A Taste of Pink (Shades Book 4)

by Stephanie Hoffman McManus

  On the bright side, at least I didn’t have to face the sharks alone.

  Together we navigated the circus of cameras and microphones thrust in our faces, fending off questions about a budding romance between the two of us. Adam was charming and flirty and played it off with winks and vague responses that neither confirmed or denied anyone’s suspicions. I would have loved to have denied them right there, but Adam made it hard for anyone besides Adam to get a word in.

  Once we were away from the cameras and mics, I tugged my arm free and turned on him. “Why would you agree to this?”

  “Come on, Riley, we’re two friends going to an event together.” Riiiiight.

  “Is this about publicity for the movie, or revenge for Jennifer?”

  He shrugged, but his eyes flitted to something, or someone, over my shoulder, and lingered there. A quick glance confirmed my suspicions.

  “Of course.”

  His eyes snapped back to mine. “Come on, it’s a win win for both of us. You see whose arm she’s on, right?”

  I did indeed. The cheating bastard. It was only fitting he’d be here with the other woman. “The difference is, I don’t give two shits where Derrick sticks his dick anymore, but it’s clear you’re still hung up on Jennifer.”

  “It’s only been a month and she’s already moved on with that douchebag.” He seemed to be forgetting about their brief affair last year before he and Jen got together. I certainly hadn’t.

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Yeah, well, she’s a bitch. You’re better off. Those two probably deserve each other.”

  “If you don’t like her, why do you care if I’m trying to piss her off?”

  “I don’t care. But do it with someone else. I’m not going to be a part of this.”

  I left him standing there and wandered in the opposite direction of our exes. I knew all too well how they’d love to rub their little relationship/fling or whatever it was in both our faces.

  No thank you.

  I was secretly thrilled that the gold and black monstrosity Jen wore was so much worse than my dress.

  Adam truly was better off.

  I spotted Luis and Angela chatting someone up, and immediately veered away, until recognition hit me, and I stopped short. The person they were chatting up was Scott Lengel, the most in demand Producer/Director in Hollywood right now. He had the Midas touch, and rumor was the next project he was getting his hands on was the story of Nancy Wake. She was this incredible journalist who interviewed Hitler when she was twenty-one. She later joined the French resistance and became this incredible super spy. She was at the top of the Gestapo’s most wanted during the war. The Germans ended up killing her husband, but they never caught her. She was one of the Allies most decorated servicewomen of World War II. I’d done my research, because ever since I heard Scott was slated to bring her story to the big screen, I’d been coveting that part.

  I needed to go over there and deliver the ass kiss of all ass kisses, because that’s how the game was played.

  Pucker up time.

  I made it halfway there before his attention was diverted and he was stolen away.

  Damn.

  Now that I had no reason to subject myself to Luis and Angela’s presence just yet, I made my way over to a couple of other friendly faces: Liz Tramblay, Hunter Foxx, and Mila Silva. I’d hardly seen Hunter or Liz since filming for Red Red Rose wrapped. Liz played my best friend in the movie, and Hunter the hero love interest who saves the day. Mila was his real-life, pretty, pop-star girlfriend. I used to think she was always annoyed, but then realized her face just sort of perpetually looked that way.

  “Tell me one of you has booze on you,” I pleaded as I sidled up to them.

  “Where’s your date?” Hunter smirked as they made room for me in their little circle.

  “Shut up and hand over the flask I know you have on you.” I held out my hand.

  With a dark chuckle, he produced the flask and the three of them provided enough cover for me to covertly take a sip.

  Blegh, whiskey.

  I handed it back. “Thanks, I needed that.”

  Slipping the flask back in his tux he asked, “So where is Adam?”

  “I assume hovering nearby his shrew of an ex.” I turned to Liz. “Men are so dumb.”

  “Amen, sister.” As an openly gay actress, I knew she’d take up my side.

  “I don’t know, he’s hot. You could do worse,” Mila chimed in. “You’ve been single for a while, haven’t you?” I felt the dig there. When I’d said friendly faces, I’d mostly meant Hunter and Liz. Mila, I didn’t like. For this exact reason. I’d had the pleasure of being in her company on a few occasions and she never missed an opportunity to be a bitch without seeming like she was being a bitch.

  “But his isn’t the dick she wants,” Liz muttered under her breath, but loud enough for all of us to hear.

  My brows arched in a what the hell look that I shot at her.

  “Don’t act like it’s some secret. Everyone on set was placing bets on when you two were going to hook up. Isn’t that right Hunter? Didn’t you put money down on the two of them getting it on in her trailer within the first two weeks.”

  A smirk tugged at one corner of his mouth. “Lost five-hundred bucks on that one.”

  “You’re an ass. And a pig. Also, I’m going to need that flask back if this is how it’s going to be all night.”

  He retrieved the flask but held it out of my reach. “Tell me how much you love me first.”

  Not a chance. Using my ninja-like reflexes, I snatched the flask from his hand. I was not about to stroke his ego. Hunter Foxx was every teenage girl’s crush. Hell, he was every woman’s crush. Age twelve, age ninety, didn’t matter with that perfectly toned and tanned body of his, that blindingly white smile set between two perfect dimples, cheek bones you could cut your hand on, and dark, playful eyes that hinted at a bit of trouble. Hunter Foxx had been voted sexiest man alive. Twice. And he had the ego to show for it. He was also a little too charming for his own good.

  He was everything Hollywood represented, but that was his image. I had no idea who the real Hunter Foxx was. I wondered if he even knew, or if he’d been in the business so long he’d become the guy portrayed. Hunter’s career began about five years before my own, when I was still a small-town girl living in backwoods Montana with posters of him on my walls. I’d be damned if I’d tell him that though.

  Funny how here I was just a handful of years later, joking around and drinking with my teenage celebrity crush, about to attend the Golden Globes, and I couldn’t find any trace of that girl I used to be. The one who dreamed and fantasized of moments like this. But then again in reality, a dream come true is rarely how we imagined it.

  I met Hunter’s twinkling eyes as I took another drink from the flask. “You’re prettier in picture,” I smirked, handing the flask back to him.

  He chuckled. “You wish sweetheart. Your heart was racing every time we kissed.”

  I ignored him, but Mila didn’t. She gave his arm a smack and scowled at him.

  “It was for the movie, babe. You know that.”

  I stiffened, spotting Luis and Angela making their way over. A groan escaped and then everyone’s eyes shifted to see what had caused it. The two of them were looking cozy as ever as they approached. I often wondered if they were sleeping together.

  “You look gorgeous darling,” Luis embraced me lightly, whispering in my ear, “Your mother would be so proud. I wish she could be here for this.” Two-year-old pain washed over me brand new. God, had it really been that long? Two years.

  Maybe that’s why this life had lost some it’s magic for me. Mom and I had dreamed this dream together. And now she wasn’t here to dream with me anymore. The worst part was, she was always the careful driver, the one lecturing me about being cautious in L.A. traffic. It should have been my car that flipped on the Santa Monica Freeway.

  While Luis greeted the others, I took another long drin
k from the flask.

  “You ladies look so lovely. And you Mr. Foxx, you look very dashing,” Angela cooed at Hunter.

  “Hunter, please, and you’re looking very beautiful yourself,” he grinned and kissed her hand with a wink. He was laying on that charm a little thick, and I wasn’t the only one who thought so. Mila subtly smacked him again while I tried not to gag at the way Angela beamed under his attention.

  “Shouldn’t we get inside?” I suggested.

  “You’re right, dear, but where’s Adam?” Luis searched nearby.

  I shrugged. “Around here somewhere, I’m sure.”

  Before he or Angela could scold me for ditching Adam, my phone chose that moment to vibrate inside of my clutch. I’d been waiting all day for a call. Hopefully this one. I slid my phone out and grinned.

  “One second, I have to take this,” I told them and hurriedly slipped away from the group to find a quiet place to talk.

  “Hey,” I answered, still smiling.

  “Hey, baby girl. I just got back from a call and saw you on the TV at the station. You look beautiful. I’m sorry I couldn’t call earlier.”

  “It’s okay, Daddy. I figured you were out saving lives.”

  “No one was home on this one, just the family dog, but we got him out.”

  “My hero.” It was true. My dad was a super hero. The one man who’d never let me down but was always there to pick me up.

  “Who’s that fella whose arm you were hanging off of?”

  I chuckled. “Only you wouldn’t know who Adam Michaelson is, Daddy. You’ll see him in Red Red Rose. He’s a pretty big deal.”

  He snorted in response to that. Between his shifts at the fire station and managing his small ranch, he didn’t have much time, or interest, in following the goings on of the world outside his little slice of it. A bit of news in the evenings and the occasional Clint Eastwood movie was about all he could sit through. And of course my movies. Daddy watched everything I did, even though they were all girly chick flicks. He’d even seen every episode of VBD. If that wasn’t love, I didn’t know what was.

  “Is he nice? Does he respect you? Would I like him?”

  “No, you probably wouldn’t?” I admitted truthfully. My Dad would chew Adam up and spit him right back out. “But don’t worry, he’s not my boyfriend. We just got thrown together to promote the movie.”

  Dad snorted again. “Mr. Fancy Pants’ idea, I’m sure?” Mr. Fancy Pants was Luis.

  “He and Angela were together in thinking it’d be good publicity.” Daddy didn’t like Luis. Then again, would any man like the man who replaced him?

  “And what do you think, sweetheart?”

  With a long sigh, I said, “I think you’re the only one who’s asked me that.” I probably shouldn’t have said it. I tried not to let my dad know when I wasn’t happy. He worried enough about me.

  “Just say the word and I’ll make up the bed in your old room. Might be good for you to get away and take a break for a little while.”

  God, I loved my dad.

  “I’ll come visit soon. For now, I better get inside. The show is about to start.”

  “I’ll be watching. Miss you, baby girl.”

  “Miss you too, Daddy.” More so in that moment than I’d realized. Without Mom, he was everything. All the family I had left.

  “Hey, Aves.”

  “Yeah, Daddy?” Warmth spread through my chest and an easy grin tugged at the corners of my mouth because I knew what came next.

  “You still got a little mud on your shoes.”

  I whispered, softly, “I know, Daddy.”

  That was how we ended every conversation. Those words were Daddy’s way of reminding me not to forget who I was, ones I’d heard him say so many times as a child when I came traipsing in the house, after one of my adventures on the ranch. Mom had wanted me to rise higher and shine brighter than every other star in the sky. She’d always been my biggest supporter and source of encouragement, but sometimes I needed Daddy’s soft voice to bring me back down to earth. He was proud of me, and wanted all my dreams to come true, but he was determined not to let me lose myself along the way. He was my compass always pointing my heart back to the earth under that big Montana Sky.

  After ending the call, I noticed I had a few texts from Jayne. I opened her message thread.

  You killed the red carpet, Ri, but I thought you weren’t going with Adam . . .

  He looked hot though.

  And totally into you.

  I saw Derrick with the slut. Oh my gosh her dress!

  SO AWFUL!

  Why is Hunter Foxx so damn dreamy? I want to have his babies.

  I laughed as I scrolled through, wishing she was here in person. I should have made her come.

  I fired off a quick reply, Mila would kill you for touching him. Like I think she might really be capable of it.

  Sliding my phone inside my clutch, I hurried back toward where everyone was waiting.

  “Riley!” a voice called out that sent shivers down my spine. I spun around, nearly tripping in my heals. There was no way he could be here.

  Yet, there he was.

  “Warren,” my voice shook. “What are you doing here? You’re not supposed to be here.”

  He took quick strides toward me. I looked around, waiting for someone to stop him, but no one seemed to notice this person that didn’t belong.

  “I needed to see you.” He reached for me.

  I backed away. “You can’t be here. You need to go.”

  “NO!” he snapped, and I flinched. “I’m sorry,” he lurched toward me and again I almost tripped over my dress sidestepping him.

  “Don’t do that,” he growled.

  “Just stop.” I held out my hands “Stop, Warren, you need to leave me alone.”

  “Don’t say that, Riley,” he begged and tried to grab me again.

  “Don’t touch me,” I screeched louder, and by this time, people had noticed the two of us. Suddenly all eyes and cameras were on the scene unfolding in front of me. One second Warren was reaching for me, begging, and then two guys were grabbing him, dragging him away while he yelled out my name.

  I was shaking when Luis and Angela came rushing over. Adam was with them, but he hung back, unsure.

  Luis set his hands on my shoulders. “Are you alright?”

  “How did he get in here?” I hissed, pulling away. “Why didn’t I know he’d been released?”

  A deep scowl pinched his brow. “Don’t worry, Riley, I’m going to find out who is responsible for this.” He pulled out his phone and Angela did the same and the two of them marched ahead of us.

  “Fans, man,” Adam shook his head. “They can be a little crazy, huh?”

  The problem was, Warren Baker wasn’t just a fan. Overzealous fans I could handle. Obsessed stalkers were another story. One I thought had finally been handled.

  I was still shaken up as I was led inside. I kept my head down and away from the cameras that were snapping like crazy. I didn’t want to know what the tabloids would say by tonight.

  Adam had the seat next to mine and kept setting his hand on my knee and offering comforting smiles. As much as I appreciated his effort, he wasn’t the one I wished was sitting beside me right now. He wasn’t the one who could make me feel safe. Only one person had managed that since Warren’s obsession took a dark turn.

  At the end of the night, I left Adam to attend the after parties, and joined Luis in his car.

  “It’s okay, you’ll get it next year,” he reassured, as if the reason for my despondent mood was that I hadn’t won tonight.

  I faced Luis. “You said it would stop.”

  “Riley,” I knew his tone. It was the one he used when he had to “manage me.” “I understand you’re upset about the incident earlier, but there’s no reason for you to be alarmed.”

  “No reason?” I sputtered. “Warren Baker is unhinged and delusional and won’t leave me alone.”

  “I understand that,
” he was still using that tone, the one that made me feel like a child. “But he didn’t hurt you. He’s never been violent, and the situation was handled. You have to understand that someone in your position, constantly in the spotlight, it’s to be expected that there will be overzealous fans. Obsessed even.”

  “Are you saying this is my fault?” I nearly shrieked. “That I just have to accept this?”

  He blew out an aggravated breath. “Of course not, Riley. You’re not at fault, and none of this is okay. I will of course be looking into why he was released early. I’m simply reminding you that it is the trade-off for the life you live. Don’t let it set you back.”

  “Then do something about it,” I barked.

  Two

  Riley

  Had Luis lost his damn mind? Or had I lost mine for actually being surprised by this latest stunt?

  “No, absolutely not,” I put my foot down figuratively and literally. I felt like a petulant child, stomping my foot and raising my voice.

  “You told me to do something, and I am,” Luis retorted. He and Angela made up a wall inside his home office. One that wouldn’t budge.

  I threw up my hands. “I meant get Warren the psychiatric help he needs, not use him for publicity!”

  “I understand why you’re reluctant, but you have to admit Riley, an actress playing a stalking victim in a movie with a real-life stalker is compelling. It’ll attract the kind of interest all the money in the world couldn’t buy. The premiere of Red Red Rose is just around the corner. A few interviews are all we’re suggesting.”

  Sometime between the car ride to Luis’ last night and this morning, they’d spoken to the media on my behalf to give a statement about last night’s incident. Now my deranged stalker was the hottest story from last night, and Luis had lined up several interviews for me to do a tell all about Warren Baker. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear the two of them couldn’t be more thrilled about last night and spinning this to get publicity for the movie.