“Like Tyler said, that was about him, not you. I’m not going to send you away for fighting for me and my reputation. Eventhough it cost you your privacy. I understand how big that is for you. I’m the lucky slob who gets to have this magnificent, feisty woman in his life.”
“But the article—that quote about the county fair. It was mean-spirited. I don’t like myself right now.”
“Well, I like you enough for both of us. So do all the people waiting for you downstairs so we can go to the premier of something you helped create from your big heart. Anyway, Dana’s played dirty. It’s about time someone played back. That’s what you did. For me. How could I leave the woman who taught me that not everyone leaves?”
“I’ll never leave. Not if you still want me.”
“I want you. Trust me. But, my pretty girl, it’s time to go. Cars are waiting. Your people are all waiting. So whatever needs to happen to your beautiful face needs to happen quick. I don’t want you to miss a moment of this evening.”
A knock at the door came, followed by Esme’s voice, “Everything okay in there? The cars are here.”
Hunter crossed to open the door. All four ladies were standing there.
“She needs some help fixing her face,” Hunter said.
I stood, looking in the mirror. My makeup was destroyed. My eyes were swollen. I looked like I’d been crying my eyes out, which I had.
“Oh, it’s worse than I thought,” I said.
“We got you,” Gillian said. “After all those years dancing, I know how to do makeup. We’ll get you fixed up in no time.”
“I’m going to find the rest of them and meet you in the lobby.” Hunter took my hands, kissing my forehead. “I’ll see you all in a few minutes.”
“Yeah, okay,” I said. “I’ll be ready.”
Esme took my hand and led me to the bedroom, guiding me to the vanity. “Your hair looks great. We just need to patch up your makeup.”
Gillian took the lead, giving out directions to the others. Ice for my swollen eyes. A gentle makeup remover took away my smeared mascara. Then brushes came out. Gillian applied foundation and blush and fixed my eyes. Fifteen minutes later, I stood in front of the mirror again, pleased with what I saw. “Gillian, you’re a miracle worker.”
“Let’s go enjoy the heck out of all this,” Esme said. “The guys are waiting downstairs with the kids. Cars are here.”
“Let’s do this thing.” Delphine linked her arm through mine and the five of us headed out together, just as we had for every hard and joyful event in any of our lives for a decade. Best friends forever. My penguins.
18
HUNTER
The red carpet was chaos. Photographers shouted out to actors as they posed, turning this way and that. Publicists whispered instructions. Handlers herded people along like cattle through a chute. Fans lined the barriers on either side of the carpet, holding phones aloft, shouting names.
Tyler and I flanked Seraphina on both sides, almost pushing her forward.
“Don’t worry, they’re all focused on the actors,” Tyler said to his mother. “Just keep walking.”
“That’s right,” I said. “No big deal. We’ll be inside soon.”
Pepper Griffin, the lead in the film, stepped out of her car and the screaming doubled in volume. She was escorted by her hunky husband, Stone Hickman. He stood back, letting her do her thing. And boy, did she know how to work it. Although tiny, she commanded the carpet like it had been invented for her purposes. Her dark hair was parted on the side and slicked behind one ear, dangling diamond earrings sparkling. She wore a red gown that flattered her slim figure and toned legs. She posed, she waved, she blew kisses. The cameras loved her and she loved them right back.
She reminded me of Ivy in that way.
“Thank God,” Seraphina muttered beside me. “Everyone’s looking at her.”
We slipped forward in her wake, mostly unnoticed, but then Pepper turned, scanning the carpet behind her, and spotted us. Her face lit up.
“Seraphina.” She broke away from her handlers and came toward us, heels clicking, arms outstretched. “Darling, you look incredible. Are you having fun?”
Seraphina blinked, clearly not expecting this. “Thank you. This is a little frightening.”
“I know, but they’re all harmless.” She took Seraphina’s hand. “Come with me for a photo.”
