Joshua stuffed his overnight bag with everything but his suit. That he had offered to Anthony, his driver. The young man could put it to good use. He looked around the suite before closing the door behind him. Joshua felt as if he were saying goodbye to Ohio and… to Geneva.
His heart constricted. Geneva didn’t understand his commitments. He had a job just as she did. Granted, his job had him in provocative positions with different women, but it was all an act. None of it was real.
After New Year’s Day, Joshua would be free of his contract and free to worship God as he pleased. It was only a few days, yet it seemed as if that was too long for her. He had asked her to come with him, and she had turned him down. Joshua would have paid her back whatever she had lost on the trip to Jamaica. Triple even. But no, his “world” wasn’t good enough.
“God, what did she expect me to do?”
The press waited for him outside. Joshua bit back a groan. He was in no mood to be courteous. Joshua slid on his sunglasses and walked briskly to the waiting Navigator. Anthony held the rear door open.
“Where are you going, JJ-LUV?”
“Did you dump her, too?”
“Is the vacation off?”
Anthony closed the door, shielding him from the nosy questions. He jumped inside the SUV, set Joshua’s overnight bag on the floor, and hung the garment bag.
“Thanks for the suit,” Anthony said.
“I figured you could use it, and we’re both the same size.”
“That’s what’s up. Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Anthony cleared his throat. “Thanks for your other big gift. I’m starting school January 6th .”
Joshua held up a hand. “Keep it between us please. I have a bad rep to maintain.”
Anthony chuckled. “You’re nothing like I thought you would be. I was ready for the spoiled celebrity with unusual demands, but you’re so normal. I’m so glad God brought you in my path. I’ve been praying for a miracle and He sent me you. Working for you has been the best for me money-wise, but I’ve come to value you as a person.”
“You’re cool people, too,” Joshua said. He brushed off his jeans. “I don’t know about God using me. Look at my lifestyle.”
“The man wears the clothes, not the other way around.”
“I appreciate that,” Joshua said.
“Besides I know you won’t be about that life much longer.”
Joshua leaned forward. “Why you say that?”
“I know I try to be inconspicuous, but I do have eyes. I saw how you and Geneva were snuggled together. I saw how you giggled like teenagers. You had a light on your face whenever she was around. It was sweet to see.”
“Dang, I sound like whipped potatoes.”
“Yeah, real smooth,” Anthony said, with a chuckle. “But you’re one of the realest people I’ve ever met.”
Joshua groaned. “If I were keeping it real, I’d be going to Jamaica with Geneva.”
His cell rang.
“What’s up, Brandon?”
“I’m calling to make sure you’re on your way to Vegas.”
“I’m en route to the airport as we speak.”
“Good. Listen, I know you’re set on doing your own thing, but I want to run something by you when I see you.”
“I’m not interested.”
“It’s a movie role with Joshua T. James as the lead.”
Joshua straightened. “What kind of film?”
“A drama. You’d play a famous singer whose daughter has an incurable disease.”
“That sounds great.” Joshua fist-pumped the air. “I’d love to see the script.”
“And I’d love you to re-sign with Platinum. It will be a win-win situation. We’ll talk more when you get here.”
“For sure. See you in Vegas,” Joshua said, ending the call. He tapped Anthony on the shoulder. “Press down on the gas a little.”
Anthony accelerated. Joshua leaned back and smiled. Hearing that news made leaving Ohio much easier. Geneva flashed across his mind. His smile waned. She was a special woman, special enough to marry, but she had made it clear she wouldn’t be in his world. He knew his love hadn’t disappeared at those words. Just thinking about her had his heart flipping like a gymnast.
Joshua rubbed his chin. Geneva eased his loneliness. She was his missing puzzle piece, but he could find that again, couldn’t he? Fame, however, was fleeting. Soon, JJ-LUV would be a has-been. But Joshua T. James, the actor, could have his chance at forever.
He would be a fool not to take it, and Joshua didn’t get where he was by being a fool. But if he were being wise, why was his heart protesting? Why, as he boarded the plane did he feel as if he had made the worst decision of his life?