Plus One

Chapter Eight

Versailles was the last place Sophie would have expected to meet Jenna James for lunch. She'd assumed the actress would want an exclusive place and that she'd only eat a small salad and drink sparkling water. No. This was a down-to-earth Cuban restaurant specializing in garlic chicken smothered in butter and onions, piles of fragrant black beans, and generous servings of plump white rice. It was a cheerful place with yellow walls and red tables, the Buena Vista Social Club playing in the background.

"Isn't this to die for?" Jenna said, digging into her chicken, beans, and rice with gusto. She hadn't slowed down since the food came to the table.

"Absolutely. I can't believe I didn't know this place existed," Sophie said. "To be honest, I wouldn't have thought this was your kind of place."

She grinned. "What can I say? I like to eat."

With a wool hat tilted at just the right angle and a boho dress, Jenna looked like she'd stepped right out of an Urban Outfitters ad. Her luminous blond hair hung straight and her skin glowed. She was even more beautiful than she was onscreen. The first few times they'd hung out over the past few weeks, Sophie was pinching herself—it was hard to believe she was friendly with Jenna James. But the two had connected right away and by now felt like old friends.

"Subject change: I still don't get what a nice girl like you is doing with Ian Tate," Jenna said.

Sophie laughed. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh come on. He's probably slept with half of Hollywood. He's a playboy. A forever bachelor—or are you taming him?"

"Oh, I don't think Ian can be tamed. We really are just friends."

"That's what you said last time, but I'll believe it when I see it. He can't keep his hands off you."

Sophie rolled her eyes. "He's touchy-feely like that."

Sophie hadn't asked Jenna about her love life, even though she'd had plenty of opportunities. As a star, Jenna had to maintain her privacy. Sophie knew she'd tell her when and if she wanted to.

Jenna frowned.

"What?" Sophie said.

"So, the tabloids are saying I'm "getting cozy with" my new director—one of them actually used that phrase "touchy-feely"—which is a total lie. I'm very exclusive with someone, but we're not telling anyone until..."

She blushed.

"Until...what?" And suddenly it made sense: the baggy dresses, the huge appetite. She put her hand over Jenna's. "Jenna, are you pregnant?"

She grinned. "Maybe."

"That's great! Right?"

Jenna nodded. "I'm freaking thrilled."

"Why won't you go public?"

"The baby's father and I wanted to enjoy it for ourselves and not feel pressured to get married right away. His family is kind of traditional. We might elope...I don't know. The baby was unexpected."

"You can trust me," Sophie said. "I won't tell a soul."

"I know. I've known you for two seconds and it feels like we've been friends forever. I could really use a friend now. It's hard, you know, the fame. You never know who you can trust, who's for real."

Sophie felt a pang of guilt. She wanted to tell Sophie the truth but that would be betraying Ian. Besides, it was easier being this Sophie.

Sophie smiled as she cocked her head to the side, watching Jenna. "You really love him—this guy, huh?"