Page 96 of Doc Hollywood

Clara stared for a moment longer, then gave a little wave back, grinning when Taylor nodded and turned back to face the screen.

CHAPTER 27

Gloria and Clara watched the movie in silence, both completely engaged in the story unfolding before them on the big screen. The only movement between them was Gloria constantly offering Clara some kind of snack and, at one point, a glass of champagne that Clara was unsure where and how she had managed to procure without moving.

The screen on Gloria’s phone lit up where it was sitting in her lap. Leaning over, she whispered in Clara’s ear, “Sex scene incoming.” And put her hands over her eyes.

Clara peered at the older woman’s phone and read Taylor’s message.

‘Mom, cover your eyes.’

Glancing up at the screen, she saw Taylor take his shirt off, and it felt creepy to continue watching him, so she looked down at her hands clasped in her lap.

She was startled when Gloria whispered in her ear, “He won’t mind if you watch.” The older woman flashed a wicked smile.

And the blush was back, spreading up Clara’s cheeks. She was glad the cinema was dark so Gloria couldn’t see herembarrassment. But she did raise her eyes back to the screen, and although she knew it was acting and Devon had a girlfriend, she fought the jealousy that rose as she watched Taylor and Devon, both so beautiful and larger than life, fall into bed together.

“Oh. No, don’t watch. He’s with Devon. That won’t make you happy,” Gloria said, bringing a hand up and placing it over Clara’s eyes so neither of them could see the screen. “Taylor will text when it’s safe.”

So the two women sat there, only listening to the action on the big screen. Clara tried desperately not to imagine what was happening, as it made her seethe with jealousy, and not to imagine what it would be like to be the one kissing Taylor.

It wasn’t long before Gloria removed her hand from in front of Clara’s eyes, and even through the gloom, Clara was sure she could see that Taylor was turned in his seat, looking at the pair of them.

The rest of the film flew by, with only one more glass of champagne mysteriously procured. By the end, when everyone in the cinema erupted to their feet to give the movie a standing ovation, Clara wholeheartedly agreed with them. She had been drawn in completely, laughing in parts, excited, fascinated and at one point nearly crying, only stopping herself when she recalled how long her makeup had taken.

She was no expert, being pretty partial to rom-coms, but she could see that the movie was a masterpiece. Taylor and Devon had been incredible, and she couldn’t fault the medical scenes—they could have taken place inside an operating theatre.

“If they don’t nominate Taylor for an Oscar, they’re out of their minds!” Gloria shouted in Clara’s ear.

Nodding in agreement, Clara continued to clap and cheer for the movie. Which only increased in volume when Damien and the cast walked onto the stage.

Damien stood in the centre, holding Taylor and Devon’s hands. Lifting both into the air before he bowed deeply.

They must have stood there for nearly ten minutes as the clapping didn’t decrease. Eventually, the cast and director filed off the stage, and the applause died down.

Turning to Gloria, Clara asked, “What happens now?”

“There’ll be a stampede for the door as everyone tries to get to Damien and the actors to congratulate them. Then, they’ll attempt to push their own agendas with them for a while. Mention projects and try to get meetings with anyone who may help their careers. I usually hang around in my seat and wait for the crush to pass.”

“That sounds good,” Clara said, sitting down and leaning back in her seat, watching as the room emptied around them.

Now that the lights were up, she tried to see if she could spot other famous faces. She had seen at least five more celebrities when a horribly familiar face came into view and was heading straight for them.

She froze in her seat; her breathing sped up, and her pulse raced. Her brain told her it wasn’t possible; he couldn’t possibly be there. Unfortunately, her eyes told her he was. Striding toward her was Jack. The last person she ever wanted to see again after he had stolen so much from her.

“Hi, Clara. It’s good to see you.” Jack towered over her, crowding her, so even if her legs would have supported her, she wouldn’t have room to stand up.

Clara stared at him, unable to get any words out.

“I’ve rendered you speechless. I was always good at that.” Jack smirked the boyish smile she had once found so appealing but now found smarmy and condescending.

He bent down and laid a kiss on her cheek, which was way too close to her mouth. He lingered for so long that Clara’s stomach turned over, and she worried she would be sick.

Then he whispered in her ear, “A little sad that you felt the need to force your way onto a film I financed and then stalk me to LA.”

Clara reared back in her seat at his smug words, and she shoved him away. Anger infused her legs with the strength to get to her feet, and she debated if she should punch him. But the look in his eyes kept her fists at her side; he was trying to goad her, just like old times when he would poke and needle at her to get a reaction so he could punish her for her poor treatment of him.

Taking a step away from him and closer to Gloria, who was looking at her with concern clouding her face, she plastered on a polite smile.

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