by Jenna Brandt
He shook his head. “I’m not into sports—never have been—so I didn't understand there was a visitor and home side, or that it mattered where you sat. Since I arrived late after working on a science project, I decided to take a seat where I could find one. After using the restroom, I headed back to my spot when a couple of the members from the junior varsity team found me. They decided to humiliate me because of my blunder. They handed me off to the mascot and head-cheerleader, who made jokes about me in front of the crowd.” He rolled his shoulders and furrowed his brows together. “I can’t believe I told you all that. It’s so humiliating.”
Lana reached out and patted his hand. “Don’t be ashamed of it. You did nothing wrong. Besides, we have it in common. I was bullied in high school too. The rich kids were the same, and teased me relentlessly for months. Luckily, one of my teachers told me about the drama club. When the teacher cast me in the chorus, I had a measure of safety and found where I belonged.”
“I’m glad you found that in high school. I never did.”
She gestured around the carnival. “But you have now. Everyone at the church cares so much for you,” she squeezed his hand and added, “including me.”
“Thank you,” he said with a relieved smile. “You want to go check out the dunk tank? I think I see Pastor Greg climbing inside.”
Lana laughed. “You bet. I can’t wait to see him go down.”
There was a growing crowd in front of the giant container of water. Sure enough, Pastor Greg was in the dunk tank and was teasing the crowd, enticing them to take a chance to hit the target and knock him into the water.
Lana handed in her ticket and took her baseballs. Three tries and misses later, she shrugged and said, “Your turn, Bryce,” pushing him forward.
“I don’t know,” Bryce hesitated, “I’m not sure I want to be the one to cause the pastor to get all wet.”
“What’s wrong Montgomery? Don’t think you can hit the target? I mean, you’re good at computers but I’m speculating sports isn't your thing.”
Bryce rolled his eyes as he took the balls. “He sure knows how to get under your skin. I’m not sure I like this side of Pastor Greg.”
The first flew across and missed its target by a half a foot.
Pastor Greg chuckled. “See, you just proved my point for me. You need to stick to computers.”
Bryce took his second ball and attempted again with another strike. Lana sucked in her breath and held it, wondering if he would hit his target with the third ball.
With the final release, all eyes watched as the ball soared in the air and met the bullseye. The wooden board dropped from underneath Pastor Greg, crashing him into the water below.
The crowd burst into a mixture of laughter, gasps, and clapping as the pastor emerged to the top. Several members of the church came by and patted Bryce on the back before the crowd dispersed.
“I know I shouldn’t think it, but it was hilarious watching Pastor Greg plummet into the water like that,” Lana confessed. “His shocked face was priceless.”
“I kind of feel bad for him. I’m sure he didn’t want to do it but the carnival committee talked him into it.”
“True, but it almost seemed liked he secretly enjoyed heckling the crowd.”
Just as they were about to move on to another area, Pastor Greg approached them with a towel wrapped around his shoulders. He had a chastised look on his face. “My wife said I needed to come over here and apologize.” He glanced back towards her, “She’s right. I let the fun of heckling get the better of me.”
Bryce shrugged. “It’s okay, Pastor. We’re all human,” then with a small chuckle he added, “But you sure know how to home in on a person’s insecurities.”
“Yes, just be glad you didn’t know me before I became a Christian. It wasn’t pretty. God’s good at reminding me I need to let go of my flesh and let Him run things. Thanks for understanding.”
Lana and Bryce played a few more games and watched the kids participate in the hula hoop contest. They cheered them on and laughed when they made funny faces while trying to concentrate.
Afterwards, Bryce took her to the face painting booth. “You should get a butterfly on your cheek.”
“I am so not a butterfly girl,” she stated, scrunching up her nose.
“Then what would you like?” he probed, flipping through the book of ideas.
She squeezed in next to him and looked at the pictures. She wasn’t sure what she would want painted on her face, but suddenly one design popped out to her. “That one,” she said pointing to a trail of ladybugs crawling up the side of a face.
Bryce turned the book around and gave it to one of the elderly church women. “You heard the lady, one ladybug trail please.”
“Coming right up for you, Lana,” the woman said as she gestured to the seat in front of her.
Ten minutes later, Lana had one large ladybug that cascaded down her brows and cheek into a pattern of small ones.
“What do you think?” Lana asked.
He moved in towards her, brushing her hair back and over her shoulder. “It suits you.”
Lana’s heart quickened at his proximity. He was close enough, if she turned her head just slightly, that their mouths would meet. Tempting as it was, she didn’t want to in front of all the church members. She stepped back and looked away, trying to mask her reaction.
His knowing smile told her he was aware of the effect he had on her. Before he could address it, Pastor Greg came to the front stage, and the band stopped playing as he took the microphone. “Good evening, everyone. Tonight has been a great turn out. We’ve had record numbers and we couldn’t have done this without many of you. First, we want to thank all the volunteers for helping put this fun event together. We also want to thank Bryce Montgomery for donating the money for the prizes and all the supplies. All of your generosity made this possible for the community.”
Lana glanced at Bryce, who was red from all the attention. He had his hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans with his eyes averted. She didn't know he had donated the money for the carnival this year. It was so like him to do it, telling no one, including her. She wondered how much of his money he gave away to help others with no one knowing. Her esteem for him moved even higher, though she didn’t know it could.
She reached out and took his hand, tilting her head up to meet his eyes. He leaned over and kissed her, and though tons of people surrounded them, Lana realized it didn’t bother her if the entire world saw how they felt about one another.
14
Excitement filled Bryce as he waited for Lana outside the Marque Hotel. He had left the frantic party planner inside to finish up the final details before the guests arrived. I hope he doesn’t panic and mess the whole thing up while I’m out here.
Lana was coming straight from work and said she would take the subway. He insisted that wouldn’t do, and he was sending his limo to get her. As the car pulled up in front of the hotel, Bryce anxiously watched Lana step out.
Mark came around from the driver’s side and opened the back door. Bryce's breath caught in his chest. Lana looked beautiful as Mark helped her from the car.
She was wearing a massive blue ball gown. The bodice was in light teal with layers of darker shades cascading down, ending in a final layer of navy. She also wore a teal-jeweled encrusted mask with peacock feathers sticking up from one side.
“You're gorgeous,” Bryce stated as he took her hand and placed it on his arm.
“You’re quite dashing yourself,” she said with a smile. “I’ve never seen you in a tux before.”
He shrugged. “I don’t much care for them, but I ended up wearing one more than I expected for my business.”
“Well, tonight is a good reason to wear one. Your mother would be so proud you were throwing this masquerade ball to raise money for her foundation.”
“Thanks. I’d like to think so. She would have been happy just to know I found someone I cared enough to bring with me.�
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“I’m glad you wanted me to come with you. This is so important.” She reached up and touched the edge of his black mask. “You look different with that on; so mysterious.”
“Good. Maybe people won’t recognize me the whole time and we can steal a few minutes away together.”
“We should definitely do that.”
As they entered the ballroom at the hotel, it was glowing with dozens of candelabras sprinkled throughout the massive area. There were also drapes of white silk cloth hanging from the ceiling, mixed with twinkling strands of lights.
“It looks fantastic, Bryce. Tonight will be a huge success.”
“Thank you. I hope it successfully launches this foundation so it can help as many people as possible.”
Bryce’s father arrived and gave them both a hug. He had a huge grin on his face as he looked around the room in approval.
“You outdid yourself, son. Your mother would have been proud,” he stated, patting Bryce on the back.
“Thanks, Dad. I wish she could be here to see how well we are doing, but I know she is looking down from Heaven.”
“Agreed,” Harry said with a nod. “I'm going to go ask the bartender for a soda, so I will catch up with you both a little later.”
Guests arrived and filled the room. Within a half hour, the event was in full swing. Servers swerved through the crowd with trays filled with decadent hors d’oeuvres, pastries, and glasses of champagne.
The guests were standing in clusters socializing when the orchestra began to play. Couples migrated onto the dance floor and swayed to the music.
Bryce extended his hand to Lana. “Care to dance?”
“I’d love to.” Lana said, taking his hand.
Bryce guided her onto the dance floor and pulled her into his arms. He loved how Lana fit perfectly into his embrace; like she was always meant to be there.
“How was your day? Was work good?” Bryce inquired, trying to make conversation as they danced.
Her eyelashes fluttered for several seconds as she bit on her lip. “Work was fine. I got some news about an acting role, but it can wait until after the ball. I want to focus on raising money for your mother’s foundation tonight.”
“Are you sure? You know I want to hear about it.”
“And you will, but it can wait,” she assured him.
Before he could try to coax the information out of her, the photographer stopped and tapped him on the shoulder. “Can I get a picture of the two of you?”
“Sure,” Bryce consented, turning his head to the side with a smile. Lana did the same.
“I’d also like to get you photographed with a few of the other guests,” the photographer explained. “Do you mind making the rounds with me?”
With a heavy sigh, Bryce nodded his acceptance.
He escorted Lana off the dance floor. “Duty calls. Do you want to come with me?”
She shook her head. “No, this is your big night; go work the room. I can hang out and wait until you catch up with me later.”
“All right. You should try some food while you wait. The chef who prepared it is phenomenal.”
“Will do,” she said, leaning up and placing a peck on his lips.
Bryce followed the photographer around the room, posing with anyone who wanted a photo, or would help promote the foundation. Several times, he had to fend off adoring women who wanted a picture with Manhattan Magazine’s #1 most eligible bachelor. He took the photo, but explained he wasn’t eligible anymore. His confession consistently met with heavy sighs of disappointment and pouts which he ignored.
After his second time around the room, he saw Lana sitting at a corner of the room. He wanted to dance another song with her, but before he could reach her, Roger showed up.
“Hey, Bryce, I debated about coming, but I figured the invitation meant you wanted me to. Besides, knowing this is to honor your mom, I had to show my support.”
“Thanks for coming. I am glad you’re here.” Bryce glanced over at Lana. “I was just about to grab Lana for another dance. You should come say ‘hi.’”
“Are you sure she wants to see me?”
“I think she would, considering how you’re behaving right now. I noticed you didn’t bring a date.”
“That wasn't why I came here tonight. I want to support my friend, nothing more.”
“I can see you’re trying, and I think Lana will too.”
They made their way over to Lana’s table. A surprised smile formed on her face as she looked at Roger.
“It’s good to see you again,” Lana said.
“That’s very gracious of you, although I don’t deserve your kindness.”
“You may feel that way, but I always believe we should give people a second chance,” Lana countered. “Bryce has told me what a good friend you’ve been to him over the years. One mistake doesn’t erase all that.”
“You want to go for a spin around the dance floor?” Bryce inquired. “I’m sure Roger can scrounge up a partner to join us.”
“I need to head to the restroom,” Lana replied. “How about when I get back? You two can chat while I’m away, right?”
“Sure, we’ll wait for you here.”
As Lana made her way to the restroom, she thought about her evening with Bryce. His world was so different from hers. All the people in it seemed to know each other, and she didn’t seem to fit in. What was worse, none of them attempted to get to know her or include her. Is this how my life will be if I continue to be with Bryce?
There was the added issue about the part the TV network just offered her. Lana told the network she would get back to them on Monday because she needed to think about it. She had talked the pros and cons over with Celeste and her parents, but she still wasn’t sure what she should do. If she took the role it would mean moving to LA. Was she ready to do that? What would it mean for her and Bryce?
After using the restroom, Lana pulled out her lipstick and powder from her clutch and applied both in the mirror. She pressed her lips together to make sure it was even, but it actually caused the new product to smudge.
“Oh, no,” she said leaning forward against the mirror. “I hope this will come off easy.”
“Here, ma’am, I can help,” the restroom attendant stated, holding out a tissue box.
Lana shook her head and held up her hand, not wanting to trouble the woman. “I’ve got it,” she said, turning around and entering a stall behind her.
As she grabbed a wad of toilet paper from the dispenser, she heard cackling laughter behind her.
“Can you believe that dress she was wearing? It was so over the top. What does Bryce see in her?”
Lana stiffened, realizing the women behind her were referring to her. They must have not seen her when they came in. Would they have even cared if they had? They’re just like the girls from high school.
“Oh, guys like Bryce date girls like that, they don’t marry them. That waitress is only temporary. He needs to get his fill of the gutter and he’ll toss her aside soon enough.”
“And let me guess, you’ll be there to swoop him up?”
“Well, better me than her, for goodness’ sake. She’ll never fit in with our kind. Did you see the second-hand clutch and shoes she wore? The dress was bad enough, but the accessories were downright thrift shop fodder.”
“Hurry, Amanda. I need to get back out there. Darius is waiting for me. He plans to ask me to go away with him for the weekend, and you know what that means.”
Both girls clasped their hands together and squealed out together, “Diamonds!”
Lana felt sick to her stomach. Those women were dreadful. What type of people filled Bryce’s world? Perhaps, she had her answer about moving to LA. She didn’t want to spend the rest of her life trying to prove herself to people like that.
She rushed from the bathroom and sped through the corridors of the hotel. Lana wanted to get as far away as possible from these people. Before she could escape, she heard Bryce call o
ut to her, “There you are, Lana. I was wondering where you were.”
She debated about not stopping but realized that she needed to end whatever was going on between them. She turned to face him, forcing herself to stare him directly in the eyes.
“What’s the matter? You look like you’ve been crying.”
She brushed at the tears at the corner of her eyes. “I’m fine. I’ve just come to realize that this will not work.”
“What are you talking about?” Bryce asked in confusion.
“I wanted to wait to tell you. Tonight was supposed to be about you and your mom, but considering what just happened, this makes my decision easier.”
“Okay, you need to explain what you mean. What decision?”
“Do you remember that role for the upcoming TV drama I wanted so badly?”
Bryce nodded his head. “You hadn’t mentioned it in a few days so I assumed you didn’t get it. I didn’t bring it up because I figured it would be a sore subject.”
“The casting director called me this morning. I got the part.”
“That’s great news. Congratulations. I know how much you wanted it.”
Lana bit her lip and avoided making eye contact. She wasn't sure how to tell Bryce the truth.
“What’s wrong? You don’t seem happy about it?”
“It turns out, the network changed the filming location from New York to Los Angeles. I have to be there by the end of the week.”
Bryce’s brows furrowed together. “So, I guess that means we are doing this long distance?”
Lana shook her head as she stepped back from him.
“Oh, are you saying you want to break up?” Bryce asked with shock.
“I don’t want to, Bryce, but your company is here and my dream role is in LA. We deserve to go after what makes us happy.”
“But you make me happy,” Bryce countered. “I want to be with you.”
“It will never work. We’ve been fooling ourselves to think so. Your life is here and I don’t fit into it. It’s time we end whatever this is and move on.”
