Page 1 of Rescued Heart

ONE

This might be a party, but Bia Pearl was here to play her part—just like any other scene. All that mattered was the chance to smile for the cameras. If only the dress code allowed sweatpants and flip-flops.

At the opened double front door stood a woman wearing an expression darker than her charcoal knee-length dress. Her peppered hair was slicked back in a bun so tight it seemed to lift her thin brows while her frown deepened. Not exactly the expected welcome at a fundraiser event.

Bianca picked up the front of her dress and pressed on a smile. Her heels clicked on the gold-and-black swirled marble just offbeat to the jazz music playing somewhere beyond the narrow hall.

The woman adjusted her grip on the leather folder pressed against her chest. “Invitation?”

Bianca opened her clutch and produced the shiny golden ticket. Invitation, phone, and black-tie-appropriate attire. Check. See? She didn’t need Hollywood’s top-tier agent. But someone on her side would be a plus for a change. “I’m so glad the rain held off. Knowing my luck, I probably would’ve broken a heel in a puddle.”

The woman raised one of her penciled brows. “Yes, well, most of tonight’s invitees arrived by chauffer.”

Bianca secured her clutch under her arm. Everything accounted for minus the whole tardy thing and chauffer. Still a win. As long as she found her costar, Carter Cane.

The woman placed Bianca’s offered golden ticket inside a folder on the table. “Enjoy the evening, Ms. Pearl.”

Bianca stepped around the woman. “Please tell me I haven’t missed the mayor’s welcome speech.”

Even if she had, there would be time for someone to take pictures of her and Carter. Her contract and movie depended on it. So did her wallet and promises.

The woman slid in front of Bianca. “I’m afraid I can’t let you in.”

Bianca glanced behind her. But no one else was there. “You can’t letmeinto the auction?”

Was this some kind of hidden test? The tabloids had been labeling her with all kinds of lies for years. However, a hot-tempered actress she was not. At least, not normally. “Is there another volunteer I could speak with? I think there’s some confusion.”

The woman bristled. “I’m Janice Nelson, the mayor’s new assistant. There is no confusion. You will not be entering on my watch.”

Bianca pushed back her should-have-been-more-curled hair. “What exactly did that ticket I gave you do? If it’s because I’m late, I promise you, none of the people on flight 412 enjoyed the unexpected seven-hour layover. And having to change into this dress at a gas station down the road wasn’t exactly on my itinerary; however, I would recommend their homemade peach turnovers.”

Plus, she may or may not have gotten lost trying to find a town she’d never heard of. Last Chance County wasn’t exactly LA.

Janice lifted her chin. “Tardiness, though frowned upon, is not the reason. I’m afraid you are not dressed for this event.”

Bianca ran her hand down the front of her dress. Velvet may not yet be back in style, but when fashioned into a flowing floor-length, off-the-shoulder dress stained the color of rubies, it was very much appropriate for a formal evening. Even if her outfit cost less than the dinner plate during tonight’s fundraiser auction. “I guess I missed the memo about wearing our cat pajamas. Or were we supposed to wear our puppy ones? And I’m really bummed about missing out on wearing my flip-flops.”

Not even a twitch of a smile. Apparently, it was a good thing Bianca’s current movie wasn’t a comedy.

Janice checked her watch. “You’re missing your mystery mask.”

Bianca rubbed the spot between her temples. If she grimaced any longer, there would be talk about her worry lines over her ex instead of what kind of budding relationship she and Carter might be forming on set. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what a mystery mask is.”

Janice drew in a long inhale through her pointed nose. “Your event mask for the masquerade auction. Part of the mayor’s requirement for the evening’s event.”

Bianca swatted her forehead. “Oh,masquerade. Somehow, I heardmystery.” Only Bianca found this laughable. The red-eye flight here was supposed to have created more time to rest. Not what the day had become.

Janice heaved a sigh and threw open her folder. “Here.” She handed over a white domino mask with a single row of tiny pearls that ran parallel with the rounded edges. “Don’t take this off until the grand live reveal.”

Now, the grand live reveal Biancadidknow about, and she wasn’t looking forward to kissing Carter—pretend or not. But the movie’s success depended on a social-media takeover, which would ignite tonight with one perfectly timed photo op.

Lord, please let me not have made a mistake by accepting this role.

Bianca slipped the mask on over her eyes. Just another season of pretending. Then the world would see who she really was, and she’d have the money needed to prove to her family that she kept her promises. That she had changed for the good.

Janice scrutinized her for two more of Bianca’s heartbeats before finally stepping aside and opening the doors behind her. “The mayor thanks you for your support for his reelection campaign, and remember, half of tonight’s proceeds go to a worthy cause.”

Supporting a campaign? “Actually, I’m only here because the director arranged?—”

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