With no chance of coming out of this looking cool, and fully prepared to embarrass himself, Holden tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. He decided his only option was to confess completely and hope Mary Allison forgave him. After popping a mint into his mouth, he straightened his tie and smoothed back his hair before stepping out of his car and heading toward the entrance.
Nervously, Holden made his way to the banquet room, afraid someone would realize he didn’t belong and try to stop him from crashing. Luckily the registration table had been left unattended so he wouldn’t have to make a scene. Standing in the doorway, he scanned the room. A lot of people were out on the dance floor, including Donnie Mac who was line dancing with a few of his female classmates. Unfortunately, Mary Allison wasn’t one of them. Holden’s heart sank, fearful his lady had already left with another man, but after a careful search, he noticed a circle of men crowding around a redhead seated at a small table.
“Damn vultures!” he grumbled before running toward Mary Allison half-cocked.
Sure enough, the dazzling ginger was seated at a small table for two with a handsome guy, leaving the other men vying for her attention standing.
Pushing his way front and center, Holden jumped right into the fray. “I need to talk to you, Mary Allison!”
As she met his gaze, her eyes widened. “Holden, what are you doing here? Are you stalking me?”
The terrain around him had become hostile as the men he had displaced began to complain and jeer at him, but Holden ignored them completely. “I’ll explain everything if you will just come and talk to me!”
“She’s a little busy.” The man seated next to her spoke up as he shot Holden a stern glance.
Holden clenched his jaw. “Mind your own business. This doesn’t concern you.” He hadn’t driven all the way there to let someone intimidate him before he got to say what he needed to say, and if he had to fight to make it happen, so be it.
One of the men next to him grabbed his tie. “Who do you think you are? You don’t even belong here!” A feeling of rage bubbled up to the surface and Holden balled up his fist, ready to punch the guy.
“Whoa there, stop, Alex. You’re manhandling my boss.” Mary Allison held up her hand.
Her words weren’t exactly true. Holden ensured her story made it to print, but her work was a hot seller. He couldn’t drop her title even if he was inclined to do such a thing. Regardless, her misinformation did the trick. The other guy let go of him and even apologized. Since none of the other potential suitors were willing to interfere with Mary Allison’s employment, they all but dispersed, leaving only the man at the table holding strong.
“Redmond, this is my editor, Holden Carter.” Mary Allison turned to the man at the table with her. “Holden, this is Redmond Lowry, my former classmate. He’s an actor and director.”
“Show business, huh?” Holden tried to sound casual even though he felt insecure about trying to compete with a Hollywood player.
The man shrugged modestly. “I’ve been lucky to get some work in my neck of the woods, but my primary income comes from teaching drama and acting at the university level.”
Although Redmond seemed like a stand-up guy, Holden wasn’t about to hand Mary Allison over to him. He had come too far to give up now. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance but I need to speak to Mary Allison now if you would excuse us.” The man’s face fell and he turned to Mary Allison for confirmation he had to go. Unfortunately, she didn’t give it.
“Holden, don’t be ridiculous. Redmond and I haven’t seen each other for years. What’s the big emergency? Didn’t Carla give you my revisions?” She arched an eyebrow.
“Yes, I got them and she told me something I hadn’t known. I have to talk to you about it in private. Please come with me. Don’t sleep with this guy!” He pointed toward Redmond with his thumb as he said the last few words.
After his outburst, Holden froze as he watched the mixture of anger, embarrassment, and shock on Mary Allison’s face. Her already alabaster skin paled for a few seconds before gradually heating up to a raging red.
Bullocks!
Redmond seemed more stunned than angry and the questioning look on his face showed the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind. Then why’s he hanging so close to Mary Allison? Flexing his acting muscles?
“Have you lost your damn mind?” Mary Allison growled through clenched teeth. She had a napkin balled up in her fist.
Holden palmed his face. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to say that; it’s just…Carla and your purse…and Donnie’s gay.” He couldn’t find the words he’d wanted to say.
“That’s not news.” Redmond sneered. “Everyone here knows about Donnie, and I suggest you keep his name out of your fucking mouth!” He threw his napkin on the table and stood up.
“Huh?” Holden shrugged.
Mary Allison placed her delicate palm over her furious friend’s hand. “I’m sorry, Redmond. You don’t know Holden well enough to understand that he didn’t mean anything by what he said. He’s no homophobe. I think this might all be a big misunderstanding so if you will excuse me.”
After having diffused the situation so expertly, Mary Allison stood up and walked around the table. This time, she was the one who snatched Holden’s tie and yanked him along behind her. Tossing a look over her shoulder, she left Redmond with a parting statement. “I can take care of that thing for you if you like but I think you would have better luck approaching the situation on your own.”
Holden wasn’t sure what that was all about but
