She and Ward would look perfect together in front of the cameras tonight.
And this was what Hannah wanted, after all, the culmination of everything they had worked for. A glitzy professional event ahead of a glorious return to the squad, presenting an award to a teammate and looking the picture of health, knee fully healed. And even better, his first official public outing with the stunning lady in his life by his side, both sparkling in front of the cameras.
So why did it all feel so … flat?
Vowing not to think about it for fear that her psyche would take her places she truly had no business going, Hannah squared her shoulders, exited the bedroom and headed toward the kitchen, whereupon she had left her phone and a utilitarian crossbody bag. Plus a collection of one-sheets on Ward’s confirmed return to the team for handing out to the press.
A car was arriving shortly to take her to the venue, a gorgeous event space one hundred stories above twinkling Manhattan in one of the Hudson Yards skyscrapers.
Ward and Shelley would be arriving later, in just enough time to walk the carpet and talk to the press on the ground level with other celebrity attendees before heading straight up to the event. Whereas Hannah’s evening needed to start considerably earlier in the media tent.
Her phone pinged on cue, signalling the arrival of her ride, and that she needed to scoot. Taking a deep breath and steeling herself for the evening, she headed for the door, only to be met with a last-minute snafu.
Another note.
Hannah stopped in her tracks, debating whether or not to read it now or wait ’til after the event. She hadn’t heard from Ed for a while, and was concerned he might’ve heard some of the ruckus with Rob that night and been annoyed by the noise. Despite thethaw, he was still a cranky old man who could turn from hot to cold in a heartbeat.
No, she didn’t need any more distractions. With all that had happened lately, her emotions were fragile enough and tonight she really needed to be on top of her game.
Whatever this was, it could wait.
Chapter 58
WARD
Ward waited for the limo to stop before he jumped out to open the door for Shelley. Waving goodbye to her mom and her cute-as-a-button five-year-old, she exited her place in the Bronx looking nervous – a first for her, he noted chuckling.
She fidgeted with the bodice of the dress a little before moving her hand to her shining tresses, tapping her hair gently to check whether everything was staying in place.
‘Do I look OK?’ she asked him tentatively, and Ward gave her a lopsided grin, totally unfamiliar with this side of her.
‘You look incredible.’
This had all turned into something that they hadn’t planned, but he was glad to have her by his side. There was never any denying that Shelley was a showstopper – and it wouldn’t be hard for her to play the role of pro athlete girlfriend tonight – she fit the mould, for real or otherwise.
The driver pulled away and headed back towards Manhattan to the Hudson Yards venue where Hannah was waiting for them.
He glanced out the window at the city streets, thinking about the night ahead. He wasn’t entirely sure yet how he and Shelley were going to backtrack when all was said and done, especially after appearing in front of the press together, but he would think about that later.
He chuckled inwardly. But he wasreallyinterested in what Johnny would have to say about it once his buddy saw the pictures show up.
Shelley interrupted his musing.
‘So this red carpet thing …’ she began. ‘I’m not gonna lie, I’m nervous. All those cameras flashing – people shouting, this is not exactly my wheelhouse. What should I do? How do I stand? I’ve only ever seen celebrities on TV. I never thought I would be the one doing this stuff – especially since I’m not a celebrity.’
‘Red carpets are bullshit,’ Ward grunted.
‘Wow. Thanks for calming my nerves.’
‘No, I mean, yeah, they are actual bullshit. Nothing but a circus, and award ceremonies are fake and scripted too. I’ll be with you all the time though, so all you have to do is smile, take a step, look at the cameras, smile and then repeat that about a thousand times. That’s all there is to it.’
Shelley exhaled. ‘So, just fill the role of your arm candy. I’m still nervous though. What if I trip?’
‘Are you kidding me? You can hold a plank far longer than anyone else I know. You won’t trip.’
‘Or if someone asks me a question? Like some reporter asks how long we’ve been … datingor something?’
‘Just smile and play dumb,’ Ward answered bluntly. ‘They’re more likely to ask you what you’re wearing. Orwho, for some stupid reason.’ He rolled his eyes.
