Page 29 of Hollywood Undercover
Alexandra heard something clatter to the floor on the other end, a stunned silence, and then Evangeline’s high-pitched shriek. “Youdidn’t!”
“I did! I cut it all off and dyed it black. I would send you pictures, but you and I both know hackers love getting into celebrity phones and stuff. You’ll just have to wait and see me when we both get back to LA. I’ve been playing a twenty-one-year-old guy named Alex Roberts, and so far…no one has figured out who Iam.”
“You’re kiddingme.”
“No! I know, I know. It sounds drastic, but think about it. If I hadn’t done this, those asshole reporters would be all over the hospital by now. It’s the only reason my dad’s illness has not hit the pressyet.”
“Bullocks. I hate to break it to you, but why do you think I called in the first place? Ithasreached the press. I was calling to make sure you weren’t having a meltdown from what that catty Phoebe Mansfield printed aboutyou.”
“What?” Alexandra dropped herspoon.
“Yes, darling, the word on the street is that you’re a selfish, hedonistic brat out partying in France, neglecting your father during his illness. They’ve even got pictures of you on the Riviera, honey! Terrible pictures… of a very believable look-alike! I knew it couldn’t be true, but I have to give Rickcredit.”
“Crap. Trust the media to make the public think the worst of me. You know what? At least that throws them off my trail. Let the rumor mill do what they do best. Anyone who knows me, knowsbetter.”
“Yes, of course. But, about this someone you met. Who the heck is he? And, how on earth is that working out with you being Alex Roberts, Boy Wonder? Wait! This sounds like it’s bound to be juicy! Hold on, hold on. Will I need popcorn forthis?”
Alexandra laughed. “Popcorn might not be necessary, but I do hope you’re sitting down. His name is Bash. He is exactly the kind of guy I would be into. Oh my god! He’s tall, about six three. He’s got those wide, very capable shoulders you want to…well, you know…and big hands…and, you know what that means,” she hissed scandalously into the phone. “Not that I’ve had any chance of dragging my eyes below the neck, considering I have to remain a damn dude around him. But, think of a young George Clooney in the face, only more rugged. You would love him, Eva!He’s…”
“He’s got a fan, Isee!”
“The only thing is, to top it all off, I’m beginning to think he’s…” she dropped her voice, “he’s probablygay.”
“What?! Noooo! Dammit. All of the best ones are,darling.”
“He lives right next door, and that makes him so much harder to ignore. But you’ll be happy to know I’ve been on my bestbehavior.”
“I’m sure you have,” she saidsarcastically.
“No, really. I’ve kept to myself, and I’ve been with Dad in the hospital as long as the nurses would let me. Bash still comes around like clockwork the minute I get home, though. Tell me what you would think if a guy kept sniffing around another guy like that…and kept bringing himfood.”
“What?”
“That’s right. Hecooks.”
“Hmmm. That is definitely suspicious behavior. And what’s his placelike?”
“It’s all well-manicured lawns, a renovated house, and someone had an eye for interior design in there. The place is perfect, and alwaysspotless.”
“Damn. I’m sorry to be the one to inform you, honey. He’s gay. The way that house sounds, it’s a dead giveaway. But look at the bright side, dear. You can crush on him all you like. Plus, as the guy you’re playing, Alex wasit?”
“Yes. AlexRoberts.”
“Really original, honey. Anyhow, as Alex Roberts, you can be flattered that his interest is reciprocated without getting into the dirty business of sex and dating. It’ll be like having that one hot cousin you can’t sleep with, but you can have around all the time! It’s the best of both worlds,love.”
Alexandra burst out laughing at the weird comparison. “Like a cousin? Seriously Eva, what do you Brits do over there? Anyhow, he’s coming by tonight. I’m sure of it. He’s gotten into the habit of hanging out with me for a few hours when I get home early enough. Oh, wait. Did I mention he’s afirefighter?”
“Shut the front door! Now I want to fly out for a visit just to get a peek at this guy.Youmight be playing a male character, butI’ma perfectly eligible single female. I can help you test that gay theory. Seriously Lex, you make him sound like walking cheesecake drizzled with hot fudge and caramel. Darling, I’ve been on a diet for a month! I desperately need somecheesecake.”
“You keep your pretty little ass right where you are,” she told her, laughingharder.
The doorbell rang, and Alexandra looked up. It had to be Rosa. She had a key, but she started ringing the doorbell now that Alexandra was staying in the house. She shoved the last spoonful of cereal into her mouth. “She’s taking me over to see Dad. I’ll call you back when I get a chance to tell you more about everything. I really don’t want Rosa to know I’m intoBash.”
“Kiss Daddy for me and tell him I said hello. You behave, girlie! That’s anorder.”
“Talk to you later, love.” Smiling, she ended the call and scurried to the front to open thedoor.
“All set?” Rosa asked when Alexandra pulled the door open. “Don’t you look adorable! You’d better watch out, Lex. If anyone finds out it’s you under that hat, you’ll set a newtrend.”
“Let me grab my charger and bag,” she said. She went back up the stairs and took everything she needed to keep Dad company for the day. Every day, she hoped that would be the one where he showed some signs ofprogress.
