“You serve big helpings,” Brett pointed out.
“And Eva is a big eater.”
Brett looked at me. “You are?”
I shrugged. Was he catching on to how little we really knew about each other? “One of my many flaws.”
“Not to me,” Arnoldo said. “How did the video show go?”
“I think it went well.” Brett searched my face as he answered.
I nodded, not wanting to spoil what was supposed to be a celebratory time for the band. What was done, was done. I couldn’t fault Brett’s intentions, only his execution. “They are well on the road to megastardom.”
“And I can say I knew you when.” Arnoldo smiled at Brett. “I bought your first single on iTunes when it was still your only single.”
“Appreciate the support, man,” Brett said. “We wouldn’t have made it without our fans.”
“You wouldn’t have made it if you weren’t so good.” Arnoldo looked at me. “You will have dessert, won’t you? And more wine.”
As Arnoldo settled back in his chair, I realized he intended to fill the role of chaperone. When I glanced at Brett, I could tell from his wry smile that he caught that, too.
“So,” Arnoldo began, “tell me how Shawna is doing, Eva.”
I sighed inwardly. At least Arnoldo was a babysitter who was fun to look at.
BRETT’S hired driver dropped me off at my apartment a little after ten. I invited Brett up, because I couldn’t see any way to avoid it that wasn’t rude. He took in the exterior of the building with some surprise, as well as the night doorman and the front desk.
“You must have a smokin’ job,” he said as we walked toward the elevators.
The clicking of heels on marble chased after me. “Eva!”
I cringed at the sound of Deanna’s voice. “Reporter alert,” I whispered, before turning around.
“That’s a bad thing?” he asked, turning with me.
“Hi, Deanna.” I greeted her with a strained smile.
“Hello.” Her dark eyes raked Brett from head to toe, and then she thrust her hand at him. “Brett Kline, right? Deanna Johnson.”
“A pleasure, Deanna,” he said, turning on the charm.
“What can I do for you?” I asked her as they shook hands.
“Sorry for interrupting you on your date. I didn’t realize you two were back together until I saw you at the Vidal event earlier.” She smiled at Brett. “I take it there’s no harm done from your altercation with Gideon Cross?”
Brett’s brows rose. “You lost me.”
“I’d heard you and Cross exchanged a few blows in an argument.”
“Someone’s got a big imagination.”
Had Gideon talked to him? Or had media training taught Brett the pitfalls to avoid?
I hated that Deanna had been nearby earlier, watching me. Or, more accurately, watching Gideon. He was the one she was fixated on. I was just easier to access.
Her answering smile was brittle. “Bad source, I guess.”
“It happens,” he said easily.