PART 14

Both Thursday and Friday passed too quickly for Riley's taste, knowing that on Friday night she'd be with Lucas again, attending the charity event. Riley is more concern about being with Lucas in public than meeting a notorious yakuza that evening.

For her outfit for the night and keeping in mind not to be overly dressed or under dress, Riley chose a low-hipped sexy charcoal skirt cinched by a wide gray croc belt with an enormous round pewter studded buckle. On top she was wearing a burnout velvet tank in a color somewhere between lemon and mustard, topped by a fitted cropped coat of the same rich, saturated color.

She'd accessorized with sleek pewter heels, a chunky two-strand gray-and-white alabaster necklace and a wide pewter bracelet with a single black stone in the middle. Her hair blow dried to hang smooth and sleek past her shoulders. Makeup was even more subtle: pale foundation, lightly lined eyes in gray pencil, lots of mascara and a soft, pink lip color for her mouth.

Riley met Lucas by the door; he was dressed casually elegant in black trousers, a white dress shirt and a dark gray Armani jacket.

Lucas was cool and distant during the ride, and Riley sat beside him, savouring the last bit of privacy before they stepped onto the hotel lobby and into the flash of camera strobes. Riley glanced out the window. Traffic was slow. She leaned back against the seat, smiled crookedly if not a bit wearily. "So, how much is this invitation going to cost you?"

The creases deepened at his eyes. His expression turned wry. "Not as much as you think."

"Somehow I don't believe that."

"Every event needs publicity, and publicity requires big names to be visible and to do the interviews."

"I can't believe that all you had to do was show up and answer few questions to get the invite."

He shrugged. "I had to rub elbows with as much big shots as I can manage tonight to ensure that they sign a big fat cheque for the organization and perform."

"Perform? Like sing?"

His expression almost gentled. "Don't look too surprise. I have other talents you know."

She'd never really thought about the life of a star like Lucas, imagining that fame, fortune and success made life easier, but she wasn't so sure anymore. "You know I would have found a way to get in on this soiree."

"Don't sweat it. This is part of the job, doing the interviews, the talk shows, the premieres, the award shows, the parties and fund-raisers."

Riley pressed her lips together, held tight to her opinion. She changed topics. "So, you sing. Are you any good?"

His eyes narrowed. "You'll just have to wait and see won't you?"

…..

Although it was a private party and the media hadn't been invited, dozens of photographers had still shown up across the street from the hotel. Walking through the hotel lobby, Riley couldn't recognize a single person from all the people there. And she's guessing that half if not all are really important people.

Riley is trying to be poised, but the Agent in her is already zeroing on Fudo Miyagi. The moment the man entered she recognized him. The picture does not do justice to the man. Fudo Miyagi is pretty tall for a Japanese and he's built athletically. Concealing her sudden need to leap at the guy and cuffed him, Riley quietly stood closer to Lucas.

Lucas appeared to have many friends. Riley tried not to wiggle while she stood for the first half hour at Lucas' side, but it was difficult not to feel self-conscious given the amount of skin her skirt exposed.

Fortunately Lucas didn't forget her. Several times he broke off his conversation to introduce her, point someone out or try to explain a reference, making sure he included her as much as he could. He even once reached out and touched her upper arm as he talked to yet another woman who'd come to congratulate him on his exceptional performance on his last film.

Two more young women are approaching Lucas now, both stunning. Despite Riley's presence, the women flirted outrageously with Lucas. For a moment she could think of absolutely nothing to say-at least nothing polite, because on the inside she was livid.

"Are you okay?" Lucas asked.

"I'm fine," she choked out. "I'll just grab a drink at the bar." Riley didn't wait for Lucas as she finds her way to the bar.

Riley flagged the bartender and requested an orange juice. She glanced up and saw Fudo Miyagi walking towards her. She knows that the man had been eyeing her. She took a deep breath, straightened her shoulders and pretended that she's oblivious to his attention.

"Scotch on the rocks," Fudo said to the bartender. "Would the lady like a drink?" he asked her.

She smiled and forced a light note into her voice. "I already got one."

"Okay," he looked at her and nodded appreciatively. "Where's your date?"

Riley pretended to look back before replying, "Busy."

"Do I know you?" the man asked Riley.

"No," she answered.

"Are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

"Hmm." Fudo studied her, elbow on the bar, expression teasing. "Then I should know you."

Riley laugh. She couldn't help it. "Not a very unique approach and definitely not subtle. Watashi no namae wa Riley Matthews desu."

He smiled charmingly. "Fudo Miyagi. Hajimemashite Riley."

Fudo rocked backed on his heels. "So you speak Japanese. I take it you've been to my country."

"Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to visit your country but one day I will. For now I'm learning the basic greetings," she lied.

"Are you an actress?"

"No I'm not. I'm actually here on business."

"Business. Which company do you work for?"

"The US government. I work at the US Embassy."

"That's impressive," he retorted.

"Thank you. I'm guessing that you're either a very successful business man or that you are here as a liaison for your government. So which one is it?"

He laughed. "Do I have to choose?"

"Not if you don't want to," she said.

Riley glanced over her shoulder, struggling to see if she could find Lucas in the crowd, but the extensive hall was packed.

"Looking for your date?" Fudo winked.

Riley's nose wrinkled. "Yes."

"No need to look further, I see him coming to take you." Fudo stretched his hand out. "It's really nice to meet you Riley. Here's my card, I'll be here till Sunday." And with that he walked away from Riley.

Oh no, who's the new guy? Well if you want to know exactly what he looks like check out Lee Min Ho...yeah I know he's Korean but work with me here people. I like the guy (sue me)...can you imagine being around cute guys like Peyton Meyer, Luke Benward and Lee Min Ho? I'm so excited 🎶 I just can't hide it🎶...yup so much things happening.

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