Yes, sir. Thank you for understanding, she typed then paused when she head another e-mail come through.
Clicking over to her inbox, she saw Mr. Kelton had sent it. I had wardrobe send over a few outfits for you to choose from. You’ll find them in your room when you arrive tomorrow.
Sienna breathed a sigh of relief. For now she had a reprieve, and not just because someone had finally turned off the television.
“Thank You, Lord,” she whispered as she trudged back to the kitchen to join her family for coffee and conversation. “Your grace is beyond my understanding. Now if You could just do something about Joey Ramirez.”
While the Lord seemed to be remaining silent on Joey, every member of her family managed to state an opinion on him and what she should do in regard to the man. The aunties were divided two against one with Vi and Consuela for taking him back and Dolores solidly against it. Dina wanted to catch him alone and explain to him in detail why he was no longer fit to lick the bottom of Sienna’s shoe, and Ernie offered tips on how to win him back.
At the far end of the table, Papa sipped his coffee and kept silent. He was, however, listening to all the others and formulating his own opinion. Whether he might share it was anyone’s guess.
“You know, Aunt Sissy,” Britny said in her characteristically dramatic way, “you should be glad he still wants you. You’re not getting any younger, and that last woman he dated was blond.”
Well that did it.
Papa’s coffee cup hit the saucer with enough strength to slosh the black liquid in a pool on the white tablecloth. All talking ceased.
“Sienna, may I see you outside?”
Though the request was phrased as a question, it was no question at all. Not when it came from Papa.
Sienna pushed back from the table and rose. Dina met her gaze and rolled her eyes then turned to Britny. “Come on, Miss Dating Expert. The dishes await. And while you’re washing and drying, you can begin praying I will forget that you called my younger sister old.”
The teenager’s complaints of antique houses and no dishwashers followed Sienna outside, as did Dina’s swift response for her to mind her words. Mind your words. How many times had Mama said that exact thing to Sienna? Almost as many times as she told Sienna to guard her heart.
Sadly she’d always had trouble doing both.
The old swing creaked as her father made himself comfortable. Sienna settled beside him and inhaled deeply of the rain-drenched earth. The night air held the promise of a chill, and she gathered her arms around her waist. Papa must have noticed, for he wrapped his arm around her to hold her close. Together they watched the first stars appear, their silence a comfortable language that spoke volumes.
Papa reached across the gap between them to grasp Sienna’s hand. “Sissy girl, how many times have you and I sat like this?”
“Too many to count.” She chuckled and squeezed his strong fingers.
He returned the gesture. “Now tell me what happened with the Ramirez boy.”
Only her father would refer to an Academy Award nominee for supporting actor as “the Ramirez boy.”
“Today?”
“No.” Her father lifted a dark brow then shook his head. “You loved him.”
“Yes,” she said softly to cover her surprise, “I did.”
“Maybe still do?” He only let the question hang between them for a second before waving away any expectation of an answer. “I know he and I have had our differences, but Joe, he seemed like a good man. Took good care of you. What happened? How did he become this man who broke your heart?”
Sienna blinked back sudden and surprising tears. “All the times we talked, you never asked.”
“You’re grown, Sissy, much as I hate to admit it. A father, he tries to respect that even when …” He squeezed her hand once more before crossing his arms over his chest. “But I’m asking you now.”
“I guess it all came down to what was important to him, Papa.” Sienna paused to collect her thoughts. “It all started with the premiere of his last movie. I guess I wasn’t A-list enough for his agent and publicist.” As she spoke the words, pain hit as if it had happened yesterday. “So he went with his costar as his date. I wasn’t invited.”
“Honey, I’m sorry,” he said. “And I agree he used poor judgment. But that seems like a poor reason to leave the man you love.” One dark brow rose with a silent question.
“I gave him an ultimatum. Her or me.” Saying it aloud made her cringe. And yet so much had led up to that moment. Somewhere between San Antonio and Hollywood, she and Joey had made their careers a priority over their relationship. Work had become an excused absence for any occasion, special or not.
And until she saw the man she loved walking down the red carpet with a stranger, it hadn’t bothered Sienna in the least.
Her father let out a long breath and leaned forward to rest his elbows on his knees. “So you feel he chose her.” He chose work. But then so did I.
“He did choose her,” Sienna said, as much to convince Papa as to convince herself. “I told him if he took that woman to the premiere, we were through.” She shrugged. “So what could I do?”
Again silence fell between them. Sienna blinked back tears as the disappointment welled up. Disappointment that was completely directed at herself.
“What you could have done no longer matters. Nothing is impossible with God.” Papa gave Sienna a sideways look. “So the real question is, what will you do now?”
What will I do now?
Papa’s question chased Sienna as she enjoyed the rest of her time with the family. He was a wise man, her father, and one not given to lecture. The aunties, however, had entertained her with suggestions that alternated between how to get even and how to get him back. Even Dina had weighed in, deciding that Joey deserved to suffer a bit, but he also needed to return to his place at the Thanksgiving table.
She’d ignored them all—politely of course—though Dina’s comment about Thanksgiving had Sienna wondering how she would break the news that she would be missing another family holiday due to work. Much as she’d love to watch Papa carve the turkey and the aunties bustle about for days making three dozen side dishes and desserts, the production schedule and meetings just wouldn’t allow for the time away.
At least she’d be home for Christmas.
Chapter 10
Already there were signs that Thanksgiving was just around the corner. Joe had promised to make a cameo in the Caymans for Mom’s traditional turkey dinner and The General’s advice, though the movie schedule would require him to fly back to Texas the next morning.
At least he’d be in San Antonio for Christmas. By then there would be a plan to fix what was broken between him and Sienna.
Joe stepped out of the car in front of La Cocina del Rio, signed autographs for a trio of tourists, then shrugged into his jacket and slid his phone into his pocket. As he’d done several times since yesterday, Joe punched in Sienna’s phone number then looked up at the roof patio of the tri-level restaurant and hit CANCEL.
Even if she took his call—which she might, considering the cordial ending to their unusual day yesterday—what reason would he give for calling? The truth was Joe missed her every single day since he’d made his stupid mistake.
But even an idiot like him knew that wasn’t something you tell a woman over the phone. Nor over a business meeting, though Joe decided if given the chance tonight, he’d surely try.
“Good evening, Mr. Ramirez,” the hostess said. “Come this way. Most of your group has already arrived.”
“Thank you, Miss …”
“Maria,” she supplied as she led him toward the stairs.
When he emerged onto the rooftop deck, the sun was setting on the Riverwalk and sending threads of gold through Sienna’s dark hair. She’d fashioned it into a severe knot at the nape of her neck that his fingers itched to release, and she wore a dress of deep emerald green that almost made him forget why he was there.
The rest of the crowd, the typical mix of business folk and artsy types, milled about or stood at the rail taking in the view while a quartet of mariachi added a soundtrack to the festivities. The river did look spectacular from this vantage point, but Joe only had eyes for Sienna.
“There’s my star.” Art Kelton grasped him by the shoulder and grinned. “I understand you and my assistant braved a downpour yesterday.”
“We did, sir,” he said. “Though I must commend Miss Montalvo. Not only did she provide a delicious lunch, but she also was quite entertaining.”
The producer seemed to ponder the statement a moment. “I see.” Another pause, presumably to find Sienna in the crowd, though how anyone could miss her was beyond Joe’s understanding. “The purpose was for you to get an idea for what it might have been like for Crockett. Entertaining was not the goal.”
Joe found Sienna looking his direction and winked. When she offered him her back, he turned his attention to the producer and shrugged. “I beg to differ, sir. You see, I’ve done a little research on this, and during the siege Colonel Crockett and Sergeant John McGregor took turns entertaining with fiddle and bagpipes. McGregor, as you might guess, was the bagpiper.”
Kelton’s snort told Joe he held little interest in the topic. “Go and meet the investors,” he said. “Money always enjoys mingling with talent.” And then he gestured for Sienna to join them. She responded immediately by extricating herself from the conversation then moved toward them.
He couldn’t help but let his gaze slide the length of her. And as pretty as she was on the outside, Sienna Montalvo was drop-dead gorgeous inside as well. Only a fool would have let her go.
And right now Joe felt like the biggest fool on the planet.
“You look lovely,” he said when she was close enough to hear.
“Stick close to Ramirez tonight, Miss Montalvo,” the producer said. “Be sure he knows the names of everyone here before they introduce themselves. Got it?”
“Got it,” she said.
“And let’s keep the entertaining to a minimum, shall we?”
“Got it,” Joe echoed as he watched Kelton maneuver himself around the chairs and into an animated conversation with a half dozen men in the center of the patio. When he returned his attention to Sienna, he found her staring. “What is he talking about?”
He considered answering but found his ability to string his thoughts together compromised by looking into Sienna’s eyes. Instead, he stared past her at Kelton, who seemed to be having a grand time.
“Who are they?” Joe asked, though he truly didn’t care. When she easily rattled off the names, he laughed. “No wonder he’s keeping you as his assistant. You’re good at this sort of thing.”
Sienna looked less than thrilled. “Not everyone can be a star, Joey. Now let’s go show you off,” she said in what Joe recognized as her most sarcastic tone.
Joe played along as Sienna hauled him from one investor to another, never failing to smile or say just the right thing. Just when he figured they’d run out of people to meet, Sienna would guide him toward another. Finally, after a full two hours of smiling, his jaws hurt.
“Come on,” Joe said as he grasped Sienna by the elbow. “I’ve got to get out of here, and you’re going with me.”
She shook her head. “I can’t. Unlike you, I’m working tonight.”
“Sienna, honey, I’ve just done some of the best acting of my life tonight.” He nodded toward Art Kelton. “Now watch me perform the grand finale.”
Sienna watched Joey capture the producer’s attention as he slid into the group of men from Tennessee. The largest of the groups of investors, the businessmen all had roots in the Nashville music scene. Any question as to why they would want to be associated with a remake of a John Wayne movie would be put to rest tomorrow when the performers on the soundtrack of The Alamo were announced.
And of course, plans for a tour to coincide with the opening were also in the works. She sighed. This part of moviemaking—the business deals and incentive packages—was her least favorite. The real fun would come on December 1 when filming began.
Joey broke away from the group to join her. Linking arms, he turned her toward the exit. “Shall we?”
Sienna stalled. “What? No. I can’t leave. I told you I’m working.”
He nodded. “Yes, actually, you are. And I asked for Mr. Kelton to give you a special assignment.”
“Which is?”
Reaching into his pocket, Joey palmed a deck of cards. “Gin rummy?”
She slipped from his grasp and shook her head then walked over to the edge of the terrace. Here the view of the river was exquisite. Though the air held a chill and the ring around the moon portended more rain, the night sky was clear and dotted with stars so bright that even the lights of San Antonio could not dim them.
Her former flame joined her at the rail, edging just close enough for discomfort. “Was it something I said?” he whispered. “No, wait, it was something I did.”
“You’re insufferable!”
Joey leaned into her line of sight. “And that’s what you love about me.”
“Loved,” she said. “Emphasis on past tense.”
But as Sienna spoke the words, she knew nothing could be further from the truth. Hot tears sprung to her eyes, and she blinked them back as she held on tight to the rail. The Riverwalk blurred and the sound of the mariachi faded as a lone guitar began to play.
She knew this tune and so did Joey. “Besame Mucho.” Their song. Or, it had been.
If Joey noticed, he didn’t let on. Instead, he reached to press his hand atop hers.
Besame mucho—“kiss me a lot.”
Sienna stood very still, her effort concentrated on not falling apart or, worse, into Joey’s arms. And then he leaned over again, this time to wrap his arm around her waist. Had she the strength, Sienna might have removed herself from his embrace.
But all strength had fled by the chorus. And then Joey began to sing. The words were soft, just enough for her alone to hear. Gradually, he turned Sienna toward him.
“Forgive me,” he said as their gazes collided. “Please,” was a ragged breath that landed in the gap between them. “I was so stupid. A real idiot.” Joey paused. “You could disagree, you know.”
“I wouldn’t think of it,” she managed, half laughing. “Go on.”
“Idiot.” He leaned closer. “A fool.” Closer still. “Eight months and two days. I’ve been miserable.”
Eight months and two days? So he had been counting, too.
“You didn’t look miserable in those pictures.” The tears had begun to fall in earnest now, and Sienna could only hope Mr. Kelton and the investors were too busy making deals to notice. “And there were plenty of poses. Dozens. Surely if there was one ounce of regret in you, Joey Ramirez, you would have shown it at some point, but when you were with her and—”
Words ceased when Joey kissed her.
Chapter 11
Was that applause? Sienna’s world righted itself, though it took more than a moment for her to realize she still stood on the roof deck of La Cocina del Rio. A second later, she breathed a sigh of relief that the clapping was for the singer, a well-known country music performer, and not the other entertainment, namely their all-too-public kiss.
“I still love you, Sienna,” Joey whispered against her ear.
“It’s been eight months,” she said as she slipped under his arm and took a step back. “Eight months and you—”
“Eight months and two days,” he interjected, “and I’ve been miserable every minute of it.”
“I doubt that.” She turned to walk away and Joey followed, which made Sienna irritated and thrilled in equal measure. Much as she wanted to believe him, too much had happened to let it go so easily. “I hear Playa del Carmen in spring is quite nice. At least it looked that way when you and she were lounging on the beach.”
“Now wait just a minute.” Joey grasped her elbow and ha
uled her back against him. His eyes narrowed. “That was a complete setup. The production company flew the two of us and thirty of our closest coworkers in for a fun afternoon of shooting fake photos of us. It was awful.”
Tanned skin, blond hair, and a yellow bikini came to mind. So did the two of them on a Jet Ski. And in a hammock strung between two palm trees. “Yeah, Joey, I’m sure it was just horrible. You poor thing.”
His almost defiant look went soft. “Look,” he said gently, “I told you. I’m an idiot. I said yes to the wrong people, but I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t let that happen again.”
Joey’s words struck something deep inside, and Sienna turned to point a finger at his chest. “I’m determined not to say yes to the wrong people, either. Or, in this case, the wrong person.”
“You can trust me.”
You can trust me.
“How can I know that for sure, Joey?” When he had no immediate response, she gathered her purse and hurried to the ladies’ room to repair her makeup. “The Ramirez Reject indeed,” Sienna muttered. “Well not anymore.”
She took her time in the hopes when she finally returned to the patio Joey might be gone. Instead she found him waiting just outside the door, arms crossed over his chest. The music had returned to a lively salsa number, and a few of the guests were trying their hand at the piñata that Sienna had ordered especially for the occasion. Inside the likeness of a fiery-red jalapeño pepper were gifts from several elite San Antonio establishments, all chosen to convey the flair of the city and wrapped to withstand a pounding.
If only her heart were so protected. Sienna felt Joey press his palm against her back and shuddered.
“Cold?” He had his jacket off and around her shoulders before she could protest.
Warmth enveloped her, as did the spicy scent of patchouli that was his favorite fragrance. If only she could turn the clock back. Back not just to before that awful premiere and the faux romance that followed, but back further to the day she stopped appreciating what she had in Joey Ramirez.
A Riverwalk Christmas: Four-in-One Collection Page 24