The Love Script, page 11
“I’m sorry they’re not supportive of your career path.” He took a step closer. “How do you handle their disapproval?”
Because I had no other choice. “They’re my parents. I want them to understand me but . . .” I scrubbed hard at an imaginary spot. “Enough about me. Did you really want to work in education?” I kept him in my peripheral view.
“I always figured I’d end up teaching. The whole ‘those who can’t, teach’ thing. I minored in history because I find the past interesting.”
Ugh. Was he seriously telling me he was a combination of both my parents? What were the odds? I took the time to study him. He’d ditched the blazer and rolled up the sleeves of his periwinkle button-down, and his countenance appeared lighter than the public smiles I’d seen over the years.
“My parents are going to end up falling in love with you,” I whined.
Lamont looked amused, straightening to his full height. “You’d have a problem with that?” He slid his hands into his pockets.
I shrugged a shoulder and dropped the sponge. No point scrubbing a clean counter. “It seems like it might make things difficult. That’s all.” When you dump me, and I have to settle for a mere mortal.
“Why?” He shut the dishwasher and came to stand before me.
“Lamont, what happens when all of this ends?” I asked, staring at my shoes. Knowing Mom’s strict rules for dressing appropriately for Sunday dinner, I’d ditched my beloved sandals for boring two-inch heels. What was this color? Puce?
Lamont’s finger came to rest under my chin, raising my eyes to peer into his. My breath hitched at the nearness. Had we ever been this close?
“Maybe it won’t.”
“Are you really saying you could find yourself falling for me?” That made no sense. I wasn’t his type, and Lamont, well, he was everyone’s type.
“I know I don’t know everything I want to know about you yet. Not even close. And after Diva . . .” He shook his head. “I never imagined feeling this way, so that tells me there’s a whole lot I still don’t know,” he murmured.
My mouth dried, eyes dropping to his lips. “What does that all mean?”
“It means I like you. I’m hoping that we can at least be friends if dating doesn’t lead to friendlier feelings.”
What if I already had friendlier feelings? Could that be the reason why these butterflies stalked me when he was around?
“Friendship’s a good start.” Saying that to my supposed boyfriend was a tad awkward, but the beautiful smile that curved his lips was worth the uncertainty filling me.
After that, the mood seemed to lighten, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company. Not that I hadn’t before, but then I’d felt the pressure to act like a girlfriend despite not knowing him too well. Now I could be me.
We said good-bye to my parents, then headed back to my place. I stared out the window, catching the orange-and-purple sky, wondering how the sunset looked at the beach. It amazed me how different it was every single day.
“You’re awfully quiet over there. Are you thinking, or just feeling sleepy from the meal?” Lamont asked.
“Thinking. You know the interview’s tomorrow.” Would it do what Bryan hoped? Would Lamont’s reputation be saved? Would the awful comments about me on social media stop? I was this close to shutting down my accounts just to avoid being tagged in the malicious posts people were writing.
“Yes. That.”
“Are you nervous?” I stared at his strong profile. How was his jawline so defined? And what would it look like with a hint of stubble?
“Maybe. It’s the first time I’ve done an interview as a couple.”
“Really? You didn’t do one with Diva Jones?” Why did that knowledge thrill me?
Lamont shook his head. “Do you call every celebrity by their first and last name?”
“Of course not. No one goes around saying Beyoncé Knowles or Adele Adkins.”
“Yet you know both of their last names.” Lamont glanced at me. “Tell the truth, you read gossip rags.”
“Of course not.” He didn’t need to know I followed a few celebrities online and may have read as many articles—legitimate ones—as I could about them. That sounded a little stalkerish, and I was not that. Just a fan. Besides, if they put it online for me to read, didn’t I owe it to them to follow suit?
Do you want everyone reading the articles about you and Lamont? Definitely not, just the Luminary one.
“Sure, Nevaeh.”
My lips curved on their own accord. “Do you think the interviewer will see anything wrong in our story?” Meeting the parents and going on a few dates didn’t constitute a long relationship or seal the deal on attraction.
Again, I was an average woman, and Lamont was a blessed unicorn. I swatted my mental self as she swooned.
“No.” Lamont threaded his fingers through mine. “I’ll have a driver pick you up.”
“You know I can just drive to your house, right?”
“What kind of celebrity boyfriend would I be if I made my girl do that?” He spared me a glance.
“One who recognizes your girlfriend is independent.”
“Yes, but using my driver allows me to ensure your safety and show off just a tad.”
Okay, he had me there. I ran my other hand on top of his. “Do you think my safety is in question?”
“Not now, but we don’t know if that will change.”
“Fine,” I murmured.
“Does that mean I win that point?”
“If we were keeping track, which we’re not.”
“Says you.” He smirked.
I had to resist the urge to roll my eyes. They’d been taking too many orbits around my sockets thanks to his cheekiness. Still, I liked to think this was us settling into a good friendship.
The rest of the ride was silent as he drove back to my place. However, the closer we got to Studio City, the more nervous I became. Should I invite him inside? Did he think the modest two-bedroom apartment beneath him? I hadn’t invited him in when he’d picked me up twice today, so maybe I should.
Yet maybe time apart would give us some time to truly prep for tomorrow’s interview. I didn’t want to manufacture loving feelings if he turned up his nose at my apartment. Not that Lamont had given me the impression that he would hold an elitist attitude toward me or my place. He’d been charmed by my parents’ house in Inglewood, complimenting my mother on her decorating skills and the wonderful meal. She was probably planning our wedding by the time we left.
Not that I was upset my parents liked Lamont. Unfortunately, it made everything so much more real. How could I maintain a status quo when everyone around me was ready to succumb to Lamont’s charm? If all the people in my life believed our relationship was genuine, where did that leave me? Was I the last to take him seriously? He was an actor after all. How could I determine if his friendship request was sincere?
Yet his declaration in the kitchen had seemed heartfelt and authentic. I wanted to believe him, but I also couldn’t afford to. My heart would be obliterated when we broke up if I went ahead and gave in to my desire to be loved for who I was.
When you were dealing with a guy who drove a Mercedes because he’d already driven his other cars during the week, your self-esteem was bound to take a hit. I wasn’t good enough for Lamont Booker. I was sure once my mother came to her senses, she’d concur. But I had agreed to play the part, and that’s what I would do. My prayer: not to lose myself in the process.
I carefully removed my hand from Lamont’s and placed it in my lap. The move did nothing to settle my heart, but my mind cleared. That was a win in my book.
Fourteen
Lamont viewed his reflection in the full-length mirror. The emerald green suit looked better than he’d thought it would. Originally, he’d wanted to pair a green shirt with a white suit, but Jody had convinced him this would be more eye-catching. Now seeing the final result, he couldn’t agree more. He picked up his cell to check the time and saw a text from Tuck.
Tuck
Today’s the day, right?
Lamont
Yep. All dressed and waiting on Nevaeh.
Tuck
Hitting the big times, huh?
Chris
Nothing but the best for Hollywood’s favorite actor.
Lamont
I’m not the favorite, but thanks.
Tuck
I snorted so loud the horse startled.
Chris
Ha! Same effect here, but it was a 🐐.
Lamont
You two are a riot.
Chris
Nah, but I bet you and Nevaeh will cause one with your interview.
Lamont
I hope not. I want the spotlight to dim a bit.
Tuck
Good luck with that. Are y’all going to wear matching outfits?
Lamont
Maybe
Chris
😂
Tuck
😂
Lamont
Sometimes I don’t like you two.
Chris
You love us.
Tuck
You’d be lost without us.
Lamont
Maybe
He shook his head, then jogged down the stairs. Meredith at Luminary had asked that he and Nevaeh remain barefoot for the photo-shoot portion. Apparently, the look would add a touch of vulnerability and intimacy to the pictures. Only that wasn’t the reason his stomach acted like he’d downed a bunch of jalapeño poppers. It was the expectation that came with the shoot. He would have to appear to be infatuated with a woman he’d only been dating for four days.
When they’d sealed their friendship last night at her parents’ house, Lamont had felt a twinge of something. Too soon to call it attraction, what with battling thoughts of Diva and seeing where Nevaeh differed. He didn’t want to compare, but his mind wouldn’t stop the process. Now the guilt of today’s interview and how they would be portraying a lie had his mind riddled with land mines.
Am I in the wrong, Lord? Surely protecting our reputations can’t be wrong. He rubbed his eyes, letting out a long exhale.
“You okay, son?”
He jumped around. Mom closed the sliding door, eyeing him with concern.
“Um, just a little nervous.”
“Luminary interview, right?”
Lamont nodded, fiddling with the tie around his neck.
“Stop. You look wonderful.” Her gaze skimmed his suit. “Jody did a wonderful job. I can’t wait to see how Nevaeh looks.”
“I’m sure she’ll look just fine.”
His mom placed her hands on her hips. “That does not sound like a man who’s been dating awhile.”
“I don’t think I can do this.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “This isn’t going to work.”
“Why?” She tilted her head. “Do you object to hanging out with Nevaeh? She’s such a sweetheart.”
“No. She makes me laugh, and I do relax more when I’m around her.” Huh. He hadn’t realized that until he said it.
“Then don’t worry about the interview. You’ll do fine.”
Please let her be right, Lord. “Thanks, Mom.”
She patted his cheek. “Of course, baby. I love you. I know you’re worried about how this looks and if it aligns with your beliefs, but I believe God can bring good in this.”
“What if you’re wrong?” He stared down into her light brown eyes. What was it about moms that was so comforting? There was a strength in them he just didn’t understand, especially considering everything his own had gone through.
“Don’t you know mothers are never wrong?”
A chuckle slipped free, loosening the bands squeezing his insides. “I’ll remember that.”
“You should.” She grinned and headed for the kitchen. “I’ll make a smoothie, then be out of your hair until the interview is over.”
Lamont slid his hands into his pockets. “I have a question.”
She laid out the ingredients, nodding for him to continue.
“Meredith is going to ask how Nevaeh and I met. Do you have a problem with the world knowing you had breast cancer?”
Her movements stilled, and she met his gaze. Lamont’s stomach dipped in the wave of silence. Maybe asking was a mistake.
“Son, I never understood why you kept it quiet in the first place.”
He gaped. “The world already has so much of me. How could I give them more? Besides, you’re your own person and didn’t sign up to be harassed by the snaparazzi.”
“Then you have my permission.”
His shoulders sagged, and he leaned against the wall. “Thank you,” he murmured.
“Of course. Now go see Nevaeh. I think I heard the garage lift.”
He straightened, eyes already transfixed on the door leading to the four-car space.
“Go,” she said with more emphasis.
Lamont strolled toward the entrance right as the door opened. Logically, he knew that slow motion was only an effect seen in movies, yet that didn’t stop his brain from entering a turtle’s pace where his senses picked out every single detail. Nevaeh’s normally straight hair had loose curls flowing in a breeze—seriously, had she brought a CGI crew to aid in her entrance? Her makeup was artfully applied and highlighted those adorable dimples while also drawing his gaze to her stunning eyes. At the sight of the wrapped dress hugging her middle, then flaring out, his mouth dried.
He blinked, and she stood before him, a quirk to her lips and humor in her eyes.
“Earth to Lamont Booker.”
“You cannot call me that today,” he snapped. He rubbed a hand over his bald head as he sighed. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” She pulled his hand down, interlaced their fingers, and squeezed. “We’ll be okay.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because you’re Mr. SMA and I’m . . .” She tilted her head, thinking.
“‘Pretty hot and tempting’?”
“Ha.” Her dimples bloomed. “Talk about old school. Money Talks is an underrated classic.”
“I’m pretty sure a movie has to be older than twenty-five years to be considered a classic.”
“Hmm. Give it a decade, and it’ll pop up on Netflix.”
Lamont laughed. “You wish.”
“I really do.” She beamed, staring up into his eyes. “Are you good now? Freak-out passed?”
“I think so.” Had he thought only a smidgen of attraction existed? How wrong he’d been. She looked stunning. “Um, hey, my mom gave us permission to talk about her diagnosis and treatment and whatnot.”
Nevaeh nodded.
“Also”—he looked into her eyes—“you look beautiful today.”
The doorbell pealed through the house, and he jerked at the sound.
Nevaeh’s soft laughter filled the room. “Yeah, maybe you’re still a little unnerved.”
“So I’m a little anxious. These things happen.”
She tugged his hand as she strolled toward the front entrance. “Come on, Mr. SMA. We’ll show Luminary how to fall in love the sanctified way.”
“And how’s that?” he asked.
Nevaeh looked over her shoulder, staring right into his soul. “With God leading, duh.”
He chuckled, feeling a little touch of relief. Thank goodness she had such a good mood about her. Seriously, Lord, thank You.
Before Nevaeh could twist the knob, Lamont laid a hand over hers. “I’ve got this,” he whispered.
She nodded, stepping back but keeping their fingers linked.
Lamont opened the door and smiled the practiced grin he used for public appearances. “Good morning, Ms. Walsh.” He spread out his unencumbered arm. “Welcome.”
“Thank you.” She tossed her blond locks over her shoulder, then motioned toward a photographer behind her. “This is Gary. He’ll be doing the photos.”
Lamont shook his hand. “Nice to meet both of you.” He dropped Nevaeh’s hand and wrapped an arm around her. “This is Nevaeh.”
The two women shook hands, exchanging greetings. Lamont took a moment to breathe before asking where they’d like to set up. “We could do the interview in the living room, or there’s the terrace outside?” He gestured toward each space.
“Well, if you don’t mind, Gary would like to tour the grounds and the main floor. From there, he’ll determine the best spots for the shoot.”
“Sounds good.”
Meredith nodded to Gary, who gave a salute and walked away. She turned back toward Lamont. “I think the living room sounds perfect for the interview.”
“Great, right this way.” Lamont kept his arm around Nevaeh as they moved forward.
She placed a hand on his chest. “You okay?” she whispered softly.
He nodded.
Lamont gestured toward the sofa and waited for Nevaeh to sit before he did. He made sure to sit right next to her, hoping the move looked routine and not him winging it on a prayer. His new girlfriend immediately looped her arm through his.
“I must say you two look absolutely stunning in those colors.”
“Doesn’t he look handsome?” Nevaeh smiled at him. “I was floored when his stylist picked out the dress. It’s a color I have severely underestimated.”
“I agree. It should be in a lot more A-listers’ wardrobes.” Meredith flashed a toothpaste-commercial smile. “Maybe you two will get that trending.”
Nevaeh laughed. “I’m not sure I’m the one to set trends.”
Lamont arched an eyebrow. “Modest, aren’t we? I saw your tutorial for perfecting beach waves on YouTube has more than a few likes.”
Her mouth dropped open. Good, he wanted her to realize how much he took an interest in her life. Then again, it had started as an investigation—hey, it paid to know who was around you in this way of life—but it soon moved to interest. Nevaeh had star power, and since she didn’t seem to realize it, that made her all the more appealing.
“They only reached the thousands when my name became public knowledge.”
“Oh, no. Lamont is correct,” Meredith interjected. “I, too, looked at your channel. You have a charismatic personality.”
“Wow. Thank you.” She ducked her head.
