“I haven’t had a chance to see the email that went out.”
“It wasn’t bad; it could have been worse.”
“Rumor has it that you have a deranged fan out there.”
Hailey squirmed in her chair. Garrett nodded his head as if he understood her nervousness. “I’m not sure what rumor you’re speaking of.” She hoped she sounded convincing.
“One of my sources said that this person has been sending you hate mail at the studio and your home.”
“Well, you might want to check with your sources again. You can’t believe everything you hear.”
“I will do that. Changing the subject. How do you feel about your Daytime Emmy nomination?”
“I’m thrilled of course. I’ve worked hard to get to this point and I appreciate being honored by my peers.”
“A lot of people didn’t think you could do it.”
“Exactly. They only saw me as a pretty face. When I was approached about doing the talk show, I almost turned it down.”
“I’m sure you’re glad you didn’t now.”
“Am I? I proved to myself and to some of the naysayers out there, that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”
“Some have accused you of exploiting other women to keep your ratings up.”
“Those are my haters. My shows deal with issues that the average woman faces. I don’t exploit women, I help build up women’s esteem.”
“Do you know what you’re wearing to the awards show?”
“I haven’t decided yet. I like so many designers. I recently wore a dress by Fazio, so who knows.”
“Thank you Hailey. Good luck.” The reporter extended her hand.
Hailey shook it. “Thank you.”
The magazine’s photographer stepped in. “Now you’re all mine.”
“Take me, I’m yours.” She winked.
Hailey, with Garrett not far behind her, followed the photographer to the outside of the hotel. “I want to take a few by the swan lake and then some over there near the fountain.”
“Beautiful choices.”
She was handed a Versace two piece dress. It didn’t take her long to change. She let the hair and make-up people pamper her. She seduced the camera and changed clothes several times for the hour photo shoot.
Being in front of the cameras felt good. A part of her missed it, but the other part that wanted to settle down, liked not having to travel to a different spot every week.”
Was Garrett over there sweating? Did she see lust in his eyes? She blew him a kiss and laughed when he looked away. Can’t stand the heat can you?
~ 17 ~
Hailey made him feel like a horny teenager. He could have sworn she was seducing him, the way she looked at the camera. Not one straight man in the area could resist the looks she gave the camera. He couldn’t wait to see the photos when they were released. He was tempted to pay the photographer some money on the side so he could have his own private collection.
“If you care to stop daydreaming, I’m ready,” Hailey interrupted his lustful thoughts.
“Where to now madam?”
Hailey looked at her watch. “I’m hungry. What about you?”
“Do you like Mediterranean food? I know a restaurant that’s not too far from here that’s great.”
“I’m in your hands.”
Once they were seated behind the doors of his SUV, he said, “I have a confession to make.” Hailey looked at him waiting for him to continue. “I hate small talk.”
“So do I,” she responded.
“Let’s make a pact that we won’t indulge in it.”
“As long as you don’t want to talk about you know who, I’m cool with it,” she responded, as she pulled down the visor and brushed her eyebrows with her fingers.
“Well, that’s one promise I can’t make.”
She put the visor back up. He pulled out into the highway. “We might as well get it over with. You have five minutes to say whatever it is you want to say about you know who.”
“Say his name.”
“Never again.”
“So you finally woke up.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“It means after going to the party, you finally realize that Trevon has moved on without you.”
Hailey stuttered. “It didn’t quite happen like that.”
He listened to her go over the events of Sunday evening. He had turned his ringer off to get some much needed rest. He wished he wouldn’t have after listening to his messages and now hearing Hailey tell him what went down the night before.
“Your little boyfriend wasn’t too happy about us showing up at his party together. He cussed me out and had the nerve to threaten me.” He decided since they were being open and honest, he would share that tidbit of information.