Idolized (Hollywood Stardust Book 3) (12 page)

Ryder put his hand over hers, pushed the phone back inside its confines, and continued his conversation.

Cora listened to the chatter, becoming lost in the rhythm of Ryder’s voice, and the way his fingers played with hers.

The talk died down and with his nose, he moved her hair away from her ear. “How am I doing?”

Before answering, she rewound the last few minutes. “I actually don’t know how you do it.”

“How I do what?” He punctuated his sentence by kissing her earlobe.

She crossed her legs and clenched her thighs together. The man knew exactly what he was doing on many, many counts. “Be so gracious with the constant clamoring for your attention and the interruptions.”

“This is part of life in the public. If you don’t do these things, you get labeled as a jerk or a bitch, and we can’t have that. People like you and I need other people to do our bidding.” As if on cue, the dinner service started and the waiter placed a plate of the traditional rubber chicken with sauce in front of them, complete with limp vegetables and some sort of starch.

Now acutely aware of her own facial expressions, Cora fought the urge to wrinkle her nose or make any other sort of face, but honestly even the thought of a Ryder induced orgasm couldn’t blunt the meal. No doubt Ryder would dig right in as if this were some great delicacy.

“Excuse me.” Ryder lifted his hand and no less than two waiters rushed to his side.

“Sir, is there something I can help you with?” One of the servers leaned down.

“Not only is this a charity function for animals, but I happen to be a vegan. Might you have something else?” He glanced over at her. “For both me and the lady?”

“Of course, sir.” Within an instant the waiters cleared their dishes and dashed away.

“Vegan?” She realized she never really ate any food with Ryder. Truth be told she could have gone for a steak.

“I’m going to get us a couple of drinks. No phones and smile.” He let go of her hand and left, straightening his tux as he walked away.

Fine, she sort of didn’t want him to leave, and she spent a lingering second watching him as he stopped and signed yet another autograph then even posed for a picture.

A touch on her shoulder interrupted her reverie, and she turned, gasping at some woman with way too much jewelry and orange lipstick smiling at her. “Yes?” Where was Ryder to speak when she needed him?

“So tell me, is he as wonderful in private as he is in public?” The woman’s smile grew, reminding Cora of a pumpkin or maybe a clown.

Under normal circumstances, she would have nodded and not answered, or maybe even lifted her phone. How dare anyone ask about her personal life, even if somehow her personal life became public. Still, what kind of question was that?

Before she opened her mouth, the day she had replayed in her mind. How people liked her with Ryder, how she was human and more likable. Humans spoke, that’s what they did, and she took a breath. “Even better.”

The woman laughed and motioned for to come closer.

Curiosity and the need to comply with everyone’s wishes made her lean in.

“So, if you don’t mind me asking, how much does a man like Ryder Scott cost?” The woman elbowed her.

Something told Cora this woman wasn’t after what it cost to cast the star in
Hollywood Stardom
. “Cost?”

“Rumor has it that he’s always bought and paid for and he’s well worth it.” The woman cupped her hand around her mouth. “I say whatever you had to pay was a bargain.”

In order to process the information, she turned away to find Ryder walking toward her with two glasses of wine.

He returned to the table, handed her a glass, and tapped his goblet against hers. “Something not nearly as sweet as you.”

With her eyes fixed on him, she took a sip of the fruity wine.

He sat next to her, kissed her cheek and once more began speaking to the others at the table.

She tore her focus away from him and glanced around the room. A couple of people lifted their cell phones and snapped pictures, exactly like Ryder said they would. No doubt those snapshots would end up on her own website tomorrow.

With him she was liked, human and relatable. The woman who had it all, and he made it easy.

After taking another taste of her wine she turned back to the lady. “Nothing worth having is cheap in this world.” She laced her arm in Ryder’s. No, nothing was cheap, but the one thing she learned since her company went public was that everything was for sale, especially today’s leading men.

HOLLYWOOD STARDOM

FADE IN:

INT. LOS ANGELES, CA – WILLIAM’S AGENT’S OFFICE – DAY.

A secretary leads ROXY into a posh office lined with awards and gold records.

KAREN, WILLIAM’S AGENT – Middle aged stylish woman stands when ROXY enters and the two women hug.

KAREN

Good to see you.

ROXY

You too, thanks for seeing me at such short notice.

Both ROXY and KAREN sit.

KAREN

(Smiles and types something on a computer)

William said you wanted to try again.

ROXY

It’s my dream.

KAREN

(Typing in the computer)

It’s everyone’s dream, you just have a one up on everyone.

ROXY

(Reaches into her bag)

I have my updated resume.

KAREN

(Shakes her head and points to the computer screen)

I can get you booked as a streetwalker on Crime Today or there is a position opening up as a plaintiff whose little boy got bit by a dog on one of those court shows.  Of course, in a couple of months we’re going to start filming your husband’s video, and you always have a part there.

ROXY

(Shifts in her seat)

Just like that I can have a part?

KAREN

For William, of course.  Anytime. Just let me know.  I know it’s hard to be the wife.  These little roles will keep you busy and give you some pocket change.  I’m surprised you didn’t come to me sooner.

ROXY

(Shrugs)

Lately I just wanted something more.

KAREN

As I said, I understand.  The wife plays the ultimate role, but William made sure I would take care of you. This business is all about who you know.  Just let me know where you want to start.

ROXY