Page 83 of Professional Consult
“Mrs. Dash,” a reporter starts.
“Bastwick,” Lexi corrects.
“Of course. Mrs. Bastwick, how does Alana feel about all the attention you receive?”
I tense because something about a complete stranger asking about my daughter sets me on edge.
“Fortunately, we reside in a very small town, so it’s not often we’re approached by anyone but family and friends.”
“Do you think the acting bug has bitten her?”
Lexi frowns, and says, “She’s three,” before walking to the next reporter.
Instead of going straight for Lexi, the reporter shoves a microphone in my face. “Luke, how does it feel to have your younger brother Clint playing you in Lexi’s biography?”
“Well, he lacks my good looks and charm, but other than that, he does a pretty good job.”
Chuckles rise from the crowd, and even I’m impressed by my cleverness. It’s not often I’m put on the spot, on account that everyone’s so eager to get a quote from Lexi.
After the walk, we’re escorted to our seats to await the start of Lexi’s latest project: Staged.
Clint is seated in a different part of the theater because of the specific shots they wanted to get. Apparently, they’re testing his ‘chemistry’ with a woman they’re hoping to be his upcoming co-star.
“Are you ready to see all my good, bad, and ugly?” Lexi says nervously.
“Sweetheart, there is no ugly.”
The project was thought up by Alicia Davies, who has become a long-distance friend to Lexi, visiting often. For two people that once had a lot of water under the bridge, it’s amazing how well they get along.
Lexi wrote her side of Staged, as she is a natural when it comes to writing, and she assisted Alicia with penning her own side of the tale. The book was released two years ago, and let’s just say, a lot of heads rolled in Hollywood. People were angry with what Lexi and Alicia were put through, and they wanted answers.
Alicia still acts in Cruel Justice and has received several awards for her work. One in particular that Lexi was the announcer for. That damn near broke the internet.
Lexi acts occasionally, but it’s not her passion or priority. She decided to star as her older self in Staged, which was a trip because she got to act with Clint.
The screen comes to life, and for the next three hours, I watch Lexi’s and Alicia’s lives unfold. There is so much darkness, but through it, I see the light. I see Lexi.
Watching the jet land on the screen as Clint, playing me, prepares to make his arrest, Lexi’s hand squeezes mine, and as the situation unfolds, much like how it did in real life, I realize what this must mean to her. Because it was the first time we ever saw each other.
And by the end of the movie, after watching our wedding, Lexi’s friendship with Alicia bloom, and the birth of our child, I’m bawling my eyes out, though I’m not the only one who couldn’t keep a dry eye. Much of the theater was crying at emotional points during the movie, whether it be what Lexi had to go through as a teenager, or Alicia’s exile from the public eye.
Once the movie ends, we’re greeted with a rush of people telling Lexi how she’s going to take home a bunch of golden statues during award season, which is always humbling for me. I still can’t believe that Lexi can have anyone, and she chose me.
Alicia and Lexi hug and agree to see each other soon, and then it’s back to the hotel for us. Little Alana is with Barb back at the house Lexi built for us in Pond Spring, so I know she’s safe…and spoiled. Very spoiled.
“I think Tiffany texted over fifty times during our red carpet walk.” Lexi giggles.
“She can’t help herself.”
“I know. It’s really sweet, actually.”
I slide out of my blazer and take off my waistcoat, then slowly make my way down the column of buttons, trying to read whether Lexi is tired or horny.
And reallllly hoping it’s horny.
She steps out of her emerald gown with a sashay of her hips that lets me know I will not be disappointed.
“Luke,” Lexi purrs.
