Chapter Six
When Kristen walked out of her bedroom, the production crew had already arrived. Ana, in a sleek tiffany-blue dress, was handing out donuts and coffee, while Spencer was sitting at the dining table, flipping through the script.
“Thanks, Ana,” she said to her assistant when Ana handed her coffee and a sandwich. “Did you get anything for Spencer?”
Ana shook her head. “Yesterday …”
Kristen nodded. “So because you were so rude yesterday, my assistant didn’t get you anything for breakfast.” Ana’s jaw dropped, and Kristen laughed as she sat next to Spencer. “He was rude yesterday.”
“I was,” Spencer said with a nod. “And it’s fine. I’m not hungry.”
Kristen peered at the sandwich Ana had bought. It was already cut in half, so she grabbed one half and pushed the rest over to him. “I’m not sharing the coffee, though.”
“It’s really all right. I’m heading to the studio office later. I’ll grab something along the way.”
“That’s still a couple of hours away,” Ana said and handed Kristen her script. “You guys need to film outdoors later.”
“Just take it.” Kristen thumbed through the script. “I’m heading out later, too. I’ll grab something to eat if I’m hungry.”
“Where are you going?” Spencer asked and took the sandwich.
“To discuss with my wedding caterer what to do with my canceled wedding.”
He coughed and cleared his throat before swallowing. “Why don’t you just cancel it?”
“My parents did, but they’d already paid for it. They suggested that I could donate the food to the homeless instead. The location and food have been booked and paid for. If we simply cancel it, the money will go to waste.” She shrugged. “So might as well do something good with it.”
“Who’s going with you?”
“Ana.”
Spencer glanced over at Ana, who had moved to the couch and was chatting with one of the crew members. Ana’s gaze met his, but she turned away immediately. “I’ll go with you.”
“I thought you had to go down to the studio office.”
“It’s not a meeting I’m looking forward to.”
“So you’re using me as an excuse?”
He nodded. “I most definitely prefer to dwell on your misery rather than mine.”
She laughed and nodded. “Yeah. Sounds perfect.” They finished up their sandwich and began filming. Spencer pretended to make coffee for her, and they had a chat about their day.
They were supposed to go ring shopping.
“So you guys are paying for the rings, too?” Kristen asked Neal, who laughed.
“Yes.”
“Cool,” she said. “Any budget?”
“Of course. It’s actually sponsored, so they’ll have a tray for you to choose from.”
“I see.” She turned to Spencer. “I’m sorry. Where were we?”
Spencer repeated his last line, and Kristen continued with the scripted lines. Then they moved on to scenes of them laughing and having breakfast. The crew members had bought and arranged the food on the plates.
The bacon was oily and cold. The scrambled eggs were tough. Kristen smiled and nibbled at the food while the crew moved to a medium shot, which didn’t require Spencer and her to follow any script.
“Did you sleep well?” he asked.
“Yeah. I’m used to sleeping in strange places. I’m sure you’re used to that, too.”
“Yeah.”
“Why do you have to go down to the studio office?”
“There’s talk about the execs wanting to remove me from the next installment of Keith and Elena’s film series.”
“Can they?”
“No one is irreplaceable. I’m supposed to charm them into keeping me.”
“Then you have to go.” Kristen made a face at the food and pushed the plate away. “I can handle the caterer with Ana.”
“I’ll go down to the studio after meeting the caterer with you. I’m sure I’ll feel so much better about myself after that.”
She laughed. “Okay, if you say so.”
They finished up filming and moved on to the ring shopping.
“Can we drive separately?” Kristen asked. “We have to be at different locations later.”
“It’s all right.” Spencer opened the door of the black BMW with the cameras. “I’ll bring you back first.”
“You really don’t want to talk to the execs.”
He grinned, and she shrugged and entered the car.
“Honestly, have you ever seen any of my movies?” she asked when he got in.
He winced.
“I thought you weren’t the sort who would watch musical films.”
“But you can sing.” He glanced over at her and pulled out of the parking garage. “You were great on stage yesterday.”
“That guy was good. I had so much fun.”
“I could see that. Is that why you do so many musical films?”
“Yeah. And mainly because they keep offering me roles in those films. I don’t think I’ll do anymore, though. It’s tough. We sing in the studio then lip-sync on set. But sometimes, the mood isn’t what you expect and we have to redo the recording and all. I’m sure it’s more fun to work on action films.”
“I almost got blown up on the last set.”
“Really? What happened?”
“I had a hangover and wasn’t paying attention.”
She laughed. “Serve you right, then.”
“For your information, your response should’ve been ‘Oh, my god. I’m so glad you’re okay.’”
“Oh, my god. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She topped it off with a wide-eyed blink, and he laughed. “Good enough?”
“Perfect.”
They continued chatting about work until he pulled up in front of the jewelry store.
“Are you sure you’re okay with doing this?”
“Yeah,” she said while staring out at the store. “I never got to collect my wedding rings. My parents—”
Spencer put his hand over the camera in front of her. Kristen wasn’t sure how she’d forgotten about the cameras, but she did.
He cocked his head to the side and opened the door. “I’m sorry,” he said when she stepped out. “I didn’t think you’d want that on tape.”
“I don’t. Thanks.” She leaned back on the car while the production crew moved about.
The cameras had already been set up, but it seemed they were still waiting for Neal.
“Your wedding rings,” Spencer said and rested his back against the car. “What about them?”
She waved it off. “Forget it. It’s nothing.”
“I want to know.” He gazed into her eyes with his full attention, his royal-blue eyes holding hers captive and Kristen felt as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.
It took quite a bit of effort for her to blink and tear her gaze away from his. “My parents called the shop and said to throw them away. They sent a check, and we never spoke of it again.”
“What were your wedding rings supposed to look like?”
“Nothing special. Just two simple bands with inscriptions.” She looked over at him. “When you get married for real, you should consider getting sponsors. It’ll save you tons of money.”
“Why didn’t you do that?”
“My parents wanted to pay.”
“Are they rich?”
She shook her head. “But they’ve saved for me, and they really wanted to contribute.” She leaned in closer and whispered so no one walking around could catch what she was saying. “I topped up for a lot of stuff, but they don’t know that. Alvin wanted to have lots of things for the wedding. I thought so much of it was frivolous and didn’t want my parents paying for it.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
She now understood why Spencer had a reputation for breaking women’s hearts. When he spoke to her, he looked at her as if she was the only person that mattered to him. And he really listened—or at least he gave the impression that she had his full attention.
She jerked her chin forward. “I think they’re ready for us.”
Spencer watched Kristen stroll ahead. Why in the world did Alvin let her go? He hadn’t spent much time with Kristen, but even standing here now, he thought she was a catch—for anyone who was interested in settling down.
Her parents had clearly raised her well. She was kind and even after what had happened between Alvin and her, she was willing to bear whatever pain it cost her so others could benefit from her failed wedding.
That must be why he’d insisted on going with her.
The media coverage surrounding Kristen was unfair enough. It didn’t seem fair that she had to handle the aftermath of Alvin’s screw-up on her own.
“Come on.” She turned and smiled at him. “Don’t worry. You won’t need your credit card for this trip.”
He grinned and followed her into the shop. This was another scene where they were supposed to wing it.
The sales assistant congratulated them and showed them the rings on a black tray.
“I just want something plain,” Spencer said. “But you should go for something nicer.”
“I’m good with something plain, too.”
Spencer shook his head and picked up a full eternity ring. “This is nice.” He put it on her finger and found his heart beating fast as he did that. What was wrong with him?
He inhaled deeply through his nose. “I think it suits you perfectly.” He pointed to the poster in the shop. “That’s the one in the poster.”
“Yes,” the sales assistant said. “It’s our latest range.”
He nodded while staring at the poster. “It looks nice when paired with the sapphire full eternity.”
The sales assistant glanced toward the producer.
“Let’s see it. I’ll pay.”
Kristen grabbed his hand and grinned at him, then leaned closer and whispered again, “Spencer, what are you doing?”
Gosh, he loved it when she did that.
“Spence. My friends call me that,” he whispered back in her ear. “Since you’re going to be my wife, I think you should at least call me that.” To everyone else, it would look as if they were whispering sweet nothings to each other.
“You don’t have to feel sorry for me.”
He laughed softly and hooked his arm around her waist. “I don’t feel sorry for you. I feel sorry for Alvin.”
She frowned.
“I don’t know what in the world made that idiot think Ruby is better than you in any way.” He said it softly enough so only she heard it, then let go of her when the sales assistant came back with the ring. Spencer slipped the ring onto her finger, right on top of the full eternity diamond ring. “Looks good.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet.
“Spencer.”
“Spence.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, and he lifted her hand.
“Don’t you think the combination looks amazing?” he asked. “Besides, my birth stone is sapphire. It’ll remind you of me.” He handed his card to the sales assistant and stared at the black tray again.
“I’ll just take this.” He pointed to a plain white gold band. “Do you like them?”
“Yes,” she said looking at the rings, then pulled her lower lip between her teeth.
“Would you like to inscribe something on the inside?” the sales assistant asked.
Kristen turned to him, seemingly ready to fight him on the decision to get the additional sapphire ring.
“No,” he said to the sales assistant and moved closer to Kristen. “You can continue to wear them after the show—if you want to.”
“People will think I’m pining for you.”
“That’ll be nice.”
She laughed and pulled off the rings.
“Aren’t you going to wear them now?”
“Are we?” She looked over at the producers.
“We’re not having a fake wedding shoot,” Neal said. “Heidi shot that down.”
Spencer could understand why.
“So you can wear them now. You guys are considered married.”
Spencer took the rings from her and slipped them back in place. “Hi, Mrs. Rowe.” Her lips curled into a rueful smile, and he wondered if all this was too soon for Kristen.
The sales assistant handed Spencer’s ring to Kristen. She took a deep breath as she stared at the ring.
Spencer took the ring off her palm and put it on. “Okay. I guess we’re done here.”
Neal shook his head. “I’d like a shot of Kristen putting the ring on you.”
Kristen cracked a smile. “Yeah, okay.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded and held her hand out for his ring. “I’m okay.”
He pulled the ring off for her, and she twirled it around on her index finger before her lips curled into a bright smile.
She slipped the ring onto his finger. “There you go.” She looked up at him. “Hi, husband.”
“Good. That was nice.” Neal instructed the cameramen to move to other angles and they repeated the act of putting on the rings again.
It was the most unromantic thing ever, and Spencer almost rolled his eyes when he realized he was irked by it. It really shouldn’t matter if it was romantic or not.
“Done?” he asked when Neal yelled cut.
“Yes.”
Spencer cocked his head to the side. “We have to go,” he said to the crew.
“Date night later,” the producer reminded them, and they nodded.
“So, Mrs. Rowe, let’s go do some good work.” He opened the passenger side door for Kristen.
“Spence, why did you get me that second ring?”
He put the key into the ignition. “Because they look good together, and they look good on you. Don’t you like them?”
“I do, but—”
“Then no buts. Don’t worry. I can afford it.”
“Thanks,” she said after a moment. “Whenever I feel like pining for you in the future, I’ll wear it.”
“Good. I hope you’ll wear it often, then.”
When they got to the caterer’s office, Kristen sighed before pushing the glass door open and stepping in.
Spencer looked over at the long table with an array of appetizers and desserts sitting on a white table cloth. Flowers, white birdcages, and tea candles were spread tastefully across the table. He leaned closer, squinting at the food.
“Hungry?”
Spencer straightened. “I was wondering if they are real.”
“They are. They are samples for prospective clients. Fran sets them out before the clients arrive.”
“Even when the client has canceled the order?”
“This is probably why she doesn’t even have to advertise.” Kristen pinched a square piece of cake between her thumb and index finger. “Here.” She brought the cake to his mouth. “This is really good.”
He opened his mouth, and Kristen popped the cake in.
She stared at him, her emerald eyes studying his expression. After a moment, her brows puckered. “You don't like it?”
Spencer blinked. His brain had frozen at the moment of Kristen feeding him the cake. It was such a simple gesture, yet it felt strangely intimate.
Kristen turned back to the table. “Perhaps this is another flavor. Or do you—”
“It’s nice.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“I was savoring it.” Utter nonsense, of course. All his senses, including his taste buds, had just rebooted after the short-circuit.
“Kristen!” A woman hurried out from a door at the back of the office with an iPad in hand, her high ponytail swinging from her haste, and gave Kristen a hug. “I’m sorry. I was on the phone, and my assistant called in sick today.”
“It’s okay. We helped ourselves to the food.”
“And I’m so sorry about Alvin.” The woman took a step back, and her gaze landed on Spencer. “Or maybe I shouldn’t be.”
“Yes, you shouldn’t be.” Kristen wriggled her finger with the wedding rings, while the woman smoothed down her three-quarter sleeved light blue dress.
“You’re kidding.”
Kristen laughed. “Spence, this is Fran. And Fran, this is Spencer, my husband.”
Fran’s eyes widened at the word ’husband,’ but she extended her hand without missing a beat. “Congratulations.” Then she turned back to Kristen. “And you got someone else to cater for your wedding?”
“There wasn't a wedding.” Kristen waved it off. “It’s a long story.”
Fran cocked her head to the side and led the way to a round table that had baby’s breath in a clear square vase.
Kristen pulled out a chair before Spencer could help her with it. “Anyway, my parents and I were thinking of changing the menu and inviting the homeless for a good meal instead.”
“I’ve actually ordered the lobsters. I can’t change those.”
“That’s fine. We’ll keep the lobster.”
Spencer watched as Kristen discussed the menu with Fran. When she was done, Spencer leaned forward on the table. “Can you write a refund check to Kristen’s parents? I’ll pay for this.”
“Spence, no.”
“I can—”
“I know. But no.”
Fran stood and took the piece of paper she’d scribbled on. “I’ll leave you two to it.”
Kristen turned to Spencer when Fran was out of view. “No.”
“Why not?”
“I know you’re rich and generous. I have money, too.”
“But I’m sure you don’t want your parents paying.”
“I’ll pay.”
“And will your parents let you?” Spencer grinned when Kristen licked her lips. “So tell them your new husband paid.”
“Spence, you’re my pretend husband. You don’t have to do this.”
He shrugged. “We’re offering meals to the homeless. I haven’t done any good deeds for quite a while. You’ll be helping me add points to saving my soul.”
“It doesn’t work that way.”
He knew. He knew nothing he did would set the scale right. He should never have been born in the first place. In God’s eyes, Spencer was probably nothing but an abomination.
And since he was doomed for hell anyway, he’d never bothered to try pleasing God. He’d never bothered with doing what was right. He might as well have fun while he could.
But right now, he wanted to do something for Kristen. “Just let me do it.” He stopped her when she seemed ready to retort. “You’ve already paid for the location, right? Let me get this. You can give the money back to your parents and tell them that I paid for both.”
“I don’t see why you need to do that.”
“I’ll look like a saint. Your parents will love me.”
She shook her head. “You do know we’ll only be married for six months.”
He hated how she kept bringing up the deadline on their marriage. “I think six months of peace with the in-laws is definitely worth the price.”
“This is too much.”
“No, it isn’t.” He crossed his legs and rested back against the chair. “I like what you’re doing, and I want to contribute.”
Kristen sighed.
Spencer stood and walked over to the counter. “Fran, when you’re ready.” He took out his credit card and handed it to Fran with a smile.
When they got back to the car, Kristen once again closed the door he opened for her.
“Am I in trouble?”
“Spence, you know you don’t have to buy my allegiance.”
“What? Is that what you think I’m doing?”
“No. I don’t know.” She pulled her lower lip in and took a step closer. “I’m not trying to start a fight. I just want you to know that I’d have your back even if you hadn’t bought me the ring or paid the caterer.”
“I know.” He wasn’t sure how he did, but he knew. “I wasn’t trying to buy you with money.” He sighed and looked away for a moment. “I thought the sapphire ring looked good on you, so I bought it. And I’m really impressed with how you’re dealing with everything, so I wanted to be a part of your plan. That’s all.”
Her lips curled then, and he found himself smiling just because she did.
“Okay,” she said.
Spencer opened the car door for her. “Back to the loft, then.”
On the drive back, Spencer took a second look at the rear view mirror when he noticed the black Ford sedan with tinted glass behind them.
“What is it?”
“I thought I noticed that car on the drive to the caterer’s.”
Kristen turned. “Paparazzi?”
The yellow light came on, and Spencer slowed the car. “Hang on.” He glanced down both sides of the cross junction.
Kristen frowned.
At the last moment, right when the car almost rolled to a stop, Spencer jammed on the gas and dashed across the intersection.
“Spence,” Kristen gasped.
“I was sure there weren’t any cars on either side.” He stared at the car he’d left behind at the red light. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“It’s okay. But just so you know,” she said and turned to him with a small smile. “I’m pretty sure my parents won’t forgive you if you ever kill me in a car crash to avoid the paparazzi, no matter what you pay for.”
He laughed. “I’ll remember that.”
After walking Kristen her back to the loft, Spencer returned to his own black Audi and drove to the studio executive’s office. On the way there, he once again noticed the black Ford sedan with tinted glass.
They just don’t give up. The car fell back as he got closer to the office. There was no way the car would be allowed through security anyway.
Still, Spencer found himself checking the rear view mirror before getting out of his car.
“Spence.”
He looked up and stopped when he saw Elena Pattison with her Olympic swimmer boyfriend. Her boyfriend gave her a peck on the cheek and headed over to a white Rover.
“Are you okay?” Elena asked as she walked over.
He nodded.
Elena’s eyes scrutinized his face. “You look more cheerful than you should be.”
“I just did a good deed.”
Elena’s eyes narrowed.
“You’re pretty cheery yourself.” Spencer looked over at the white Rover her boyfriend just got into.
Elena cast a smile over at her boyfriend before turning back to him.
Spencer had worked on several films with Elena. Though he’d only gotten closer to her during the last film, he had never seen Elena like this. The sweet, rueful smile she had reserved for her onscreen romances was now plastered on her face.
“I’m happy for you,” he said.
“Thank you.” Elena glanced toward the elevator and back at him. “Apologize and promise you’ll lie low, then leave.”
Spencer nodded.
“For what’s worth,” Elena said, “I never believed you had anything to do with the accident.”
“Thanks.” Spencer headed up the office building and was showed into Ray Edmond’s office immediately.
“Spencer! Sit. I just had a chat with Elena.”
Spencer moved over to the couch and sat. “I’m sorry about what happened. It was an accident. I had nothing to do with it.”
Ray nodded empathically. “That was what Elena and Keith kept telling me. They also assured me that you’ll lie low and not create any more scandals for the next few months.”
“You have my word.”
“They’re putting their necks on the line for you.”
“I know,” he said, grateful to have friends like them.
They discussed some of the things the studio would be doing for the promotional tour and left. The talk had gone better than he’d expected. He supposed Keith and Elena had really worked their magic on Ray before he got here.
Spencer stopped right by his car and scanned the parking garage.
There it was again: the feeling that someone was watching him. But there didn’t seem to be anyone else there.
Spencer shook his head and got into his car. He had a date to get to.