Page 18 of Ignacio

“Don’t you have people to do this for you?”

“I do, but two of my top people are out with the flu, so here I am, doing the grunt work,” she said with a smile. “Delta, you look fabulous, as always.”

“Thank you, Brenda.” More air kisses.

Brenda wasted no time in asking the tough question. “How does it feel to be back together after all these years?” She stuck a mic in Delta’s face.

Delta let out a soft laugh. To her credit, it sounded completely natural. “Like coming home.”

Brenda’s eyebrows lifted slightly, but he could see she was eating it up. “What led to the reunion?”

Keeping an arm around Delta’s waist, Ignacio answered this time. “Timing is everything. Sometimes relationships don’t work out, and later, when we gain clarity, we realize what’s missing and can course-correct.”

“Will it last this time?”

Brenda wasn’t the typical gossip blogger. She was a credentialed journalist, so the question hit hard. The last time they broke up, Ignacio had been lost and used other women’s bodies to numb the excruciating pain. That would not be the case this time. This time, he wasn’t a fool. The relationship wasn’t real, and he knew Delta didn’t care about him.

“No one can predict the future, but we’re happy and taking our relationship one day at a time.” He and Delta took a moment to look into each other’s eyes.

No doubt their “mutual adoration” would play well on camera. Their affection was manufactured for the audience, but he nonetheless experienced a tightening in his chest.

Brenda nodded her satisfaction at the answer. “I heard a rumor that you’re using your downtime between movies to shop the next indie film you’re directing. Is it true?”

The Entertainment Reporthad been purchased by Brockwell Media, a film production company based in Atlanta, which was why Ignacio hadn’t hesitated to stop and talk to Brenda. If he played his cards right, a little goodwill could go a long way in this instance.

“Your sources are correct,” he said with a humble laugh. “The film is titledWrong. It’s very personal to me and loosely based on a family story.”

“Interesting. Will you be starring in it?”

“No, I’ll be behind the camera.”

“Well, I wish you the best with your passion project. I know you’ll knock it out of the park. Delta, how is that album coming?”

“I’m in the studio working hard every day,” Delta replied.

“Do you have a release date for your fans?”

“Not yet. I’m a perfectionist, and I won’t release the album until it’s where it should be. I owe my fans that much.” Looking into the camera, Delta touched her chest to show her heartfelt sincerity. “Be patient with me. I promise you’ll love it.”

“I’m a Delta J fan myself, so I’m looking forward to your release. Will this album include?—”

Rochelle came up behind them. “We have to go,” she whispered, nudging them with gentle fingers.

Brenda smiled. “Thank you both very much. Enjoy your evening.”

They sauntered away, and Rochelle guided them to their table in the huge ballroom. The luxurious décor included gold chandeliers, sleek black marble floors, and small floral arrangements on each table. The hum of conversation filled the space, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter from the A-list guests.

As Ignacio helped Delta into her seat, he noticed people watching them. Sitting beside her, he heard her let out a slow, controlled breath.

“That wasn’t too bad, was it?” he asked.

“I guess not.”

Her voice was neutral, and he couldn’t tell if she was serious or being sarcastic.

“How do you think we did?” He slipped an arm along the back of her chair.

“I don’t think anyone will have a clue we’re being dishonest, if that’s what you’re asking.”

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