Temptation(63)

“So, Ms Summers”

“Oh please call me Alexis.”

“Very well, Bryce tells me you have been a vital part of marketing for our new family friendly rooms in the Promenade Building.” Mr Gordon was an older man with silvery white hair and large thick glasses, he sort of reminded me of Santa, maybe it was the white hair or maybe it was just the child in me but I found it hard to take him seriously when he chuckled. Gareth rolled his eyes and said something under his breath. If Bryce could kill with just a look Gareth would be no longer. I had to get to the bottom of whatever it was that made Gareth so majorly pissed off and especially with me.

“Yes Mr Gordon, actually I’m flattered to have been consulted on such a huge project it really is an honour.”

“Well then Alexis, I look forward to seeing some of your ideas at the board meeting next month.” I smiled politely and realised the ladies room was well and truly calling me. Bryce was deep in discussion with a few of the other men at the table, I placed my napkin on the plate squeezed his leg and made my way out, it was now or never the telecast was on pause for advertisements and that gave me a small window to get there and back.

The ladies room was quite hectic with women making minor adjustments to their gowns and make-up. Sierra Thomas was up for a Silver Tel V for Best Actress, she was also the hottest new thing on Television at the moment and Charlotte’s favourite actress, she eyed me in the mirror whilst I was touching up my lipstick.

“That dress is stunning; I think I’m going to have to fire my stylist.” She was blotting her face with a tissue.

“Is it Versace? It looks like a Versace.”

“Yes it is, you’re Sierra Thomas right?” She smiled.

“That would be me.”

“My 6 year old daughter adores you.”

“Nice, what’s her name?”

“Charlotte.” She pulled out a napkin from her bag and scribbled on it with eyeliner.

“Here, I know it’s not perfect but you have to work with what you’ve got.”

“Aaaw thanks, she’ll love it. Can I get a quick photo?”

“Sure.” I pulled out my iPhone and took a photo of the two of us.

“Thank you so much Sierra and good luck tonight.” The announcement of 5 minutes to recording time came over the speaker, we picked up our clutches and headed out the door.

I exited the ladies room and was caught on the arm, startled I looked up to see who was restraining me quite painfully.

“Not so fast Mrs Summers.” Gareth had me in a vice like grip, onlookers second glanced at him and he released his strength just slightly, he smiled and put is other hand round my shoulder.

“Let me go. Now”

“Don’t make a scene Alexis, you are quite the centre of attention tonight.” We smiled falsely as Bert and Patty Newton walked past. With their backs to us and no further witnesses around, I slammed the heel of my Louboutin into his foot and broke away, making my way directly to my seat. As I approached our table, I noticed Bryce looking a bit concerned and trying to find me, when he did see me coming relief flooded his face. I sat down and almost instantly his arm was around my shoulder.

“Is everything alright?”

“Yes, just nature calling.” I leant in and kissed him briefly, I think it caught him off guard, Samantha also blushed and looked away. I scooted across a seat to get closer to her.

“Hey, are you ok? You’ve been very quiet.” She looked around nervously.

“Um yeah, I’m fine, what’s be happening with you? And why is Gareth so horrible to you?”

“Good question.” It was a good question and one I wanted an answer to sooner rather than later. It was obvious he hadn’t mentioned anything to her, however she was acting a little nervous.

“So this thing with Gareth is it serious?”

“No, I don’t think so, um, I really don’t know. What about this thing with you and Mr Clark? What about your husband?” She had that gossipy look in her eye, normally I would be intrigued with what we were discussing when she possessed that look but seeing this time it involved my private life, I was not impressed.

“It’s a long story but like I said I’m separated.” I shuffled back to my seat and Bryce automatically claimed my leg. The telecast resumed and 4life took the stage, the room was a buzz. It was a moment where I wished Charlotte was on my lap, she would have been ecstatic.

“What are you thinking about?” Bryce had been watching me.

“Nothing.”

“That’s not a nothing look Alexis.” He squeezed my leg.

“I’m just thinking Charlotte would have loved to see 4life perform, they are her favourite group.” He kissed my cheek.