Page 31 of Forbidden Desires

“Are you Gigi Kelley? Can I get your autograph?” Her voice carries excitement as she hands over a program for Moulin Rouge.

My heart starts racing, and I instantly feel nauseous. “Excuse me?” I mutter.

“The Broadway star?” Her enthusiasm lingers, and I can feel the color draining from my face. Glancing at Brody, his expression mirrors my own—a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.

She looks between us, her gaze searching for recognition. “Th-th-the article from this morning’s paper?” she stutters out.

“Suzie, did you get this morning’s paper?” Brody calls to the girl behind the counter, panic in his voice.

I quickly sign the program to get rid of the fan. As Suzie hurries over with the paper, Brody flips through the pages until he finds what he’s looking for. He passes it over to me, and my picture stares back at me—the one my casting director took when I landed the role of Satine in Moulin Rouge.

Superstar in Our Midst: Broadway Sensation Gigi Kelley Takes Center Stage as Alexander Hotel’s New Wedding Planner

Deception Bay, the coastal haven known for its tranquility, is set to witness the union of Hollywood and Broadway glamour, as Gigi Kelley, daughter of acting icons Susan and Lawrence Kelley, steps into the limelight as the new wedding planner at the prestigious Alexander Hotel. The announcement has added an extra layer of excitement to the town, with residents thrilled to welcome the daughter of two legendary stars to their community.

The paper shakes in my hands as I read on. Sucking in labored breaths, I feel like I’m about to pass out. Brody reads over my shoulder, and the weight of the situation intensifies. I don’t want to go on, but I need to know what I’m up against.

Gigi Kelley’s stellar performances in Broadway classics like “Moulin Rouge” and “West Side Story” have solidified her reputation as a triple threat in the entertainment industry. Now, as Deception Bay’s premier wedding planner, Gigi’s dynamic skills promise to infuse weddings with a touch of theatrical flair, creating unforgettable moments for couples choosing The Alexander Hotel as their venue.

“We are delighted to welcome Gigi Kelley to Deception Bay and the Alexander Hotel family. Her extraordinary talent and experience in theworld of Broadway promise to bring a unique and enchanting touch to the weddings hosted at our venue,” said the hotel’s spokesperson.

Local couples are already buzzing with excitement at the prospect of having a Broadway star curate their dream weddings. Social media is abuzz with posts expressing admiration for Gigi Kelley’s decision to embrace the charm of a small-town setting. The hashtag #GigiattheAlexander is trending as residents and fans share their anticipation for the upcoming weddings that will undoubtedly feature Gigi’s signature flair.

The Alexander Hotel is wasting no time in promoting its newfound gem, with plans for a grand opening event showcasing Gigi Kelley’s vision for weddings at the venue. The event promises to be a dazzling affair, offering a glimpse into the world of Broadway brought to the heart of Deception Bay.

Sweet Tea Scandals, Annabelle Grace Turner

“Fucking Prescott,” Brody growls under his breath, but I have no idea who he’s talking about.

I can’t even think about that. This is my worst nightmare. I need to get out of here before I fall apart. I stand in a rush and head straight for the door. I swiftly make my way to the town square, sensing Brody following me closely. Can’t he see I need to be alone?

Gently, he takes a hold of my arm. “Gisele.”

I turn around to face him. “Did you do this?” I stutter out, feeling angry tears welling in my eyes. It was either him or one of my new friends; they’re the only ones who knew. And it benefits him the most.

He looks hurt by my accusation, taking a step back from me. “No, I promised I wouldn’t tell a soul, and I didn’t.”

“Except by the time you made that promise, it was already too late because Parker and Paisley already knew.”

He shakes his head. “I have known them both a hell of a long time, and I know they wouldn’t have done this.”

“Who was the spokesperson? Emerson?” I demand. This is his business. This looks like good PR for them.

He takes my hand, his touch warm and reassuring as he searches my eyes with a seriousness that cuts through the chaos around us. “Emerson would never do something like this to you, either.”

Feeling the need for some distance, I pull my hand away and make my way to a nearby park bench, collapsing onto it. The weight of the situation hits me hard. “I’m right back to where I started, stuck in the expectation of who my parents are. Now everything I do in this job going forward will be because of who I am, not how good I am at my job,” I confess, my voice strained with emotion.

“That’s not true. I can see how hard you’ve worked the last couple of weeks. You’re doing an amazing job, and that’s all you, nothing to do with where you came from. Hell, you lasted longer than any other coordinator, and this wasn’t even what you thought you were coming here to do. Emerson and the other staff couldn’t speak more highly of you.”

I can no longer hold back my tears as the overwhelming reality sinks in. I knew I was running away from expectations, from the pressures my parents were putting on me, but until now, I didn’t realize how truly terribly it was affecting me. I don’t want to bethe person that paper was talking about. I want to be the girl Deception Bay has allowed me to be for the past two weeks. I've been filled with joy and a profound sense of freedom. The idea of living in my parents' shadow again is unbearable. “You don’t get it. People will see me and treat me differently now. It doesn’t matter where I go, I can’t escape my family reputation.”

Brody pulls me in close, wrapping his arm around me. I allow myself to cry, burying my face in the softness of his shirt. His scent is so comforting. I don’t understand how it could be, but for now, I let him reassure me because it feels so nice to have someone care. “I’m sorry, sweet pea. This town is no place for secrets. Eventually, everyone’s dirty laundry gets aired out for all to see. Especially with the scumbags at Prescott Media running the paper.”

I can tell from his words that he has a clear understanding of the harsh reality of living in a town fueled by gossip and scandal. I wonder if that’s why he’s so closed off? Lifting my chin, I sneak a look at him, trying to pull myself together, knowing I’m being dramatic. This isn’t the worst thing that could happen to me, it just sucks. “Sounds like you know it firsthand.” I sniff.

His face is deadly serious. “The reason I know Emerson would never have done this is because I saw how terribly it crushed her when something similar happened to us just after our father died. His reputation was splashed all over the front page. Secrets that he should have taken to the grave out there for the whole town to see.”

I feel his pain deeply in my heart. I’m devastated for both him and Emerson. What a cruel thing for someone to do. This paper should be held accountable. How awful. “I’m so sorry, Brody, that’s a terrible thing to happen.”

---