He patted his blazer pocket and smiled nervously before he offered me his arm. I linked arms with him, and grabbed my silver clutch on the way out.
In the car, he reached for the backseat. “These are for you.” He handed me a bunch of red roses tied together with a white, satin ribbon.
I never liked flowers. They were beautiful, of course, but they could only make me happy for a very short time and then die. A constant reminder that happiness was short and would never last. “Thanks,” I said, not knowing what else to say without sounding like an ungrateful bitch.
I checked my phone for the hundredth time, looking for a message from Mike in vain, Kyle’s breathing louder than usual in the background. I glanced up from the phone. “You all right?”
“Yeah.” He patted his pocket again.
“Did you take care of the security arrangements?”
“For the tenth time, yes.” He chuckled. “Honey, relax. I know you’re a hotshot celebrity now and everything, but this is getting crazy.”
“Please.” I snorted. “I’m in the middle of making my first picture. Nobody knows who I am yet. These arrangements are for Mike…and the talents in my movie.”
“I see.” He forced a smile. “Well, the hotel has a private entrance. We have the club all to ourselves, and I’ve already told them we’re expecting celebrities. The security company assured me the team I hired is experienced in celebrity parties. No strangers or paparazzi allowed under any circumstances.”
“Great.” I touched his leg. “Thank you so much for putting this party together. You should, at least, let me pay for this whole thing. I’m a paid artist now.”
“Shhhh! What kind of boyfriend lets his girl pay for anything, let alone her birthday party?” He interlaced his fingers with mine and lifted my hand to his mouth. “It’s nothing, Mags. I really hope you have a good time tonight.”
“I’m sure I will. Can’t say the same for you, though. I know how much you hate big parties.”
“As long as you’re with me, I’m happy.”
When they arrived at the hotel, he opened the door for me, took me by the hand and headed toward a private entrance, where two guards were waiting. They escorted us into an elevator that took us to the upper deck. The music from the club pounded against the walls as we marched to the entrance door. Another couple of security personnel in black suits—bulgy and taller than Kyle—stood at attention by the thick door, holding what I presumed were guest lists.
For the first time ever, I felt like a realhotshot celebrity, and it was more than satisfying.
“Ms. Dawson.” The guard examined my face, and then Kyle’s. “Mr. Burley.” The other guard marked his list as he opened the door.
Looking around the packed nightclub, I smiled, Kyle’s hand on my back. Successive shouts of “She’s here!” filled the place, and then the music stopped.
Chester Monroe, the lead in my movie, stood on the stage and pointed in my direction. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the birthday girl, the talented MS. MAGGIE DAWSON.”
A spotlight flared on me, and then glittery confetti poured. I waved, laughing as the crowd blew their birthday whistles and broke into loud cheers. The music blasted again. In no time, Kyle and I were circled by friendly faces, movie crew and beautiful evening gowns. Compliments rained down on both of us. My dress… My hair… My date. Yet the face I yearned to see was not there.
“Happy birthday, Maggie.” Samantha, my manager, approached in a salmon dress. “This party is magnificent.” She flashed her teeth at Kyle, her bright green eyes flicking up to him. “And so is your date. Way to go, girl.”
Kyle cleared his throat and returned a shy smile.
“Thanks, I guess.”The woman has known me for two weeks and she’s already flirting with my boyfriend and calling me girl.“This is Kyle Burley, my boyfriend, the man of the hour, who made this party possible.” I motioned at Samantha. “Samantha DeVries, my new manager.”
“Pleased to finally meet you,” Kyle said. “Maggie told me great things about your partnership.”
As they continued their small talk and fake compliments, I glimpsed Dad’s face four tables ahead. I waved at him, and he rose from the table, coming in my direction.If Dad is here, this means…My jaw tightened as my stare landed on the hazel eyes that had always taunted me.
“You invited Andrea?” I asked between my teeth, my stomach flipping with anger.
Kyle leaned closer. “What?” he yelled over the music.
I glared at him. “Samantha, please excuse me for a second.”
“Sure.” The tall blonde stepped back.
“Maggie, wait.” Kyle’s voice trailed behind me as I made a beeline to my parents.
Dad grinned, his arms wide open. “Happy birthday, great director. I’m so proud of you.”
