Page 64 of Under the Mistletoe
“She really does, but…”
“But what?”
“Well, I think she’s planning on closing the store. She mentioned that business isn’t what it used to be. I can see that. She doesn’t have a digital presence. She’s old school. Used to work in the ateliers in Paris. She has a great sense of style, and I love her so much. I just hate to see the store she’s built up just close, you know…” She shrugs, and her smile dims.
“Thrift on Third?” I clarify.
“Yeah. It’s amazing. Like a vintage museum. She has such eclectic taste, yet it all just works.”
“Media are everywhere,” Gordon interrupts from the front just as we pull up to Broadway.
“Oh?” She acts like it doesn’t bother her, but I know it does. There was an article just yesterday pulling apart her life. Highlighting the sprinkler store and her aunt and uncle. He was pleased because they did a roaring trade today, but I know if it doesn’t die down soon, then the media will start to become even more intrusive. “We’re going to a show?” Her expression brightens, and I know I chose the right place.
“You ready?” I watch as she does her lipstick, pouting her ruby-red lips, the action one that now lives rent-free in my mind.
“Yes, I’ve been wanting to see this show for months,” she says dramatically, and I laugh at her enthusiasm. That’s another thing I love about her. How she seems to love almost everything. The basics and the luxuries. The first time we were out for dinner, she ordered pasta. She doesn’t pick at a salad or skip the breadbasket. She enjoys life and appreciates the things she has. That’s why when I see the sparkling diamond earrings on her ears tonight, I smile. Because I like spoiling her and want to do more of it.
“Let’s go.” I open the door, which Gordon pulls wider, and I step out. Cameras flash in an instant, but I take my time doing up my suit jacket, making them wait with anticipation. I hear them all start yelling frantically the minute Jessica’s heels touch the ground.
I reach for her, and as she stands, I lean down, planting a kiss to the side of her neck where it’s exposed, her hair pulled back from her face tonight. As I do, the flashes become almost overwhelming, even for me. She blanches a little.
“You good?” I murmur, watching her carefully.
“I’m fine.” She nods, giving me a small smile, and I beam at her, the look granting a barrage of flashes again.
“I think they got their money shot. Let’s go.” I tuck her hand in tight, and we walk along together. She stands tall, letting me lead, watching me or the doorway we’re walking toward, not striking poses, not looking at the cameras and flashing a Hollywood grin. She looks effortlessly stunning, untouchable, and it further cements to me that I’m a lucky man. I lead us inside, her hand holding mine firmly, and I don’t let go as we walk slowly through the throngs of people.
I spot a few people I know, and I shake hands as we walk through, although I don't stop. This night was about people seeing us together. Confirming all the rumors. Not networking. Hopefully, the media will calm down a little now that they have their shot. Give us a little more privacy as we continue on this path together. The ushers help us to our seats in the VIP area instantly. All of them briefed, all of them professional.
“You alright?” I look her over as we’re left alone in the privacy of our small section, high above the general ticket holders.
She nods, smiling softly. “It was intense, but I’m fine.”
I lean over, placing my lips on hers in a brief kiss, just to ensure she’s real before we take a seat and get comfortable.
“I thought after this we might go to Fiorella?”
“I’ve been dreaming of their pasta…”
I grin, already knowing that we’ll both be having the pasta tonight, her love for it now stretching across to me. Before I can say anything else, her phone chimes in her bag, and she pulls it out, frowning.
“Everything alright?”
“Yes, sorry, I'll turn it to silent. It’s just my friend Jimmy.” Her frown doesn’t lighten, and something about it makes me take interest.
“Jimmy?” I haven’t heard her mention him before.
“Just a friend I’ve known for a little while. We caught the subway to work together most days before…” She shrugs, and I fill in the blank. Before I arranged Gordon as her driver. A small token that I will not be removing. Jimmy can just ride solo from now on.
“Maybe we should meet up with him sometime?” I offer, wanting her to see her friends.
“Oh no. It’s fine. We’re more acquaintances than friends. It’s… complicated.”
Something about it all doesn’t sound right, but as the lights dim and the music starts, I look to the stage. Jimmy moved to the back of our minds. For now.
26
Jessica
