Risky Rockstar: A Hero Club Novel, стр. 31

Half an hour later, disappointment for Kevin sweeps over me when Travis Jameson’s name gets called out instead of Kevin’s for the Best Actor Award, but as the camera pans to the losers, Kevin is out of his seat clapping so hard with a grin stretched right across his face, and it makes me smile. It’s not that fake grin actors get when they miss out on an award, the one that tells you they know they should have won it but have to be happy because everyone is watching. No, you could see that Kevin is genuinely happy for Travis, and I shouldn’t be surprised because honestly, Kevin is the most selfless guy I’ve met in a long time. Claire stands next to him, radiant in an off-the-shoulder, midnight-blue gown, and embraces him, looking up at him while he smiles down at her. The warmth that passes between them is one of a long-standing friendship, cemented by years and years of love and respect. Hopefully, people will see it for what it is and they won’t go on another tirade. Claire has been through enough.

Last night, Kevin called to warn me to be careful. An intruder had snuck into his room while they were out at the premiere of his latest movie, Derailed. Kevin didn’t go into detail about it but mentioned the guy had recorded him and Claire with the intention of blackmailing Kevin for “stepping out on me.” I can only imagine what kind of recording the guy had, and it makes me sick to my stomach that someone would violate them so terribly. It also makes me realize that everything is hinged on the show tomorrow. Going out in public like we were, the way we are, is more important now than ever but only if it doesn’t impact Claire. These are all things we need to be sure of before the show tomorrow. I pick up my phone and send off a short text, congratulating Kevin on his nomination and telling him I’m sorry he didn’t win. I also think Sam might be right about heading to the after-party. I hate it when Sam’s right.

I’m thinking if Kevin and Claire are going to the after-party, it would be the perfect time to meet Claire without intruding on their time together, and we could kill two birds with one stone. I shoot Kevin another text.

ME: Are you at the after-party? If it’s not an intrusion, I’d love to swing by and meet Claire. Sam got me tickets. It might be nice to have Claire there when we discuss the last-minute logistics for the show?

I gather up my mug and head to the kitchen. Even though Kevin assured me Claire will be fine with our performance tomorrow, I’ll feel better with having Claire there while we run over everything. It will let her know exactly how clinical and choreographed these things are. After disposing of the wrappers, I rinse my mug and set it in the dishwasher. My phone rings and I frown, hoping it isn’t Amy. Looking at the clock on the oven, I decide it can’t be her. It’s after midnight and she’s sleeping over at Veronica’s house and her curfew is eleven-thirty.

By the time I reach the living room again, I see the missed call came from Kevin. I hit Redial, and he picks up on the third ring.

“Hey, sorry it’s late. I probably should’ve just texted back. I seem to have a habit of calling you at inappropriate times. I’m sorry.”

“No, not at all. How’s Claire doing?”

“She’s hanging in there. I think she’ll be glad to get away from all this craziness, y’know?”

I run a hand through my hair, my fingers snagging on a knot. “I can’t say I blame her.”

“Neither can I. Listen, I called to say you can come over here. We didn’t go to the after-party, and if you’re coming here, I might be able to convince Claire to come over and we can try to take her mind off the madness.”

I bite my lip. “I don’t want to intrude.”

I can hear Kevin’s smile through the phone. “You aren’t intruding. Besides, I like your idea of going over the sequence of events for tomorrow with Claire.”

“If you’re sure?”

“I’m positive.”

“Perfect, I’ll see you in fifteen minutes. I’ve also got some news to share, but now might not be a good time?”

“Is everything alright?” I hear the concern in his voice, and I’m touched.

“Things are more than alright. I…uh, just feel bad sharing good news when you know…?”

“When I lost?”

I chew my lip. “Yeah?” I scrunch my nose. Man, I feel like an ass.

“Honestly, the best man won. I’m happy for Travis. He’s a great actor and a great guy.”

“Then that makes me happy. I’ll see you soon.”

“See you soon. Hayley?”

I’m making my way to the kitchen to pack a few snacks for us. I really want to make a good impression on Claire. “Yeah?”

“Thanks again for always considering Claire. It means a lot.”

I reach for the bottle of champagne I have in my fridge. Mom always says life is a celebration waiting to happen and you should always be prepared. “Of course.”

I change into jeans and a sweater but fret over my choice. Should I do more? I’m suddenly nervous about meeting Claire. I know she’s a sweetheart—that much is obvious through everything Kevin says about her—but I still want this to go well. Deciding I shouldn’t overdo it, I go with what I have on and run a brush through my hair. I grab some crackers and cheese and some grapes and pop them into a basket before grabbing my car keys. Excitement bubbles in my belly at the thought of meeting Claire and giving her a sneak peek of our show tomorrow.