“Come on,” he said, looping an arm around her waist and leading her to the banquet hall.
She stiffened when the first people she saw were Bev and Billy, nestled against each other like love-sick teenagers, but Joel squeezed her and she suddenly didn’t care.If her sister wanted to date the biggest man-whore in Los Angeles, who was she to complain?She certainly didn’t want him anymore.
She saw her mother standing by the bar and gave a little wave.Her mother waved back enthusiastically, making a beeline for them.
“Joel, thank you so much for leaving our names at the door, we wouldn’t want to miss your big premiere.”
“My pleasure,” he said.
“Joel, there you are,” Tim Steiner, the producer of the movie said.“Come here, I want to introduce you to someone.”
Joel glanced at her apologetically.
“Go ahead,” she said.“I’m fine.”
He patted her hip and excused himself.
“Listen, Marissa,” her mother said in the tone that made her brace herself for bad news.“I don’t know what your plans are with Joel, but I think we should put the mansion on the market.Cash flow is getting a little sticky.”
Oddly, she didn’t even feel like rolling her eyes at the understatement.“I know, Mom.”
“I’ve put some of my handbags on ebay, and I’ve already sold twelve, so that should cover the month’s mortgage.”
Marissa’s eyebrows shot up.“You’re selling your handbags?Wow.”
Her mother’s shoulders sagged.“I know I haven’t been the best manager.Especially where money is concerned.Maybe—” her mom broke off and stared out at the guests.“Maybe it’s time for you to find a more professional manager.”
Tears stung her eyes.“No way,” she said, a lump in her throat.“I don’t think I’m ready for that.”
Her mother gave her a watery smile.“I know Julie’s been advising it for years now.And I’ve been thinking about moving back to Atlanta.”
“You have?”she asked, her jaw dropping.
“Yes, I’ve been corresponding with an old boyfriend and...well, I’m just ready for a change.And it seems like you are, too.”
“What about Bev?”she asked.
Her mother lifted one shoulder.“She says she’s moving in with Billy.We both know that’s a mistake, but she’ll have to figure it out for herself, I guess.”
Funny, hearing Bev was moving in with Billy didn’t hurt at all.Not one bit.If anything, she felt like giggling.
“Mama, I love you,” she said, wrapping her arms around her mother’s still-elegant neck.
Her mother kissed her.“I’m so proud of you, Marissa Jean.You have worked so hard and accomplished so much.”Her eyes filled with tears.“I always knew you’d be a star, but even I am dazzled by you.”
She hugged her mother again.“Stop.I’m not wearing waterproof mascara,” she scolded.
“I know, me neither,” her mother said.“Come on, let’s get you a drink.”
She circulated through the room with her mom, not once feeling ashamed of her as she stopped along the way to talk to actors or agents she knew.After she found a drink and left her mother with Bev, she found Joel giving a brief, on camera interview.
“So you and Marissa Sparks…”
“Yes,” he answered, confirming their relationship.
Her heart picked up speed.
“She’s been known as Hollywood’s wild child this fall, but rumors say you tamed her.Did she just need a mature man?”
