Bennett let out a sigh. “Wow, Chelsey, you’ve got to be kidding me. I mean, really? Since the other night, I can’t go anywhere without the paparazzi. Now I’m in the public eye, and it’s all for nothing—oh, right, it was for your benefit.” He stared at me as if he were looking for answers, but I couldn’t give him one. Neither of us saying anything, he looked at his watch. “Look, I have to go. After all, you know I have a big event tomorrow night.”
He gave me a smug look, but I knew I deserved it. “Yeah, sure. I understand,” I said, gloomily. I stepped aside from the door, feeling worse than I had in a long time and it was all my fault. If only I hadn’t picked Bennett, this would’ve never happened, I thought. Though I was grateful that it seemed he would still be escorting Hattie on the red carpet the following night, then, after that, everything would be over, and we could go back to our separate lives.
Bennett reached for the doorknob, then opened the door. He looked over his shoulder, then said, “I think it’s best that for our remaining time we have to be together we keep it strictly business.”
I nodded in agreement, then said, “Again, Bennett, I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, so am I,” he said, but it didn’t come out as an apology, but rather more of an I’m sorry I even allowed to get sucked into your trap.
Moments later, Bennett was gone, and I was alone, which meant that I could finally cry over the same boy who stomped on my heart years ago. The only difference was that this time I was starting to like Bennett Grayson. Yep, I was screwed!
That night I crawled into bed, wishing with all my might for the next twenty-four hours to go as quick as they possibly could.
CHAPTER EIGHT
“Hello,” Hattie said, cheerfully, turning on her heel. Then, immediately, she put her hands to her mouth and ran to Chelsey. “Oh, dear, what happened? Are you okay?”
Crap! I guess no matter how much makeup I put on, it wouldn’t cover up my dark circles under my eyes. I nodded. “Yep, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
Her eyes looked me up and down, as well as her finger followed suit. “You just don’t look like yourself. Normally you’re wearing cute clothes, but your Amish-looking dress you’re wearing doesn’t match your usual upbeat and cheerful personality.” She linked our arms together, leading us to her couch in her bedroom. “Come, Chelsey, let’s talk.”
The last thing I wanted to do was talk, and I was about to tell her just that, but when Hattie looked at me, I immediately burst into tears and allowed her to take me in her arms. A few long seconds later, I lifted my head and was surprised when Hattie was handing me a tissue.
“You can tell me as little or as much as you’d like.” Her smile turned genuine then added, “I hear I’m a good listener.”
I gave her a slight nod, then took in a breath before I began with, “I picked Bennett to be your companion because I knew him and wanted to hurt him as much as he hurt me in the past, and now everything’s ruined.” Another deep sigh exhaled out of me, and then I proceeded to tell Hattie about my high school days with Bennett, along with sharing a kiss and to how he found out the truth. “I’m just sorry I let you down, and I’ll understand if you want to fire me, considering how I used you to get back at him.”
Her gentle expression took a bitter turn that made me think I’d soon be out of a job. Then, she surprised me again by shaking her head and took my hands into hers. “Oh, Chelsey, honey, you’re still so young, and you have a lot to learn.” Tilting her head with curiosity, she asked, “Do you think you two could work it out?”
I widened my eyes, thinking she was crazy. After last night, Bennett made it more than crystal clear that he and I, and whatever the previous night was, was something that wouldn’t be happening ever again. There weren’t enough apologies for him to accept that would ever be enough. “No, not at all.” Not even the fact that I’d forgiven him after his apology last night at the bar, which seemed like he’d wiped the slate clean and I was free from the past, and of the old Bennett.
“I was like you in my younger days. I wasn’t always the most beautiful girl in the room, which might explain why I crave so much attention now.” She let out a slight giggle. “I too had a boy treat me how Bennett did to you. We were in the same drama class and he would always tell me how I wasn’t going to be any good, would put laxatives in my drinks, would trip me—the list could go on and on—but that’s what made me who I am today, and if it hadn’t been for him, I wouldn’t be the famous movie start that I am.” She placed one had on her stomach, adding, “After all, we all have our secrets.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
“Also, Chelsey, you have nothing to worry about—your job is safe.”
I dried the corners of my eyes, appreciative of Hattie and how she seemed to have my back. “Thank you, Hattie.” Feeling a bit better for having vented about my latest pickle I got myself in, I glanced over at the clock, switching into assistant-mode. “Okay, Hattie, enough about me—it’s time to get you ready for the red carpet.” Standing, I looked down at Hattie and asked, “What do you want to do to prepare first?”
Hattie laughed, stood, then replied with, “Let’s start with jewelry—I just love jewelry!” A bright grin spread across her face when she spoke, and swiftly she clapped her hands together.
“Well, then, jewelry it is!” I told her, then we went into her bathroom to start the process of looking through numerous boxes of elegant and lavish diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and more beautiful pieces than I could’ve ever imagined.
*****
“Chelsey, are you in here?” Hattie asked.
I jumped up, taking myself out of my daze and my thoughts away from thinking about Bennett. “Yes, what do you need?”
“Before I leave on vacation, and as a way to thank you for being there and—you know, for helping my fame come back into the world—I just thought you might like a makeover. All my staff is waiting for you in the bathroom, where they will help you out on everything from head to toe.”
I was taken aback by her generous offer. “That’s sweet of you Hattie, but I just don’t think I’m in the mood for it. After all, tonight is about you.” I stood back to admire her beauty. Her white, off the shoulder dress, fit elegantly against her tall and trim body. With her hair pulled into a high ponytail, she showed off her diamond studs in her ears, and her low neckline made way for the large oval-shaped ruby drop pendant. Her makeup had been applied to perfection, her eyes sparkled, and a neutral shade of lip gloss glistened against her puckered lips. “Wow, Hattie, you’re beautiful.”
“Thank you, sweetie.”
I took a step closer to her then pointed to her jewelry pieces she wore. “I didn’t see those in your boxes. Where were you hiding those?” I asked, playfully, then I wondered how a prop boy could afford such extravagant gifts.
“Oh, these things. Well, they were a gift from Livi.” She touched the pieces as her lips curled into a loving smile. “And, in case you’re wondering, they’re fake—hell half the pieces in my boxes are fake.” She laughed, adding, “I’m just not a fan of wearing such expensive pieces on the red carpet—I’ve always been afraid they’d go missing and that I’d have to pay for them. Besides, I’m sure the designers would rather I not wear them for that reason.”
“Yeah, good point,” I said, then we shared a laugh.
When her cheerfulness fell, which I thought could only be at the thought of Livi, I shook my head. “Hattie, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up anything bad for you. I can’t imagine how hard it might be to not have him with you tonight.”
“It’s okay. No worries at all.” Changing the topic, she continued with, “Now, just take me up on my offer, because we have no time to waste.”
I hesitated, but only for a moment. “Okay, if you say so.” I put my phone back in my purse; and then before I went into Hattie’s bathroom, I thanked her again.
“It’s my pleasure, dear. It’s your night, too,” she said, leaving me to wonder what she meant
, considering it wasn’t me who was going to be on the red carpet.
*****
I’d never been much of a girly-girl, but when I took a look in the mirror three hours later, I was more than stunned at what I saw. Thanks to Hattie’s people who tend to her and transition her into red carpet ready, they’d turned me into someone who I didn’t recognize. My hair was down but had been pulled away from my face, and my makeup was bolder—way more so than I was accustomed to. The stylist dressed me in a dark purple high-top low back dress that fit around my curvy body, which was matched with gold strappy high heels. I lifted my chin up and turned around, admiring how I looked, which happened to be more like an adult. Not that I wasn’t one, but judging by my appearance, I was often still carded when I bought alcohol.
“Knock, knock,” said Hattie, when she peeked through one of her guest bedroom doors. “Can I come in?”
I turned on my heel, saying, “Yes, of course,” then turned back to admire myself, completely amazed by my transition. “Well, what do you think?” I asked her, who was standing behind me, with her mouth agape.
“Chelsey, you look beautiful.” She placed her hands gently on my shoulders and turned me around. “Let me look at you,” she said, as her eyes began to scan me up and down. “You’re beautiful—I mean, you always have been, but isn’t it amazing what a little touch up can do?” Her question was rhetorical, and I knew she meant it as a compliment.
“Thank you, Hattie. All of this wouldn’t have been done without you.” Tears began to cloud my eyes, but I blinked them back, careful to not mess up what the makeup artists had done. “I don’t know how I’ll ever begin to repay you. Please, if there’s ever anything I can do, you have to let me know.”
Hattie chewed on her bottom lip for a minute, then looked at me with a sly grin. “Well, good, and you’re dressed perfectly for the occasion.”
“What do you mean, Hattie?”
“Well,” she began slowly, then continued with, “instead of coming to the red carpet event with me, you’ll be going to a party.”
“A party?” I twisted my lip, then crossed my arms, trying to think back to her schedule, but as hard as I could, I couldn’t remember anything on Hattie’s calendar that was a party. It was merely just a walk, and then she had me set up to have her meet Livi at his nearby hotel.
“Yes, a party. Now, if you don’t hurry, you’re going to be late. I set up a limo, which should be here any minute, so we should get you downstairs.” She handed me a clutch that matched my dress, saying, “Here, I’ve thrown in all your necessary items.” Hattie reached for her purse, then tugged me along.
“But what if you need something on the red carpet, who will be there to help you?” I didn’t want Hattie thinking that I’d left her alone, but something made me believe she’d be fine, and that she wouldn’t be alone.
She waved her hand. “Don’t you worry about me. After all, there will be hundreds of people there who will be able to help me, so don’t be silly.”
Once we were outside, a white limo pulled up, then a man dressed in a black tuxedo got out to help me into the car.
“Now, you have a good night—a memorable one—and don’t you worry about me. Heck, don’t even call me until noon tomorrow.” Hattie let out a mischievous laugh, leading her to give me a wink.
With the window down, I waved goodbye to Hattie, and then I was off to—well, to somewhere.
CHAPTER NINE
Almost thirty minutes later, the limo stopped. I ducked my head to look through the window at my surroundings, only to find that I was parked outside of what seemed to be a restaurant named Chelsey.
Reaching for my clutch after the driver opened the door, shaking me out of confusion, my heart rate began to soar as I twisted in my seat, preparing to exit the car.
“Where exactly are we?” I asked the driver, as he took my hand to help me out. I scanned the restaurant for anything that I could piece together—for anything that would give me a sign as to what was going on.
He smiled, extending his hand, saying, “I’m sorry, ma’am, but I’ve been sworn to secrecy, ma’am. What I can tell you is that the door is unlocked and you can go in when you’re ready.”
I let out a nervous sigh, flashing him a slight grin, trying to hide my nervousness. What is happening? Deciding to rip off the Band-Aid, I slowly followed the path to the restaurant’s entrance and opened the door. Nothing could’ve prepared me for what I saw, and I felt my jaw drop. Standing on the light brown marble, I looked around the empty room that had close to thirty, already set tables, with gold tablecloths and silverware. The music played through the speakers was calming classical but not too much to put one to sleep. The lighting was dim, illuminating a shade of purple. At the other end of the room was a glass window where patrons could watch the chefs cook. Taking a couple of steps forward, I then twisted on my heel and turned around when I heard someone behind me.
“Hi, Chelsey,” Bennett said.
“Bennett, what are you doing here? What—what’s going on, and where are we?” Beginning to panic, wondering why he hadn’t been picked up to go to the red carpet with Hattie, I started to tremble.
“Don’t worry, Hattie’s fine,” he told me, reading my mind. His lips turned into a smile. “Wow, Chelsey, you look beautiful.”
“Thanks,” I said quickly. I didn’t have time for compliments. “Look, what the hell is going on here—what is all this?” I asked in a huff. Placing my hands on my hips, wondering if I should storm out of the restaurant and have the driver take me to the red carpet, but I stayed put. Blinking, I looked him over to see if I could read him, seeing that he was dressed in the finest attire. His black slacks fit him perfectly, his white dress shirt’s sleeves were rolled up, and his collar was open, just enough for me to see the top of his hairless chest. The cologne he wore floated below my nose and made me want to reach out and touch him—throw myself onto him if I must be honest, but I hesitated, taking the danger-free zone.
“You’ve always been adorable when you get anxious,” he said, taking a step toward me.
Wait, what? Why was he so kind, especially since the last time we saw one another, he was anything but please with me? I couldn’t help but smile, making butterflies replace my anxiousness.
“We need to talk. Will you hear me out?”
Curious as to what he had to say, I playfully replied, “Maybe.”
Bennett held out his hand, and I took it, letting the warmth of his skin send chills over my body. “Come on; we need to talk.” He walked us to the bar area near the kitchen, where two glasses of red wine were poured, then pulled out a seat for me.
Without a word, I reached for my glass, but as I was about to take a sip, he held out his glass to make a toast.
“To tonight, may it be a memorable one.”
We clinked our glasses together, then I took a sip, wondering about the word memorable, and how Hattie and Bennett both specifically used it. Hmm, something’s up, I thought. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
“About us.”
Us? Was there even an us, I wondered. Images from the previous night popped up in my head, so I turned to avoid looking at him. I just couldn’t watch to see the lingering pain of how I betrayed him in his eyes. Toying with the stem of my glass, I focused on its smoothness, preparing myself to feel a cut at any second, but would it be from the glass or Bennett?
“I know I didn’t handle things as well as I should have last night. I was just taken aback by the fact that it was you. I mean, Chelsey, I’ve thought about you for years. Like I told you the other night, the way I treated you back then was my way of letting you know I liked you. I just wish I could’ve been more of a gentleman who treated you the way you deserved to be treated. As for all of this celebrity stuff, well, it’s over.” I widened my eyes, but let him continue. “You see, Chelsey, Hattie and I had a little talk earlier today—” Crap! I knew I shouldn’t have spilled my guts to her about Bennett and me.
I
held up my hand to stop him. “Wait, what do you mean when you said it’s over?”
“Before Hattie handed me a check, she told me that she wouldn’t be needing me anymore because she’s going to start doing things her way. She told me about Livi—who is with her tonight. As it turns out, she’s pregnant.”
“Oh my gosh!” Between Hattie regaining her life and doing things her way to her and Bennett getting together behind my back, my mind was spinning, and I didn’t know which I should comment on first. Finally, I met Bennett’s gaze, deciding to save what was most important to me for last. “I can’t believe she’s pregnant. I mean, I know she was sick, but I never thought pregnancy—and with Livi…it just makes me so happy for her. While I haven’t known her for a long time, she really is a nice person. I just think she needed to be in charge of her life—not her PR people.”
“Yeah, that was what I took from it, too, and I think that with your help, she finally sees that.”
The Hollywood Setup Page 6
