Falling Stars (Starstruck Series Book 2) (11 page)

Thank you
, Emma mouthed.

“For those of you who don’t know, Emma and I met back on the set of my first show.  She actually played my sister …”

Inappropriate comments came from different parts of the room, and everyone laughed. Out of the corner of her eye, Alisa could see Evan on his phone.  He angrily text someone
  
she couldn’t see the name
  
and when a call came through, he vanished.  As not to create a scene, Alisa remained still.

“…You are the arrow that pierced my heart, the one that always takes my breath away. I came to realize that I can’t possibly live without you.  Emma, will you marry me?”  

A mixture of reactions hit the crowd, and the look on Emma’s face was priceless.  She was in between tears, excitement, and happiness and couldn’t even speak, so she nodded at him.  He slid the ring on her finger, a large rock, one Alisa could spot easily from where she stood; a couple of rows back and dead center to the show.  Cheers soon filled the loft, and the happy couple embraced and kissed to celebrate.  Alisa clapped and hollered to match the roar of the audience.

The DJ resumed the music, and the celebration rolled on.

When Evan didn’t return, she decided to step outside on the balcony where it was quiet to take a breath of fresh air.  Crossing the threshold of the balcony door, Alisa wasn’t prepared for the sight. It was so picturesque.  Everything.  She found herself out on the balcony of a swanky New York City high-rise, very different from the buildings she was accustomed to in Los Angeles.  Her gaze fell over the street, watching the tiny figures of the people walking down below. The lights in the city that never slept were so bright, like fireflies surrounding her.  She was speechless. Her phone vibrated.

How’s the party?
Logan asked.

Thought a party in NYC would be scary, but it’s harmless. Quin says hi.

Did he do it?

Yes!

I knew that punk could do it! Ha! Send my regards.

“There you are.” Evan strode up beside her and came to a stop.  He had a champagne glass in each hand and offered her one.

“Did you catch the action?”  Alisa turned her head in the direction of the happy couple who were visiting with various groups to show off her new ring. It was an impressive rock, gleaming even at a distance.

“I did,” he raised his glass to them and took a sip before bringing his attention back to her. “You all right?”

“Yeah.  Just taking it all in.  Cooped up in the hotel, the studio, I haven’t seen much else other than our drives.”

Evan sipped from his glass, “Ah.”

“And...”

“
And
?”

“I guess I’m the new Theresa.”  She held her hands out in a showcasing pose, though her face showed how she truly felt: nervous.

Evan was shocked.  “Wh-What? That’s terrific.  Look at you, all nonchalant.  Come on! That’s good news.”

Alisa sounded less thrilled, “I suppose, yeah.”

“Why aren’t you as stoked as I am? Mad we’re working together?”

“No…Just nervous I guess.”

“Don’t be. You’re great. I read with you, remember?  Now that we’re going to work together a lot, don’t get sick of me, okay?”

Alisa laughed.

“Seriously though, that’s wonderful. So, congratulations.”  He pulled her in for a hug, one she wasn’t ready for, but she accepted, nonetheless.  The two clinked their champagne glasses together and took a sip of the bubbly.

“Thank you.”

“To tell you the truth, I wasn’t impressed by that Heather girl. She seemed kind of flaky when I met her.  I’m glad I got you.”  His eyes were so intense.  

A horn down on the street honked, catching her attention.  A moment passed before she noticed that there was an awkward silence.

After much deliberation, Alisa finally spoke up.  “So, what’s up with you?”

“Me?”

“You’ve been dodgy all night.  I heard you back at the hotel.  I haven’t known what to say or how to fix it, but I know something is wrong.”  

He sipped most of his champagne then leaned against the railing. “It’s my ex, Kirsten Gale. I would be surprised if you haven’t heard of her.”

“My friend, Joann, she knows of her.  She’s from that witchy series, right?”  Alisa knew exactly who Kirsten was, but she didn’t want to come off too nosy. “Ran into her in Hollywood. Can’t say she’s the friendly type.”

Evan nodded.  “That’s the one.  We were dating when we went to college here in the city.  She actually lives out in Pasadena now, but she flew in yesterday to come to this party, visit the city, and God knows what else.”

“I see.” Alisa’s stomach was suddenly unsettled. The last thing she wanted was to cause a scene.

“I told her I would be here, and she said she wanted me to drop everything, drop the movie, and come back to her.”

“Wait, you told her we’d be here for
Gateway II
?”

“She knows why I’m in New York.  She knows I’m with you, and she isn’t very happy about it.  She knows you’re married but figures me for some scumbag.  She has made the break-up my fault.  Now she’s making a huge scene about it.”

Alisa finished off the rest of her champagne and set the glass on the patio table.  “Evan, why would you tell her …?”  The words came out faster than she realized, though she hadn’t even begun to ask why she knew what he was up to if they were not together.

“I have nothing to hide, Alisa.  We’re here on business.  She saw my check-in at the hotel. 

Alisa finally pieced it together.  His Facebook.  This is why she damned the fad of social media, even though it was terribly addicting.  “Evan.”

“It’s just a mess. She …” He turned away, and she could tell he was upset.  It was never comfortable to witness anyone cry, so Alisa walked up to him and reached for his shoulder to comfort him.  In an instant she was pulled into an embrace, where she felt his warm breath against her neck.  Evan was clearly fighting the onslaught of emotions as he turned away from the balcony door.  Alisa obliged and welcomed him into her arms, bringing her hands up to his neck and shoulders, comforting him.

A slow song came through the speakers, clearly heard outside where they were standing.  Evan’s hands found their way to her hips, and he held her against him gently.  The two quietly swayed to the beat of the love song.  Alisa looked up at him, her arms held around his neck.   Under the city lights and the full moon looming above, she had to admit that his presence was simply breathtaking.  It was a sweet and innocent moment, and she was guilty of not wanting it to end.

In a blink, she realized how close her face was to his.  He was leaning in when…

“Alisa?!” A voice called out, interrupting their moment.

“Lara!” She exclaimed excitedly. It was Joey’s fiancé.

“Oh, it is so good to see you! Geez, I barely recognized you; you look amazing!”  Lara hugged her tightly and kissed each cheek, as was the European custom.

“Thank you,” Alisa responded sheepishly. She had lost a few pounds since she changed her diet and had gone to the gym more often. It may have been the recent haircut that threw her off too.  “Oh, Lara Duncan, this is Evan Gable. Evan, this is Joey’s fiancée, Lara. She’s a fashion advisor from London, but she’s based out of Milan now.”

Just like that, Evan painted on a smile and reached out to shake her hand.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Joe told me all about your meeting this morning. He is so thrilled you both were interested in having him on board.”

“All his and Logan’s doing, actually. I was surprised he came out here too. But it’s going to be a great project.”

Lara reached for Joey’s hand, but he was lighting a cigarette. As soon as the tip was lit he puffed a couple of times and slid the Zippo back into his suit pocket.  Then he lifted his stare to Alisa. It was cold, almost as cold as Logan’s the night he found out about her trip to New York.  Lara and Evan were too busy talking to notice.  She may have mistaken his look for something else.  Joey always had a look.  But for some reason, she felt guilty.

It was midnight when they finally got back to the hotel. Evan was quieter than usual.  She offered a couple of words here and there to get the conversation rolling…but to no avail. Evan was definitely stubborn.  Alisa set her hands on her lap and looked out the window, watching the cars go by and the lights shimmer as they drove to the hotel.

Once they reached their destination, they had an equally quiet elevator ride up to their rooms. When she reached her door, she gasped as a pair of arms snaked around her.  The warmth of lips on her neck triggered a tingling down her spine. Alisa moaned.

“Alisa.”  He said her name softly.

She shuddered and turned to him.  Her mouth searched for his, and she melted into him. It was the most intense kiss she had ever felt.  She tangled her fingers in his hair. His hands explored her body and cupped her backside in both of his hands as he kissed her passionately. Her back was pressed firmly against the wall, with his body up against hers.  Normally she would fear onlookers and the rumors that would start a wildfire in the presses, but she didn’t care.  She needed him, and from what she could tell, he needed her.

Evan gradually kissed her neck and down her shoulder, venturing towards her chest with his hands, over her clothing.  Though clumsy, he managed to get his hotel room door open.  It hit the wall with a thud as he flung it open, tearing off his jacket and tossing it to the floor. Alisa fiddled with the buttons of his shirt and pulled it off of him with ease.  When she kicked off her heels, she felt her dress unzip in the back.  The floor disappeared out from under her. He picked her up and rushed them both to the bed, climbing on top of her.  He was naked, she realized, and he looked good.  She was wondering how good he was going to feel....

“
Alisa
?”  Evan’s voice hit the air.

When she blinked, she found herself standing in the hallway of the hotel, between his door and hers.  Her blood was pumping so hard, she could feel her pulse in her fingertips. They were still clothed, separated, and untouched.  

She gulped.  
Just a daydream…undoubtedly the radical, crazy effects of the alcohol…
She hoped her face wasn’t as flushed as it felt, and after a second to compose herself, she turned to him.  “Yeah?”

“I just asked if you needed anything.”

The images that ran through her head, as wildly inappropriate and uncalled for as they were, flashed once again.  

You need to get back into your room, Alisa.
 Her conscience, sounding much like Evie, whispered into her ear. Surrendering to that voice, she searched her purse for the card key and waved at Evan.

“I should be fine.  What about you?”

The expression he wore was so somber, so forlorn, that her stomach sank seeing it.  She wanted to tell him that his face should never look so upset, but it wasn’t the right timing.  Alisa had written this story before.  Hell, she’d lived it even.  Alisa knew that the ring around her finger meant there was someone waiting for her at home, someone she loved dearly.

“I’ll survive.”

She searched his gaze and then shook her phone. “This is always on, if you need me.”

He answered with a slight nod.

“Thank you for tonight.”

“Right back at you. Now get inside before you turn into a pumpkin or something.”  It was the first time he had cracked a smile since they left Quin’s loft, the first sincere one at least.  

“Good night, Evan.”

“Good night.”

Both of them opened their doors and shut them in tandem.  Leaning back against hers, Alisa slid down to the floor and sat there for a moment, trying to shake off the thoughts of Evan.  Had she been single, was that how tonight would have ended?   He’s emotionally vulnerable, and she’s married; it would be your typical tabloid nightmare, and she knew she couldn’t do that. Not to Logan.  Not to herself.  She loved her husband.

[
You have 1 New Friend Request
], the alert stared up at her from her phone.

Alisa bit her lip as her thumb hovered over it. She touched confirm.

[
You and Evan B. Gable are now friends.
]

Chapter Seven

John’s back in LA, so make sure you text him when you get home.
 Alex had sent her that message around 2 a.m., just after a picture he snapped of them at Quin’s party.  She made sure to save it to her phone before turning in for the night.

When the morning came, the list of notifications on her phone was rather long.   Her thumb swiped the screen; spam, text message from her mom, Facebook likes, comments and requests, and a handful of emails from Ron, Kassidy, and Ray.  Her arms stretched up to the headboard and the tips of her toes to the end of the bed. She was enjoying the warmth of the thick comforter over her, not wanting to leave the bed for hours. A hearty yawn escaped her.

The hotel phone rang, and she put the receiver to her ear.  “Hello?”

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Whatcha doing?”

“Seriously?”

“What?”

“You have my cell number and you call me here?”

“I honestly have no comeback for that.”

“What’s up?”

“What’s the plan for today?”

“Plan?”

“Yeah, what would you like to do?  You’re new to this place, not me.  I can show you around if you’d like?  Maybe we could grab some food, do a read or something.  Our flight isn’t until 7 a.m. tomorrow, so we have time today to see the sights.”

“Sure, Mr. ‘I used to be a local’. You lead the way.”

“Fine with me. I’ll see you in 20?”

“45. Let me at least look presentable.”

“You’re always presentable.”

She snickered, “Flattery is nice, but I’ll still see you in 45.”

“Okay. 45 it is.”

They walked through Times Square, as she’d only been able to catch a glimpse of its glory from the cab and the hotel windows.  The street vendors, the musicians, and artists made her eyes light up. They had something similar in parts of Los Angeles, but this was a different city and an entirely different atmosphere. Evan took her to visit the Empire State Building, took the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty (where she checked in and tagged them in a silly photo together), and even ate at a nice Japanese place down the block from the hotel. It was a beautiful city, and she was enamored by every aspect of it. It was everything she dreamed of, and much like what she saw in her favorite television shows.

I love this city.
She text her friends back home, en masse, and there was a flood of backlash in her messages. Evie wanted her to have fun, Ray scolded her and told her to come home, and her mom wanted to see pictures.

Glad you like it there, but I hope you come back. ;) I miss you.
It was Logan.

As she sent out responses, she was smiling.

Evan noticed and nudged her, “Get something good?”

“Oh, sorry, everyone is just making sure I’m either having fun or remembering that I have to go home tomorrow.”

He nodded. “That’s fair.”

“Part of me wants to stay here.”

“Then let’s stay. I’ll wander the streets taking pictures and shooting shorts, and you can write all day with the skyline as your muse.”

Evan’s offer didn’t sound half bad, but Alisa knew she had a life back home. And honestly, part of her couldn’t wait to get back to it.

When they returned to the hotel, her keycard wouldn’t let her back into her room.

She text Evan and made her way back down to the lobby.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Rider, but there was a mistake with your room; it was only booked until today.”

“Wait, that’s not possible. Evan
  
”

Evan took the cue and stepped up to the desk to address the situation. “We booked at the same time. It should have been under the studio.”

“I see, Mr. Gable. Well, unfortunately the hotel is fully booked, so I can’t get you another room. I’m terribly sorry for the inconvenience.”

Alisa held up her index finger. “No, call the studio. Contact Robin Skiles.  Robin will be able to sort out this mess.”

The receptionist shook his head. “I apologize, miss, but we are not able to—”

“No, there’s always a way to figure these things out.  My room was booked!”  Alisa hadn’t lost her temper like this her entire life, but for some reason, she was feeling a rush.  Her face was flushed, but the receptionist didn’t flinch. There were probably far more menacing characters than Alisa in the city, but the situation had her floored.

Evan came to the rescue: “You know what? It’s all right. Alisa you can just come stay with me.  I’ll take the couch. How does that sound?”

“Your belongings have been gathered and transferred to Mr. Gable’s room for you to collect. Again, I apologize for this inconvenience.”  The receptionist was far too busy to stick around and disappeared into the back office, so Alisa couldn’t even complain if she’d wanted to.

“Damn right, inconvenience,” she muttered.

“Lis.” He whispered, trying to calm her.

“All right.”  She picked up her purse and started for the elevator. “Let’s go.”

Part of her wondered if this would be a good idea, but she knew that there weren’t any other options.  She could afford to rent her own room at another hotel for the night.  But would it be worth the hassle?  She spent the day with Evan and genuinely enjoyed his company, but she’d been looking forward to the privacy within her own four walls.

“I’m sorry about that,” Alisa apologized as they exited the elevator.

“It’s alright. It’s just for tonight, hope that’s alright.” Evan slid the keycard into the slot and held the door open for her.

Gratefully accepting the gesture, Alisa walked through and made a beeline for the restroom.  Her fingers fiddled with the faucet, and once the stream began flowing, she splashed cold water on her face then dabbed it dry with a fresh towel.

She could hear the clicking of keystrokes on a laptop as she came out of the restroom.  Something caught her eye when she sat on the bed. It was a beautiful black guitar, only slightly worn and freshly stringed.

“I didn’t know you were a musician.”  She said, running her fingers over the strings. The strings were in tune as she plucked them, and they hummed each note, resonating through the body of the guitar.  Alisa knew how to pick out a few notes on piano, but the guitar had always intrigued her.  “Did you come here with this?”

“No, actually, I picked it up from my old roommate. I’ve had it in storage here and totally forgot about it until yesterday.” Evan picked up the instrument and sat it on his lap, tuning it before picking out a melody. His playing and singing were hypnotizing...

“Cover me in your light

The stars are up above and smiling

Telling me I’ll be fine

Just like yesterday you were here

To tell me I’ll be fine

I’ll be fine when I see you

I’ll be fine when I see you again

Someday

Tell me I’ll be fine

Will you cover me in light?

Tell me I’ll be fine

If I could only see your smile”

Alisa was convinced there wasn’t much he couldn’t do. His voice was soothing.  His direction and ambition, strong. His face, gorgeous. There were goose bumps on her arms, and she rubbed her forearm with her palm. She smiled at him, “Beautiful.”

“Thank you. I wrote that for my sister, Carrie.”

“Oh…” The lyrics were subtle and wonderfully written, and the meaning behind them really hit her hard. “I’m sorry…”

His lips curled up bashfully on one side, and he shrugged.  “It’s been almost 5 years to the day.  Cancer.  She left behind a son, who’s in my sister Victoria’s care.”

The story made Alisa’s lip quiver; she didn’t realize how hard the situation hit her until she felt a warm tear in the corner of her eye.  She brushed it away and nodded. “I see. I’m so sorry ...”

“Not your fault.”

“Sorry.”

He laughed.

With a sniffle, she brushed away another tear and nodded. “Habit, I guess.”

“Hey, thanks for letting me take you around today.”

“Thanks for giving me the tour of the city.”

“My pleasure. I think we found some great shots.”

That they did. There would be some great landscapes for them to shoot for the next movie, in and out of Manhattan.  The first one was mainly shot in Los Angeles, but Manhattan was going to be a fantastic backdrop.

“Well, princess, guess we should turn in. Gotta get up for that early flight.”  As he stood up, he ruffled her hair, and in one swift motion, he kissed her on the lips. “Good night.”

Time was at a standstill for a few seconds.  When he pulled away, Alisa wasn’t sure what sort of face she was making, but she was definitely stunned. After a few blinks, she smiled and leaned back against the large pillow on the bed.  The door shut behind him.

“Good night.”

***

The flight home seemed quick, and she was thankful for that.  Not saying much to each other, they went their separate ways with a promise of meeting within the next few days to practice their lines for the first shoot.  

Her thoughts drifted back to the director, and she got sidetracked.  

When she tried to text him about what happened the night before, he responded that it was
practice for what was to come
.  

That’s it.

She assumed it was the episode they’d have to film, but her mind was still racing.  Evan gave her butterflies every time he came around, and she couldn’t deny the dynamic had truly changed between them.  Not to mention the detailed daydream making her nervous around him … well, nothing bad had happened, and it was a simple kiss, nothing more.  Alisa was just happy to be back home to see her husband.

“Honey, I’m home!”  

That morning, Alisa woke up alone.  Logan was in the living room with Sports Center on the television when she came out to find him. He stood to greet her, and she practically leapt into his arms, holding tight to him and swinging around.  When she made note of his expression, she reached with her toes to get back down to the floor safely.  “What’s the matter?”

Something was really wrong. He looked just as put off as he had before she left.

“How was it, then?”  Logan asked.

“New York?  It was
  
”

“Joey sent me a picture of you and that bastard.”  He was angry, and she could hear a faint hint of his accent coming through.  That’s how she always knew Logan was pissed off.

“What picture?  When?” Alisa spat.

“Quin’s party.  That harmless party.  Joey saw you there, outside on the balcony.  Having a good time, you told me.”

Her face must have lost a lot of blood, because it felt numb.  Alisa instantly had a knot in her throat.  “He ... what?”

The crease between Logan’s eyebrows was so sharp, it scared her.  Alisa hadn’t ever seen him this angry, not even before she left for New York.  “You get any closer and he’d be down your throat, Alisa.”

“Logan … What’s wrong with you?”

There was something that felt off about him. He was way more on edge than normal, even if it did have something to do with Evan.  The jitters, the attitude, the sweat.  Alisa recalled those signs, but she let it slide.  There was no way he would have gone back.
He promised
.  

He put up his hand to stop her from continuing with her line of questioning which made her flinch.  “I don’t want to hear it.”  The conviction in his voice was startling.  “This … Evan books a flight to New York with you on business. Is that your business, staying in some stranger’s room? Are you serious?”

“We didn’t do anything! Logan, why are you being this way?”

“You’re telling me you did nothing with him?  He didn’t make a move on you, didn’t try to kiss you or sleep with you?”

Though his accusations were a little brash, her face must have gone as pale as a sheet when he asked about a kiss.  Logan could see the panic and the fear in her eyes when he called her out on it, and he shook his head furiously.

“The studio received a call saying they had booked it wrong, and you were without a room for a night. Where did you stay, Alisa?”

She knew there was only one answer to that question, and she was sure he knew it as well. Alisa was speechless.

“Unbelievable.”  Logan’s back was to her instantly.  “I oughtta knock him out.”

“Seriously?”

“Don’t
seriously
me, Alisa.  That is beyond ridiculous.”

“We were reading for a scene—”she desperately reached for some sort of shield to protect them both, even if it was a half-truth.  Alisa didn’t think she was capable of doing such a thing, but desperate people do things that surprise even themselves.

“When?”

“His audition. He found out I was Theresa and ...”