Chapter 3
Tessy
Iswallowed hard as he walked off the stage and straight towards me. The look in his eyes held all the confusion. And I knew him well enough to know what he was about to ask me but had no real answer that didn’t make me sound crazy or foolish.
“You spent a lot of money to spend time with a man you see quite a bit,” he told me, his hands shoved in his pockets.
“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 does being 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.
Two hours later, I was done.
Toast.
Over this black tie and boring affair.
I mean, getting to know people was great, and talking to a few was even better. But for the most part, I kept hearing the same stories, the same hype, and I longed for my cozy bed and TV. Because some were just way more entertaining as actors rather than being real people.
“Ready to get out of here,” Joshua whispered, and I nodded.
I had taken an uber here, so, I was grateful that Joshua offered his ride to me. I didn’t want to think about how Elsa got home; that wasn’t my worry.
“So, how about dinner tomorrow night?” Joshua offered, leading me out to the elevator.
“I think that should work. My boss should let me have the night off. Did you have somewhere special in mind? Do I need to dress up or something?”
“No, you’re usually leggings and tanks are fine.”
I frowned as we walked to his car, not sure why he would say that.
“Uh, are you sure? I don’t want to embarrass you or something out in public.”
“One, you never could, Tessy. Trust me, you’re a breath of fresh air.
” He opened the door for me, and I slipped in.
“Two,” he said, leaning on the door as he poked his head in.
“It’s a more laid-back vibe I’m thinking of, and comfort will far outweigh style.
” With that, he closed the door and left me to have my thoughts tumbling.
“Joshua, I don’t…I don’t understand. Do you not want to be seen with me?” I finally asked when he got in the car.
“That is not the case. But before I tell you what I’m thinking, I want you to answer a question for me.”
“Shoot.”
“You had all this time to bid on someone. You could have gotten anyone for the money you dropped. Why did you choose me?”
Well, damn it.
That was not the question I was hoping to get. And I couldn’t really answer without telling him everything. But I also have never lied to him.
I took a deep breath, playing with my hands in my lap. It was now or never.
“For the longest time, I had a crush on you. I wanted to go out on a date away from work, where I could see the real you and you could see the real me. And, maybe, see if something could come from it.”
“And that’s why I want comfort.”
“I still don’t understand.”
“I’m not embarrassed about you, Tessy.” He shifted in the driver’s seat, his hands covering mine.
“You might not think I know anything about you, but I do. I know that what you did tonight is something you’ve been planning because you don’t do anything on whim.
I knew you had a reason for it, which would mean you wanted something from me that no one ever would ask for, because you would have asked.
I also know you do not like the spotlight.
Anyone could have seen how uncomfortable you were tonight. ”
“All true.”
“So, you want the real me, and I want the real you. And the only way you will get that, we will get that, is if you come into my domain. I don’t want to take you out on the town for our date, but I’d love to cook for you and show you the one place you’ve never been to; my home.”
A feather could have knocked me over for how shocked I was by that statement.