Page 100 of Second Act
Chapter 23
Jessica tugged at her royal-blue scrubs as she sat in the back of the car service sedan with Quentin, en route to the INK Literary Awards.
“Stop fiddling with your clothes,” the stylist said. “You’ll ruin my masterpiece.”
“I’m not used to them being so tight,” she said, twisting her hands together in her lap.
“Honey, I could have made them a lot tighter, but that wasn’t the image we were going for.”
When Jessica had tracked down the stylist and explained her scheme, Quentin had embraced the project with so much enthusiasm that Jessica felt like she had been whirled up in a tornado. He’d tailored her scrubs so they fit like a designer ensemble, found a jeweler who would loan her a real diamond necklace and earrings, and forced her feet into mile-high silver sandals with slender ankle straps. Her hair was spun onto the top of her head in a complex, sophisticated updo.
When he’d allowed her to look in the mirror, another woman had stared back at her in shock. The woman in the mirror had curves, but elegant ones that made her waist look tiny and tempting to a man’s hands, and her exposed neck was as graceful as a swan’s. Jessica had had no idea she could look like that, and she gaped at herself until Quentin handed her a jeweled clutch and told her to put her cell phone in it.
The well-connected stylist also knew someone who knew someone who could get tickets to the awards ceremony, and he’d offered to accompany her for moral support.
“Thank you for everything,” she said, reaching over to squeeze his hand on the car seat. “You’ve gone above and beyond for me.”
“Are you kidding? This is the most romantic thing ever,” he said, the city streetlights flashing over his smile of excitement. “I can’t wait to see Hugh’s face. Can I be honest? That’s half the reason I wanted to come with you.”
Jessica laughed with a nervous edge. “That makes me feel a little less obligated.” She drew in a breath. “I just wish I had more of a plan.”
“Your heart will tell you what to do when the time comes,” Quentin said.
Jessica’s heart wasn’t all that trustworthy on these matters, but she didn’t share that with Quentin.
All too soon the car pulled up in front of the venerable midtown hotel where the ceremony was being held. The red carpet leading to the entrance blazed with lights, and photographers lined both sides. A few slightly dazed-looking couples were running the gamut.
Quentin snorted. “Those people must be writers. They don’t know how to work a red carpet. But the photographers are only here for Hugh and Gavin and their movie friends, anyway. Let me get out first and prepare your path.”
He swung open the door with a flourish before turning to help Jessica out of the car. He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and faced them toward the carpet. “Now the fun begins.”
Most of the photographers were standing around, talking and waiting for more interesting prey.
Quentin scanned the cameramen and fixed on one particular pap. “David, howareyou?” he asked loudly.
The photographer stepped up to the silken rope cordoning off the carpet. “Quent, what are you doing at a literary event? Not your usual.”
“I’m escorting this lovely lady on Hugh Baker’s behalf. Jessica, meet David Bristol, an old friend of mine.” Quentin winked at Jessica.
“Nice to...” David took in Jessica’s unusual outfit and Quentin’s comment about Hugh before he came to the right conclusion and swung up his camera. “You’re Jessica Quillen! Give me a smile, would you, gorgeous?”
That was all it took to get all the other cameras clicking and whirring. Quentin stood back to let Jessica pose as he’d instructed her, one hand on her hip, one foot in front of the other. At first all the huge, glaring lenses intimidated her, but then she remembered that she was there to show Hugh she could shine in his world, so she held her head high. Confidence coursed through her as she flashed her most brilliant smile in whatever direction a voice called her. She could do this, anywhere, anytime, no problem.
“Why the scrubs?” one pap asked as he snapped.
“Because I’m a veterinarian. That’s what we wear.”
He laughed. “Okay, but seriously.”
“It’s a little inside joke between Hugh and me.” Jessica took another step toward the door.
“I thought you and Hugh Baker had split up,” another said bluntly.
“You shouldn’t believe everything you see on entertainment news,” she said with a sly smile that evoked a few more chuckles.
When Quentin decided enough photos had been taken, he said to the paps at large, “Make sure to tell Hugh his date arrived before he did.” Then he guided Jessica through the entrance. “You handled it like a pro out there,” he said as they followed the trail of guests through the opulent lobby.
“That was the easy part.” Surprisingly, ithadbeen easy once she got into the right mind-set. But now she had to face Hugh, who might be less than thrilled by her unexpected presence. “You’re sure Hugh’s not here yet?” She wanted time to brace herself.
