Miranda’s gaze settled on me. I wasn’t sure what I expected. A look of hatred? Maybe at least a glimmer of dislike. But there was nothing except a pleasant appraisal of my appearance.
“So talented,” Miranda agreed. “And you and Jake make such a lovely couple, although I must admit I didn’t expect it.”
“I bet you didn’t.” I snapped my mouth shut and Lena tightened her grip on my waist.
“Oh, I know,” Miranda went on, seemingly unperturbed by my outburst. “This industry is so insular. Everybody is always trying to pair everyone else up, but we forget there’s a whole big world out there of other amazing people like yourself to fall in love with.”
My mouth fell open.
“Don’t look shocked,” Miranda said. “It’s true. Anyway, I’m sure they don’t want an old hag like me ruining the pictures.”
She leaned in and gave Chloe a tight squeeze and an air kiss—you didn’t want to be responsible for messing up another woman’s make-up—then did the same for Lena and me.
Duncan, who hadn’t said anything during the entire exchange, was led away like an obedient dog on a leash.
“I hate to say it,” said Lena softly, “but I think she’s good for him.”
Chloe giggled.
“I don’t get it,” I said.
Lena looked at me sharply. “What? Just because she doesn’t make her living out of it doesn’t mean she’s not a good actress.”
While Lena had a point, something felt off to me.
“She’s kind of grandmotherly,” I said. “And affectionate.”
“That’s because she is a grandmother, silly,” Chloe pointed out. “Come on, I think Jake’s pining without you.”
That wasn’t entirely true. He was standing a few yards away surrounded by more adoring reporters and chatting happily to some of his co-stars.
“Don’t waste any more thought on it tonight,” Lena advised. “She can’t do anything now anyway, there’s too many people. And besides, she’s got what she wanted: Duncan. And as far as I’m concerned, she’s welcome to him.”
As if to make her point, Lena turned and started to walk in the direction of the grand entrance of the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars were soon to be presented.
Chloe sucked in her breath and grabbed my arm, her fingernails digging into my skin.
“Oh my God, Lena, stop, stop!” I called, not caring who heard me. “Stop! Your dress!”
Chapter 41
Chloe and I hurried to Lena’s side and stood strategically behind her.
“Ally, what on earth?” Lena whispered. She twisted to face me but I planted my hands on her shoulders and turned her back again. “What is going on?”
“Your, ah, dress needs adjusting,” I improvised.
“Oh.” Lena glanced down at the front of her navy gown. “Does it?”
“Not the front,” I corrected. “The back.”
“Well, hurry up then. I know this is your fashion career, but you don’t need to make a scene about it.”
“Um, Lena?” Chloe said. “You don’t feel a breeze at all?”
Lena frowned, her forehead creasing, which was generally a no-no on the red carpet. “A breeze? What on earth are you talking about?” Impatiently, she twisted around to try to see the back of her dress again.
“No!” Chloe and I squealed, jumping behind her, but not quite in time. We heard several people gasp nearby, including Jennifer Lawrence, who was walking by.
“Don’t worry,” she said sympathetically. “Wardrobe malfunctions happen to all of us.”
Chloe smiled at Jennifer then turned back to me, her green eyes wide. “This is bad, isn’t it?”
“I can’t tell exactly how bad,” I replied. “I need to get a closer look at it.”
Not letting Lena protest, we shuffled her backward toward the safety of a wall.
“Ally, please. What’s happened? Will you just tell me?” Lena requested, while Chloe stood in front of us doing her best to act like everything was normal.
“Holy shit,” I breathed as I bent down to examine the princess skirt on her dress. “Someone has cut your dress.”
“What?” Lena cried and turned around.
“Don’t!” Chloe yelled, jumping in front of Lena again. She was beginning to look like one of those jewelry box ballerinas that kept popping up every time someone opened the lid.
“I think what Chloe’s trying to say is you might need this,” a deep voice interrupted.
I stepped back as Marc materialized out of nowhere and watched gratefully as he placed his suit jacket around Lena’s waist. Lena stared at him in shock.
“My dress is cut?” she asked.
“Right down the middle,” Marc confirmed.
Lena paled. “Can you see anything?”
Marc’s dark eyes dropped to where the suit covered Lena’s dress, then he looked away and cleared his throat. “I can tell that you’re not wearing panties.”
Chloe’s hand flew to her mouth and Lena’s cheeks reddened.
“Get me inside,” she hissed. “Now.”
“I’ll need to accompany you,” Marc said, almost as if it were a warning. His hands still rested on Lena’s hips but I noticed she wasn’t making any effort to remove them.
“Fine,” she said in a clipped tone. “Just hurry up.”
Chloe and I watched as Marc escorted Lena down the red carpet.
“Oh, how awful,” Chloe said to me. “Are you certain the dress was cut? Could a seam just have come undone?”
I shook my head grimly. “There’s no seam in that part of the skirt. It was cut.”
“But why?”
I met her eyes. “I don’t care why right now, I just want to know who.”
“Could it have happened before we arrived?” Chloe asked.
“Absolutely not. I was with Lena the entire time before we left. I checked the dress myself. It had to have happened once we got here.”
“But that doesn’t make sense!” Chloe said exasperated. “Who would get close enough to do it? We’re on parade out here.”
“Miranda,” we both said at the same time.
The bitch, I fumed. Acting all grandmotherly and complimentary when the entire time she just wanted to get close so she could sabotage Lena’s dress. It wasn’t the first time either. She’d destroyed my entire collection and now she had the audacity to do it again in full view of everyone. How dare she—
“There she is!” Chloe pointed.
Duncan and Miranda were at the entrance to the theater and I didn’t stop to think. I shoved my way unapologetically through the crowd of actors and actresses, a few of them protesting as I pushed past.
When I caught up with Miranda and Duncan, they paused in shock, most likely registering the look of fury on my face.
“My dear,” Miranda began. “What’s—”
I linked my arm through hers. “Inside. Now.” I’d spent enough time in Hollywood to know not to air my accusations in public.
“Allegra, please,” Miranda said, probably not enjoying the firm grip I had on her arm. “Whatever is wrong?”
Duncan opened his mouth to object too, but I silenced him with an angry glare. Sensing my need for privacy, once we were inside he directed us to a quiet corner of the foyer.
I waited until I was sure no one was listening but didn’t let go of Miranda’s arm. “Why did you cut Lena’s dress?”
Miranda blinked at me, then she frowned—or at least I think she frowned, it was hard to tell. “I beg your pardon?” she said eventually.
“You cut Lena’s dress.”
My words finally seemed to register. “I did no such thing!” she sputtered.
“So what? It wasn’t you drove past Lena’s house every day for weeks? It wasn’t you who broke into Lena’s house and destroyed every single one of my designs?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about, young lady. And I suggest you might need to take a deep breath and settle down,” Miranda advised.
“Settle down!” At a few curious glances I lowered my voice. “Lena and I have been stalked these last few weeks, my career put in jeopardy and now Lena’s reputation is at risk, and you want me to settle down?” I shook my head. “Not a chance. I’m taking you into custody.”
“You’re taking me into custody? What are you talking about?”
“You’ll see,” I promised, tugging on her arm again, but Duncan stepped in front of me. The famous producer fixed me with a level look. For the first time since I’d caught up with them I considered that maybe, just maybe, I hadn’t gone about this quite the right way. I let go of Miranda’s arm reluctantly.
“It wasn’t Miranda in the car. It was me,” Duncan said.
“What?” Miranda turned to him, aghast. “You were stalking the poor girls?”
“Of course I wasn’t stalking them. I was trying to work up the courage to see Lena,” he admitted gruffly.
“Then why destroy my designs?” I demanded, none of it quite making any sense.
“I don’t know who did that,” he replied hotly. “Probably some other unbalanced fan. But the person in the car was me.”
I took a step back, my mind whirling. It made some sense, I had to admit. Given the scene I’d witnessed between Lena and Duncan outside her house, maybe he had driven past before but lacked the courage to go through with it.
“But Miranda was trying to make sure you didn’t get back together,” I told him, still trying to figure it out. “She wanted you for herself so she destroyed my designs and then impersonated me on Twitter.”
“Impersonated you on Twitter?” Miranda scoffed. “My dear, I wouldn’t even know how to use Twitter. I detest all that social media ridiculousness. And what does destroying your work or your career have to do with Lena and Duncan getting back together?”
“Because you want Duncan for yourself! You thought if Lena and Jake were a couple, Duncan would have no chance of reconciling with Lena. But then Jake and I became involved. You were trying to get me out of the picture.”
“Oh, goodness. That sounds far too complicated. If I wanted Duncan back, I’d just march right in and tell him so.” She glanced across at him. “And possibly blackmail him by telling him he couldn’t see his grandchildren anymore, but I don’t want him back. Don’t be silly.”
I stared at her. “Huh?”
She waved an impatient hand at me. “I’m here for Duncan’s benefit, not mine. He hates turning up to these events single. Silly old fool thinks it puts his manliness into question when he’s alone. And I must confess I do adore the opportunity to get dolled up. So I told him I’d come along until he moves on to the next young beauty.” She rolled her eyes. “Which he will. Just don’t marry the next one straight away, will you?”
Miranda reached over and patted my arm sympathetically at my open-mouthed expression.
“This is such a strange business, isn’t it? No wonder you’re confused. But you’re close friends with one of America’s most well-known stars and now you’re dating one, too. It could be anyone. And not just someone after Lena either. You said the threats were focused on you, didn’t you?”
“Well, we don’t know exactly,” I said honestly, too thrown by her helpful comments to answer otherwise. “They cut Lena’s dress, not mine.”
“But you’re the designer of the dress, my darling, don’t forget that. If you ask me, it sounds like someone is doing their best to destroy your career.”
“But why? Why me?” It almost came out a whine, and in that moment, I suddenly, deeply missed Mama and Providence.
“You’re dating Jacob Swan, sweetheart,” she said gently. “I’d say someone’s jealous.”
I took another step back. “I’m sorry,” I managed, putting my hands to my mouth. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that.”
Miranda smiled at me. “Think nothing of it. I’ve already forgotten it. I do hope you find out who’s responsible though. Now, if you don’t mind, I think it’s time Duncan and I took our seats.”
I nodded and watched them go.
“There you are!” I felt a familiar arm wrap around my waist and Jake leaned down to kiss me on the cheek. “I couldn’t find you anywhere. I got accosted by a reporter and I was worried you’d gone into hiding in the bathroom. I know I promised not to leave your side, but you seemed to be doing OK with Chloe and Lena . . . what?”
“It isn’t Miranda,” I said in a daze.
He looked at me in confusion. “It isn’t Miranda?”
“Who destroyed my dresses. Who impersonated me. Who cut Lena’s dress just now.”
Jake’s eyebrows shot up. “Cut Lena’s dress? When? Who?”
“Before. I don’t know who, but I think they might be jealous of me. That’s what Miranda thinks.”
“Whoa, just slow down, OK? Why were you talking to Miranda?”
“Because I thought she did it. I confronted her.”
Jake’s fingers dug into my waist.
I waved a hand at him. “I know, I know, I shouldn’t have done it, but I was angry. It wasn’t her anyway.”
The pressure on my waist eased. “Ally,” he began.
“Lecture me later,” I told him. “I’ve got to stop making public scenes, I get it. Oh my God! Lena!” I went to race off, but Jake held tight to my waist.
“I’m coming, too.”
“You can’t come! She’s indecent.”
“Then I’ll wait outside for you. I think I saw her go into the bathroom. Come on.”
I let him lead the way because I had no idea where the restrooms were anyway. When we arrived outside the women’s we saw Marc pacing back and forth impatiently.
“She won’t come out and she won’t let me in there,” he spat, without looking at me.
“Probably because you saw her without panties,” I shot back.
Marc reddened and Jake gave me a questioning look, but I ignored him.
“Oh, and it’s not Miranda,” I told Marc.
This time Marc gave me a questioning look, so I pointed at Jake.
“He’ll explain. I need to perform emergency dress repairs,” I informed them, and pushed open the door to the bathroom.
Inside, Lena was sitting forlornly on a cushioned stool with Chloe, Faith, her publicist Suzie, and a few other actresses I recognized surrounding her. She jumped up when she saw me.
“Where have you been?” she demanded.
I rushed over to her. “Sorry. Take off your dress.”
Lena took a step back. “What?”
“So I can repair the damage. Come on. Hurry up. The ceremony will be starting soon.” I waved my hands at the others. “Go on, off you go. Nothing to see here.”
Most of the actresses smiled at me in amusement, although I caught one or two glaring at me as they went. Whatever. Only Chloe and Faith remained, and Suzie headed to one of the toilet cubicles.
Lena edged away from me. “You don’t have a sewing machine,” she said. “And I’m not wearing any panties, as Marc so helpfully pointed out.”
Chloe giggled and I smiled at her, the way an animal tamer might when they’re rounding up an upset animal.
“Don’t worry. I always carry emergency supplies.” I plunged a hand between my breasts and pulled out the tiny sewing kit I’d tucked in my bra.
Chloe’s giggling turned into genuine laughter.
“You heard JLaw,” I told them. “Wardrobe malfunctions can happen to anyone. Now hold still.” I turned so my back was to Lena’s then sat down on the floor. I shuffled backward on my bottom and lifted Lena’s skirt over my head.
Lena attempted to step away, but the mirrored wall stopped her. “What are you doing?”
I slapped her leg lightly. “Trying to maintain a certain level of quality that can’t be achieved if I mend it from outside.”
Chloe hooted with laughter and I heard Faith chortle.
“All we need is someone to take a photo,” said Faith.
“Don’t you
dare,” Lena said.
“Maybe a selfie?” Chloe suggested.
“Actually,” I said from beneath Lena’s skirt, “can someone please pass me a phone?”
“Ally!” Lena cried.
“It’s dark in here. I need some light.”
“Just don’t look, OK?” Lena said.
“Like we haven’t all seen it before,” I complained.
Someone shoved a phone under the bottom of the skirt. “Whoever that is, can you please hold it there like that?” I requested. “I need both hands.”
They did as I asked and I concentrated on mending the tear. Fortunately it wasn’t a long cut—maybe half a foot—but it was enough to ruin Lena’s dignity.
“If you prick me in the backside I’m not going to be happy,” Lena warned.
“You’re not happy? I’m the one with my head up your naked ass. Only for you, Lena. Only for you.”
The others erupted into laughter again but I ignored them and did my best to concentrate. It took around five minutes all up and we passed the time by commenting on other actresses’ dresses we liked.
Finally I slipped out from under Lena’s skirt. “There,” I said, enjoying the fresh air. “It’s not perfect, but it won’t be visible on camera and it should hold for the rest of the night.”
Lena turned to look at the back of her dress in the mirror. “Oh wow, Ally. I can barely see it. You even had the right colored thread!”
I stood up, feeling a bit dizzy as I did so. “Of course I did. I have yours, Chloe’s and mine, plus black just in case for Jake.”
“You’re awesome,” Chloe said, grinning.
“And you’re designing my next gown,” Faith announced.
I put my hand against the wall still feeling lightheaded. “I am?”
“Hell, yeah.”
“Even with all my bad luck?” I joked.
Something in Faith’s expression hardened. “Right. Now that you’re fully dressed again, Lena, I suppose I should show you this.” Faith reached down to retrieve her cell phone, which I’d used and was lying on the bathroom floor. She hit a few buttons and then turned the phone so we could see it.
The screen showed a selfie of Faith posing on the red carpet with Hugh Jackman, her co-star in a recently released movie. It was actually quite a cute photo.
Heartthrob (Hollywood Hearts, #1) Page 29