on instinct, Rhett got ready to snatch Cassie’s hand. He would yank her out of the chair and have her in the lobby before she’d know what was happening. What he’d do after that, he didn’t have a clue.
His hand started in her direction and hesitated. If anyone—critics, fans—spotted him grabbing a woman who didn’t seem willing to come along with him, the press would have a field day. Randi had already painted him to be a manipulative and jealous. He couldn’t do anything to jeopardize Ken’s premiere. His friend had worked so hard for this moment. Rhett wouldn’t blow it for him.
Suddenly, Cassie stood and slipped by him. If he’d been watching the film, all he would’ve seen was a brief glimpse of a nice ass and not her face because she was already out the door.
He wondered if she was headed to the restroom. Surely, she hadn’t known he was sitting next to her for the last hour or else she would’ve fled immediately.
Rhett glanced over at Ken, whose level gaze met his.
“Go for it, buddy,” he whispered.
Melanie leaned around and gave him a thumbs up.
That’s all it took. Rhett flew out of his seat and hit the door running.
CHAPTER 20
Cassie hurried out to an empty lobby. Ken had mentioned that the studio booked the entire theater for the premiere. She assumed everyone attending sat on the edge of his chair, waiting to see how Ken would get out of his last, spectacular predicament before leaving for the after parties to gossip about his potential on the big screen.
Cassie knew she couldn’t be a part of that.
Ken would’ve invited Rhett to Pomodoro and she couldn’t stand to face his accusatory glances. With her recent behavior, she couldn’t blame him if he chewed her up and spit her out—after stomping on her for good measure.
She’d finally decided tonight wasn’t the right time for that kind of confrontation. Cassie wouldn’t do anything to detract from Ken’s night. If she and Rhett were spotted together, it would be impossible to have a private conversation while she apologized in a meaningful way. She must protect him—and Ken—from any bad publicity. Rhett had already been skewered as it was by every talk show host and tabloid on the planet.
Cassie headed toward the restrooms, hoping the old-time theater might have a pay phone in that area. She doubted it with the way even four-year-olds had a cell phone in this town. Phone booths had become a thing of the past. Poor Superman would be hard pressed to find a place to change in order to save the world. Unfortunately, she was stuck without a cell since she’d left the one Rhett gave her when she’d fled.
As she suspected, she didn’t find a phone in the lounge area. Cassie pushed open the door to the ladies’ room, glad to find it empty. She needed a quiet place to think. Maybe she could hide out here while the audience vacated the premises. Then she could Uber back to the Camerons. It was time to retrieve TJ and her things and leave for good.
Out of habit, she went into a stall and locked the door before pulling out her small wallet, having once been a victim of a robbery inside a small restaurant shortly after her arrival in Hollywood. She counted twelve dollars and some change. Thank goodness Uber had her credit card on file. She tried to think about the surroundings as she’d gotten out of the limo and thought she’d seen a coffee shop across the street. Maybe they’d have a phone she could use, especially if she ordered something to go.
She heard the door open as she placed her wallet back inside the small, black clutch Melanie had loaned her for the evening. Melanie had been a lifesaver these past couple of days but Cassie couldn’t allow her problems to spill into the Camerons’ lives any longer. Their first allegiance was to Rhett and Cassie’s heart told her she’d outstayed her welcome. She had to move on before her heart got trampled even more.
The film would probably end in the next couple of minutes. She could easily slip from the theater just as the crowd poured out and become lost in it. The paparazzi would be waiting for the big names in attendance. That would keep Rhett busy, fending off questions about his very public breakup with Randi as the cameras flashed.
Cassie unlocked the stall door and stepped out.
Right into Rhett.
Rhett clamped strong hands