I picked him up and hugged him to me. “Did you vote on it?”
Will shrugged. “I dunno. I want corndogs!” I laughed as he rubbed his hands together. “I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, Will.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and carried him out into the dining room where Natalie was setting the table.
Dinner was nice. I was content to sit back and listen. Then we cleaned off the table, followed by the hour-long bedtime routine.
As I was closing Will’s bedroom door, I ached for warm hazel eyes.
Chapter Eight
At nine-thirty, I sat in my favorite overstuffed purple chair, preparing to sift through a week’s worth of mail. Mom was sitting on the couch with a blanket over her lap, watching the news while working the paper’s daily crossword puzzle.
I flipped through the envelopes but didn’t really see any of them. I sat there for thirty minutes, my mind in California: his laughter, his embrace, that night on the beach and… I shifted in my seat, trying to focus.
The news ended and an entertainment show came on. I turned it up a little bit and began to open envelopes. There was a story on the line-up of spring and summer movies. I watched as they flipped back and forth from various premieres.
And then I saw him. I froze.
A bubbly voiceover narrated the montage of clips. Josh walking, Josh shaking hands, Josh smiling and signing autographs. I ignored the pull on my heart and focused on what the irritating voiceover said.
“Earlier tonight, stars Josh Wiley and Jennifer Fleming were promoting the new action flick Stellar Siege. The film’s opening weekend is breaking box office records. Many credit the success of the film to its star, Josh Wiley. However, the real news seems to be surrounding Josh Wiley, the man. As all of you female fans know, Josh keeps his private life private. Tonight, the young star made a startling declaration at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, catching his co-star and our reporter by surprise.”
The screen cut to footage of the premiere, fans screaming, lights flashing. He was there, his hair on end, with Jennifer at his side. He looked gorgeous, with his ruddy complexion and velvet eyes.
My chest tightened briefly before my heart picked up. How could I miss him this much? It had barely been eight hours since I’d left him at Shannon’s.
The two of them looked chic and glamorous. I could envision the line-up of reporters and the endless cycle of questions and answers they would be led through before they’d make it inside to watch the film, again. I imagined Josh squirming through it.
“You must be pleased with the film’s success?” the reporter asked.
“Oh, we are. It’s always so rewarding to have this kind of support from the fans.” Jennifer Fleming tossed her strawberry blonde hair as she spoke.
Josh looked at her, an amused look on his face. He fidgeted, smiling and waving at a group crowded behind the barriers screaming his name.
“What abou
t you, Josh? Do you have anything to add?” The female reporter turned to him, flashing a sparkling smile.
Josh ran a hand through his hair, sending up a shriek from the crowds lining the red carpet. He shook his head at the sound, his smile uncomfortable. “I’m very happy.”
My heart thumped loudly and I felt myself smile as he spoke.
“Over the success of the movie?” the reporter asked.
“That’s nice too.” He nodded. He sounded amused.
The reporter jumped on it. “There’s something else other than your record-breaking openings making you happy? Wow, Josh, that’s pretty amazing. Care to share what it might be?” The reporter was leaning forward, waiting.
He shook his head, then stopped, a slow mischievous smile spreading across his face.
My eyes narrowed as I watched his face change. What are you up to?
He stared at the microphone for a moment, then leaned over it and spoke directly into the camera. “I’m in love, actually, totally and absolutely.”
I felt light-headed, completely stunned by his declaration and the sheer happiness on his face.
Jennifer stared at him with huge eyes.