Page 84 of Second Act

Quentin and the technician appeared at the same time. “You were fantastic,” Quentin said, helping with the wire after Jessica peeled the tape gently off her skin. “A natural.” He winked at her. “And Hugh was okay, too.”

“Well, I know I looked all right, thanks to you.” Jessica stood to hug Quentin. “I guess I need to give you the blouse and accessories back.”

“No, the designer wants you to keep them. Just mention her name every now and then.”

Jessica looked at Hugh, who’d been watching their banter with an indulgent eye. He shrugged. “Happens all the time. If you like them, take them home. Trust me, it’s great publicity for the designer.”

It felt odd to accept expensive clothing from a total stranger, especially when she was supposed to become a walking advertisement. Jessica flexed one foot out in front of her. “I can’t imagine ever wearing these shoes again. They’re just too high.”

“Decide when you get home and let me know,” Quentin said, closing up his makeup box. “I’ve got to dash.”

He shut the door, leaving Hugh and Jessica alone.

“Was it that awful?” Hugh asked, worry putting a crease between his eyebrows.

“I was exaggerating for effect,” she said, reaching up to smooth the furrow out. “What you said about why we broke up was really sweet. Did you mean it?”

Now anger made the blue of his eyes scorching. “Of course I meant it. I said it in front of millions of people.”

“Well, that’s why I wondered.”

“Wait, you thought I said itbecausethere were millions of viewers? That I was playing to the audience?” He raked his fingers through his hair as he looked away. “And here I thought that if I made such a public declaration you would believe me, and trust the truth of it.”

The pain in his voice jabbed at Jessica. “I’m sorry, but this celebrity thing is new to me. I don’t really know how it works.”

She watched his chest expand as he took a deep breath. “I will never pretend anything with you, Jess, no matter how many or how few people are watching.” He took her hands. “Every word out of my mouth was real. Do you believe that now?”

“Yes.” She nodded as the joy bubbled up again, drowning all her creeping suspicions. “And I’m going to play the recording of that interview over and over again, just to hear you say it.”

He smiled, but there was still hurt in his eyes.