Page 84 of Off Script

“Not that I’m making plans or anything.” Tristan pivoted, his eyes wide. “What I meant was—”

“Look, we’re almost there.” Jada pointed ahead to the iconic building.

Madame Tussauds shone brightly, its name glowing on the outside panel. But its most distinctive features were the hands strategically placed around the building. At the front entrance, a silver hand bordered the door, while a golden one had been placed atop the roof near the titular sign. The whimsical design gave off the air that an omnipotent master dollmaker might be behind the scenes. There were plenty of people queued around the building. Some everyday customers waited for entry while members of the press interviewed the more high-profile guests who managed to bypass the line. Jada hated the idea of being seen as a “cutter,” but Bryan’s ability to get them around the wait time was too good to pass up. Leaving their uncomfortable conversation behind, Jada grabbed Tristan’s hand and steered them toward the museum. Once the press caught sight of them, bulbs flashed in rapid succession and journalists shouted for their attention.

“Tristan! Jada! How are you enjoying your time in New York?”

“What are you looking forward to seeing tonight?”

“Tristan! Are you ready forRival Warriorsto come out?”

“Jada, what’s your next role?”

Jada paused at this last question. Usually when the public spotted them, a lot of inquiries were directed to Tristan. This was the first time anyone had asked something so specific about her career. As Tristan went to talk to the guard at the door, Jada addressed the journalist.

“I’m actually up for a few things right now, and will be keeping people posted online once I have more news.”

“Great! Do you think you and Tristan will act together again?”

Okay, back to relationship talk, I guess, Jada thought. Although, as everyone kept reminding her, Jada had her current project with Logan thanks to her deal with Tristan.

“Who knows? Hopefully!” Jada maintained a cheery air.

“Babe, we can go in now.” Tristan came back over to fill her in.

With a few more waves and parting words, they stepped through the main doors. The lobby was packed with people waiting to be let into the new wing. Waiters circulated with cocktail-hour fare. Jada spotted several guests who would be honored tonight with a wax version of themselves. She eventually found Bryan and Davie at the bar with Kori Jones. Jada urgently pulled on Tristan’s arm.

“Whoa! Watch it,” Tristan warned, saving his mini quiche from hitting the floor.

“You didn’t mention Bryan’s in was Kori Jones!”

“I didn’t know. Bryan literally knows everyone.”

Jada barely registered Tristan’s reply, too caught up in finding one of her favorite musicians a few feet away. As a prolific rapper, Kori Jones had made waves not just with her controversial lyrics but also as one of the few transgender artists thriving in the hip hop genre. Realizing Jada had mentally checked out on him, Tristan grabbed her hand again.

“Okay, let’s go over and intro—”

That was all Jada needed to move lightning fast through the room and over to Bryan’s side. The director greeted them exuberantly, raising his glass.

“Hey, so glad you guys could make it.”

“Of course, wouldn’t miss it.”

“Kori, this is—”

“Bry, I know who they are. I’m going to see your film tomorrow, fool.” Kori dazzled them with her megastar power as she held out her hand. With her avant-garde fashion and her hair done up in elaborate, colorful twists, she looked every bit like the cultural icon the Billboard charts couldn’t stop talking about.

“Nice to meet you. Kori Jones.”

“We know who you are too,” Jada gushed. “I’ve still got ‘Save the Nation’ on repeat. Congrats on getting a statue tonight.”

“Thank you. It’s a little intimidating knowing I’m going to have a Mini-Me around. I’m very curious to see how it turned out.”

On the verge of fangirling harder, Jada put her burning questions for Kori on hold as a bell dinged throughout the lobby. >Jessie Andrews, the current leader of the museum’s board, stood dressed to the nines in the entryway that led to the exhibit. Apparently, the need to make a grand opening speech was his reason for blocking their path.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight. I’m going to say what we’re all thinking: it’s about time! As the world continues to evolve, our team at Madame Tussauds is determined to stay on the cutting edge of pop culture. With our Legends wing, we’re showcasing innovative trailblazers and the groundbreaking stars you’ve come to love.”

While the host’s overall sentiment on progress was nice, Jada remained antsy, itching to go inside. At last, their host’s splashy showboating ended, and Kori held out her arm to Jada.

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