Someone Else's Fairytale

Twenty-One: Dinner

For once, I hated myself for my lack of wardrobe. I'd worn my gray skirt around Jason a couple of times, and I wasn't sure if he'd seen me in my black dress. I decided that if I was going to make a fool out of myself, I'd at least try to look stunning too. I went shopping and got myself a fitted, burgundy dress with a shawl. That plus some new pumps helped bolster my confidence.

I showered and took half an hour to blow dry and style my hair, curling the ends the way I'd seen Beth do it. (Why not? We did have the same shape face and it'd looked fabulous on her.) I did my eyes up dark and smoky, which would be a disaster if I started crying. One more reason not to cry. My lips, I did up with a light plum lipstick under lipgloss. Matthew had once told me it looked very kissable, and I hoped that was good advice, even considering the source.

I timed the drive so that I could sweep into Tia Anita's at 7:05, only there was a huge crowd of fans at the door, and no one to call me and give me access through the side entrance. I had to muscle my way through the crowd to get inside.

It was probably more like 7:10 when I presented myself to the host, who looked a little surprised when I told her what table. My already low self confidence sank another notch. “One second,” she said. She disappeared back into the restaurant, with its smells of green chile, queso blanco, and warm sopapillas.

I waited, feeling like the most pathetic fangirl on the planet, until the host returned and waved me on back. I followed her around the corner and down a small hallway to the private room, where Jason, Donovan Reilly, and Rick Lucero all sat. The table had either been switched out, or had some leaves removed. It was big for four people, but not enormous. Rick Lucero was another actor around Jason's age, with similar dreamboat status. His eyes were hazel gray, his hair dark brown, his tan perfect, his body toned. Not remarkable at this table. I had no idea what he was doing here in Albuquerque. When I walked in, all three guys looked up. Rick raised his eyebrows.

“Chloe, right?” said Don.

“Hi,” I said.

“Hey, have a seat,” said Jason. The only seat was at the far end of the table, opposite and facing him. I slid into it and crossed my ankles. There was a hint of surprise in his gaze as he looked at me. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.”

“How've you been?” asked Don.

“Good. I'm surprised you even remember me.”

He gave a self conscious chuckle. “Of course I do.”

“What brings you to Albuquerque?” I asked. As weird as it was to have him there, it was nice too. I could just turn and talk to him, rather than making calf eyes at Jason.

Jason sat back in his chair and turned to Rick. The two of them started talking.

“Rick and I have a shoot starting here next week, and we just came out early to hang with Jason,” said Don.

I nodded.

“'Cause, you know, he's got his shoot starting tomorrow in Vancouver.”

“Oh.” I shrugged. “No, I didn't know.”

A look of confusion flitted across Don's face, but it was gone as fast as it came. “How're your studies going? Dig up any good bones?”

“Not recently. Saw your cover on People. Very suave.”

“Oh really?” He pretended to preen. “Ye-ah... prepared for days for that one, you know. Practiced the look.”

I laughed.

Jason and Rick paused and looked at me. Jason's expression was unreadable.

“So, your high school was called La Cueva?” said Rick.