Sophomore Year || Parenthood Series, Book One || WATTYS 2018

Chapter Ten

SOUNDTRACK:  "The Joker" - Steve Miller Band

"He's going to miss the show," Shayla said into her phone. "We're stuck at the airport in Greece."

"Tell her I'll definitely come to the after party though," Jared said over an announcement that was playing in three languages on the PA system.

"Alright. He will talk to you later," she said before ending the call. "It's settled. She'll be at her hotel and you can pick her up on the way to the party."

"Does she know this is only for show?" he asked.

"I mentioned it, but I would hammer it in again," she admitted.

He nodded. At one time, he thought there may have been something between himself and the young model, but any spark that had been there quickly fizzled away when he discovered that she had called the paparazzi on him. He had kept his distance and they had split in an amicable manner. Still, she was proving to be useful once again and he was sure she wouldn't mind the attention she'd get, arriving at and leaving the party with him.

"You never told me how Kate's soccer game went," Shayla remarked.

"Oh - they lost, I guess. She was kind of upset about it at first, but I think she'd gotten over it," he said. "When we get back, I'm taking her out to dinner."

"In San Diego?" she asked.

He shook his head. "Sam called yesterday; the judge granted me time with her in LA."

"Ooo, where are you going to take her?"

He shrugged. "Somewhere unknown where I won't be recognized - like that taco place on del Ray."

"Does she like tacos?" she asked.

"I guess I'll find out," he admitted, realizing how little he actually knew about her. Their flight information was announced. "Come on, that's us," he said, picking up his worn backpack and walking ahead of her.

~~~

Five hours later, the driver stopped outside a hotel and a thin, leggy brunette got into the back seat. Jared shifted over to allow her some space - not that she needed much to begin with.

"Hello," she said, her accent heavy. She gave him the traditional European-style two cheek kiss.

"Irina," he remarked. "You remember Babu," he added, gesturing to the man on the other side of him. He had basically begged his half brother to come when he found out he was in town doing some photography work. He figured the addition of a third person to their party would help dispel a few rumors. The object was to distract from Shannon, not fuel more rumors. "He was in the city doing some work. I invited him along. I hope that's not an issue."

It was his subtle way of reminding her that this was not a real date and there was nothing about their appearance together that would be confirming anything. She pursed her lips, but tried to hide her disappointment. She was a better model than an actress.

"Sorry I missed the show - my flight was delayed," Jared said. "Was it good?"

She smiled. "Oh yes. It was very good. A lot of fun," she answered. "Olivier invited you tonight," she observed.

"Yep," he replied, pulling his phone out. Kate had texted him. Irina opened her mouth to say something, but he held up a finger to silence her. "Sorry. I have to call this person back."

She glared at him as he place the call. As much as she had hoped his sudden interest after several months of silence had meant something, the signs were clear that it wasn't his intention. Still, she planned to make the most out of this night. Jared was mercurial; she could get on his good side again.