Page 93 of All That Glitters

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but you’ll need to leave. This is a private party.” He reached for her arm. She instinctively shook loose, backing away.

“Wait! I know it’s a private party. My friend’s the writer!”

“She’s telling the truth,” came a female voice. Debbie and the Security Guard both turned to see Carrie hurrying over. “She’s a guest of the producers.”

“You!” Debbie snarled. “You kissed Tony!”

“Wait— I— ”

Before Carrie could get another word out, Debbie broke free from the Security Guard’s grip and lunged at Carrie, sending the two of them tumbling into the pool.

Inside, a TV camera crew was circled around Tony and Craig. An attractive reporter held her microphone up to Craig.

“What can you tell us about some of these accidents you had on the set?”

“Oh, them things,” Craig said with a dismissive wave. “Hell, they’s exaggerated.”

“The blackout?”

“Maybe that one weren’t so exaggerated.”

Suddenly, a massive ruckus erupted from outside — shouts, screams, and the unmistakable sound of bodies hitting water. Guests began rushing towards the patio doors to see what was happening. Tony and Craig looked over.

Craig glanced at Tony. “That klutzy friend of yer’s go out that way?”

Tony nodded with a groan and raced off, pushing his way through the crowd gathering around the swimming pool. TheSecurity Guard was helping a sputtering, drenched Carrie out of the water, wrapping a towel around her shivering shoulders. Her parents rushed over, full of concern.

“Honey, are you alright?” Mary asked, fussing over her.

“I’m fine, Mom. Really,” Carrie smiled. “Just a bruised ego.”

Dale looked around at the chaos — a drenched socialite who’d been splashed, the irate Society Woman still screaming at a security guard — and an amused smile spread across his face. “It’s certainly an exciting profession you’ve chosen, Care-Bear.”

Tony rushed to the edge of the pool and joined them. “What happened?”

“I think our jealousy plan worked,” Carrie said with a light chuckle, shivering slightly. “She tackled me before I could explain.”

“I’m sorry,” Tony said. “I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

“Just go find her. Security escorted her out.”

Eli hurried over, his face a mask of professional panic. “Tony! They need you inside!” He then saw Carrie, sopping wet and wrapped in a towel. “Did I miss something?”

“Just a little misunderstanding,” Carrie said.

Eli turned to Tony. “I need you back inside. The news crew is waiting.”

“I’ll talk to them,” Carrie said, then turned to Tony. “Go find Debbie.”

“Thanks, Carrie,” Tony said, then hurried off, pushing his way back through the crowd and into the hotel.

Tony raced through the lobby and burst out the front entrance into the parking lot. He looked around frantically. No Debbie. He ran over to the valet stand.

“Did you see a brunette in a black dress come by here?” he asked breathlessly. “She’s probably soaking wet.”

The valet looked up from his podium. “Sorry, man. You just missed her. Got into a taxi about two minutes ago.”

“Dammit,” Tony groaned, running a hand through his hair.