It had started with a phone call…
“Hi there, what are you doing?” his voice sounded far more relaxed than usual.
“Oh…just getting dressed for this thing tonight. What about you?” she was fussing with her hair at the same time.
“Umm…did you just say getting dressed as in…you aren’t dressed right now?” there was dead silence on the phone.
“Hahaha, no silly, I am dressed, just doing the finishing touches. You are wearing black...right?” She loved it when he was playful.
“Yes, but they aren’t those satiny things like you wear, just plain cotton. ” He snickered as he said it.
“What?? …I’m not talking about your underwear!” Lisa giggled at the suggestion.
“ No, I remembered. Black jacket and pants, is that ok? Say, Robert is having a little get-together afterwards and he was wondering if we would want to attend. Nothing formal really, just to chit chat a little and have a bite to eat.” It wasn’t uncommon for him to ask a question like this, but the fact that he seemed to be referring to them if they were one unit struck her.
“Why not. I am sure we could use the down time after all the cameras. Want to share a car to his place then?”
“Ummm…sure. I don’t see why not. Are you heading out soon?” she couldn’t place what it was in his voice that seemed tenuous.
“Yes, the car should be here in 15 minutes and then I will be on my way. See you in a bit?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t do the whole press thing without you. See you soon. Bye.”
“See you, bye.” She hung up, inhaled deeply and looked in the mirror. Her hair didn’t sit just right in her opinion, but the prospect that she would be seeing Hugh soon was on her mind so she continued to get ready.
Before she knew it she was on her way to the publicity gathering when she suddenly felt butterflies in her stomach. It was funny how she didn’t normally get nervous at things like this. They were really like second nature to her.
Lisa got out of the car and met up with Robert and Peter inside a tent that was set up for entrances.
Robert gave Lisa a kiss on the cheek.
“Hi Lady! How are you?”
“Great! How are you doing?” she looked over his shoulder to see if Hugh was there.
“Pretty good. I hope Hugh gave you the message about tonight.” Robert looked over to see what she was looking at. She caught him, blushed a little and then changed the subject, but not really.
“Oh yes, he called. I will be there, I mean…we will be there. He said he is going too…so…” she reached over to hug Peter.
A few brief minutes later they were all walking from the arrival tent to the next location. It was all a mass of people pointing them here, then there. She just followed like she was supposed to, looking around for any sign of Hugh along the way. Just then, he came moving across the room towards her. For a minute she thought her heart was beating so loud that everyone around her could hear it. He kept his head bowed slightly as he worked through the crowd with his gaze fixed directly on her. It didn’t matter where or when she saw him, each time brought a little tinge of excitement to her. Oh LORD he was wearing a blue shirt too. She loved the way the blue brought out his eyes. Before she knew it he was right in front of her, reaching to grasp her hands and give her a peck on the cheek. This was the routine in public, but she never got sick of it. He pulled back and looked at her.
She flashed a warm smile.
“Hi there.”
“Hi back” he couldn’t help smile back. “Are you ready for this?”
“Of course I am. What about you?” She watched for his reaction since she knew he wasn’t a big fan of the press doings.
He took in a breath and nodded a little”yes” to her.
“Do me a favor?” he asked her in a tone above a whisper.
“Hmmm…depends on what it is.” She cocked her head to the side slightly as if inviting him to tell her confidentially.
Hugh leaned in so that his lips were but centimeters from her ear and spoke softly so that only she could hear.
“Stay close to me tonight…please?” He leaned back to look for an answer, but Robert was already upon them.
“Hey!” he shook Hugh’s hand and they began talking about all the little things they needed to catch up on. Hugh talked while keeping an eye not far from Lisa’s face while scanning her entire being in stolen looks.
The four cast mates posed for pictures and handled their publicity duties with grace. As per Hugh’s request, Lisa didn’t leave his side for far or for long. They climbed together in the cart that would take them from one area to the next, from one appearance to another. In the middle of their duty was a wonderful chance to be happy and laugh with each other, something that they had all missed during the break time between seasons. Lisa sat next to Hugh taking care to hold her skirt down. She had thought the dress was beautiful, but had no idea it would be so difficult to navigate sitting in.
“What on earth are you doing?” he leaned in to ask.
Lisa grasped the edge of her skirt and wiggled onto the seat.
“Umm…well I am trying to keep the whole world from seeing more than they should.” She bit her lower lip slightly.
Hugh looked her legs up and down and beneath his view; she closed her knees together slightly more and giggled.
“I certainly see nothing wrong with that dress. In fact, I think it could well be one of my favorites.” He raised an eyebrow in what could only be deemed a slightly lecherous gaze. Lisa, who was typically un-phased by men admiring her body, felt like an inexperienced school girl when the same thing came from Hugh. She never got used to it, and she hoped she never would. The thrill she got from any compliment he gave her was like a drug. She couldn’t get enough of it, but it wasn’t without pain too. Being crazy about her co-star had come with a longing she couldn’t fill.
Lisa was lost in her own world where the only light came from the eyes of Hugh and the only thing she really wanted to hear was his voice. He was always a gentleman, well…mostly, but when they were in public, he kept the physical contact semi platonic. On occasion a picture surfaced of him gazing with an enamored countenance or with his arm encircling her waist which unnerved him to no end since he knew that Lisa would take the blame.
Hugh held his arm out for Lisa to grab. She thought to herself that he was obviously serious when he said he wanted her to stick close for the night. She circled her hand around his arm. This wasn’t like a habit to her and the feel of her hand against his bicep sent a little wave of warmth from her fingers and up her arm.
From his profile she could tell he was smiling.
She leaned in a little, “what are you smiling about?”
“Nothing in particular, just happy.” He avoided her eyes on purpose but he knew she was looking at him so he gave her a sideways eyebrow raise. They proceeded to walk together each giggling a little along the way.
