Page 64 of Forgettable in Every Way

Simon took her hand and shook it, wondering exactly that. In the UK, he was used to being recognized, but in the States, hardly a soul knew who he was. “I am Simon Harrison, and this is my girlfriend, Jules.”

Jules’s cheeks were about to burst from how big she was smiling. “I am a huge, huge fan of yours.”

Simon was more confused than ever about whom they were speaking to. How did Jules know her?

“Thank you,” Josie said graciously.

“Your last book was amazing,” Jules gushed.

Simon then remembered Jules had mentioned one of her favorite authors would be at the shower and how excited she was to meet her. Calista had apparently delivered the woman’s baby in a car that had caught fire. There was no wonder why Calista intimidated him. “You just recently released To Wed a Rogue Pirate.”

“Yes,” Josie confirmed. “It’s such a coincidence that I’ve run into you. I just asked my publisher to contact your people. I’m hoping you have some availability to narrate my upcoming series. Your voice would be perfect for it.”

“He would love to,” Jules answered for him.

Simon chuckled while Jules blushed.

“If Jules thinks I should, we should talk. I’m sure Jules will be happy to give you my number at the shower.”

“That would be terrific. It was a pleasure to meet you,” Josie said before addressing Jules. “I look forward to talking to you at the shower.” She waved and walked into the club.

Jules turned into Simon and cringed. “I can’t believe I spoke on your behalf. I sounded like an idiot. I’m sorry. It’s just, I really love her books.”

Simon laughed and kissed her head. “You can speak on my behalf anytime. And this way, I might actually get you to listen to some of the books I’ve narrated.”

She gave him a thoughtful glance. “I don’t need to listen to your work. I’m lucky enough to get the real thing.”

Simon went to whisper some juicy lines from his current project into Jules’s ear when her face went ashen.

“I can’t believe they’re here,” she whispered. “Calista’s going to flip.”

Simon looked in the direction of her gaze. An older couple dressed to the nines in designer clothes approached, walking with their heads held high and unnaturally straight posture. A haughty air surrounded them. “Who are they?” he asked once the couple had passed.

“Those are the Grangers, Tristan’s parents. I hope they didn’t come to make trouble at the shower.”

“Perhaps it’s just a coincidence they’re here,” Simon tried to offer a reasonable explanation.

Jules bit her lip. “Maybe. But I wouldn’t put it past them to show up just to torment Calista.”

“Well, I’m sure she’ll rise to the occasion,” Simon replied.

“There is no question she will.” Jules grinned. “We should probably go in. And don’t worry, I won’t sign any contracts for you.”

Simon chuckled and led Jules into the grand foyer. The polished wood floors gleamed amid the glow of several candelabra chandeliers. The large floral arrangements at the front desk filled the air with a hint of rose and gardenia. Several people bustled around, some dressed for dining and some for various other activities like racquetball and tennis.

Jules apprehensively kept her eyes on the Grangers, who were talking to another couple near the indoor stone waterfall that looked like a scene right out of nature, real pine trees included.

There, the most unexpected turn of events occurred. In slow motion, Simon and Jules watched as Mrs. Granger collapsed onto the floor with a sickening thud. Mr. Granger and several people nearby gasped. The club staff began dialing 911. Mr. Granger knelt next to his wife and cried, “Is there a doctor here?”

Before Simon even realized what Jules was doing, she dropped her gift and darted off toward the banquet room. Simon was sure she was going to get Calista. He had to wonder how that would all play out. Would Calista treat the woman who had been nothing but vicious toward her soon-to-be daughter-in-law? Calista answered his question when she burst through the crowd, sprinting in a low-cut maxi dress.

She didn’t hesitate to help, even though many around were loudly whispering that they couldn’t believe she would. Calista quickly assessed the situation and began performing CPR.

Jules returned to Simon’s side, clinging to him as they watched among the crowd of onlookers as Calista attempted to resuscitate Mrs. Granger. After what seemed like an eternity, Calista informed her soon-to-be father-in-law, “She has a pulse and is breathing.”

A pale Mr. Granger stared at Calista in awe, unable to speak.

It didn’t take long for the paramedics to arrive.

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