Chapter Five

Stephanie grew quiet, letting their conversation flow around her. How had she not known who was going to be at The Grove today? She had been out of touch for so long that she hadn’t bothered to see what the band was up to these days. She hadn’t bothered with much of anything that would bring her any kind of a smile.

Until now.

She tuned back in to the conversation, their excitement was infectious. “I guess it’s safe to assume that The Grove is an okay place to stop for lunch then?”

She got three excited yeses in response. Laughing she took the next exit and listened to GPS Jack direct her to her destination.

Turning on to The Grove Drive Stephanie made the quick decision to use the valet. The garage with its digital signs indicated that there were maybe five parking spots available. She didn’t want to be driving around in circles for an hour in the hopes of snagging a spot. Pulling up to The Circle the girls got out and Stephanie watched wistfully as her car was driven away.

Hath moved up next to her. “They’ll take care of her.”

Stephanie nodded. “They’d better.” Then she smiled. “Come on girls, let’s go to The Farm and get something to eat.”

“The Farm?” She got three speculative glances.

She rolled her eyes to the sky. “Yes ladies, The Farm. I checked it out online. It’s right next to The Farmer’s Market and they use fresh and home grown everything. I thought it sounded good. Come on, we’ll go look and if you want to go somewhere else, we can.”

~

The giggling chatter of the four women had him glancing up. He and Nikki had finished their Extra interview and now he was with two of his favorite ladies. He was tucked away at a table in the corner with his mother and grandmother enjoying a quiet late lunch when the undeniable female sound grabbed his attention. The four women made a pretty picture walking through the restaurant.

The tall brunette led the way, a pretty redhead, a cute blonde and a shorter, slender brunette followed their leader to a table in the opposite corner. He had to smile as they sat, perusing their menus, never letting a lull fall in their conversation. He understood friendship like that. He’d had it with three other men for the last 27 years.

The shorter of the two brunettes sat facing him, but not seeing him. Not yet anyway. He watched as she pushed her sunglasses up, pushing back the fall of dark curls. She had a pretty, fresh face but he was intrigued more by the smile on her lips that was in complete contrast to the sadness he could see around her eyes. He knew that look. He’d seen it reflected back at him in his own mirror many a time. Trying to maintain a happy facade while whatever had put the sadness in her eyes struggled to remain buried.

Who was this woman? She didn’t look Hollywood. He scanned the three other women. None of them did.

~

The girls chatted away, not noticing that they were being watched. “It’s too bad we missed Extra. How cool would it have been to accidentally on purpose run into HIM?” Hath and Catte voiced their disappointment.

Stephanie nodded and looked up, catching the eyes of the man across the room. He was staring right at her and her grip on Hath’s arm tightened. A strangled “oh my God” was all she could manage.

“What?” Hath hadn’t seen him yet, didn’t understand the bruising grip.

Stephanie gave a slight nod of her head. “Look.”

Hath turned her head and whipped it back. “Holy Shit!”

Catte and Willow looked. “Oh my God!”

“Shhhh!!” Stephanie lowered her head. “We don’t want to scare the man.”

The girls chatter grew louder as they wondered they should approach him or if they should try to covertly get a picture with their phones.

Stephanie risked a glance across the room. What was he doing here? Why was he staring at them? His eyes met hers and he winked at her. Her heart thudded in her chest and she averted her gaze. Why was he watching her?

Their waitress came then, distracting the girls and taking their order, making the decision to do nothing for them. When she left them Stephanie looked back across the room. The table was empty. Her eyes flitted to the door, it was just swinging shut. He had left before any one of them had even the slightest chance of getting out of their chair. She relaxed back in her chair. It was just as well, making an ass of herself was not on the agenda for the day.

The girls enjoyed their late lunch and after paying their bill, headed back to the Valet Circle. They were ready to get to Stephanie’s and just hang out and have a margarita and listen to some music. Just chill and finish catching up.

They weren’t the only ones waiting for a car when they got there. As Stephanie handed to her ticket to the young man Willow gripped her arm. “Oh my God, there he is again!”

The girls looked up. He was helping his mother and grandmother up into the giant black hummer he was so fond of. What were the odds of running into him twice in one day?

Hath looked at the group. “Oh hell, I’ve got to say something.” She raised her hand and waved. “Hi!”

Closing the door he smiled, his dimple flashing. He waggled his fingers in their direction. “Hey.”

Hath grabbed Catte and Willow. “Come on.” Catte reached for Stephanie, “you’re coming too.” Just then the valet came with her car and she pulled her hand back.

“You go, my car’s here.” She watched and smiled as they took turns getting a picture and a little conversation. She was happy for her friends. This was something they had all talked about, hoped would happen one day.

Richie had been more than happy to pose for pictures, but was surprised that the other brunette didn’t join her friends. From the short time watching her in the restaurant he had seen the fan in her. Now he saw the reluctance to approach him. “What about your friend with the hot car?” The Camaro was sweet, and not at all what he would have expected the pretty little brunette to drive.

Catte looked over at her. “Steph, get your ass over here!”

She shook her head. She just couldn’t make herself walk over there.

Hath walked over and took her hand. “Come on, when are you ever going to get a chance like this again?”

Taking a breath she slipped her sunglasses on again and walked over to where they were standing. Richie put on his best smile. “I don’t bite darlin’.”

She found a smile for him. “Really? That’s too bad.” She felt her face heat and she clamped her mouth shut. Where the hell had that come from?

He laughed as she turned several shades of red. “Oh I think I like you already sweetheart.”