Free Just Another Wedding by Jessica E. Subject

 
    Just Another Wedding
     
    Another wedding. Another event where people recognized and interacted with her based on the image she portrayed on television. Though paid to be a flirt, in real life Pepper Dobson preferred to blend into the wall, go unnoticed by those she didn’t know. Because if everyone ignored her, they wouldn’t judge her, make false assumptions.
    Kicking off her shoes, she leaned back in her chair. The rest of the cast and crew invited to the wedding had abandoned her ages ago, off with their spouses or one-night stands. And yet, she continued to watch the happy couple dance.
    A pang of jealousy rose in her stomach. Of all the guys she’d met since starting on House Switching , Luke had been the only one who hadn’t tried to get in her pants. Sure, they’d had plenty of on-camera chemistry, but as soon as the show finished filming for the day, he placed a barrier between them, treating her like a lady rather than someone he wanted to score with. Once she learned he had a girlfriend back home, she understood why he kept his distance. He remained faithful and loyal, something she didn’t see much in any man in the last couple of years. No, she attracted players who easily left her for the next pretty face when she turned them down.
    Luke’s new wife radiated with happiness, waltzing across the dance floor in her chiffon wedding dress. What Pepper wouldn’t give for one ounce of her joy.
    The lights rose. Very few guests remained; only the wedding party and her. But she resisted the walk up to her empty hotel room.
    Slipping her heels back on, she stood, ready to help clean up the banquet hall. It was the least she could do after a fabulous meal and free alcohol. Or simply an excuse to avoid the loneliness.
    “Pepper, I’m so glad you came, and I hope you enjoyed yourself.” Rachel wrapped her arms around her with a squeeze, a far different exchange than their first conversation.
    “Thank you,” she said. “And congratulations! I wish you both the very best.” Pepper had come to like her, so opposite of the superficial women she often met in the television industry. She really was the typical girl next door, didn’t care much for the latest styles, but always presented herself well.
    Luke came over to give her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you for coming. Do you need a ride home at all?”
    “No, I’m spending the night here at the hotel.” Unable to predict how much she would end up drinking, she’d booked the room long ago. Though she’d always envisioned spending the night with someone else. Even if with just one of the crew too wasted to go anywhere.
    “Well, have a good night, then.” He scooped his bride up in his arms, carrying her out of the hall.
    Talk about an awkward moment. They were going up to consummate their marriage, and she had to rely on her own devices for company and pleasure.
    “Need a lift back to town?”
    A deep voice resonated behind her, one of concern rather than the cocky tone of someone trying to pick her up.
    She spun around, expecting an older gentleman. Not so. Taking a step back, she gazed into the rich blue eyes of a handsome man. With a strong jaw, wavy blond hair, and a styling three-piece suit, he made her heart race more than any hunky contractor she’d met in her past. “Um, I....”
    The man’s face paled. “Oh, I’m sorry, Miss. I thought you were someone else.”
    At least he didn’t call me Ma’am. Though, she’d never been mistaken for another person. Not since the show started, anyway.
    Pepper shrugged. “It’s all right. Who did you think I was?” Best to make sure he wasn’t trying a pick-up line she hadn’t yet heard.
    “I thought you were from Hanton. But when you turned around, I realized my mistake.” He stuck out his hand. “I’m Bill, Rachel’s former boss.”
    She offered her hand in return, surprised by his firm yet gentle grip. He didn’t crush her knuckles together like other guys had tried to that