Star Struck(76)

Hailey then ended the show the way she always did with, “Remember to do something nice for yourself. When you’re happy, the people around you will be happy.”

She spent the next hour talking to the audience and signing autographs. Garrett waited for her backstage. Hailey looped her arms through his and said, “Let’s blow this joint.”

“I’m proud of you,” Garrett said.

“That was a hard show for me to do,” Hailey confessed.

“I know, but you faced your demons head on. I admire you for that,” Garrett said.

“I’ll feel better once Caroline has been sentenced and put away for a long time,” Hailey said, as they walked.

Garrett responded, “Caroline will get what’s coming to her. You can stake my life on that.”



~ 43 ~



Three months later…

Garrett removed the blindfold from Hailey’s eyes. “Wow,” she said. “This is beautiful.”

Hailey knew they were coming to the beach but she was not expecting to see a table holding a candlelight dinner in the sand near the water. Hailey took a seat when Garrett pulled out her chair.

“You’re the hardest person to surprise,” Garrett admitted.

Hailey said, “You got me good with this one. I thought we were just going to take a stroll near the water. I didn’t expect dinner.”

“I hope everything is to your satisfaction,” Garrett said.

“The food looks scrumptious,” she said, as a man dressed in black and white removed the cover showing a plate of shrimp fettuccine with marinated sauce.

The sounds of the ocean provided a romantic soundtrack to their meal. After they ate their main course, the same man came to their table and brought them desert. Instead of placing the desert in front of both of them, he handed them both to Garrett. Garrett stood up and placed the dish in front of Hailey. He then got down on one knee. He removed the cover. On top of the cake was a ring. Garrett held the dish and said, “Hailey Barnes, will you marry me?”

Hailey was ecstatic. She almost jumped out her seat. Without hesitating, Hailey said, “Yes. Yes.”

Garrett removed the ring and tried to wipe out the icing, but Hailey was too excited. “Put it on like that. I’ll worry about the icing later.”

They sealed their new engagement with a kiss under the moonlit night.



***



Hailey glanced at her reflection in the mirror several times. The form fitted gold dress showed all of her curves. The strapless floor length gown had been hand delivered to her by Fabio, one of her favorite designers. She really liked the fact that her back was out. Fortunately her workouts had been working, so she could show off her fit physique. Tonight was one of the biggest nights of her career. She vowed to enjoy every moment of it. What made it more special was the fact she would be sharing it with the man she loved. Hailey smiled as she looked at the three carat princess cut diamond ring on her finger. Garrett’s proposal caught her by surprise. Their relationship had moved at a fast pace, but she didn’t regret it. She knew in her heart that he was the only man for her and she was glad he felt the same way about her.

“There’s my favorite talk show host,” Garrett said, as he entered and planted a kiss on her lips.

Hailey released a few short breaths. “I’m so nervous,” she admitted.

“Baby, if you win, we’ll celebrate. If you lose, we’ll celebrate. Just enjoy the night,” Garrett said.

“I’m going to do my best. You just don’t know how bad I want to win.”

“I know. I was like that when I played ball. I hated losing, but I didn’t regret giving it my all, if we did lose. You’ve given your all—so regardless you’re a winner baby.”

“I think that deserves another kiss,” Hailey said, as she kissed him. That’s what Hailey loved about Garrett. He had a way of showing her a different side to a situation.

Jackie yelled from downstairs, “Your car is here.”

“Why is she still working for me again?” Hailey asked Garrett.

Garrett said, “I know when to say something and when to keep my mouth shut. I’m not touching that one.”

Hailey felt guilty after Jackie ate Caroline’s poisonous candy. Up until this point, Jackie was Hailey’s best assistant. Jackie wasn’t aware of her promotion, but Hailey planned to promote her to one of the assistant producer positions as soon as they came back from hiatus.

Hailey and Garrett rode in one limousine and Jackie and other staff members rode to the awards show in another limousine. Hailey said, “I wanted us to have our privacy.” Hailey picked up the open bottle of champagne.