Page 21 of Not the Bodyguard's Princess
A gasp interrupted Reggie’s comment, and they turned to see Kittie, one of the crew members, duck her head.
“Kittie, I’m not shaming the Hearthfire name. I’m just tired of living a PG-rated life on and off screen. Haven’t you ever wanted a bit of scandal in your life?”
“Nope. When I get my big break, I don’t want people pulling up old web pages claiming I only got there because I was a media hound.” Kittie tugged on her ponytail.
The head makeup artist, Maria, frowned but didn’t say anything as she picked a sparkly purple polish.
Suzi, the actress who played the forty-year- old maid, patted Kittie on the back. “You’ll get your break one of these days. I appreciate what you do for us around the set.” They wandered off in the direction of the foot baths.
“Why did Paul send Kittie here with us? To be his little spy?” Reggie whispered.
“She works as hard as the rest of us.” Jordan wondered how much longer the day could go on.
Reggie walked away, leaving Jordan alone with Maria.
“This isn’t helping, is it? How are you doing?” The stylist picked up one bottle after another.
Jordan placed a bottle of peach polish back on the shelf. “I still have a mild headache, and no, a spa day is not helping. Will you be able to cover my new scar?”
Maria put her hand to her heart and rolled her eyes. “I should be insulted that you even ask. Remember the road rash from your skateboarding accident when you were thirteen? This is simple compared to that.”
“You know I love you for more than your magic makeup wands, right?”
“I do. And I would like to point out that you don’t even need to stay if the result is going to be more of a headache.”
Before Jordan could answer, a worker in black scrubs approached. “Miss Lee? Your masseuse is ready for you. If you will come this way.”
Jordan followed the employee to the back rooms of the spa.
The dim lights and scented candles did little to calm Jordan. She asked for only a neck and shoulder massage so she could keep her shirt on. Having strangers touch her was not something she enjoyed. How Paul thought this would be relaxing was beyond her. The unanswered questions about the shooting were worse than any conversation about nail color. Only Maria had asked Jordan how she was doing. The makeup artist was the only member of the group Jordan spoke to outside of work. She used to hang around with Reggie, but they’d grown apart this last year as they’d auditioned for the same roles and Reggie spent more time at parties than at work.
When the pan-pipe music ended, the massage therapist indicated Jordan could leave.
Alone in the dressing room, Jordan texted Andrew.I need to visit Blake. Not sure how to make it happen. Will you find a way to meet me?
—Yes, I was about to go see him. Will Princess be all right alone?
Do you have her crate?
—Yes.
Make sure she has water and a large bone. She’ll be good for three hours.
—Let me know what time, and I’ll be in his room waiting.
Jordan made a call to Stu, who grumbled but agreed. She texted Andrew with the time, then moved on to getting her hands dipped in warm wax.
9
As predicted,the doctors had moved Mr. Blake to another room. Andrew tapped on the door before entering.
“Come in, Mr. Hastings, although I assume you go by Mr. Albert, or Abner, or whateverAname is yours. I apologize for not remembering.”
“It’s Andrew, and no apologies needed. My mother always had to run through the entire bag ofAnames before finding me too. You look like you’re feeling better.”
“I am. They will let me out in the morning. They would have this morning, except the doctor didn’t want me flying. He still doesn’t. I’ve always wanted to cross the country by train, and this will be my chance.”
“You’re going alone?”
