stomped over to the door and flung it open, thinking Vivian had come back for whatever reason and fully prepared to keep her locked in the apartment until she explained her cryptic remarks. Only it wasn’t Vivian. It was Jason.

  Jason’s broad smile dimmed instantly as he took in her disheveled appearance. “Hi. I thought you were going to meet me downstairs.” His gaze traveled to her hair, still half in and half out of rollers, then down her body, still in sweats. “So . . . I assume you’re running a little behind schedule? You did remember we had a date this evening?” He said it in a way as to make it clear that he couldn’t possibly believe she’d have forgotten something so important. As if her social calendar was a wasteland except for those nights that he so graciously chose to fill it. But then, by always being available for these last-minute functions, hadn’t she sent him that exact signal?

  Still, she was flustered and embarrassed and in no mood to be patronized. “Yes, of course. A—a number of things sort of came up and delayed me. Ah, actually, I was going to call you.”

  Now Jason frowned. “About?”

  “Well . . .” Why, oh, why, hadn’t Vivian stalled him? Given how quickly he’d arrived after her departure, Lucy could only guess that Jason had been on his way up in one elevator as Vivian had descended in the other.

  “Can I come in? I’d rather not have this conversation in the hall.”

  Again with the tone. She was tempted to say she’d rather not be treated like an empty-headed bimbo, either, but Jason peered past her just then. “Who is that?”

  Shit. “A—a friend of mine. He just dropped by.”

  Any hope her ego might have had that Grady’s presence would incite a flare of jealousy on Jason’s part died a swift death. He barely glanced at him. “Didn’t you tell him you were going out tonight?”

  As if there could be no competition when the great Jason Prescott came calling, commanding her attendance at yet another staggeringly boring legal soiree. It was really only in that moment that she realized just how true that was. Sure they were dazzling affairs filled with dazzling people. All of whom ignored her after the perfunctory introductions, whereby she spent the remainder of the evening sipping drinks and eating food she didn’t order, all the while doing her best to appear the ever-fascinated date while Jason charmed everyone with his center-of-attention stories.

  Much like he’d been in high school, she realized. Jana was right, tigers didn’t change their stripes. Just their audience. And their arm candy. God, where was Debbie Markham when she needed her?

  “I told you,” she said evenly, “he’s a friend. And this isn’t about my having company.”

  Jason stepped past her into the tiny vestibule inside her front door.

  Grady smiled and waved from his perch on the couch. Still frowning, Jason waved back, then looked immediately back to Lucy. “Can you get rid of him? Would you like me to?”

  Lucy had noted the twinkle of devilish delight in Grady’s eyes. She sent him a warning glance, then turned back to Jason. “Listen, I—I’m sorry to cancel on you like this—”

  Jason’s eyes widened. “Excuse me? Lucy, my firm had to buy tickets to this event tonight. It’s a political fund-raiser, and very important to me.”

  Not, Lucy knew, because Jason harbored any strong sense of patriotism or political views, but because it was likely the guest roster contained several names that might “fund-raise” his firm’s bottom line. She knew the drill by now. Just as she knew the firm wouldn’t miss the money for her one measly ticket. “I understand that.” Lucy also understood his only real concern at the moment was showing up sans trophy, not that he was going to miss spending any time with her. “I wish I could have given you earlier notice so you could find another date.”

  This is where he should have realized his social gaffe and assured her that it wasn’t all about him, but now that her blinders had been torn the rest of the way off, she already knew he wasn’t going to.

  Jason’s cheeks flushed with agitation. “Like anyone else is going to be available at this late date,” he snapped.

  Lucy’s face flushed, too, but in mortification. Anyone else, that is . . . except her. “I’m sorry,” she said instinctively, then immediately wondered why in the hell she was apologizing. Except she was sorry. Sorry she’d ever entertained the idea that Jason Prescott was her dream date, much less her dream mate. That if she just hung in there long enough, he’d see what a gem he had in her. When, at the moment, all she could wonder was why she’d ever thought she had a gem in him.

  She’d been sticking it out because it was too embarrassing to admit that Jana and Grady had been right all along. And too personally mortifying to admit that she’d been so far gone about this whole makeover thing as to think that being considered arm candy was actually flattering.

  “I’ll be glad to reimburse your firm for the price of the ticket.”

  “It was fifteen hundred a plate.”

  Lucy gulped.

  “Somehow I don’t think that’s going to fit into a s
choolteacher’s budget.”

  She looked at Jason’s sneer and realized just how deeply embedded those blinders had been. She’d never seen this side of him during their time together. In fact, not since high school. But then, she’d made sure she was the perfect date, so why would he have to? Jason Prescott thwarted was not a nice thing to behold.

  “No, you’re right,” Lucy said, temper heating up. The fact that she felt so intensely foolish for letting herself be used like this only fanned the flames. And while that was her own stupid fault, at the moment it felt perfectly acceptable to target Jason. “I imagine you wouldn’t miss it, though. Not that I believe for a moment that your firm won’t absorb the cost. All you have to do is schmooze an additional client tonight and you’ll more than make up for the investment.”

  Jason looked at her like she’d sprouted two heads. “Excuse me?”

  “No need. I know it’s hard to comprehend that I can actually think and speak for myself. In full sentences, too.”

  “What the hell are you talking about?”

  “I’m tired of being nothing more than an arm piece in carefully selected evening wear.”

  “I’ve taken you to some of the most sought-after functions in Washington!”

  “Sought after by an entertainment lawyer trying to fatten his client list, maybe, but what was in those evenings for me?”

  Jason didn’t have an immediate retort for that. In fact, he seemed stunned speechless that anyone would expect or need to have anything other than his sterling presence to have a wonderful time. But the lawyer in him snapped out of it. “I don’t know, I suppose I thought that someone like you would like seeing how the other half lives.”

  “Someone . . . like . . . me?” Lucy’s slow boil went full tilt. She carefully folded her arms. “Exactly what is that supposed to mean?”

  Jason huffed, even while saying, “Don’t get all huffy, you know what I meant. You’d never mingle in those circles if it wasn’t for me.”

  “And what makes you think those ‘circles’ are so fascinating? I’ve never been more bored in my life.”

  Now his cheeks flushed. “Then why in the hell did you keep accepting my invitations?”

  “Because, silly me, I thought maybe you and I were, at some point, going to develop a relationship.”

  He looked momentarily stunned. “But . . . we are.”

  Lucy laughed. “No, Jason, we’re not. You tell me what to wear and where to go, and I’m expected to show up, smile pretty, then shut up and let you be the center of attention.”

  He gaped. “I was just doing my job. And it wasn’t like you knew anyone there or—”

  “Had anything of interest to offer to such an obviously elite group of sterling individuals?”

  “Now you’re putting words in my mouth. I’m just saying that they run in different circles and it was doubtful you’d have anything in common. I thought I was being a gentleman and saving you from—”

  “What?” she said, no longer keeping her voice down. “Embarrassing myself? Or embarrassing you? Oh, wait a minute, that’s right, arm candy isn’t supposed to want anything more than to see and be seen.” She snapped her fingers. “Gee, I guess I haven’t gotten the hang of that quite yet. But then, this whole arm-candy thing is new to me, you see.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Let me ask you something . . . in the past month, have you been seeing anyone else?”

  Caught off guard, he looked instantly wary. Question answered.

  “I—we, uh, we didn’t make any claims on exclusivity.”

  “Riiight. So, have you taken any of these other dates to bed?”

  He gaped once again, then snapped his mouth shut. “I—I don’t think I have to answer that.”

  “No, no you don’t. There’s no court stenographer here.”

  “Now wait a minute. I’ve been nothing but a complete gentleman with you. I never once pushed you for—”

  “Anything. I know. You’re right.” Lucy sighed. “And I didn’t push for anything, either. Because I think I knew all along it was never going to be there, so I tried to make myself believe I would be satisfied with whatever attention you decided to shower upon my poor little schoolteacher shoulders.” She laughed hollowly. “My mistake.”

  “Again, you’re putting words in my mouth. I thought we had something good going here.”

  Jason was never one to allow himself to be made to look bad, so Lucy supposed it was inevitable that he’d end up spinning this so that he was the good guy.

  “Yeah, I was always available when you needed a date and you knew I wouldn’t push for more. I’d say that was a better than good thing.”

  “You got to attend some really big and powerful events.”

  “I know. Yay, me.”

  Jason shook his head in that way men did to make it clear to anyone who might be paying attention that it was clear the woman in question was being a typical crazy female who had no idea what she wanted.

  “I don’t get it,” he said, diving more deeply into the role. “I thought I was being a nice guy.”

  “Yes, helping poor little Lucy experience the high life she could never hope to discover on her own. God, you are so condescending and you don’t even realize it.”

  Now his gaze narrowed. “Now, now, no need to get ugly.”

  Lucy burst out laughing. “Oh, if you only knew.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” Then he raised his hand. “You know what? Never mind. It’s obvious we’re through here. And I’m going to be late. I have a car waiting.”

  He turned to go, then Grady spoke up. “Not until you offer her an apology.”

  Jason turned slowly, his gaze shifting to Grady, who had risen from the couch and come to stand a few feet behind Lucy. “I beg your pardon? I don’t believe this conversation involves you.”

  “She’s a close friend. And when someone insults a friend of mine, I tend to take it personally.”

  “Insult her? I think you have that backward, my friend. Now, if you don’t mind—”

  It was Lucy’s turn to gape when Grady moved swiftly past her and took hold of Jason’s arm. Jason—who was a good several inches taller and easily out-muscled him by thirty pounds or more.

  “Grady!” Lucy said, panicking and grabbing at his arm.

  “I’m not your friend,” Grady said, jaw clenched. “And I believe I said you owe the lady an apology.”

  “Come on,” Lucy pleaded. “Jason, just go. Grady.” She turned a look on him that clearly signaled “What in the hell is wrong with you?”

  But he wasn’t looking at her.

  Jason shrugged off Grady’s hand. All traces of the charmer fled. He was still smiling broadly, but there was nothing endearing about it. In fact, it made the hairs on Lucy’s arms stand up. She remembered that exact smile. She’d seen it once before. Ten years ago, to be exact.

  “I’m the one being stood up here,” Jason explained with exaggerated patience. “For a three-thousand-dollar date. If anyone owes an apology, I believe it’s her.”

  Her. She didn’t even warrant a name anymore. “I already apologized for not attending tonight,” she said between gritted teeth, but she was pretty sure the testosterone twins weren’t listening to her.

  “You have no idea what you had,” Grady told him, his tone calm, but Lucy saw that clamped jaw and knew he was furious. “She’s witty, funny as hell, far more charming than you’ll ever be. Unlike you, having to tell stories and work so hard at being the life of the party, she lights up a room without even trying. She’ll debate you into the ground on such a wide variety of topics you’ll find yourself reading more newspapers and watching the late show just to keep up with her. In fact, I’ve never met a woman as fascinating and interesting as Lucy Harper. All you saw was the perfect hair and hot body.”

  Now Lucy was seriously gaping at Grady.

  “Your loss, Prescott. You were blind ten years ago, and you’re still blind now.”

>   “‘Ten years ago’?”

  Lucy’s expression swiftly turned to one of horror.

  “Prom night of our senior year, to be exact.”

  “Our senior year?” Jason squinted. “Do I know you?”

  Grady’s smile could cut diamonds. “Hardly. Thank God. I didn’t run with your crowd. I chose instead to cultivate real friendships, not potential future business contacts.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “Do you still keep in touch with anyone from our class?”

  Jason stuttered. “I went away to school, and—I’m not going to defend myself to you! I don’t even know who the hell you are.”

  “I’m the guy who should have done this ten years ago.” And with that, Grady pulled back his right hand.

  Lucy realized in an instant what Grady’s intentions were and threw herself at him before his punch could connect. “Grady!”

  Grady swore as he stumbled off balance.

  Jason laughed. “Right. See, that’s the difference between us. I never needed a girl to fight my battles for me.” He looked at Lucy. “My only mistake was not realizing who I was dealing with here from the start.” He shook his head and muttered, “Losers then, losers now.” Still chuckling, he turned to the door.

  And Lucy saw red. “You’re right,” she said. “You don’t know who you’re dealing with.” And out of nowhere came this insatiable urge to finish what Grady had started. Before she could think it through, she yanked him around and swung as hard as she could.

  Her fist connected with his nose and made a sickening, if somewhat satisfying, crunching noise. Jason screamed and so did Lucy.

  Cradling her hand—who knew faces could be so hard?—she bent over and swore a long stream of foul words she didn’t even know she knew.