Until Next Time (The Shooting Stars Series)

by Michelle Maness

  “I like celebrating,” she smiled in return. “Where are we going?”

  “Dinner at my favorite restaurant and then I have a surprise for you.”

  “I’ll try to contain my curiosity,” she laughed.

  A few minutes later they were entering one of Hollywood’s premier restaurants and were escorted to a small, private room. Katherine surveyed the room, the windows were flanked with heavy drapes and the walls were a mural of what appeared to be the French countryside. Adam had informed her that while Dominic was French, he did not specialize in French cuisine. A fire blazed merrily in the wide fireplace, though why it was needed she certainly didn’t know. In front of it was a small round table set for two. Two long tapering candles in the center of the table and the fireplace provided the only light.

  Adam held her chair and Katherine thanked him. They were served stuffed avocados followed by mixed greens salads and as a main course chicken fricassee with summer vegetables. For desert they had round slices of rich chocolate cake topped with ice cream, dribbled with raspberry and chocolate sauce.

  “That was amazing,” Katherine admitted.

  “Adam,” a tall slender man in chef’s whites and checkered pants entered the room.

  “Dominic,” Adam stood and extended his hand. “You didn’t have to leave your busy kitchen to greet us.”

  “I wanted to meet this woman,” Dominic turned to smile at Katherine. “A pleasure, Mademoiselle,” he kissed her hand.

  “Dominic, this is Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn, Dominic the best and most temperamental chef in the whole of Hollywood.”

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Katherine smiled at the man.

  “Stand, stand,” the man tugged her hand and then circled her. “Tres Bien! She’s worth the trouble,” he pronounced.

  “Thank you, Dominic, I will keep that in mind,” Adam assured him, his tone amused.

  “I must be back to my kitchen. Good to see you again, Adam.”

  “Good to see you, Dominic.”

  Adam saw to their bill and then escorted Kaitlyn outside to wait for the limo.

  “Thank you, Adam, I thoroughly enjoyed that,” she said as they left the restaurant.

  “The evening isn’t over yet.”

  “So where are we going?”

  “Joel found out I was in town and invited me to his latest premier tonight.”

  “Joel? Joel Bradford?” Katherine’s eyes widened almost comically.

  “Yes, Joel Bradford. Let me guess, you have a crush on him. You want me to set you two up?”

  Katherine frowned. “No.”

  “Okay, just offering,” he shrugged.

  “Have you ever been to one of these before?"

  “Lots of times; they’re fun,” he assured her.

  Katherine spotted the waving lights well before the crowds and theater came into view. “So, this is Hollywood, why are all these people standing around? Aren’t they used to it?”

  “No, and I’d be willing to bet that many of them are tourists. The public loves these things. The stars come out in their finest and the public is allowed closer than normal,” he explained as they approached the theater.

  Adam helped her from the car and into the flash of bulbs. Well, if the press hadn’t known Adam was in town, they knew it now, she thought to herself. The media were set up in a section to their right and were trying to persuade new arrivals to stop and talk with them. A reporter stopped Adam and asked him several questions. Katherine used the opportunity to watch those still arriving.

  In the foyer, people stood in small clumps talking and laughing together. Adam placed a hand on the small of her back and guided her toward his friend and the star of the movie.

  “Adam, it’s good to see you man. Where’ve you been?” Joel greeted his friend.

  “In rehab,” Adam grinned.

  “I had heard some rumors but I know how that goes. That is great, man; I am so glad you’re getting back on your feet. Are you getting out of the business?”

  “I just got out of my contract today but I’m starting my own studio in Nashville.”

  “You must be Kaitlyn,” Joel turned to smile at her.

  Katherine was a little intimidated to be addressed by the man in front of her. He was the newest and hottest face in Hollywood. With his golden hair, rich deep brown hair, and well defined face, he was very easy on the eyes.

  “Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

  “Adam told me that you two go way back.”

  “We met our senior year of high school.”

  “Adam says we come from similar back grounds and offered to set me up with you a time or two,” Joel admitted, “I could tell he rather had a thing for you himself, though.”

  “Thanks, Joel,” Adam shook his head.

  “You two aren’t here as a couple?” Joel looked confused.

  “Friends.”

  “Oh, sorry.”

  “Kaitlyn just came out of a bad relationship.”

  “That’s too bad; those are messy, I know,” Joel offered her.

  “I wouldn’t leave her unattended tonight, Adam; one of the men are likely to snap her up when you aren’t looking,” Joel teased.

  “No, joke, we’re going to go find our seats,” Adam told his friend.

  “Catch up with me when it’s over,” Joel prompted.

  Adam led Kaitlyn to their seat and introduced her to people along the way. The movie proved to be good and Katherine found herself laughing and rooting for the couple on screen. She was smiling as the movie ended.

  “That was good,” she informed Adam.

  “It was,” he agreed.

  “So what did you think of it?” Joel asked them as he joined them in the foyer after the movie.

  “I enjoyed it,” she admitted.

  “You two have plans for the rest of the evening?”

  “No, we don’t actually,” Adam admitted.

  “Would you guys like to ride to the cast party with me? I never stay long but I always put in an appearance.”

  “Sure,” Adam agreed and they followed him out.

  The reporters stopped Joel to ask him several questions and Adam and Kaitlyn waited patiently.

  “Where was your date? We had been told that Donna was coming with you,” one reporter asked.

  “She was, unfortunately she’s not feeling too well.”

  One of Joel’s co-stars came out and the attention shifted. They used the opportunity to leave.

  They arrived at the party to more press and fans and Katherine wondered how a person could live under the constant scrutiny. Inside, the press’ presence wasn’t as obvious and people she hadn’t even seen at the premier were already talking and laughing.

  “Joel! Hey, man. How was the premier?” Lance Langley approached; Katherine was trying not to be star stuck. Lance and Joel were both two of the hottest new faces in Hollywood.

  “It was good, why didn’t you come?”

  “The party is always more fun,” Lance laughed. “Who’s your friend?” he nodded at Katherine.

  “This is Kaitlyn, Adam’s date for the evening,” Joel supplied.

  “Hello, nice to meet you,” the man looked her over carefully.

  “Nice to meet you, Lance,” she smiled nervously.

  “It’s good to see you, Lance. We’re going to find a table.”

  “See you later.”

  Joel led them around the crowd to a table, invited them to join him, and they accepted.

  “Adam says that you’re something of an actress yourself. Have you ever thought of giving it a try?”

  “Oh no. I’m not Hollywood material. This is fun and I’ll never forget it but I’ll be glad to board my plane and go home.”

  “Too bad, they seem to like you.”

  “Who?” she asked with a frown. He nodded to where a group of older men were looking her way.

  “They’re probably wondering who I am.”

  “They’re directors, producers...some of the most respe
cted men in the business. If they’re curious about you they already know who you are. Hollywood can be a small town.”

  “That sounds ominous,” she smiled. “How do you stand it?”

  “It was fun at first, but it is getting to be a headache.”

  “I got to the point I hated it,” Adam joined the conversation. “Every time I turned around there was someone lurking around the corner with a camera.”

  “Excuse me, would you like to dance?” someone asked from behind Katherine. She turned to find Tyler Lucas at her elbow.

  “Um, I….I don’t know,” she laughed and gave Adam a panicked look; he smiled

  “You’re a fellow southerner right? I’m a Texan myself. Tyler Lucas,” the man introduced himself in his lazy drawl; Katherine already knew who he was. His well-formed face, shiny black hair and deep blue eyes had graced more than one screen.

  “Well?” Adam asked her.

  “Sure,” she said shyly and took the man’s offered hand.

  Adam watched her follow her dance partner onto the dance floor, he knew her well enough to know that she was likely both flattered and baffled by the attention she was receiving.

  “She’s beautiful, Adam, and a sweetheart,” Joel told his friend.

  “I know,” Adam smiled.

  “So you really aren’t here as a couple?”

  “We’re out on a date I guess but as I said, Kaitlyn just came out of a bad relationship and I think right now we’re feeling our way through things. I’ll have to see what comes of it.”

  “Good luck.”

  “Thanks, I need it,” Adam smiled at his friend.

  Katherine was nervous as she danced in Tyler Lucas’s arms. The man was sexy and his lazy drawl had a funny effect on her stomach. She knew his reputation with women, however, and no matter how good looking he was she had no intention of being the man’s distraction.

  “So you’re Kaitlyn,” Tyler noted. “Most everyone who has spent any amount of time with Adam knows your name.”

  “We, um, we’re good friends and we dated for a while so…” she wasn’t sure what to say.

  “Yes, we know you dated and we know he never got over you,” Tyler’s smile was teasing. “I’d ask you out but he’d stomp my ass and given some of where he’s come from and my small town back ground I have no doubt he could do it.”

  “I’m flattered,” her laughter was as shaky as she felt.

  “So I won’t ask you out but how about a second dance?”

  “Thanks but I’d like to get back to my date.”

  “Hmm, so the feelings are mutual. The best of luck to both of you,” he offered and escorted her to the edge of the dance floor.

  Katherine started toward the table and paused. There was Mia in her seat and talking to Adam. She looked Mia over and decided that she was even more gorgeous in person. She was very tall and slim, as were most models these days, with long black hair, dark blue eyes, unbelievably high cheekbones, and full, pouty lips. Katherine knew she was from Russia.

  Well, they were bound to have to meet sooner or later she decided and moved forward. She was sure she would feel like a rag doll next to her. Adam spotted her coming and stood to give her his seat.

  “Hey, Kaitlyn, here take my seat. Did you enjoy your dance?”

  “Yes, and no,” she admitted.

  “Kaitlyn, this is Mia, Mia this is Kaitlyn,” Adam introduced the two women.

  “It’s nice to meet you,” Katherine extended her hand. Mia’s blue eyes darkened and assessed her coolly. She made no move to take Katherine’s hand. Katherine dropped her hand and shifted in her seat.

  “What brings you to California?” Mia accent was evident.

  “I came to help Adam move,” Katherine supplied.

  “Are you really moving?” Mia turned to Adam.

  “I already have a place in Nashville,” he admitted.

  Mia was pouting now.

  “I love this song!” Katherine noted as one of her favorite love songs came on.

  “So let’s dance,” Adam stood and extended his hand to Katherine.

  She accepted his hand and followed him onto the dance floor before sliding her arms around his neck as he pulled her close.

  “Did you enjoy your dance?” Adam asked her.

  “I guess, I was rather nervous; I mean he could dance with anyone here,” she admitted.

  “Doesn’t mean he doesn’t have good taste,” he teased.

  “You’re a flirt, Adam.”

  “I guess I can be but I was serious,” he assured her as he pulled her even closer. Katherine laid her head on his shoulder and snuggled against him as they danced through the next few songs. When they returned to the table Mia was gone. Joel asked Katherine for a dance and then Adam called for their limo.

  Back at the hotel, Katherine dressed for bed, pulled her hair down, and washed her face. She tied one of the thick hotel robes over her pajamas and grabbed her necklace and earrings before she went to find Adam.

  “Adam?” she paused outside his room.

  “Yes?” he opened his door.

  “Does the hotel have a safe?”

  “Yes, but there’s one in my room.”

  “Good put these in there please; just having them makes me nervous. The only non-costume jewelry I’ve ever owned is a set of pearls from my aunt and uncle,” she admitted.

  “I’ll be right back,” he promised.

  Adam stepped into the closet of his room and opened the safe. He set the box in and pulled out a smaller box; he opened it to study the ring inside. It matched the rest of the set. He shook his head; he really wanted to give it to her as an engagement ring but he wasn’t sure she would accept even if he could get up the nerve to ask or give her one good reason why she should give him yet another chance.

  Twenty-Three

  The next day, Katherine went with Adam to pack up his personal items. Given he planned to let most things go with the place she didn’t think it would take long. He’d already made arrangements for the transport of his cars.

  Her first impression of Adam’s house was how sterile it was. It made her shudder. The place was not a home.

  “You don’t like it,” Adam noted.

  “Nope,” she admitted.

  “It wasn’t really my idea either,” he admitted. “I was told a home would be a good place to sink some money and was stupid enough to let Mia have a say in what I bought.”

  “That explains why it’s so cold,” she muttered. “First things first, go get me both trash cans from outside,” she told him.

  Adam did as she ordered and watched her throw away every bottle of alcohol in the house and empty both medicine cabinets. That done, she dragged the bins to the curb just in time for trash pick-up.

  “Thank you, I didn’t want to even touch the stuff.”

  “I know,” she smiled. “Let’s get started.”

  Adam grabbed the boxes he’d had delivered and watched her start. She was a whirlwind; she asked him what was to be kept and what could go.

  “Most of it can go with the house,” he admitted.

  When they came across Mia’s things still in the master bedroom, Katherine grabbed an arm full of clothes from the closet and unceremoniously dumped it into a large box. A few trips later and a lot of cramming and all of Mia’s designer clothes were packed into one box. Katherine taped it closed and scribbled ‘Mia’s junk’ across the top.

  Adam started going through his own things and watched in amusement as Katherine repeated the less than careful packing job with Mia’s drawers of clothing. She pulled each drawer out, dumped it into the box, and replaced it before moving to the next one. Shoes were tossed in on top of the drawer clothing and into the bottom of an empty box before she dumped Mia’s bathroom things in on top of the shoes. Adam figured Mia was getting what she had asked for. He had been telling her for weeks upon weeks to get her things out.

  “I think the guest closet has more of her clothing,” Adam admitted and watched her r
oll her eyes.

  “What a prima donna,” she muttered. She came back toting an arm load of clothes and smashed them into the third box. She managed to get it taped closed when she was done.

  “There,” Katherine nodded. “Now she has no excuse; she can get her things out of here.”

  “I need to call her. I called a lock changing service to come change the locks; she won’t be able to get in after this afternoon,” Adam admitted. He went to the phone and called while Katherine started carefully packing the things Adam wanted to keep.

  “Tell her I can take them outside and leave them for her if that would be more convenient,” Katherine offered.

  Adam held the phone from his ear and Katherine could hear Mia screaming from where she stood.

  Katherine walked over, took the phone from Adam, and hung up on Mia.

  “Women like her aren’t worth wasting your breath on; they only hear what they want to hear,” Katherine informed him.

  Adam smiled as he watched her walk off to finish packing; Kaitlyn was cute with her cool superior attitude against Mia.

  Katherine had traded her own shirt for one of Adam’s and tied it in a knot in the back so it didn’t dwarf her and pulled her hair back in a ponytail before tackling the process of cleaning out the fridge. Adam had run to the store for a few more boxes and was going to bring back some lunch. Katherine was scrubbing out one of the produce drawers when the door opened and Mia came stalking in. She watched Mia survey her a moment; her eyes narrowed.

  “Are you the new cleaning girl?” Mia widened her eyes to feign innocence. Two men stood behind Mia, waiting for her orders.

  “Your boxes are in the bedroom; they’re labeled so make sure you get them all,” Katherine returned. “The rest of your things are against the wall in the office.”

  Katherine watched her flounce up the stairs. A moment later she was screeching in Russian.

  “Did you dump all my things into boxes?” she screamed from the balcony of the second floor.

  “Adam gave you plenty of opportunity to get them.”

  “Just who do you think you are?” Mia screeched.

  “Well, I happen to know who I am, is there some confusion as to who you are on your part?” Katherine asked her.

  “You fat cow, I will get you for this!”