Spotlight (26 page)

Lily rolled her eyes and then grinned at her mother. “Do you remember me mentioning Daniel’s publicist, Nate?” Anne nodded. “Well . . . we went out on a date when I was in New York, and we’ve been talking since then.”

Anne’s eyes widened. “Wow, that’s quite a change of tune.”

“Believe me, I know. But I think he’s different than I thought he was.”

Anne leaned forward, putting her elbow on the counter, and resting her cheek in her hand. “How so?”

“It’s hard to explain. That gruff attitude he exudes? I think it’s a front. That’s just a part of the guy I’ve gotten to know. Yes, he’s short-tempered and sometimes mean and more than a little aloof. But he’s also kind and passionate and caring.” Lily sighed thoughtfully. “At first, I wanted nothing to do with him. And now I can’t stop thinking about him.”

Anne laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with that, honey. So where does that leave the two of you?”

Lily grumbled as she dropped her spoon into her bowl. “Ugh, I don’t know. He’s in Los Angeles. I’m here. We haven’t talked about it other than agreeing to try to make something work.”

Anne placed a comforting arm around her daughter’s shoulders. “I’m not saying this to be negative or because I think badly of this boy. But just be careful, sweetheart. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Lily smiled as she leaned her head against her mother’s shoulder. “I know, Mom. Thanks.”

“Good,” Anne said, letting go of her daughter after one last squeeze of her shoulder. She looked down at her with a mischievous grin. “So when do I get to meet him?”

Lily groaned then laughed. “We’ll see, Mom. We’ll see.”

Anne chuckled. “Okay, okay. I know you’ve got a message to answer. I’ll leave you to it.”

Before she left the kitchen, Lily hugged her one more time. “Thanks for listening, Mom.”

After she showered and got ready for the day, Lily flipped open her laptop to return Nate’s e-mail.

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: RE: Rome

Nate,

Hmm . . . Nate and Lily’s European Adventures? I like it! You realize, of course, that I’m only using you for your promises of glamorous international travel. (Okay, I kid . . . obviously. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say that was a perk!)

Your description of Rome (and me?) made me blush. It sounds lovely and fascinating. I’m more than ready for our adventures!

And by the way, I like slightly drunk Nate. He’s welcome to e-mail me anytime. ;)

I’m not sure if you’ll get this before you leave, but travel safely. I hope your jet lag isn’t too bad.

Of course you can call me. In fact, I’ll be anxiously awaiting it. It’s been far too long.

Until then . . .

Yours, Lily

Chapter Seventeen

Lily found it easy to bury herself in work during the next two days. The holidays were fast approaching, which left her no shortage of stories to write and events to cover. But it truly was the most wonderful time of the year. This was when she got to indulge her playful side by writing about Santa, toys, and the things children looked forward to most about the holidays. It was also her opportunity to remind people to be thankful for their blessings and to give back to others—even if it was dropping their spare change in those red kettles at store entrances.

Wednesday was a long day. She’d had a luncheon to cover and a major deadline. So when she walked in her door at seven o’clock, all she wanted was to reheat some leftover pasta and pour herself a glass of red wine. She had just taken the last sip of her wine and was contemplating pouring another glass when her phone rang. She’d been so preoccupied that she’d forgotten Nate was supposed to call. When his name and photo lit the display on her phone, she grinned.

“Hello,” she said, fighting to keep her smile out of her voice.

“Hello, Lily? This is Nate Brennan,” he responded in a formal tone.

“Hey, Nate. Is everything all right?”

“Everything’s fine, Lily. Why do you ask?”

“Well, you sound so . . . official. Like someone calling with bad news.”

Nate chuckled, sounding uncertain. “No, no. Everything’s fine. I guess I’m just a little . . . nervous? I think that’s the word I’m looking for.”

Lily stretched out on her sofa, making herself comfortable—second glass of wine in hand. “Really? But it’s just me you’re talking to. There’s no reason to be nervous. But I will admit—I’ve been anxious for you to call.”

“Believe it or not, that’s nice to hear.”

Lily blushed and cleared her throat. “So how was the rest of your trip?”

“I think it went well. The premiere in Rome was packed, so I’ll take that as a good sign. It opens here on Friday and internationally in the following weeks. The early reviews look good, so we’re hoping for good opening weekend numbers across the board.”

She couldn’t help but smile. “Nate? Thank you for the professional answer. Now tell me how it really was.”

He laughed, then sighed. “You’re good at seeing through me. It was long. And tiring. And sometimes stressful. But overall, it was okay. Since Daniel was by himself this trip, there weren’t any extra security concerns. The paparazzi got bored when they figured out she wasn’t with him, and the questions were kept to a minimum.”

“That’s good. What you said in your e-mail about the paparazzi being more aggressive but the fans being more reserved was interesting. That’s true?”

“Yeah. Particularly in London. The British paparazzi are notorious for their behavior. But the fans have this politeness about them. They still scream and ask for autographs and all that, but they seem more grateful, somehow. They don’t expect Daniel to spend time with them. They’re just thankful when he does. Does that make sense?”

“Actually, it does. Fans here think they have some kind of right to get a celebrity’s autograph or picture. I’ve even heard fans say that actors owed them at least that much since they spent money to see them. I can’t quite wrap my head around that.”

“It’s a fine line,” Nate said. “I suppose you could argue that dealing with fans is part of the job. I’ve even made that argument myself. And it is, to some degree, especially at public events like premieres. But it’s easy to cross a line. When it’s on a celebrity’s personal time, that’s when it gets a little dicey.”

“It’s funny. I can see both sides of it,” Lily mused. “Part of me would kick myself for passing up an opportunity to get an autograph if, let’s say, I saw someone at dinner, because that opportunity may never happen again. But another part of me understands that they’re at the restaurant for a meal just like I am. It’s their own time, and they shouldn’t be disturbed.”

“I’m glad it’s a problem I don’t have to deal with.”

“Me, too,” Lily agreed. “So have you recovered from your jet lag?”

Nate laughed. “Yes, I think so. I went back to the office today, so that’s a good sign. It always takes me a day or two to get my body back in sync. How have things been with you?”

“Good.” Lily’s answer was cheerful. “Work has been crazy-busy, but things always pick up this time of year with preholiday stuff going on. I spent some time with my family this past weekend. And I’m going to try to get together with my girlfriends, too, before we all go our separate ways for Christmas.”

“Do you have your holiday shopping finished?”

Lily sniggered. “Not even close.”

Nate laughed. “Good, me either.”

“So what are you getting me for Christmas?” Lily asked, her tone teasing.

“What would you like?”

Lily thought for a moment then smiled. “More of this.”

“Really?” Lily could feel the relief in Nate’s tone as he caught her meaning.

Lily laughed lightly. “Yes, really. You didn’t think I would?”

“I hoped you would. But I also know there are some serious obstacles—not the least of which is that we live on opposite sides of the country.”

Lily sighed. “That’s true. And I don’t expect . . . whatever it is we’re doing . . . to be easy. All I know is that I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know you, even if it has been over e-mail.”

Nate’s tone softened. “Me, too. I think about you all the time, Lily.”

Perhaps the wine had something to do with it, but Lily felt giddy laughter bubbling within her and tried her best to contain it. “You’ve been on my mind quite a bit, too, Mr. Brennan. And that’s how I know that this is worth the chance. I don’t want to wonder what might have been.”

“Me either. I want to see where this goes.”

“I have to admit—I’ve gotten a question or two about what’s going on between the two of us,” Lily said.

“So have I, actually.”

“How do you think we should answer them?”

Nate paused briefly before answering. “Well, I’d like to tell people that you’re my girlfriend.”

Lily’s relieved laughter floated across the phone lines. “I’d like that a lot.”

Nate let out a breath. “I’m so glad to hear you say that. And I like the thought of you calling me your boyfriend. Let all those other would-be suitors know you’re taken, milady!”

“No one but you, Nate.”

“Same here, Lily.”

“So I’ll talk to you soon?”

“Absolutely. I have a dinner meeting with a client, so I do have to go. But I think boyfriends should talk to their girlfriends as often as possible. Call you tomorrow, okay?”

Lily grinned. “Sounds good, boyfriend.”

“Talk to you later, girlfriend. Bye for now.”

Lily ended the call and then hugged her phone to her chest with a deep sigh. She knew it was a very girlie gesture, but she was thrilled to know he felt the same way.

Lily and Nate made a pact. They would be in touch with each other at least every other day. Sometimes it was just a simple text to let each other know that the other was on their mind. Other times it was an e-mail in the middle of the day that brightened their moods. But the best were the phone calls that went late into the night.

Their holiday gifts for each other arrived a week before Christmas, but they decided to open them on the phone together on Christmas day.

That afternoon, after Lily’s niece and nephews opened and played with all their new toys, she snuck away to her old bedroom to call Nate. As she scrolled to his number, she sat cross-legged in the middle of her bed with a flat package sitting beside her.

Nate seemed cheerful as he answered. “Merry Christmas!”

“Hi,” she responded softly. “Merry Christmas to you! Are you having fun in New York?”

“Actually, I am. My parents seem happy to have me here. They even skipped some parties just to spend time with me.”

“That’s great! I’m glad to hear that.”

“So how is your family?”

“They’re doing well. The kids loved all their gifts. I spent the morning playing video games with Evan in my pajamas then dressing up Barbies with Celeste.”

Nate chuckled. “That sounds like fun. And they sound like great kids from everything you’ve told me. I’d love to meet them.”

“I’d love that, too.” Something about the thought of Nate interacting with her family—especially her niece and nephews—made Lily’s heart race.

“Are you ready to open your gift?” Nate asked.

“Yes. But you go first.”

“Okay, but only if you’re sure.”

“Absolutely! Rip it open.” Lily laughed when she heard the faint tearing of wrapping paper.

“Lily, thank you. This is perfect.” His sincere tone made her smile. She thought the leather messenger bag would be useful with all his traveling, and she’d noticed that his current one had seen better days. It had been hard to know what to get him. She wanted to send him something thoughtful and unexpected.

“Really? I was hoping you would like it.”

“I love it. And you know I will use it. Thank you again. Now it’s your turn. Open it!”

Lily laughed at his excitement. “If you insist.” She grabbed the package, tore the paper, and carefully lifted the top of the envelope-shaped box.