by Magan Vernon
I put my hand on hers, without even thinking about the tender touch of skin-to-skin contact with her. But I had to feel her. To let her know, I cared, as more than a PR person. The shit I said earlier was to get her riled up. To try and put some distance between us. But that was before two bottles of wine, and now all bets were off.
“Hey, we’re going to get your career back on track. No name changes needed, though I do like the name, Lourdes. It has a sexy ring to it.” I found myself smiling and my lips fuzzy like they needed to be rubbed, or pressed against Mary’s skin for that matter.
As if she knew what I was thinking, Mary sat her glass down and leaned forward, crushing her mouth to mine.
Her warm breath mingled with mine, her tongue dancing behind my lips as I wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her closer.
I leaned back as she climbed onto my lap, her hips straddling mine as her hot core pressed right into my achingly hard dick. She ground her body against mine as kissed me fiercely, sweet little moans escaping her mouth into mine.
Fuck, I wasn’t expecting any of this, but the wine and her beautiful little gasps had me too far gone to stop.
I gripped her perfect ass as she twirled her hips against mine, my cock seriously begging to escape the confines of my jeans.
I wanted to watch this beautiful woman’s face as she came. Watch as I did that too. Let her know that she wasn’t just some girl that had to change herself, even though it was my job to change her image. I didn’t want her to lose this sexy yet vulnerable girl that had me reeling.
But before I could even think of any of those consequences, the door to the elevator opened again.
Mary gasped, sitting up and I had to look upside down at the hulking Brian who didn’t even flinch seeing us tangled together on the couch.
“Some paparazzi are gathered outside and caught wind of the boyfriend over. If you want to keep this new image going of the girl who feeds the ducks, better not have him spend the night,” Brian said with an almost satisfied smile on his face.
My dick practically shriveled into itself, and I went from drunk in lust to sober in a matter of seconds.
He was right, unfortunately. It was my job to give her a good image and even though I was the new boyfriend, spending the night or even a few more hours wasn’t good for press.
“Yeah. I can head home. We can talk about those charts and that charity function tomorrow,” I mumbled as Mary crawled off me and I adjusted my member through my pants.
“Yeah. Um. Right. Charity thing.” She fixed her hair; her eyes focused on the floor.
I gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek before grabbing my things and walking past Brian to the elevator.
It wasn’t until the doors were closed that I finally let out a breath.
This was supposed to be strictly business. But I had a feeling this girl was either going to be the best thing that ever happened to me or the one who ruined me.
Chapter 12
Mary
I woke up with a slight headache and a very bad ache that the only thing I knew could fix it was my left hand, or preferably Chris’s.
I probably wasn’t supposed to be lusting after my fake boyfriend and publicist, but the man was sexy with his dark eyes and gorgeous smile. He also knew how to kiss. The man’s lips could take my breath away.
If Brian hadn’t interrupted, I would have let that man take me any way he wanted on the couch. But unfortunately, the words ‘paparazzi’ brought me back to reality.
Maybe I wasn’t meant for anything more than lust, and maybe that’s all Chris would be in this fake relationship. I guess if I got my reputation back and some acting jobs, and had some fun, it would all be a win-win.
My phone buzzed on my nightstand, and I expected it to be Murray since he was the only one who ever called me, but instead, Chris’s name flashed on the screen.
I sat up and cleared my throat, fixing my hair as if he could see me before I answered. “Hello?” I said, trying to sound awake since it was past ten in the morning.
“Hey! What are you doing tonight?” he asked, very chipper and way more awake than I did.
Was this another date? Or business? Either way, I felt my heart flutter in my chest, just thinking of spending more time with him.
“Um. Nothing my publicist hasn’t told me about yet.”
“We’re going to Jersey to watch my little cousin’s play and then you’re going to give the school a donation and some words of encouragement to the young Latina actors.”
“What? How is this PR?” I sat straight up, wondering if this guy’s end game was to get some money for his family or to scare me off from going to his grandma’s birthday. Which was pretty much just a dare in the first place and I figured he’d come up with an excuse like I had an audition or something. I didn’t think he’d actually want to bring the fake girlfriend and client.
He groaned as if I just asked the dumbest question. “Charity functions and goodwill always look good for celebrities. There are tons of big celebrities that people never liked until they started doing UNICEF or other charity work. Now if you’d rather go to a soup kitchen, or just write a check for somewhere else, we can do that. But I just thought you might want to make a difference to a bunch of kids from Jersey who I’m sure would love to meet the great Mary James.”
“Did you arrange for the press to be there? Put out a release?” I asked, skeptical.
“I will, but I don’t think they’ll come to see some city kids perform Goldilocks. I thought we’d go new school. Use social media, and I figure people there will tag you as well.”
I chewed on my bottom lip, thinking about what he said. If a tree falls in the wood and no one hears it, did it fall? If an actress makes a charity donation and the press isn’t there, does it matter for her reputation?
“Look, I know you’re sitting there, mulling this over and you probably have your teeth hooked on your plump bottom lip which I can’t think too much about or I’ll be hard as a rock sitting here in this conference room.”
I found my cheeks growing hot and the heat lingering down to the ache in my core just from his words.
“But this is a different era, and your agent chose a younger guy to try something different that those other guys couldn’t achieve in the last six months. If this doesn’t get you some positive press, we’ll go old school, and I’ll rent a tuxedo and be on your arm for some bullshit gala for the NYPD that is just an excuse for people to throw money around and boost their own egos. That shit is loaded with press. But this, this is something real. A side of you the rest of the world should see.”
My heart swelled. He could go from dirty talk to complimenting my soul in the same breath. There was something to Christiano Garcia, something making me wish this was way more than just a PR stunt.
“What time should I have Brian and Lance pick you up?”
Chris laughed. “Well, I was going to take the PATH, but a rides not bad either. Traffic will be a bitch so maybe five.”
“It’s a date,” I said, the grin spreading across my face.
“It’s a date.”
***
When Chris said his cousin was in a school play, I expected an auditorium like all of those singing teen shows. Hell, even on Vamps, my character’s cousin had some big stage in a cafeteria.
But in this small, inner city Jersey school, there was only set of risers and a makeshift curtain. Rows of folding chairs that said ‘Property of St. Mary’s Church” on the back were set up in front of the makeshift stage.
I took a big gulp, thinking I was now way overdressed in my black cocktail dress and people definitely noticed me, whispering in their seats and pointing.
“You’re already getting the good press from the locals,” Chris said, nudging my side as he took my hand.
“Christiano! I never thought I’d see you in these halls again!” An older Hispanic man with gray curls and thick glasses approached Chris with a huge, crooked grin on his face.
Chris shook the man’s hand. “Hey, Senor Martinez. I couldn’t miss Maria’s big night. And, you know, my girlfriend, Mary, wanted to see some real acting.” Chris shot me a wink.
Senor Martinez’ eyes widened as he straightened his bolero tie. “I thought she looked familiar. Is this the Mary? The Vamps In The City Actress?”
I smiled and politely extended my hand. “That’s me. Though Chris tells me that his little cousin has me beat in the acting department.”
Senor Martinez cleared his throat. “Ms. James, if it’s not too much, could I ask maybe you meet my performers and get a photo for the Facebook page? They’ll get a kick out of that.”
“I’d love to.” I couldn’t help grinning at the man whose entire face lit up when he grinned.
“Muy bien! I’ll show you to the dressing room!” Senor Martinez said, putting his hand on my arm.
“Why don’t you get us a seat with your family, Chris?” I said, looking over my shoulder at my fake boyfriend.
“You sure?” He raised his eyebrows.
I smiled. “If I need you, I’ll text you.”
I also had Brian and Lance on speed dial; though I’m pretty sure the two weren’t staying in the car and probably walking the halls like two hulking beasts, afraid some grade schoolers would attack me.
Senor Martinez led me down a hallway with a few fluorescent bulbs burnt out and peeling paint on the lockers and walls. I’d never gone to school in the traditional sense, but every movie set I’d ever been on had these pristine walls and even smelled new, while this place smelled a little like cat piss.
“Mira! Students, I have a little surprise for you,” Mr. Martinez said, sticking his head in a classroom door.
Hushed whispers rang through the room before he opened the door and ushered me to step forward.
Dozens of little eyes in homemade flower costumes looked up at me.
“Is that the vampire girl?” One little boy stood up and pointed.
“Si. This is Mary James, a real actress, who is here to see your performance.” Mr. Martinez said, nodding like a proud papa as the kids looked at me with wonderment.
They spent the next few minutes peppering me with questions, asking for autographs, and some even taking pictures before Mr. Martinez got a group photo and told them it was almost curtain call time.
“I can walk you to your seat, Ms. James,” Senor Martinez said.
“Wait. I have something to give you first,” I said as we stepped into the hallway.
I still had a pen in my hand but pulled out my checkbook.
“Ms. James, you don’t need to do that,” he said, hesitation in his voice.
“I want to. I want to see this school get a real stage. Not risers. I don’t know if this will cover that, but hopefully, it’s a start,” I said, handing him the check.
Senor Martinez’s eyes bugged out before they started watering. “Ms. James, as much as the art department needs this, we can’t accept.”
I smiled, tears filling my own eyes. “Please. Keep it. And tell the kids their biggest fan said to break a leg.”
Chapter 13
Chris
“Why is she taking so long?” I groaned, looking down at my phone.
“Maybe she realized what a stupid head you are and left,” Miguel, one of my other little cousins said with a laugh and his mother, my Aunt Teresa, pinched his arm.
“Ow, Ma, I was just joking.”
Maybe it was a bad idea to bring Mary here. She was probably getting bombarded by kids yelling and would soon call up her agent and have my ass fired.
The gym lights flickered, and I wondered if my luck might be changing and there would be an electrical shortage in the old building. But instead, I saw the janitor pressing the light switch as Senor Martinez headed to the front of the makeshift curtains.
“Hey, sorry. I got caught up with the future stars who will steal any and all Emmy nominations from me,” Mary whispered, taking the rickety seat next to me.
I could smell her apple and honey scent before she even sat down and the heat from her body so close to mine already had me at half-staff, which was not appropriate for a kids play.
“Are you going to introduce us to your girlfriend, Mijo, or are you going to just stare at her all night with the tent in your pants,” my mother had to interrupt the moment, leaning over Aunt Teresa and Miguel.
Mom had lived in America since she was a teenager but still acted like she was a straight-off-the-border woman with her long dresses and her graying hair in tight braids that made her face look stern, yet when she smiled it lit up her entire body.
“Mom, the play’s about to start,” I whispered, knowing Mom would make a scene or press her for details.
“Miguel, switch me spots,” Mom commanded, and the little boy did what he was asked, so Mom pushed her way in front of everyone else, ignoring that Senor Martinez was trying to introduce everyone.
“Carmen Garcia, a pleasure to meet the first girl brave enough to meet my son’s family,” Mom said, putting a rough hand out to Mary.
“Mary James,” Mary said, shaking her hand and smiling.
Mom winked, patting Mary’s hand with her free one. “I know who you are, my dear. Everyone in this room does and not because you’re probably the only gringo.”
“And tonight I want to give special thanks to actress Mary James, who is in our audience tonight. I won’t make her stand up, but I hope she knows how much her generous donation and being here to inspire our young people has helped,” Senor Martinez’s blubbery words caused us all to look forward and then the crowd to erupt in applause.
“So you did give a donation?” I whispered, leaning toward Mary.
“Yeah, just five-hundred-thousand. Nothing big,” she whispered nonchalantly, and I almost fell out of my chair, having to catch myself on the rusty metal leg.
“I’m sorry. Did you just say five-hundred-thousand? As in half a million?” I asked as we sat back in our chairs and the curtains opened to my niece and a few other little kids in homemade costumes talking about being in the forest, waiting for some bear friends.
“Yeah. I would have given more, but you know, I wasn’t exactly sure, so I went with what my gut told me sounded like a good amount so the kids could get a real stage. I can always donate more later," Mary said with a shrug.
“Holy shit,” I muttered.
“Is that good or bad?” She asked, chewing on her bottom lip.
“Silencio! My baby’s talking,” Aunt Teresa shushed us, leaning over Miguel.
I nodded. “Sorry, Aunt Teresa.”
Instead of saying anything, I put my hand on Mary’s lap then interlaced our fingers together.
Mary looked at me, raising her eyebrow.
“Thank you,” I mouthed.
And she smiled in return before watching my niece and her friends perform on the little makeshift stage that, thanks to Mary, would probably soon be an auditorium.
To her, the money was nothing. Just an offer. But when she spoke about it, she didn’t even know how that large amount would make such an impact on the school. She didn’t give it because she needed it for her reputation; she genuinely gave it to them.
And that was one of the many reasons I was falling for my fake girlfriend.
***
With another round of photos and autographs from people in the audience and another group shot of the kids in the play with Mary, Brian pushed his way through the crowd on the front steps of the school. “Cars waiting, Mary.”
Before Brian’s hulking arms could pull her away, my mom leaned forward and embraced the tiny blonde, whispering something in her ear I couldn’t hear.
Mary’s eyes widened before she nodded and pulled back, clasping Mom’s hands. “I will. Don’t worry.”
“What was that about?” I asked as we headed toward the black sedan where Brian opened the door for us, letting us both slide in.
“It’s between your mama and me.”
I laughed. “Yo
u can’t keep secrets from a Mexican mama and her son.”
“She just said something along the lines of being happy to have me in your life. Someone good in the city for you,” she said, her gaze flitting to her hands.
“I didn’t exactly correct Mom about our relationship. Or whatever this is...” I waved my hands in front of me as if that could encompass something theoretical.
“Why correct her? I mean this may be a fake relationship, or started out like that, but what else do you call two people who spend time together, who dance, share dinner...kisses...” Her words trailed as she bit down on her bottom lip and I had to hide my growing bulge just from looking at this beautiful girl.
Though she may have said those words, I knew she was an actress. I knew that there was no way in hell she would actually consider dating a guy from Jersey who wasn’t anywhere near the same pay scale as her.
“Are we also going to talk about that mega donation? Seriously, I don’t think Senor Martinez or anyone in that school has ever seen that much money. I thought you’d give them a few hundred bucks, take some photos, and then maybe you know posts about you being there would go viral.”
Mary smiled slightly. “What I gave them wasn’t even half of what I made for one episode of Vamps. I’ve had all of this money that I don’t even know what to do with half the time, so I throw it away on handbags or whatever. But then I saw those kids and saw the condition of the school. If I could have, I would have put on a hardhat and start demolition right there. Do something to show it doesn’t matter where you’re from, but you can be something.”
“Thanks for that, Mary,” I said, putting my hand on hers. And I meant it.
She leaned forward, her warm breath a whisper on my lips. “Thank you for showing me that there’s more to life than the city. Or to do things just for PR stunts.”
Before I could respond, she crushed her lips to mine, her hands going to my shoulders and pulling me closer to her, so I almost fell on top of her onto the plush leather seats.
