Trisha sighed heavily, and I felt the weight of her concern. "Okay, Emma. I guess you have to do what you think is best. Remember, I'm always here for you. Sean too. He practically threw his cane at the TV last night during Jackson's interview, thinking that he was exploiting you."
I ended the call with promises to contact her if I needed to talk. My earlier exuberance was dampened by the reality of Trisha's words as they sunk in. I knew she was right. I would have to ask Jackson for answers, not just blindly wish away his infidelity.
I forced myself to concentrate on work for the remainder of the day, as difficult as it was. I had two client meetings, fortunately at my office, and I could see that they were interested in more than their upcoming advertisements, their eyes curious as they studied me. I pretended that nothing was out of the ordinary, even when one of them slyly asked me if I had seen Crossing Wires, Jackson's latest movie. I just glibly answered that I didn't have much time lately to watch movies and continued with my presentation.
By the time six o'clock rolled around, I was relieved. Despite my earlier anxiety, I was eager to see Jackson. He had texted me that he was outside my building and I hurriedly shut down my computer and packed up my things.
"Bye, Marie," I said as I passed by her desk. "Have a great weekend."
"You too," she replied with a smile that was wider than normal
I was waiting for the elevator when I heard Celeste call out my name behind me. I turned as she rushed towards me, her purse slung over her shoulder.
"I heard that Jackson's downstairs waiting for you," she said breathlessly. "Can I meet him?"
I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. It was amazing how quickly news spread. Someone had probably spotted Jackson outside and now everyone would be whispering about it. Despite my exasperation, I figured it wouldn't hurt to introduce Jackson to Celeste. Maybe it would lessen her curiosity.
"Alright, but don't barrage him with questions, okay?" The elevator doors opened and we both stepped inside. I gave her a meaningful look, not wanting to discuss Jackson in the crowded elevator, and Celeste seemed to get the message, just nodding eagerly.
Craig was waiting outside by the SUV when we stepped out of the building, straightening when he saw our approach.
"That's a Mercedes-Benz G63," Celeste said, sounding awed. "I didn't even think they were available yet." Celeste's husband was a car enthusiast and she picked up a lot of knowledge at the car shows he was always dragging her to.
I shrugged, not knowing much about cars. My heart leapt when the back door opened and Jackson stepped out, grinning at me.
"Forget the car," Celeste muttered as we drew closer. "I see something else I like better."
I rolled my eyes and Jackson gave me a questioning look as he leaned down to hug me, giving me a quick peck on the lips. "Hi, sweetheart, how was work?"
"Good," I answered simply. Jackson didn't let go of me, wrapping his arm around my waist so that our sides were pressed together, facing a gawking Celeste. "Jackson, this is Celeste. We used to work together at Mass Comm and now we both work at Forrester."
Jackson smiled widely, holding out his hand. "Celeste. Good to finally meet you. I used to hear a lot about you when Emma worked at Mass Comm."
Celeste seemed delighted that Jackson remembered her, taking his proffered hand as she grinned. "It's so nice to meet you! I'm a big fan. Little did I know that the Jackson Emma always talked about years ago was the Jackson Reynard."
Jackson winked at Celeste and she positively glowed from his attention. What was it with people and celebrities? I had never understood the allure of worshipping people that were no different from us. Then again, dealing with the demons of Jackson's betrayal had previously left a bad taste in my mouth when it came to celebrities.
"We'll have to go out for drinks sometime," Jackson said as he drew me towards the SUV. "But now I have to steal Emma away. We have dinner reservations. It was good meeting you."
"You too!" Celeste exclaimed, looking positively thunderstruck at Jackson's suggestion of getting together sometime.
"Have a good weekend, Celeste," I said, amused at her cartoonish expression of glee as we climbed into the car. She waved at us as Craig pulled away.
"All the adoration must get tiring," I said with a sardonic smile. "How do you put up with it?"
Jackson smiled back faintly. "It actually does get a little old. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all my fans. They're the ones that make my movies successful, giving me the freedom to choose which roles I want. But it would be nice to be able to live my personal life anonymously."
Jackson wrapped his arm around my shoulders and I cuddled close, relishing the feel of his hard body against mine. "Maybe we should leave everything behind and move to Bora Bora," I joked. "We can spend our days fishing and our nights listening to the ocean."
Jackson's arm tightened around me as he kissed the top of my head. "Just tell me when you want to go." Jackson's tone was serious and I looked up at him. There was no answering smile on his face at my jest as he gazed back at me unflinchingly. I lowered my head, leaning against Jackson's shoulder again. I didn't know how to reply so I decided it was better not to.
It took a while to get to Romero's because of rush hour traffic, but I enjoyed the ride, feeling cocooned in the safety of the car, the sounds of the city muffled. Craig stared resolutely ahead and I soon forgot he was even there. I was slightly disappointed when the car pulled up in front of the restaurant.
Jackson opened the car door and exited, turning to take my hand and help me out. I was grateful, needing the help since the SUV was high off the ground and I was in heels. Jackson stopped to say a quick word to Craig, and then led me inside the restaurant.
"I guess not everything can stay the same," I commented as I looked around. From the outside, Romero's had looked exactly the same, but they had done a full renovation inside. The dark wood paneling had been replaced with bright white walls with accents of blue. The worn out chairs and tables with red-checked tablecloths had disappeared, and in their place were modern looking white tables with sleek plastic molded seats. Instead of feeling cozy, the restaurant looked sophisticated and chic.
"Let's just hope the food is the same," Jackson said as he guided me to the hostess station with a light hand on the small of my back. The hostess' mouth dropped with recognition as she stared at Jackson. She glanced at me, her eyes widening even more, and then turned back to Jackson.