The Love Script, page 9
Maybe they could make a date of it, or was that lame?
Lord, why does this all feel awkward?
Maybe because it was. He hadn’t known Nevaeh despite her presence in his mom’s life the past year. Now they were forced to go around town as if they’d been dating the entire time. One date wasn’t going to speed up his feelings no matter how much he wished to avoid lying. When they had their interview on Monday, Lamont was very much afraid it would appear a sham.
What do I do about that, Lord? Are You okay with this? Are we now outside Your will?
Because of the way his thoughts churned, Lamont had a feeling he was only fooling himself about his intentions.
Eleven
I arranged the banana slices all over my plate, then dropped a dollop of Nutella on each face before sprinkling the confection with walnuts. Next, I grabbed the whipped cream, shaking the can until my arm got a good workout, then aerosoled cream over the plate. I added more nuts and finished with drizzled honey and strawberry syrup on top.
Obviously not the healthiest breakfast one could have, but I considered the concoction high in protein and a serving of fruit. If anyone wanted to argue with me, I dared them to—after they’d had a few bites. Besides, Lamont had changed our brunch plans. His production company needed to reshoot a scene, so he was working. Which meant I was going shopping with his personal assistant, or wait . . . stylist? Whatever the title, I’d be tortured by fitting room mirrors for the majority of my day. The least I could do was enjoy breakfast.
I moved to the living room since our kitchen was too small for a dining table, and we didn’t have a dining room. Instead, we had TV tray stands that made sitting on the couch in front of the television reminiscent of the ’50s. I grabbed one from behind the couch and set it up. Just as I took my first bite, Nora came stomping into the living room, her brown hair hidden by a satin scarf. She propped a hand on her hip and squinted at me.
“What?” I asked after swallowing my bite.
“You said it wasn’t what it looked like.”
“What wasn’t?” Seriously, she always woke up in such a strange mood.
“The thing between you and Lamont Booker. I saw on the news yesterday that someone tagged you as his girlfriend. And I heard you had lunch with him at Le Feu.”
My spine stiffened. “How did you hear that?” I knew Blake Smythe was a snitch.
Nora sniffed, pointing her petite nose in the air. “Hugo works there.”
“Your brother works at Le Feu? How did I not know that? All the times we wanted to go, and he couldn’t get us in?” I felt personally affronted, not to mention the need to stall for time. I couldn’t say anything that would violate the NDA.
She rolled her eyes. “He’s a server. They eat in the back, where celebrities can pretend they don’t exist.”
Telling her it had been our first date didn’t seem like a good idea. So what should I say? “Lamont thought I’d like it.”
“Oh, he’s Lamont now, huh?”
Bryan would be proud I’d finally dropped his last name.
Was Nora mad? It’s not like we were BFFs and regularly talked about our love lives—not that what I had with Lamont could constitute as that. Nora and I were college roommates by lottery pick of the school system. After freshman year, we chose to maintain the status quo after comparing notes and realizing half the people who went to our school were weirdos. Now we were housemates thanks to the unreasonably high housing prices in metro LA. But I had never thought of us as super close.
She flopped onto the pink armchair we’d taken off a student who’d moved out of the dorms the same weekend we had. “I thought you two weren’t dating?” Her Latina accent was particularly thick this morning. A sure sign she was irritated.
“I distinctly remember saying it’s not what it looks like.” Which it hadn’t been. We weren’t lovers. I wrinkled my nose inwardly. That title conjured up such awful connotations. Even my thoughts wanted to be washed with soap.
“But obviously you are dating.”
“We are.” That was the truth. Though I’d be happier with more dates under my belt. This all still felt like treading the line of lying. My mom would panic, knowing her lessons on truth telling were being ignored right now. Not to mention how I wanted to avoid God’s judgment on the whole matter.
“Why didn’t you say something?”
If Lamont and I were serious, what would be the most logical answer? I shrugged. “Mostly because I wanted to stay out of the limelight.”
“How did you two meet?”
I stared at Nora. “Is this an interview, or are you genuinely curious?”
“An interview?” She shook her head, throwing her hands up in the air. “You ask a few questions with someone you’ve known for almost ten years, and they treat you like a stranger.”
“I’m sorry. It’s just that with me on the news, I’m feeling unnerved.” Not to mention the hostile DMs popping up in my social inboxes. I pressed a hand to my forehead. “I don’t like being on display. There’s a reason I picked cosmetology and not acting.”
Nora’s lips pursed in sympathy. “I can’t imagine how you must feel. Still, you must know I’d keep your secret.”
Did I? I distinctly remember her telling me to capitalize on the moment. “I do his mom’s hair. That’s how we met.”
Nora’s eyes widened. “Oh my goodness, please tell me it’s like some Cinderella-type story?”
She wanted to believe that Prince Charming forgot what I looked like after hours of dancing and supposedly experienced love at first sight? I don’t think so. “Not at all. We’ve gotten to know one another, he asked me out, and I said yes.”
Because he’s Lamont SMA Booker! I told my inner voice to pipe down and act nonchalant. I didn’t want Nora sniffing out any weakness in my explanation. Plus, if she ever became a “source close to Nevaeh Richards,” I didn’t want the media having any ammunition.
“Then what’s the story behind the picture?”
I smiled cheekily. “You’ll have to read the exclusive with Luminary to find out.” I took a bite of my food, thankful talking with one’s mouth full was unladylike.
Nora was a stickler for appropriate behavior and wouldn’t dare continue her line of questions if I kept shoveling food into my mouth like the Pontipee brothers before Milly got ahold of them in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
“Will you be on the front page?”
I nodded, a little stunned she was still talking.
She clapped her hands. “So exciting. I hope you’ll let me pick out your outfit.”
My food lodged in my throat, and I coughed, trying to figure out which movement would get me air again. Nora sat up and slapped me on the back. My half-masticated banana flew out of my mouth and landed in the center of my plate. Disgusted, I placed the dish on the tray and guzzled the glass of water I had.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”
“It’s okay. I’m not sure yet what I’m wearing, but apparently we’ll have to coordinate outfits.” Which made me want to panic.
People would be dissecting my outfit for years to come. They’d get their magnifying glass to determine the brand, the fit, and whether or not we looked good as a couple. How was I supposed to get through a photo shoot with my brand-new boyfriend when we hadn’t even kissed or gazed longingly into each other’s eyes? Also, how much shapewear would Luminary require me to squeeze into to be cover-worthy?
“Does your boyfriend have personal shoppers?”
I nodded. “I’m meeting her today to get a dress to wear for the Sands of Time charity event.”
Nora gasped, hand to her heart. “You’re going to the event?” She sank into the couch’s cushions. “I’m so jealous of you right now.” She gave me a sweet grin. “You couldn’t possibly get me a ticket, could you?”
I swallowed. “Um, maybe Lamont can get you a ticket.”
“Really? I’d love that.” She beamed, her teeth straight and white thanks to some cosmetic dentistry she’d invested in to help her career.
Why did the request twist my insides? “Well, no promises, but I’ll ask him.”
“You’re the best, Nevaeh.” Nora squealed, then came over and squeezed my hands. Then she flounced out of the room.
Was this going to be a reoccurrence? Would I have to figure out boundaries with Nora? Surely, I couldn’t bring her along to every event we had. That was just absurd. You’re making a mountain. It was an ask to one event.
I pulled out my cell and saw a text from Lamont—still a surreal moment.
Lamont
Meredith wants us to wear emerald green for the interview. Do you have anything in that color?
Nevaeh
I do. Should I take a pic, and you can determine if it’s acceptable?
Lamont
Nah. Jody will know. My stylist will be your guru today. She’ll also make sure you have enough wardrobe pieces for future events.
Did he think my clothing beneath him? My brain warred with being offended and accepting maybe he was right in this situation.
Nevaeh
You have more than one charity event lined up?
Lamont
I do have a movie premiere coming up.
I gulped. I could not walk the red carpet. I’d be blinded by the lights and overwhelmed by the attention. Not to mention my worries over entertainment media dissecting my gown and everything else about me.
You don’t have a choice, girlfriend.
Nevaeh
Oh.
Lamont
Breathe. I promise it’ll be fine.
It wouldn’t. He was going to meet my parents tomorrow. We were beginning our plan to appear all over LA on each other’s arms. The world was going to actually believe he was my boyfriend. I needed a paper bag or something to calm me down. My thoughts were spiraling faster than a spinning top. I placed a hand to my forehead as if that would stop the merry-go-round.
Another text chimed. This one from Jody.
Nevaeh
Jody will be here in a few. See you tomorrow?
Lamont
Yep. You going to church with your parents?
Nevaeh
No.
It was too old-fashioned for my taste. I think they were still solely preaching Old Testament fire-and-brimstone-type sermons. Not for me. Besides, you didn’t have to attend church to be a believer. The Lord and I were great friends. Plus, I didn’t want to drive all the way out there every Sunday, come back home, then drive back out for Sunday dinner.
Lamont
Then you’re going to yours?
Nevaeh
Um, I haven’t been in a few years.
Try ten, since I left home for college. At least that was when I’d been attending regularly.
Lamont
Then come with me? I’ll pick you up at nine, service starts at ten. Then we can head to your parents’ house. What do you say?
Go to church with him? Wasn’t that something a girlfriend would do?
Nevaeh
Okay.
Lamont
Great. See you then.
I stared at my phone. How had my life already changed so much I didn’t even recognize it anymore?
But that wasn’t the most pressing thought. I couldn’t help but think about the length of time that had passed since I’d stepped into a sanctuary. Some churches hadn’t yet diversified the look of their congregation. And I needed to see a few of those faces in a congregation before I could feel comfortable. Being the only dark-skinned one in the pews kept me from singing along during worship and focusing on the sermon.
Weren’t people from all the tribes on earth going to heaven? If that was so, the churches here were failing to resemble that. Finding a church that fit my beliefs and desires seemed an impossible task, and one I had honestly stopped trying to complete. I didn’t believe that made me any less of a follower of Christ. I loved the Lord, and I didn’t need a church building to affirm that. But I couldn’t shake the unsettling feeling pricking my heart.
I shook my head. Jody was probably pulling up to the curb, and I needed to leave. I headed for the street, scanning the cars alongside the curb to see if any were idling. A woman with a red bob stepped out of a dark sedan and waved.
“Nevaeh?”
“That’s me. I take it you’re Jody?”
“Yep.” She placed a hand on her chest. “I’m so excited to go shopping with you today.”
“That makes one of us.” I grimaced. “Sorry. Ignore that. Shopping’s not my favorite.”
“It’s so hard to find clothes that make you feel like you, isn’t it?”
She got me. Though her petite frame made me think that shopping should be a breeze. Still, I nodded and settled into the passenger seat, buckling in.
“Lamont gave me an idea of how many outfits to get you, where you’ll be going, and even the Luminary color scheme.”
“Oh, good.” Yet my insides didn’t feel so hot. They were whipping more butter than a dairy farm. Jody was about to see me stuff, shift, and lift my body into clothes that just weren’t meant for me.
If they fit over my backside, then I might have too much material at the waist. If she tried to slap a belt around my waist, then I might end up looking like a sack of potatoes with a band around the middle. Maybe I should have brought Maxine with me.
“Uh, should I go back and grab my shapewear?”
Jody shook her head. “You’ll be fine. We’re going to a couple of places that were made for women with your great figure. Better an hourglass figure than a stick-of-chewing-gum shape like mine.”
I snorted. “I bet you find all sorts of clothing in your size.”
“Maybe in the kids’ department, but no twenty-year-old wants to resort to pink animal print or have kid cartoon figures all over their clothing.”
“Ouch. That’s gotta be bad.”
She grinned. “It’s why fashion is my passion. I’m convinced there’s something we can all wear, look good in, and not have to be subjected to society’s ideals on impossible standards.”
“I think I’m going to like you.”
Which turned out to be true. Jody was a dream to shop with. She didn’t make me feel embarrassed by the number on the tag or the constant try-ons because so many outfits just weren’t working for me. But the shoppers taking not-so-discreet photos of me or the staff whispering behind their hands were another story. I wouldn’t be surprised if a reporter with StarGazer was waiting to ambush me the moment I stepped out of the store and onto LA proper—aka the sidewalk.
Pretty sure I would also be tagged in photos from the shoppers who were cataloging my difficulties with shopping. As much as I tried to ignore them, their stares followed me around the store and out onto the streets, where I attempted to breathe in calmness. I could only hope tomorrow would be better at church and my parents’ house. Then again . . .
Twelve
Lamont
I need prayers. Going to meet Nevaeh’s parents today.
Chris
You’ve got them.
Tuck
You’ll need them.
Lamont
What’s that supposed to mean?
Tuck
Parents don’t like men who might just be playing with their daughter’s heart. It’s written in Dating 101.
Chris
Lol, he might be telling the truth.
Lamont
How would you know? You’re dating your work.
Chris
I may have tried before. My singleness speaks for itself.
Tuck
Ouch. I’d offer you a cigar in commiseration, but I hear they cause cancer.
Lamont
Then I should be worried?
Chris
Yes
Tuck
Yes
Lamont
Thanks a lot. Now I’m nervous.
Tuck
The real question is, why weren’t you nervous before?
Chris
Ego. Those Hollywood types are all the same. 😉
Lamont
Parents love me.
Tuck
Hollywood parents.
Lamont
Ugh, Nevaeh said the same thing.
Chris
Then listen to her but know we’ll be praying. I’m sure it’s not as bad as we’re portraying it’ll be.
Tuck
Here’s praying it won’t be worse.
Lamont
🤦
Lamont placed his cell on the hook on the dashboard, then programmed his GPS to take him to Nevaeh’s house. Last night, pictures of her shopping had surfaced on social media. The comments had been pretty harsh. He’d said a prayer she wouldn’t see them, and if she had, that the words wouldn’t take root. Hollywood could be brutal to those they considered plus-size. Unfortunately, a woman size six or bigger could fit that category in this town.
Lamont had no idea Nevaeh’s actual size, but he liked her figure. Where were the fans that were her size? Why had the only comments that hit the news sources complained about her weight and claimed she glorified obesity?
She didn’t mention the comments when they went to church together this morning, and they had parted ways shortly after. He to have lunch with his mother, and Nevaeh to do a personal hair appointment with a client.
As he pulled up to her place, he breathed out a sigh of relief. No reporters, no neighbors out. He knocked on the door, which quickly opened. His mouth dropped as he took in the silk blouse and slacks she wore. What happened to those flowy dresses or even the overalls he normally saw her in?
“You’re wearing dress pants.” He only wore a blazer with his jeans.
“My mother likes me to wear presentable clothing. Her words, not mine.” She locked up the door. “And this is an outfit she previously gifted me. I wear it often, so she knows I’m getting good mileage.” She tilted her head. “No driver today?”
There was so much information to unpack, but he settled on her question. “Just me and my regular car.”
