The Unidentified Redhead (Redhead #1)(9)
Author: Alice Clayton

“Oh, I’d say about twenty minutes.”

That was just enough time to grab my magazine from the freezer again and settle into the living room for a quick, pre-dinner read.

It wasn’t too long before I shouted, “Wait … what? His time machine broke?

He’s stuck in ancient Egypt! He can’t get back?” I jumped up, running into the kitchen with a look of panic on my face. Holly was placing all the food on the table.

“Grace, settle down,” she soothed.

“But what about Penelope in the first story? Will he get back to see her?

Will he get back to his own time? What about … ” I stammered, and then realized that I was excessively invested in this story. I attempted to reel it back in a little. “I mean, it just seems that he should have planned ahead for these kinds of mishaps. I don’t know. Whatever,” I said nonchalantly as I sat down and began nibbling on a spring roll, trying to appear uninterested. “I wonder if, when he gets back, if he gets back … ” I ventured, glancing at Holly sideways to see if she was going to give me any information.

“Oh, hell no. I’m not giving it up,” she said, rolling her eyes. “You said you didn’t want me to give anything away. You’ll have to read it and find out.” I sat quietly for a few minutes, sucking on my spring roll, trying to figure out what my next tactic should be.

He couldn’t really be stuck there, although the idea of Joshua meeting a pharaoh’s daughter had intriguing possibilities. Maybe if I asked nicely, she would at least tell me if …

“You can quit strategizing, dickhead. I’m not telling you a thing,” she said again, smiling through a mouthful of garlic noodles.

Busted.

“Man, you suck! I would totally tell you,” I countered.

“Like hel you would! Remember when I was in the hospital with pneumonia and I couldn’t see Sex and the City until a week after the premiere? I asked you repeatedly whether Carrie and Big got married. Do you remember what you told me?” she said snidely.

“No,” I answered, becoming decidedly more interested in my plate of vegetables.

“You said no way in hell would you tell me, you loved me too much to not let me find out for myself. This is the same thing. Sucks for you,” she said triumphantly.

“Fine. Whatever. I don’t care all that much. I probably won’t even finish reading it,” I grumbled, sipping my Martini.

“Whatever, Grace, you are so Joshua’s bitch now. Just like all of us.” She chuckled. “Anyway, speaking of all things Sexy Scientist Guy,” she continued,

“did Jack get hold of you today? He asked for your phone number. Care to share?”

“Yeah, we texted. I wondered where he got my number. When did he ask for it?” I asked, again trying not to show too much interest.

“He called my office today and charmed my assistant into giving it to him.

I swear that guy can get practically anything he wants right now. I have people calling my office constantly to book interviews, to schedule promotions, even club owners wanting him there at night. He’s really about to blow up big,” she sighed as she slurped up more noodles.

“Is he ready for all that? I mean, that’s a lot for someone so young,” I added.

“Yeah, he’s ready. I mean, as ready as anyone can be. He has such a good heart, and he’s super smart. We’re working hard to make sure that this is all manageable and he isn’t just being pimped out all around town. Besides, he’s having a great time and we’re getting offers for some interesting projects. That makes him happy,” she replied. “And speaking of having a good time, what’s going on with you two? And don’t play games with me, missy. I know you way too well for that.”

“Holly, I just met him! He seems like a nice kid, and you know I always like meeting the people you represent. He’s a funny guy,” I protested, pushing back from the table and bringing my plate over to the sink.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” she snickered, following me.

“Holly, come on! If what you say is true, this guy can have anyone in this town and probably has. With al that fine young tail laid out like a banquet before him, why in the world would he want someone like me? I’m enjoying having a new friend, let’s just leave it at that. Besides, I think he’s a little young for me,” I answered, beginning to get a little agitated and not sure why.

Because you do think he’s too young for you and it’s driving you crazy.

“OK, snark, settle. You’re telling me you don’t have the tiniest crush on him?

Tell the truth, Grace,” she said, cornering me over by the dishwasher.

“I don’t have a crush,” I debated. “Well, maybe I have half a crush. I have a

‘cruh’,” I admitted, giggling. “But it’s strictly Joshua-inspired,” I added, knowing that was not entirely true.

“Oh, well, hell—even I have a crush on him that’s Joshua-inspired. How could you not?” she sighed, getting a little goo-goo eyed.

With that, I knew that the discussion was over, and I was anxious to get back to my reading. I helped Holly clean up the kitchen, and we talked about our plans to go dancing with Nick the next night.

I grabbed my magazines and took them upstairs with me, telling Holly that I was going to go to bed early. After washing my face, I changed into my favorite old white Polo button down. I had been sleeping in this shirt since college. I snuggled down under my duvet and dove back in, determined to find out what the hell happened to Joshua.

1:30 a.m.

I was still reading.

I only stopped once to go downstairs and get some coffee, practical y running back upstairs to get back to the story. I was now solidly into the series, and very engaged. So engaged that I was startled by my phone ringing on the bed next to me. It was Jack … sigh.

“Seriously?” I grumbled, trying to hide the delight in my voice.

“Sheridan! Are you up?” He chuckled in a low voice.

“What if I wasn’t? Do you know what time it is? Some of us sleep at night,” I answered, rolling onto my side.

“Ha ha. You don’t sound like you were sleeping. You sound quite alert actually, almost stirred up. What are you up to?” he asked. I could hear rustling in the background.

“Well, you caught me. I am up. And I was reading.” I smiled into the phone.

“What are you reading?” he asked.