Idolized (Hollywood Stardust Book 3) (17 page)

This was more than perfect.

Timing was everything.

Once the money died down, he took custody of the first thing that he owned rather than what owned him.

Leash in hand, he and his four-legged money magnet rejoined Rodger. “I have an alternate remedy for Cora.” Everyone who was anyone knew dogs were therapeutic.

Without a word from Sir Secretary, the three of them got in the car.

The dog lay down on his lap. At least he was low maintenance.

“Cora’s instructions didn’t say anything about an animal. You can’t keep him.” Lips pursed, Rodger stared at him.

“I think an animal would be good for her reputation. It’s all part of my master plan.” Surely, the man would understand if Cora benefitted.

They both looked at Spike. Now the dog fell asleep.

“I’ll just put him in the corner of the kitchen. He’s pretty mellow, Cora won’t notice.” Even as the words left his mouth, he knew they were a lie. Cora noticed everything, but Spike made money. Ryder couldn’t give him up now when they just started.

Rodger gave him one glance, more like a glare.

“Are you crazy? I was never going to keep him, just got stuck in a weird position. The public and all.” First, he had to take care of the big dollar signs in the form of making sure Cora was taken care of. He backtracked and patted Spike on the top of his head. “This pooch may have been seeing stars, but it wasn’t me. I do need to make another stop to clean up a mess. One may say I need a pooper scooper.”

With no doubt Rodger would rat him out, he directed him to the only person on the planet who understood.

After quite a jaunt to Pasadena, he knocked on the door of Mr. and Mrs. Fulton.

Breathless, Erin and her dog, Beaker, answered the door and stared at Spike. “Why are you here?” She backed up and instantly Beaker spoke the universal language of dogs by sniffing his furry cohort. In need of translation, the animal looked back at his mistress for an explanation. “Why do you have a dog?” Erin asked the question of the hour.

Ryder stepped inside. Spike lumbered after him, walked around in a circle and laid down on the throw rug in the entryway. Now he, Erin and Beaker all stared at their fourth waiting…waiting…nothing.

“I have to get back to the city, I’ll see you later.” He dropped the leash and wished he told Rodger to keep the car motor running.

“Ryder Scott, take one step out that door, and I will kill you with the power of my pregnancy hormones.” She narrowed her eyes.

Only the threat of being shot down with anything dealing with pregnancy made him freeze as if he were identified in a line up. “I need a favor.” He flashed his made for Hollywood smile.

Erin didn’t move. Neither did Spike. They truly were a match made in whatever location people got matched with animals.

“I was on my way to Cora’s and stopped at that place in Santa Monica that has all the organic vegetables and stuff. Cora has a headache, and I needed to get some things.” Fine, an explanation of some sort was in order, but he chose to leave out the part about seeing Glen out and about as well.

His co-star and long ago partner in crime put her hand on her hip and sighed.

“I never got the stuff, but there was this dog shelter event outside and, well…” He motioned to the dog. “His owner died, and he was all lying there, and one thing led to another, and you have to trust me on this, the dog really wants to be with a star.”

“His owner died?” Her expression softened “You’re a superstar, take him to one of your other women and have a pet.”

Now for the big reveal. “In a major plot twist, I don’t have any other women, and I can’t bring a pet to Cora’s right away.”

“Cora.” Erin raised her eyebrows. “You have been all over the Internet with her.”

“So I’ve been informed.” He wondered if they weren’t trending if they would have been normal. Probably not, nothing was normal, and she wouldn’t have any use for him. “Can you do me a favor, please? I’ll owe you one.”

With a huff she kneeled down and held her hand out to Spike. “You’ll never repay me.”

The dog didn’t move.

“He loves you!” Relief washed over him.

She wrinkled her nose. “He didn’t do anything.”

“Then he’s no worse for the wear. He’s depressed. Just keep him here until Cora gets used to me. Think of your home as his therapy to be re-acclimated to the world.” His face ached from the forced smile.

“All right, but this isn’t permanent. At least he doesn’t seem like too much trouble.” She gave the dog a little pat and backed away with a shrug. “Maybe Drew will be able to bring him out of his shell.”

“Maybe Drew needs to design some pet pep pills or something.” Again he headed for the exit.

“Pet vitamins.” She smiled and turned her attention back to her own dog. “Beaker is perfect the way he his.”

Before leaving, he bent down and took some pictures of his newest payroll. “Careful with him, he’s the face of Ryder’s Rescue.” He motioned for Erin to get the shot.

Never one to miss a photo op, she bent down and smiled. “You have a charity?”

“Yes, I was at a function about animal rights. They’re very important. Animals don’t have a voice, so you have to listen to other things and be an advocate for them.” He turned the camera around and got in the shot with Erin. Hey, two stars were better than one.

“What are you up to?” She scowled.

“Nothing. I’m trying to get to Cora.” The woman always could tell, but hopefully her pregnancy hormones would throw her off the trail.

“If you have a charity, wouldn’t she know about the dog?”

Good point. He had to think fast. “We have to work out the particulars of having an animal at the Sierra Towers. This was a rescue emergency.” At his explanation, he exhaled in relief. “I really need to get going.”

“Hold on.” She dashed away.

In the time it took for him to get a few more shots with Spike, Erin returned.

“Here.” She handed him a check. “Give me the receipt next time you see me. Drew was just complaining about how we need more tax deductions.”

He glanced at the check. The large check. Thank god, his years of training allowed him not to have any reaction like jumping around and high-fiving her. “You qualify for a free Ryder’s Rescue tote bag.”

“Wow, sounds official.” Erin shrugged.

“Well, I hate to drop off a pet and run, but I have to get back. I’m meeting Cora at six.” His relationship turned into a job and for a job, he couldn’t be late. Unlike his dealings with Glen and the others, he couldn’t turn and walk the other way down the street, he had to perform. He also needed to get some receipts and tote bags.

HOLLYWOOD STARDOM

FADE IN:

INT.HOLLYWOOD, CA – STUDIO SOUNDSTAGE – DAY.

ROXY, still dressed like a streetwalker, is lying under a lamppost with blood around her.

A ruckus rumbles through the space when William enters the soundstage.

The DIRECTOR walks over to WILLIAM and shakes his hand.  Other production people crowd around him, and he signs some autographs.

WILLIAM

(Waves over at ROXY still lying on the soundstage)

I wanted to see my wife on her last day on set.

DIRECTOR

Well, we were just about to shoot the last scene.

Both WILLIAM and the DIRECTOR walk over to the shot.

DIRECTOR

Everyone take their mark!

WILLIAM

(Leans over to the director)

How did she do?

DIRECTOR

Once she embraced the role, she did fine.  She just needed to let go and trust me.

WILLIAM

(Smiles and nods)

That pretty much sums her up.

DIRECTOR

I’m not sure if acting is all she thought it was going to be.

WILLIAM

I didn’t want her to think she was being held back.

DIRECTOR

I understand.

WILLIAM

I’m glad she embraced the role.