Hollywood Secrets, page 2
“Prove me wrong.”
Ada gulped her wine instead.
“Exactly.” Kerri met her eyes, a hint of sadness in them. Or was it pity. “Look, I know we went in very different directions with our lives.”
Ada bit back a sigh. It was something she’d been thinking about more and more as the years went by. Kerri had been auditioning for the same parts when they were teenagers. That’s how they met. Both young, ambitious, and with no friends in a new city.
Kerri had landed a few small roles, but when it became clear that it was a case of deciding to be herself or to chase her dreams, Kerri had emphatically chosen to be herself. She’d been out since she was twenty, knowing that, back then anyway, breaking out as an openly gay woman would only make the dream of being a full-time actress even harder than it already was.
And Ada had gone in the opposite direction, trusting Kerri to keep her secret, to never tell anyone that they’d dated for a year, and it had worked. As far as the public was concerned, Ada was as straight as they come.
Yes, Ada had achieved everything she’d always dreamt of. She had a cabinet full of awards. She’d worked with the best people in this business. Her movies would be remembered long after she was gone.
But it had certainly come at a price.
Kerri held her gaze. “It’s not too late. You can still come out.”
Ada shook her head, not in the mood to have this conversation right now.
“Please think about it,” Kerri said, knowing not to push her.
Ada bit the inside of her cheek, a heaviness settling over her as she realized how far off track her life had truly gone. She did want to come out. She’d just kept putting it off.
After this award.
After a financial milestone that kept moving every time she nearly achieved it.
After turning thirty.
After turning forty.
After, after, after.
If Ada wasn’t careful, she’d die with her secret.
4
Sydney thanked the waiter as he poured them a glass of wine, throwing a glance over her shoulder to see if anyone was paying them any attention. They were outside, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair, and nearly every table was taken, but they were all lost in their own conversations.
“Are you sure about this?” Sydney asked Kerri. “I feel like another Friday night spent together is only going to fuel the rumors about us.”
“I’m fine with it if you are,” Kerri said, glancing up from the menu. “The people that matter know that I would never date a client.”
“Yeah, but what if I’m scaring away your future wife?”
Kerri chuckled. “I highly doubt that. And I’m not interested in dating right now,” she said as her eyes moved over the menu before she put it down. “What about you? I’m not getting in the way?”
“I’m taking a break too.” Sydney reached for her wine glass. “I could do with a few weeks without any drama.”
“Hope you’re not waiting for Ada.”
Sydney knew Kerri was joking, but she couldn’t ignore the way that even hearing that woman’s name made her heart beat a little faster. “No. I’m not waiting for the great Adelaide Atwood. Besides, she’s straight and way out of my league.”
Kerri lifted her glass. “Sydney, no one is out of your league anymore.”
Sydney grinned. “That is something that I will drink to,” she said as she gently clinked their glasses together. “Although I really don’t believe it.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. Keep your ego in check.”
The waiter returned to take their order, and Sydney’s stomach rumbled as she ordered the teriyaki steak.
Kerri sat back in her chair. “You must be wondering why I never introduced you two. You’re both clients. And I know you look up to her.”
Sydney tried to hide her smile. “I figured it would happen eventually.” She did look up to Adelaide, but now that they were in the same social circle and they saw each other several times a year at awards shows, Sydney’s crush had turned into infatuation somewhere along the way. And she had kind of hoped that Kerri would introduce them.
“Did you read that script?” Kerri asked.
“Yes. Twice.” Sydney rested her arms on the table. “I couldn’t put it down. But there’s no name on it. Who wrote it? It can’t be an amateur. It’s too good.”
Kerri ignored her question. “Are you interested?”
“Of course.” Since Sydney had established herself in the last three years, she’d been much more selective about the roles she auditioned for. But this was exactly what she was looking for.
“No suggestions?”
“No.”
“Nothing you’d change?”
Sydney shook her head. “No. If I could write, that’s the kind of script I would be writing. So no.”
Kerri hid her smile behind her wine glass. “I think you’d be perfect for it.”
“Okay, but what are my chances? Whose project is it?”
“It’s as good as yours. If it happens. It’s mine.”
Sydney’s mouth fell open. “What? I had no idea you could write.”
Kerri shrugged. “For years it was a hobby. I actually came up with Ada. I wanted to be an actress. That’s how we met. At an audition. But I had no interest in playing it straight and hiding who I was. I’ve been writing ever since, but I knew being an agent was the safest way to stay in the business I loved, and I’d always hoped that one day, I’d have the right contacts to put one of my scripts out there and see if I could get the backing for it.”
“This is just…” Sydney couldn’t stop smiling. “Kerri, I had no idea. About the writing or that you wanted to be an actress.”
“It feels like another lifetime,” Kerri said with a sad smile.
“Are you happy?” Sydney swallowed. “With the way things turned out?” She didn’t want to press Kerri too much. Sydney had known Kerri for about three years now, and she’d considered them friends, but this just showed how little she knew about her agent.
Kerri nodded. “Yeah. For the most part. Don’t get me wrong. I love my job. But I still wonder… What might have been.”
“If you’d stuck with acting?”
“Yeah. But that probably would have meant pretending to be straight.”
“Really? This wasn’t that long ago.”
Kerri sipped her wine. “People like you are creating a new normal, but we’re talking about nearly thirty years ago, so yes. That was a long time ago, and things really were that different.”
Sydney inhaled a shaky breath. The thought really hadn’t crossed her mind. That she might hide who she was for the sake of her career. It wasn’t an option. She would never have stuck it for more than a few weeks.
If she had gone that direction, she might have made it sooner. She did always wonder if being out was holding her back, but she knew she’d get there eventually. Her talent would be what made her famous. Not her looks or her smile.
And if she was talented enough, no one should care if she was gay.
5
Ada tucked her legs underneath her and sipped her gin and tonic, remote in hand as she flicked through the channels, ready to skip right over the red carpet coverage from tonight’s award ceremony. This was the first time in her career that she wouldn’t be attending, and that was because it had been almost two years since she’d starred in a major movie, and she had zero interest in going as anyone’s date.
Just as she changed the channel, there was Sydney Lockett doing an interview, camera flashes going off all around. Her blond hair was swept back in an updo, her shoulders bare. The interviewer asked about her royal blue dress, and she stood back and did a little turn, showing it off, the strapless dress clinging to her hips before flowing away.
Ada put the remote down, momentarily lost in a daze, gripped by a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Ada usually ignored anything related to Sydney Lockett, because she didn’t want to acknowledge the young woman’s rising star, but the last time Ada had seen her, probably at an awards show they both attended last year, she hadn’t realized Sydney was so… Beautiful.
Ada’s nearly choked on her drink when she saw Sydney reach out and grab Charlotte Dixon’s hand, bringing her into the interview.
What’s going on here? They hadn’t been working together. Not as far as Ada knew anyway.
Sydney slid an arm around Charlotte’s waist as they both answered a question, and Ada couldn’t focus on what they were saying.
Charlotte Dixon was her peer. She’d lost track of how many times they’d been nominated for the same award.
Sydney and Charlotte weren’t there together, were they?
Ada grabbed her phone, searching both their names on social media only to find people losing their minds in real time.
#Sylotte
Ada rolled her eyes as she tossed her phone away. That was a ridiculous ship name. Who said they were even dating?
And this was why she didn’t waste time on social media.
Last week she only learned what a ship name was. And that was from the last time she paid Sydney Lockett any attention. When fans had declared Kerri and Sydney #Kerney.
Ada changed the channel.
But she was back again two hours later, after making herself another drink, curiosity getting the better of her.
She didn’t have to wait long to see Sydney winning an award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Ada pursed her lips as she watched Sydney’s jaw drop in what appeared to be genuine shock, but who really knew? She did just win an award for best actress.
Sitting beside Sydney was Charlotte Dixon, and Ada held her breath as Sydney stood, but they didn’t hug or kiss. Sydney just gripped Charlotte’s hand before she made her way up to the stage.
Ada brought her gin and tonic to her lips, the ice cubes knocking against the glass. She’d known this would happen one day. Someone else would take her place. Someone else would get those parts. Someone else would win those awards. But there was something about Sydney that rubbed her the wrong way.
Ada wasn’t about to admit it to Kerri, but she was right. Ada was jealous. Sydney was gay and she didn’t care who knew or what anyone thought.
It seemed like a lifetime ago now, but looking back, Ada knew that she’d made the right choice. For her. Back then, her career had been far more important than her personal life, than meeting someone.
But could she say the same thing now?
Kerri’s words still echoed in her ears. ‘It’s not too late. You can still come out.’
She knew those words were true, but she just couldn’t see herself doing it. Just the thought of it made her stomach knot up.
And was there any point at this stage in her life?
Shouldn’t she just ride off into the sunset with all her awards if she wasn’t going to be relevant anymore. Why mess with her reputation?
Ada swallowed. The only problem with that was she didn’t want to be irrelevant. She still wanted to act. It was the only thing she was ever really good at. It was the thing that made her feel the most alive.
She leaned across the couch to pick up her phone again.
Ada
You’re right. I should meet Sydney.
Three dots appeared almost instantly. She knew Kerri wouldn’t be able to ignore those magic words. You’re right.
Kerri
You’re watching, aren’t you?
Ada
Yes
Kerri
She’s the real deal.
One on one or a dinner party?
Ada closed her eyes as she leaned back against the cushions. If she wanted to stay relevant, she should be seen with Sydney, but if she genuinely wanted to get to know her, she’d meet her one on one, and Ada had no idea what she actually wanted.
Although, she could meet her one on one, in public.
Ada
What about dinner at my favorite restaurant?
Just the two of us.
See what day works for her. If she wants to meet me at all.
Kerri
Trust me. She wants to meet you. I’ll see what she has available but she’s going to be in high demand after that win.
Ada
Thanks
Ada downed the rest of her gin and tonic as she watched the camera pan to Charlotte Dixon who was up for a supporting award. Ada’s eyes were on Sydney though.
In some ways, she looked younger than thirty, but in others, like how she spoke during the red carpet interview, she seemed mature. Grounded.
It wouldn’t be long before Ada could stop making assumptions about Sydney Lockett. She’d see for herself what this young woman was all about.
6
Sydney had been on a high all week, and as she climbed the stone steps to the Mexican restaurant, she had to tap into that confidence, that adrenaline, because she was a jittery mess.
Sydney pulled open the wooden door that looked at least one hundred years old and found herself in a lobby of sorts, a waiting area.
A young man behind the counter stopped polishing the wine glass he was holding. “Ms. Lockett?”
“Yes.” She looked to her left, hoping to catch a glimpse of Adelaide Atwood before she entered the restaurant, but the man pulled open a door to the right instead.
“Right this way, please.”
Sydney followed him up the stairs until they were on a balcony, the gentle whoosh of the tide rolling in the only sound she could hear. There were six tables, but only one was set. A table for two, right at the edge of the balcony.
When Kerri had stopped by the morning after the awards show to congratulate her and tell her that Adelaide Atwood wanted to have dinner, she’d been unable to hide her smile. Kerri hadn’t said what it was about, but the timing couldn’t have been coincidental. Maybe, Adelaide wanted to work with her now that she’d won a major award.
Sydney followed the man to the table that was set, and he introduced himself as their waiter for the evening. She didn’t sit down, her eyes drawn to the fiery sunset, the oranges and pinks vibrant as they met the midnight ocean, a light breeze coming in off the water.
She wasn’t entirely sure what to wear tonight so she’d gone with dark wash jeans and a black blazer over a white blouse. She hadn’t seen any other diners, so she had no one to compare herself to, but this place seemed relaxed enough.
If only she could get herself to relax.
Sydney rolled up the sleeves of her blazer and rested her forearms against the wall, breathing in the sea air, grateful for the way her life was unfolding.
Last week when she’d accepted the award, she’d been on top of the world, and the nerves she’d felt as she waited to hear who’d won had her stomach doing somersaults.
And that feeling was right back this evening. She clasped her hands in front of her, focusing on being a professional, on meeting someone who she’d always admired, someone who could prove to be a friend or a mentor, whatever Adelaide Atwood was willing to offer.
But when Sydney heard the clicking of heels against the concrete, she turned, all thoughts of professionalism and mentorship thrown out the window when her eyes landed on Adelaide.
Dressed in white capri jeans and a navy button-down blouse, her walnut brown hair cascading over her shoulders, this was the most casual Sydney had ever seen Adelaide Atwood, and she was absolutely stunning. A slim brown leather belt hugged her hips and gold earrings dangled from her ears.
“Sydney.”
Sydney sucked in a breath as she let her lips slide into a smile, trying to pull herself together. “Adelaide.”
“Call me Ada. Congratulations are in order,” she said as she reached the table, and they both pulled out a chair.
“Thank you.” Sydney tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as the waiter returned to take their drink orders.
“Wine?” Ada asked, her eyes locked on Sydney.
“Sure. Whatever you prefer.”
Ada ordered a very specific bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and when the waiter was gone she rested her elbows on the table, her hands clasped beside her cheek. “Thanks for making the time. I’m sure you’ve had a busy week.”
Sydney shook her head. “No. Not at all. Honestly, I was thrilled when Kerri said that you wanted to do this.”
“Really?”
The waiter returned with some water, and Sydney took a much-needed drink, her throat suddenly dry. “Yes. I mean, what actress hasn’t looked up to you and everything you’ve accomplished? I just wanted to thank you in person. For paving the way. For raising the bar so high.” She took another sip, internally wincing. She’d told herself she wouldn’t gush.
Ada thanked the waiter when he returned with the wine and after tasting it, she nodded for him to pour them each a glass. “To the first of many awards,” she said, turning her attention back to Sydney as she lifted her glass.
Sydney smiled slowly. “Cheers.”
She sipped her wine, soft citrus flavors hitting her tongue.
“Speaking of Kerri…” Ada tilted her head as she spoke. “She tells me I’m not to believe the rumors about you two.”
“Would it bother you if they were true?” Sydney asked without thinking, but she liked to find out early if someone was homophobic. It dampened the disappointment of discovering months later that someone she really liked actually wasn’t who she thought they were.
Ada arched an eyebrow. “You’ll have to elaborate. Are you asking if it would bother me to find out that my agent had a habit of sleeping with clients half her age? Possibly. If you were asking in a general sense, then of course it wouldn’t bother me. But seeing as she’s also my best friend, I would be a small bit concerned.”
Ada gulped her wine instead.
“Exactly.” Kerri met her eyes, a hint of sadness in them. Or was it pity. “Look, I know we went in very different directions with our lives.”
Ada bit back a sigh. It was something she’d been thinking about more and more as the years went by. Kerri had been auditioning for the same parts when they were teenagers. That’s how they met. Both young, ambitious, and with no friends in a new city.
Kerri had landed a few small roles, but when it became clear that it was a case of deciding to be herself or to chase her dreams, Kerri had emphatically chosen to be herself. She’d been out since she was twenty, knowing that, back then anyway, breaking out as an openly gay woman would only make the dream of being a full-time actress even harder than it already was.
And Ada had gone in the opposite direction, trusting Kerri to keep her secret, to never tell anyone that they’d dated for a year, and it had worked. As far as the public was concerned, Ada was as straight as they come.
Yes, Ada had achieved everything she’d always dreamt of. She had a cabinet full of awards. She’d worked with the best people in this business. Her movies would be remembered long after she was gone.
But it had certainly come at a price.
Kerri held her gaze. “It’s not too late. You can still come out.”
Ada shook her head, not in the mood to have this conversation right now.
“Please think about it,” Kerri said, knowing not to push her.
Ada bit the inside of her cheek, a heaviness settling over her as she realized how far off track her life had truly gone. She did want to come out. She’d just kept putting it off.
After this award.
After a financial milestone that kept moving every time she nearly achieved it.
After turning thirty.
After turning forty.
After, after, after.
If Ada wasn’t careful, she’d die with her secret.
4
Sydney thanked the waiter as he poured them a glass of wine, throwing a glance over her shoulder to see if anyone was paying them any attention. They were outside, a gentle breeze ruffling her hair, and nearly every table was taken, but they were all lost in their own conversations.
“Are you sure about this?” Sydney asked Kerri. “I feel like another Friday night spent together is only going to fuel the rumors about us.”
“I’m fine with it if you are,” Kerri said, glancing up from the menu. “The people that matter know that I would never date a client.”
“Yeah, but what if I’m scaring away your future wife?”
Kerri chuckled. “I highly doubt that. And I’m not interested in dating right now,” she said as her eyes moved over the menu before she put it down. “What about you? I’m not getting in the way?”
“I’m taking a break too.” Sydney reached for her wine glass. “I could do with a few weeks without any drama.”
“Hope you’re not waiting for Ada.”
Sydney knew Kerri was joking, but she couldn’t ignore the way that even hearing that woman’s name made her heart beat a little faster. “No. I’m not waiting for the great Adelaide Atwood. Besides, she’s straight and way out of my league.”
Kerri lifted her glass. “Sydney, no one is out of your league anymore.”
Sydney grinned. “That is something that I will drink to,” she said as she gently clinked their glasses together. “Although I really don’t believe it.”
“Maybe it’s for the best. Keep your ego in check.”
The waiter returned to take their order, and Sydney’s stomach rumbled as she ordered the teriyaki steak.
Kerri sat back in her chair. “You must be wondering why I never introduced you two. You’re both clients. And I know you look up to her.”
Sydney tried to hide her smile. “I figured it would happen eventually.” She did look up to Adelaide, but now that they were in the same social circle and they saw each other several times a year at awards shows, Sydney’s crush had turned into infatuation somewhere along the way. And she had kind of hoped that Kerri would introduce them.
“Did you read that script?” Kerri asked.
“Yes. Twice.” Sydney rested her arms on the table. “I couldn’t put it down. But there’s no name on it. Who wrote it? It can’t be an amateur. It’s too good.”
Kerri ignored her question. “Are you interested?”
“Of course.” Since Sydney had established herself in the last three years, she’d been much more selective about the roles she auditioned for. But this was exactly what she was looking for.
“No suggestions?”
“No.”
“Nothing you’d change?”
Sydney shook her head. “No. If I could write, that’s the kind of script I would be writing. So no.”
Kerri hid her smile behind her wine glass. “I think you’d be perfect for it.”
“Okay, but what are my chances? Whose project is it?”
“It’s as good as yours. If it happens. It’s mine.”
Sydney’s mouth fell open. “What? I had no idea you could write.”
Kerri shrugged. “For years it was a hobby. I actually came up with Ada. I wanted to be an actress. That’s how we met. At an audition. But I had no interest in playing it straight and hiding who I was. I’ve been writing ever since, but I knew being an agent was the safest way to stay in the business I loved, and I’d always hoped that one day, I’d have the right contacts to put one of my scripts out there and see if I could get the backing for it.”
“This is just…” Sydney couldn’t stop smiling. “Kerri, I had no idea. About the writing or that you wanted to be an actress.”
“It feels like another lifetime,” Kerri said with a sad smile.
“Are you happy?” Sydney swallowed. “With the way things turned out?” She didn’t want to press Kerri too much. Sydney had known Kerri for about three years now, and she’d considered them friends, but this just showed how little she knew about her agent.
Kerri nodded. “Yeah. For the most part. Don’t get me wrong. I love my job. But I still wonder… What might have been.”
“If you’d stuck with acting?”
“Yeah. But that probably would have meant pretending to be straight.”
“Really? This wasn’t that long ago.”
Kerri sipped her wine. “People like you are creating a new normal, but we’re talking about nearly thirty years ago, so yes. That was a long time ago, and things really were that different.”
Sydney inhaled a shaky breath. The thought really hadn’t crossed her mind. That she might hide who she was for the sake of her career. It wasn’t an option. She would never have stuck it for more than a few weeks.
If she had gone that direction, she might have made it sooner. She did always wonder if being out was holding her back, but she knew she’d get there eventually. Her talent would be what made her famous. Not her looks or her smile.
And if she was talented enough, no one should care if she was gay.
5
Ada tucked her legs underneath her and sipped her gin and tonic, remote in hand as she flicked through the channels, ready to skip right over the red carpet coverage from tonight’s award ceremony. This was the first time in her career that she wouldn’t be attending, and that was because it had been almost two years since she’d starred in a major movie, and she had zero interest in going as anyone’s date.
Just as she changed the channel, there was Sydney Lockett doing an interview, camera flashes going off all around. Her blond hair was swept back in an updo, her shoulders bare. The interviewer asked about her royal blue dress, and she stood back and did a little turn, showing it off, the strapless dress clinging to her hips before flowing away.
Ada put the remote down, momentarily lost in a daze, gripped by a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Ada usually ignored anything related to Sydney Lockett, because she didn’t want to acknowledge the young woman’s rising star, but the last time Ada had seen her, probably at an awards show they both attended last year, she hadn’t realized Sydney was so… Beautiful.
Ada’s nearly choked on her drink when she saw Sydney reach out and grab Charlotte Dixon’s hand, bringing her into the interview.
What’s going on here? They hadn’t been working together. Not as far as Ada knew anyway.
Sydney slid an arm around Charlotte’s waist as they both answered a question, and Ada couldn’t focus on what they were saying.
Charlotte Dixon was her peer. She’d lost track of how many times they’d been nominated for the same award.
Sydney and Charlotte weren’t there together, were they?
Ada grabbed her phone, searching both their names on social media only to find people losing their minds in real time.
#Sylotte
Ada rolled her eyes as she tossed her phone away. That was a ridiculous ship name. Who said they were even dating?
And this was why she didn’t waste time on social media.
Last week she only learned what a ship name was. And that was from the last time she paid Sydney Lockett any attention. When fans had declared Kerri and Sydney #Kerney.
Ada changed the channel.
But she was back again two hours later, after making herself another drink, curiosity getting the better of her.
She didn’t have to wait long to see Sydney winning an award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Ada pursed her lips as she watched Sydney’s jaw drop in what appeared to be genuine shock, but who really knew? She did just win an award for best actress.
Sitting beside Sydney was Charlotte Dixon, and Ada held her breath as Sydney stood, but they didn’t hug or kiss. Sydney just gripped Charlotte’s hand before she made her way up to the stage.
Ada brought her gin and tonic to her lips, the ice cubes knocking against the glass. She’d known this would happen one day. Someone else would take her place. Someone else would get those parts. Someone else would win those awards. But there was something about Sydney that rubbed her the wrong way.
Ada wasn’t about to admit it to Kerri, but she was right. Ada was jealous. Sydney was gay and she didn’t care who knew or what anyone thought.
It seemed like a lifetime ago now, but looking back, Ada knew that she’d made the right choice. For her. Back then, her career had been far more important than her personal life, than meeting someone.
But could she say the same thing now?
Kerri’s words still echoed in her ears. ‘It’s not too late. You can still come out.’
She knew those words were true, but she just couldn’t see herself doing it. Just the thought of it made her stomach knot up.
And was there any point at this stage in her life?
Shouldn’t she just ride off into the sunset with all her awards if she wasn’t going to be relevant anymore. Why mess with her reputation?
Ada swallowed. The only problem with that was she didn’t want to be irrelevant. She still wanted to act. It was the only thing she was ever really good at. It was the thing that made her feel the most alive.
She leaned across the couch to pick up her phone again.
Ada
You’re right. I should meet Sydney.
Three dots appeared almost instantly. She knew Kerri wouldn’t be able to ignore those magic words. You’re right.
Kerri
You’re watching, aren’t you?
Ada
Yes
Kerri
She’s the real deal.
One on one or a dinner party?
Ada closed her eyes as she leaned back against the cushions. If she wanted to stay relevant, she should be seen with Sydney, but if she genuinely wanted to get to know her, she’d meet her one on one, and Ada had no idea what she actually wanted.
Although, she could meet her one on one, in public.
Ada
What about dinner at my favorite restaurant?
Just the two of us.
See what day works for her. If she wants to meet me at all.
Kerri
Trust me. She wants to meet you. I’ll see what she has available but she’s going to be in high demand after that win.
Ada
Thanks
Ada downed the rest of her gin and tonic as she watched the camera pan to Charlotte Dixon who was up for a supporting award. Ada’s eyes were on Sydney though.
In some ways, she looked younger than thirty, but in others, like how she spoke during the red carpet interview, she seemed mature. Grounded.
It wouldn’t be long before Ada could stop making assumptions about Sydney Lockett. She’d see for herself what this young woman was all about.
6
Sydney had been on a high all week, and as she climbed the stone steps to the Mexican restaurant, she had to tap into that confidence, that adrenaline, because she was a jittery mess.
Sydney pulled open the wooden door that looked at least one hundred years old and found herself in a lobby of sorts, a waiting area.
A young man behind the counter stopped polishing the wine glass he was holding. “Ms. Lockett?”
“Yes.” She looked to her left, hoping to catch a glimpse of Adelaide Atwood before she entered the restaurant, but the man pulled open a door to the right instead.
“Right this way, please.”
Sydney followed him up the stairs until they were on a balcony, the gentle whoosh of the tide rolling in the only sound she could hear. There were six tables, but only one was set. A table for two, right at the edge of the balcony.
When Kerri had stopped by the morning after the awards show to congratulate her and tell her that Adelaide Atwood wanted to have dinner, she’d been unable to hide her smile. Kerri hadn’t said what it was about, but the timing couldn’t have been coincidental. Maybe, Adelaide wanted to work with her now that she’d won a major award.
Sydney followed the man to the table that was set, and he introduced himself as their waiter for the evening. She didn’t sit down, her eyes drawn to the fiery sunset, the oranges and pinks vibrant as they met the midnight ocean, a light breeze coming in off the water.
She wasn’t entirely sure what to wear tonight so she’d gone with dark wash jeans and a black blazer over a white blouse. She hadn’t seen any other diners, so she had no one to compare herself to, but this place seemed relaxed enough.
If only she could get herself to relax.
Sydney rolled up the sleeves of her blazer and rested her forearms against the wall, breathing in the sea air, grateful for the way her life was unfolding.
Last week when she’d accepted the award, she’d been on top of the world, and the nerves she’d felt as she waited to hear who’d won had her stomach doing somersaults.
And that feeling was right back this evening. She clasped her hands in front of her, focusing on being a professional, on meeting someone who she’d always admired, someone who could prove to be a friend or a mentor, whatever Adelaide Atwood was willing to offer.
But when Sydney heard the clicking of heels against the concrete, she turned, all thoughts of professionalism and mentorship thrown out the window when her eyes landed on Adelaide.
Dressed in white capri jeans and a navy button-down blouse, her walnut brown hair cascading over her shoulders, this was the most casual Sydney had ever seen Adelaide Atwood, and she was absolutely stunning. A slim brown leather belt hugged her hips and gold earrings dangled from her ears.
“Sydney.”
Sydney sucked in a breath as she let her lips slide into a smile, trying to pull herself together. “Adelaide.”
“Call me Ada. Congratulations are in order,” she said as she reached the table, and they both pulled out a chair.
“Thank you.” Sydney tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as the waiter returned to take their drink orders.
“Wine?” Ada asked, her eyes locked on Sydney.
“Sure. Whatever you prefer.”
Ada ordered a very specific bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and when the waiter was gone she rested her elbows on the table, her hands clasped beside her cheek. “Thanks for making the time. I’m sure you’ve had a busy week.”
Sydney shook her head. “No. Not at all. Honestly, I was thrilled when Kerri said that you wanted to do this.”
“Really?”
The waiter returned with some water, and Sydney took a much-needed drink, her throat suddenly dry. “Yes. I mean, what actress hasn’t looked up to you and everything you’ve accomplished? I just wanted to thank you in person. For paving the way. For raising the bar so high.” She took another sip, internally wincing. She’d told herself she wouldn’t gush.
Ada thanked the waiter when he returned with the wine and after tasting it, she nodded for him to pour them each a glass. “To the first of many awards,” she said, turning her attention back to Sydney as she lifted her glass.
Sydney smiled slowly. “Cheers.”
She sipped her wine, soft citrus flavors hitting her tongue.
“Speaking of Kerri…” Ada tilted her head as she spoke. “She tells me I’m not to believe the rumors about you two.”
“Would it bother you if they were true?” Sydney asked without thinking, but she liked to find out early if someone was homophobic. It dampened the disappointment of discovering months later that someone she really liked actually wasn’t who she thought they were.
Ada arched an eyebrow. “You’ll have to elaborate. Are you asking if it would bother me to find out that my agent had a habit of sleeping with clients half her age? Possibly. If you were asking in a general sense, then of course it wouldn’t bother me. But seeing as she’s also my best friend, I would be a small bit concerned.”
