“Who knows the truth about us?”
That was a good question. “Murray, obviously. And I’m sure he told his fiancée, Kelly. That should be it since Ross won’t be at the festivities. Everyone else here thinks you’re my new girl.”
She nodded and took a deep breath. “Let’s get our party on, shall we?”
The valet opened her door and she stepped out, waiting for Julian to walk around and meet her. Together, they walked up the stairs to the front door. When the massive oak doors swung open, they were bombarded with a cacophony of sounds and delicious smells. Murray had spared no expense with even the smallest of events. There were easily a hundred people throughout the large open areas of the ground floor and more outside on the heated deck. A bluegrass band was playing in the gazebo in the backyard, and parked out there was a barbecue truck, smoking ribs and brisket for everyone.
There was a large bar set up in the dining room, just past the buffet of goodies that he knew was only to hold people over until the main course was ready. Shame he couldn’t eat any of it.
“Would you like a drink?” he asked, leaning down to murmur in her ear.
“Please.”
They went over to the bar, where he got her a margarita on the rocks and got himself sparkling water with a twist of lime. They had a huge keg of beer from a local Nashville microbrewery, which he’d love, but he knew he shouldn’t. There would be enough temptations this week without starting off on the wrong foot. As it was, he hadn’t worked out since he got here.
“So you don’t drink?” Gretchen asked. “Is that a health thing or a moralistic thing?”
“Health. Too many empty calories. One too many beers and all my dietary rules will go out the window. You don’t want to find me passed out in a half-eaten pizza, I assure you.”
“Scandalous!” she mocked.
“I know, right?” He looked around and spied Murray and Kelly out on the patio. “Have you met Kelly?”
“The bride? Yes. She’s been to the facility several times going over details.”
“Okay, good. Let’s go say hi to the happy couple, then we can find a comfortable place to hang out and hide from most everyone.”
“You don’t have friends here?”
Julian shook his head. “Not really. Murray and I were roommates in college. When I dropped out and moved to LA, we kept in touch, but I don’t really know any of his Nashville friends. I’m mostly here for moral support.”
They stepped out onto the deck and greeted the engaged couple.
“So, this is the new lady Murray has told me so much about,” Kelly said with a wide smile and a twinkle in her green eyes. “It’s good to see you outside of work, Gretchen. I have gotten so many compliments on the invitations. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got in store for the wedding. I think the programs are going to be fabulous.”
“Thank you,” Gretchen said with a smile.
Julian watched the two women as they chatted about wedding details. From that night at the restaurant, Julian had noticed that Gretchen’s reluctance faded away when she talked about her work. She was like a totally different person. She nearly radiated with a confidence that vanished the moment the attention shifted from her art back to her. He understood that. He’d much rather talk about his films, such as they were, than talk about his family or his upbringing. Those were tales better left untold.
“Do you mind if I steal her away?” Kelly asked. “I want to introduce her to my bridesmaids.”
“Sure.” Julian bent down and planted a kiss in the hollow just below her ear. She shivered but didn’t pull away or tense up. Bravo. “Hurry back.”
Gretchen gave him a wave and disappeared into the house with Kelly.
“How’s that going?” Murray asked.
“Better than expected. I’ve got her loosened up, so that’s helped.”
“You’re doing a good job, whatever it is. When you came out on the patio together, there wasn’t a question in my mind that you two were a couple.”
“Really?” Julian smiled. He was pleased they’d come so far, so quickly. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to deal with Ross’s sour disposition later in the week if this worked out. “I am an award-winning actor, you know.”
“The golden popcorn statuette from MTV for Best Fight Scene doesn’t really stack up to a Screen Actors Guild Award.”
“Don’t I know it,” Julian grumbled. One day, he wanted a real award for a movie with substance. Once he’d told Ross he wanted to do a movie with depth and the next thing he knew, he was in a movie about terrorists who take over a submarine. Just another flick where he lost his shirt eventually.