Page 35 of One Pucking Chance

“So good.” She shakes her head and releases a small laugh. “You followed instructions to a T.”

“Well, Miranda was quite clear with her instructions.” I scoff.

“She just wanted the pictures to turn out well.”

I start the car and pull out of the lot. “So is it going to be inPeople Magazineunder, ‘Stars—they’re just like us. Their boyfriend picks them up after a long day of work.’ Or, inUS Magazine, ‘Annalise Sterling and her beau, the insanely talented and sexy NHL star Jaden Lewis, meet up after a long day for a romantic night out.’”

Anna laughs. “Yeah, probably something like that.”

“You know this isn’t normal,” I tease.

She playfully smacks my arm. “You think I don’t know that?”

“So this is the first time your publicist has tipped off the paparazzi for a staged photo shoot?”

She looks out her window. “Well, no… of course not.”

I chuckle.

“Hey, don’t judge. I’ve been part of this circus my whole life. It’s a give-and-take with those vultures. Sometimes, in order to get any peace, you have to give them something in return. Growing up, if there was a moment that my parents wanted to keep private, we’d set up a photo op with the paparazzi a couple of days prior to the event with the mutual understanding that they’d leave us alone. It’s just how it goes in Hollywood.”

“I get it. It’s all just very strange.”

“It is, but I’m used to it. It’s all I know, honestly.” It’s quiet for a moment before Anna speaks up again. “I can’t wait for dinner.”

“Yeah, me too. You’ve raved about this place so much that I’m dying to try it.” Once the restaurant is in view, I pull the car up to the curb in front of the entrance and retrieve my phone from the cup holder to type out a quick text. “Just letting them know we’re here.”

A few moments later, a thin girl with very dark eye makeup emerges from the restaurant, holding four large brown paper bags by the handles. “Give me a second,” I say to Annalise before stepping out of the car.

“Hi. I’m Jaden Lewis,” I say to the server. “Is this my order?” I ask.

She stares at the ground and gives a subtle nod. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s somehow afraid of me. She holds out her arms with two big bags in each hand.

“All four of these bags are mine?” I verify.

She nods again, but her stare doesn’t reach my eyes.

“Okay, well… thank you so much,” I say to her as I take the bags of food from her. I retreat to the car and place the bags across the back seat.

“What’s going on?” Anna asks once I’m inside the car.

Flicking on my blinker, I check the mirrors and pull into the street. “A little change of plans.”

“Wait, we’re not eating here?” Anna turns in her seat and peers out the back window.

“Nope.”

“Aw.” She sounds sad. “I didn’t even get to say hi to Bethy.”

“Bethy?”

“The server. The one who gave you the bags.”

“You know her?”

“A little, yeah. She was sorta there for me during a difficult night. I was looking forward to seeing her again.” She sighs and turns back around.

“Well, it’s probably for the best. I don’t think she likes me. She wouldn’t even look at me.”

---