Her Turn

by Allison Jones

  Addie’s face is pale. Her breathing is rapid. She is definitely either going to pass out or hyperventilate. I block out everything around me and focus solely on her. I gently direct her to an isolated area near the staff exit leading to an alley where our car will be waiting. The moment that her father made an appearance, I texted our driver; I had a feeling the situation would not end well. Just as we make it out the door, her eyes close, and I scoop her up and head for the car. Getting her back to the hotel is my only priority.

  A voice breaks through the chaos as the door starts to close behind us. “Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the distraction from Addie’s launch party. Please continue to enjoy the celebration. There is plenty of food and drink. Cheers!” Thank God for Nina. As the slow-close door latches behind us, I hear it open again, and then I hear the echoing sound of stiletto heels quickly scuttling up the alley behind us.

  “Jameson, you want to tell me what the hell that was?” Nina asks as she catches up with me at the car. She opens the door, and I carefully put Addie inside. For the record, she is pissed. She knows that I have people in place to deter problems like this for my clients. In her eyes, I have failed to do my job. She isn’t wrong.

  “Nina, can we talk about this later? My priority right now is getting Addie back to her room.”

  Her face softens as she looks at her friend. “Of course. But the three of us need to sit down tomorrow and figure out how to get that asshole to back off. Tell her that I’ll call and check on Owen for her. I don’t want her to worry.”

  “I’ll tell her. Good night, Nina.”

  Jameson

  In the car, Addie slowly comes around. Disoriented and confused, she looks up at me and smiles. Then as quickly as it appeared, a shadow blankets her face instead.

  “Please tell me that my father didn’t just show up and turn my book launch into an episode of Jerry Springer.” I love a good family drama—if it isn’t mine. Addie is my client, so it might as well be my own drama. It’s a nightmare for both of us.

  “Unfortunately, he did. We’re going to meet with Nina tomorrow and strategize about damage control. How are you feeling?” My eyebrows furrow as I study her face while the car is stopped at a traffic light.

  “Feeling? Well, confused. Pissed. A little embarrassed. Overall, I think I’m simply in shock. I haven’t seen him in over 30 years. When he left, he said he would come back for me.” Her eyes glisten, and then she gasps. “Owen. I need to call and check on him.”

  “Nina is doing that for you. She didn’t want you to worry.”

  “Okay. Good. That makes me feel better.” She exhales. “I don’t remember anything after my father’s veiled threat. Was I graceful when I passed out? I didn’t moon anyone, did I?” If she weren’t so genuinely concerned about it, I would laugh.

  “No one saw, Addie. I guided you to an employee exit away from the crowd before you passed out. You were very graceful.” For the record, I liked holding her very much. And I don’t like that I liked it.

  “Oh, goody.” Her voice drips with sarcasm. Then she softens her tone. “By the way, thank you for being there. You know, to catch me. Literally. I just don’t want to be one of those videos that go viral with my granny panties exposed for all to see.” She grimaces. “Um, not that I’m wearing granny panties. I just need to shut up now.” She closes her eyes.

  Okay, now I am seeing her in her underwear. Granny panties or not, it’s sexy. I need to nip this shit in the bud.

  The car stops, arriving at the hotel. “First, let’s get you settled in your room. Hungry? You didn’t get a chance to eat before the ordeal went down.” Look at me being all diplomatic. Caring, even. I didn’t tell her that Owen would have security so subtle that he won’t notice.

  “I would kill for a burger.” Did she just moan?

  “Okay, we’ll order room service and try to salvage this night. It should have been a celebration, Addie. I’m so sorry.” My voice wavers slightly. Hopefully, she doesn’t pick up on the emotion.

  “There is no reason for you to apologize. Did you take my book launch hostage? Nope. Did you insinuate that my life is a den of lies? Nope. Did you invite my father? Nope. So no apology necessary.” Damn. She is a force of nature. If she knew that I was aware of his presence in the vicinity and I didn’t tell her, I don’t think that she would be so forgiving.

  Addie

  Okay, so the circus came to town. And just so you know, I have never been a fan of the circus. Caged animals doing tricks seems cruel and inhumane. And then, to add to my misery, I passed out in Jameson’s arms. Can I just say that I am annoyed that I wasn’t conscious for that? I imagine I would have enjoyed it. My lady bits agree. Anyway, heading back to the hotel, I notice that Jameson is softer. Not his body, but his attitude. No, his body is super hard and sculpted. Jesus, I’m so easily distracted.

  After we arrive at the hotel, Jameson walks me to my room, and to my surprise, he comes in. What? Yes, you heard me. He picks up the phone to order room service and directs me to change and get comfortable. He is bossy. I like it this time. So I do what I’m told because, well, these Spanx are killing me, and I miss my yoga pants. Yep, I managed to sneak some into my luggage beneath George’s watchful eye.

  Our food arrives quickly. Sweet. Baby. Jesus. It’s heaven on a plate. A double cheeseburger with fries that I quickly cover in ketchup. What? Condiments are my friend. My mouth salivates as I close my eyes to take my first bite. When I open them, I see Jameson staring at me. Like intensive, eye-exploration. Do I have ketchup on my face?

  “What are you looking at?” I inquire. My mouth is still kind of full. I am so ladylike.

  “Nothing.” He clears his throat and continues to look for a movie.

  He finds a movie. It’s mindless, allowing me to simply escape the turmoil going on in my head. I didn’t think he would even enjoy a romantic comedy, but considering the crappy evening that I just had, I figure he’s just being nice. Weird. Between being ravaged emotionally, watching a movie, and enjoying my burger, I fall asleep.

  I wake up feeling like I am in a cocoon. Safe. Cherished. Secure. I’m disoriented, but then the events of the previous night come rushing back, and I realize that I am in my hotel room. More critically, I am not alone. There is a man in my bed, holding me. Christ. On. A. Cracker. A man with a hard body. Did I pick up some random guy after the ordeal with my father? Wait, did I do the deed and forget about it? Crap, that’s going to suck since I haven’t had any action since …well, that’s not important, but I would like to be an active participant if given the opportunity. And then I remember. Room service. Movie. Nice Jameson, who transformed into my caretaker. I move slightly so that I can get a look at my resident cuddle buddy. He is yummy.

  “Enjoying the view?”

  Crap. Busted.

  “Um. I’m just trying to put the pieces of the evening together. Which begs the question, why are you still here?”

  He releases me, and my lady parts sob. They are so emotional and a little clingy. Anyway, he moves off the bed and turns toward me.

  “Well, at some point, you fell asleep, and I did too, so that’s why.”

  I eye him suspiciously. “Okay, then. What time are we meeting, Nina?” I try to hide my disappointment that he has moved away from me. My feelings of abandonment are never far away. This is Jameson. I remind myself he’s only my publicist, not my friend. Just someone being paid to basically run my life for a while.

  “Around nine for breakfast downstairs. I’m going to head back to my room, so I’ll see you then.”

  “Thank you for everything you did last night. You know, I looked for my father for a long time but never found him. And now, he just pops up out of the blue.” No reaction from him. Which kind of seemed like a reaction all its own. “Doesn’t it surprise you that he was there last night?” I inquire.

  I watch him. He looks almos
t vulnerable, but then a dark cast floods his eyes.

  He blows out an exaggerated breath, runs his hands through his hair, and looks into my eyes. A couple of the buttons on his shirt are undone, and it’s hard not to look.

  “I knew where he was. My intel told me he was in L.A., but I had no idea that he was going to crash the party. It’s my fault. I normally don’t fail in these situations.” So Mr. Handsome isn’t perfect. Good to know.

  “You mean to tell me that you’ve known where my father was and didn’t tell me? And you didn’t tell me he was right here in L.A.? What the fuck, Jameson? I deserved to have that information. Being blindsided was not my idea of a good time.” My tone is scathing, but the hurt and exhaustion also come through. Fatigue blankets my body.

  He rubs his handsome face. What? I might be mad, but I can certainly still appreciate this exemplar of the male species. Oh, wait, I need to remember that I’m mad and not allow my lady bits to control my mood. Thank God that men don’t know how often that happens.

  “I am so sorry. The story has legs. I released a statement that there is no comment at this time, but that can’t hold them at bay for long. You are going to have to make a real statement. We have to control the narrative, which means that you will have to tell your side of the story.”

  First, I must be in an alternate reality; “stone face” doesn’t usually apologize.

  “Am I dead?” I deadpan.

  “What?” He looks confused.

  “You apologized, so I figured that I must be dead. Also, the thought of telling the world about my childhood traumas makes me extremely uncomfortable. I don’t even know how to react to all of this.”

  He gives me a small, sad smile. Another phenomenon with this man. He cuddles, apologizes, and laughs. I think I need a stiff drink or a bar of chocolate. Possibly both.

  “Alright, Jameson. I’m too tired to be mad at you. Just tell me the plan, and I will comply.”

  “Okay. Did you hit your head? Because a head injury would explain your complete willingness to go along with my yet-to-be-revealed plan.”

  “I suppose that we’re both full of surprises. No, I didn’t hit my head. I need to do this for Owen. Everything is about Owen for me—it always has been. I need to protect him. He’s all I have.” I close my eyes and exhale.

  Jameson nods and says, “Then let’s get started.”

  Jameson

  I had no idea that I would learn something about myself last night. I do have emotions, no matter how much I’d like to deny them. I have spent so much time shutting them off that I forgot what it felt like to feel. I don’t allow myself to be vulnerable. But holding her last night felt…right.

  Shaking off my discomfort, I pick up the phone to talk to one of my buddies, who happens to be a private investigator and security expert. Grady served with me and is one of two people who I trust with my life. I need to be a step ahead of Addie’s father, and he’s the guy who can help with that.

  “Jameson, what the hell did I do to deserve this honor? I haven’t heard from you since…I can’t even remember.”

  I am sure you’ve figured this out by now, but I’m not great with relationships—even relationships with those to whom I’m close.

  “Grady, man, sorry, I know it’s been a while. I need your help.”

  I fill him in on the situation and what the information that I need. The great thing about Grady is that he, too, has connections, but his run a whole lot deeper than mine.

  “Sounds like this Addie person means something to you.”

  “Sure, I mean, she’s a client. This is part of the job.” This is something I keep telling myself because that’s the only way I can feel in control. And I need to stay in control.

  Grady chuckles. I roll my eyes. Same as with Harrison.

  “Okay, I’ll be in touch. Are you going to involve the police?” he asks.

  “Not yet. I don’t have a lot to warrant their involvement at this point.” I also want to keep this on the downlow and control what the media knows.

  We end the call, and I exhale. Would I do this for any client? Yes. It is my job to ensure that my clients are protected in any way necessary. And yet, this feels different. But I can’t afford the distraction. Addie Snyder just became more than a client, which might be more dangerous than whatever scheme her father is running.

  Addie

  I met Nina in the coffee shop of the hotel, grateful to arrive before Jameson. She looks like a runway model, while I greatly resemble a homeless person. No offense to those who are homeless. Jesus, now I have probably offended people. Let me clarify— I have an “image” to maintain now with my new author “status.” Whatever. Anyway, George would be so disappointed in me. But at this moment, I need comfortable clothes, chocolate, and coffee. Fortunately, I had chocolate at the bottom of my purse, and Nina already ordered coffee, plus I see a chocolate croissant calling my name. Poor Nina. She’ll probably order her usual hideous fruit bowl and oatmeal. Cue the shudder.

  “How are you?” She’s worried. Her eyes scan my face.

  “Well, I’m in shock, I’m terrified, and Jameson cuddled with me last night,” I blurt. Seriously not my intent. I need to have a filter installed in my mouth.

  “Well, I was referring to the reappearance of your father, but let’s revisit that later. Tell me everything about Jameson and ‘cuddling’.” She uses air quotes when she says cuddling.

  “No, thanks. By the way, cuddling is not code for sex.” I try to look offended, but the thoughts in my head are chanting sex, sex, sex. Jesus.

  Her eyebrows raise, and a smile tugs on her lips. “So, you aren’t opposed to sex?”

  “Stop! He isn’t into me. I am a forty-something single woman whose life is a circus. Besides, every woman in the room eye-fucks him, and he could have anyone he wants.” My voice hits a slightly higher pitch, and Nina narrows her eyes.

  “You seriously don’t see the way he looks at you when you aren’t paying attention. He’s totally into you. God, you should have seen him last night. He was so commanding and alpha. It was hot!”

  I openly stare at her in disbelief. “Well, I’m sure he was concerned because I am his client, after all. Right now, I’m worried about keeping my delusional excuse for a father away from Owen. By the way, thank you for checking in on him. Is he okay?”

  “No problem, sweetie. I love you both. I’m just worried about you. Of course, he is fine. I couldn’t be more excited to hear from me since I am his girlfriend. By the way, I ordered you a chocolate croissant.” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze.

  I smile. My eyes fill with tears. I don’t trust easily. My tribe is small. Nina is my person. She accepts me, warts and all. She evens orders me chocolate treats because she totally gets me. Is Jameson in my tribe? I think he might be. I feel like he’s slowly taking down my walls.

  “I will be fine once my father is out of the picture. There was a time when he had at least some goodness inside him, but now, he isn’t a good man. He’s bitter. I just want to protect Owen from the shitshow that is raining down on us.”

  “We will, Addie. Now, I hate to go back into business mode, but we still have the tour agenda to discuss. Our next stop is Boston. Do you want me to fly Owen out to meet you and Jameson? We can have one of the security guys fly with him.”

  “Security? What are you talking about, Nina?”

  Jameson takes this opportunity to approach the table. His tight-fitting jeans that hug his delicious ass along with his form-fitting collared shirt make me a little light-headed. I almost forget about the discussion of security and my chocolate croissant. Almost.

  “Ladies, good morning! Did you start without me?” His eyes volley between the two of us. Nina looks a little panicked, and I am pissed.

  “Thanks for joining us, Jameson. I’m just filling Addie in on the idea of security. Something
that I thought had already been discussed with her.” Her frosty tone is pissed off.

  “Yes, please, Jameson. Share the need for security with the rest of the class.” I try to curtail my overwhelming annoyance.

  “Well, I think that until we get a handle on the situation, we need to have security in place. Particularly for Owen. Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this earlier, but you have to admit, I am juggling a lot of balls trying to manage this situation.”

  Great. Now I’m thinking about his balls.

  “I feel like we are experiencing the apocalypse—you have apologized twice in a span of two hours. So because I’m feeling particularly generous, and I’m exhausted from the shitshow that is currently my life, I will give you a pass. Well, another pass. I already gave you one yesterday. But anyway, please don’t keep me in the dark. I’m not a delicate flower. I can handle it. I always have. and I always will.”

  “You have my word, Addie. I will keep you in the loop. Now, what do you think about having Owen come to Boston with us?”

  “I think that would be great. I know I would be more relaxed having him with me.” I smile at Jameson.

  “Okay, I have some phone calls to return then, so I’ll see you later.” He turns and walks away. I admire his ass. What? You would be engaged in the view, too.

  A smile tugs at my face. I turn my head. Nina is staring at me.

  “What? He has a nice ass.” I shrug and begin to enjoy my delectable chocolate croissant that the waitress just delivered.

  “Yes, he does. Maybe once we have this situation resolved, you can explore a more personal relationship. A little tango action for your hoo-ha could alleviate your stress, too. I have a conference call to get on, so I am going back up to my room. We will chat later.” She winks and leaves the table. I sigh. My hoo-ha agrees with her assessment.