“I did. And I do see you. But it’s never outside of work.”
“What does that mean? Do you want to?”
I twisted my lip because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to lay all my cards on the table. He didn’t need to know that I had a crush on him. So, instead, I took his arm and smiled.
“How about I explain it all another night, like when we go to dinner. It might make more sense then. Right now, I need to pay for a fabulous meal that I’m sure you will treat me to.”
“Wait, before you do, Tessy. Were there any rules that said how the date or dinner needed to be?”
“Not that I’m aware of. It was whatever we wanted, or whoever wanted. Why? Did you have something in mind?”
“No, just going through some thoughts.”
“Oh, great.” I offered him another smile before pulling out my two cards and handing them to the lady.
I knew Joshua well enough; he would plan something that would suit both him and I. He didn’t like the stuffy places, so I didn’t think it would be something fancy or over the top. He knew me better than that.
“Thank you, Ms. Andrews. And thank your boss for joining us this year. We hope he attends more in the future.”
“I will, Mrs. Cole. Thank you.” I put the cards back in my purse and then made my way back to Joshua, pausing only as I saw him with Elsa, who was fuming.
I slowly walked over, not sure if I wanted to hear what was being said or not.
“You let that little tramp win.”
“Elsa, stop it. She’s not a tramp, she’s my PA.”
“Even worse! She’s beneath you.”
“That’s rather rude, Elsa. Look, I might have fame and money, but being a dickhead doesn’t work in this field. Neither doesbeing a world class bitch. Remove the stick out of your ass and get off your high horse.”
“Joshy, how can you say that to me?”
“Quite easily. Look, I appreciate all the times you’ve been free to join me, but our friendship is over. I don’t need, nor want, you around anymore.”
“Is everything okay?” I quietly asked, placing my hand on his arm.
“You,” Elsa snarled, and I realized just how horrible and ugly she could look.
“Take a flying leap, Elsa,” I told her, steering Joshua away from her. “I never knew what you saw in her.”
“She wasn’t my girlfriend,” he muttered, and I lifted a brow.
“I’m well aware. But you still kept company with her.”
“She worked well as a plus one, but then she got clingy.”
“Oh, the c word. You don’t do well with women like that,” I told him. “Do you want to get out of here? Or would you like to stay and mingle some?”
We both watched as Elsa made a show of leaving the room and I couldn’t help the chuckle. At least she got the memo that Joshua was done.
“We can stay and mingle, I don’t mind.”
With that, he placed his hand on my lower back and led me around the room, introducing me to some of his fellow actors. Sure, I knew my way around Hollywood, I knew the names, saw them on the big screens, but to meet them, yeah, I had to fight hard not to fan girl.
Which was funny, given that I worked for the best. But then I never saw him quite like that. He was famous, sure. He was rich, of course. But to me, he was still just Joshua, not a Hollywood elite.
And maybe that’s what set me apart from others in his realm.
