Backstage Romance: An Austen-Inspired Romantic Comedy Box Set by Gigi Blume (ebook reader with highlighter txt) 📕

“Mellow punk? Sounds like an oxymoron. Like jumbo shrimp.”

Harriet gaped at me wide eyed. “Oh, he’s not a moron at all. He’s really smart.”

Oh, sweet Harriet.

“I didn’t mean he wasn’t smart. Just that you have to be careful about the type of guy you want to be seen with.” I took a bite of deep-fried cheesy potato. “What’s his name again?”

“Martinez. But that’s his last name. We all call him Martín for short.”

“Martín? As in Fluffy’s sidekick?”

I had to admit, this Martinez bloke didn’t look like a punk rocker. He had that Ricky Martin vibe going for him. But a hot guy wouldn’t help Harriet advance her career.

“One time,” continued Harriet, “he took a detour on his way to work to bring me boba from Pho Real just because he heard I liked them. Isn’t that sweet?”

“It certainly is thoughtful, but not out of the ordinary. That’s just what co-workers do. Jaxson brings me a green smoothie every morning, but it doesn’t mean anything.”

“Oh.” Harriet blinked at me, thinking about what I said. “I guess you’d know what you’re talking about.”

“Of course I do.”

I shrugged, taking a sip of my drink and looking beyond Harriet, I noticed Martinez approach our table with the goofiest of grins.

“Good heavens. Don’t look now, but he’s coming our way. Just be sure not to make eye contact. You don’t want to lead him on.”

“I don’t?”

“Hi, Harriet,” he said, hovering over her. I didn’t quite know how to describe his voice. It was like Bart Simpson and a raccoon all rolled into one—if raccoons could talk.

“Do you like the drink? I call it Beso de Angel.”

“It’s yummy,” she said, batting her eyes. “Sounds so exotic.”

“It means kiss of an angel in Spanish. I tried to make it taste like those boba drinks you like.”

She blushed, twirling her hair. Yes, friends, she was twirling her hair. I’d have to have a chat with her later on that. “I didn’t know you worked here.”

He shrugged. “Just a couple nights a week, but not for long. I was promoted at Unplugged, so…”

Harriet beamed at him. It was rather painful to watch because although they were working hard at conversation, one could tell it didn’t come naturally for them. Poor Harriet. I knew once she found her Mister Right, he’d have brilliant things to say, and she wouldn’t have to reach so desperately. I was already picturing her laughing and carrying on with Elton and his display of genius. He was a lyricist, after all. Martinez waffled along about something or other. It was slightly awkward.

“Have you had a chance to watch Poldark yet?” Harriet asked him, clearly stretching for more uncomfortable small talk. He groaned and smacked his forehead.

“Ah, no. I’ve been so busy with the band and working two jobs. But I will as soon as my schedule clears. I promise.”

He smiled awkwardly at me, and Harriet finally introduced us. Then he had to run off to sling some drinks Tom Cruise style. Every now and then, he’d flip a bottle and wink our way. Flashy.

“He’s an interesting fellow,” I said. “You recommended one of your favourite shows, and the man doesn’t have a care to watch even one episode for your sake.”

“I don’t mind. I know he’s busy.”

“You don’t have to make excuses for him, Harriet. It’s obvious what his priorities are, and I’m sorry to say, your interests aren’t among them.”

“I… suppose you’re right.” She stared down at her half-empty glass and frowned.

“Listen,” I said, resting my palm on her arm to comfort her. “You’ve outgrown this lifestyle. Just think of how you’ve spent your whole day—rubbing elbows with A-listers. You’re on your way, Harriet.” Truthfully, the whole PA thing was just a guise to help her land her first role—and now to help her catch Elton’s attention. Something told me, however, she already had.

“You really think so? I didn’t do anything.”

“It’s not about what you do, it’s about whose attention you catch. And I happen to know Elton Wardlow was looking at you.” I nodded slowly for emphasis and wagged my brows.

“Elton Wardlow noticed me? Really?”

“Yes. He asked who you were, and I was happy to tell him you’re an up-and-coming talent.”

“You said that about me?”

“Absolutely. I told him you studied musical theatre at one of L.A.’s best conservatories, and he said he’d love to hear you sing.”

Her jaw dropped. “Elton Wardlow wants to hear me sing? Oh, my goodness.” She set her shot glass down and took a few long swigs of water, fanning herself between sips. “What exactly did he say?”

“Well…” I thought back to find his words in my memory. “He said ‘she should sing for us sometime.’ And I know you might think this is my imagination, but he couldn’t take his eyes off you.”

“There’s no way.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised. You’re so pretty, I’m almost jealous.” I leaned in over the table to whisper conspiratorially just for the dramatics of it. “While I was talking to Jaxson, I caught Elton staring just beyond me to where you were standing. And as we walked out the door, his head was turned so far over his shoulder to gawk at you, I thought he’d fall out of his chair.”

She shook her head. “I’m not that pretty.”

“Trust me. Guys go ga ga over gingers.”

She took a brief glance at Martinez chatting it up with the female clientele at the bar and looked back at me with a resolute smile.

“You’re such a good friend, Emma. I don’t know what to say.”

“Then I’ll say it for you.” I raised my glass in a salute. “Watch out, Tinseltown. Here comes Harriet Smith.”

I slurped the last drop of my Shirley Temple.

“Ready to go?” I asked, flagging down the waiter for our bill. “I have an idea I want to get to work on.”

5

Extravagant Purchase

Jaxson

“What do you mean you’re writing a song?”

I sat on the piano bench next to Emma as she plunked out a few unconnected chords. She’d clunk