Page 94 of Second Act
“But on-set romances are complicated,” Meryl continued. “You don’t know if it’s the intensity of playing the role of lovers that draws you together or if there’s something lasting between you. Although, with Hugh...” Her face took on a dreamy look.
“I can imagine,” the host said when it became clear Meryl wasn’t going to add to that. “I understand Mr. Baker’s girlfriend is a veterinarian in New York City, so she has a career of her own. Will she be joining him on location?”
“I can’t answer that question, but she is quite committed to her job.” Meryl made it sound as though she were privy to Hugh’s private life but couldn’t share the information. She then looked at the camera and gave a smile that said the girlfriend’s absence left an opportunity open for Meryl.
Jessica’s blood began to boil, even as she admired the actress’s ability to imply so much without uttering a word. “That b—witch!” She wasn’t going to insult her canine patients by calling the actress a bitch.
“It’s an interesting combination of careers,” the host prompted. “A veterinarian and a movie star.”
Meryl nodded, her expression pensive. “I think it’s a difficult one. People with rigid, scientific brains have a hard time understanding those of us with fluid, creative talent. Right brain, left brain, you know.”
“Rigid!” Jessica sputtered. “At least Ihavea brain.”
“It’s just a publicity stunt or something,” Aidan said, reaching for the phone. “Don’t let it get to you.”
Jessica moved the phone away from his grasp, wanting to hear what other bombshells Meryl was going to drop.
“Two very different worlds colliding,” Meryl continued. “She may find it hard to fit in.”
Jessica’s anger faltered in the face of that truth. Meryl might be annoying, but she wasn’t wrong on at least one point. Now Jessica wasn’t sure she wanted to hear any more.
Fortunately, the interview’s time slot was at an end. She could tell the host was frustrated, believing he could get Meryl to stir the pot more, if he only had extra time. Instead he had to turn to the camera to do the obligatory touting of Meryl and the movie.
“How did you know about that?” Jessica said, handing the phone to her brother.
“I’ve got alerts set for Hugh and the movie title. When the paps started bothering you, I thought it might be a good idea. Just so you’d know if something blew up.”
Touched by his concern, she squeezed his shoulder. “You’re a good brother.”
“Seriously, you can’t get mad at Hugh about this,” Aidan said. “He wasn’t on the show.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to lose any sleep over what a publicity-hungry actress says to get attention.” Jessica turned the burner back on and picked up the spatula. Aidan hovered for a moment and then went back to the table when his sister appeared unperturbed.
She knew in her heart of hearts that Hugh would have told her if there had ever been anything between him and Meryl. That she trusted him on. But she wondered if he was okay with the actress’s innuendos. His fame had made him cynical about the stories the press published, but this seemed different to Jessica. Meryl worked with him, so her words carried the weight of real access. Would her staff and clients believe Meryl and feel sorry for Jessica now? Or even worse, think she was a gullible fool?
She cursed as she realized the mushrooms were turning black while she stewed about the unexpected drawbacks of loving a celebrity.
“You okay?” Aidan looked up from his phone.
“The mushrooms just got a bit burned.” And so had she.
“What the hell does she think she’s doing?” Hugh slammed the cell phone down on his hotel suite’s coffee table, making his assistant, Trevor, wince, possibly because it was Trevor’s phone being abused. “How long ago was this aired?” Hugh demanded.
Trevor picked up his phone and checked the screen’s integrity. “About two hours.”
“Shit!” Hugh vaulted off the sofa where he’d been reviewing tomorrow’s script to stalk around the living room. “Where is my damn phone? I hope Jess hasn’t seen this.”
A ringtone issued from another room. “It’s in your bedroom,” Trevor said. “I’ll keep letting it ring until you find it.”
Hugh turned on one heel to veer toward the sound. Equal parts of anger and fear boiled in his chest. He knew Meryl had made the whole thing up, but Jess didn’t. Would she believe him if he told her that? If it had been in a tabloid, she would, but Meryl was his costar and it had come from her own mouth on television. His anger escalated to fury. How dare Meryl drag the woman he loved into a sordid quest for media attention!
Instead of calling Jess, he scrolled to Meryl’s cell number.
“Hugh, baby, I was just having some fun. No harm, no foul,” she said without preamble, her voice amused.
“You’re wrong about that. It was extremely foul. I’m pissed as all hell at you.”
“Don’t be that way.” Meryl’s tone shifted to cajoling.
