Laying Low in Hollywood by Jean Marie Stanberry Page B

“I will see you tomorrow,” I told him, as I finished packing my skates in my bag.
     
       “Okay boss,” he said, giving me a mock salute as he stood up to leave.  “Oh crap, I can’t walk,” he cried, almost falling over, then comically hobbling around the bench a couple of times.
       I shot him a worried look, then I realized he was mugging for the cameras.  I giggled as I watched him hamming it up. I  had to admit, Jorge was definitely a genius.  I had no doubt now, that Ron Brannon was destined to bring in big ratings for the network, he was obviously quite a character!
     
       I shook my head in amusement, I was sure he was going to be pretty sore tonight.  It was later, when your body relaxed, that you started to feel the pain.  I still felt that way sometimes after long sessions, and I skated all the time.  Those first few minutes you actually have to walk after getting off the ice are always tricky, you kind of have to learn how to walk all over again.
     
       Our cameraman began packing up his things and Ron walked out of the ice rink with me.  I had showed him some exercises he could do to help strengthen his ankles.  As we walked across the parking lot, I expected him to head straight to his car, instead he followed me to mine.
     
       “Hey Lane, I’m sorry I was a bit of an ass earlier.  Can I make it up to you?  Do you want to go get some lunch or something?” he asked.  I turned to look at him, I wasn’t really sure if he was pulling my leg, or what. 
     
       I knew that he was close to my age, but I wasn’t really sure how old he was.  He was completely gorgeous, but I was almost certain that he must be married.  Guys like Ron just didn’t stay single for long.
     
       “Ummm, I don’t know...”
     
       “I just thought we could talk, you know, get to know each other better.  We’re going to be working together for the next four months,” he said, giving me a smile.
     
       “Uh...well, okay,” I finally stammered.
     
       In a matter of minutes I found myself seated at a table for two with him, in one of Hollywood’s most exclusive restaurants.  I was a little self conscious, he was attractive and famous, and I was...well...me.  He was apparently quite recognizable, because from the time we arrived at the restaurant, everyone was looking in our direction pointing and whispering.
     
       “So tell me, how is it that the most incredible figure skating choreographer of all time, ends up doing a reality TV series?”  he asked, looking into my eyes with a smile.  I had to stifle a little giggle, my heart was suddenly pounding nervously and I wasn’t sure why.
     
       It was probably because Ron was so attractive and he was a little bit of a charmer.  I hadn’t been alone in restaurant with a man that wasn’t my husband for more than twenty years!  I felt like a teenager who was out on her first date, even though I knew this wasn’t really a date.
     
       “I don’t believe for one minute that you know the first thing about figure skating.  I’ll bet you’ve never even heard of me,” I exclaimed, staring him down haughtily.
     
       He started laughing, then he shook his head in amusement and smiled at me.
     
       “Okay, you got me there.  I never even heard of you.  It was Jorge who told me you were the greatest choreographer of all time.  But really, if you are the greatest choreographer of all time, which I totally believe that you are, what are you doing on this lame show?”
     
       I sighed miserably.  I hated to admit defeat, but my life had been falling apart as of late.  I hated to talk about it.
     
       “It’s a long story, I recently had a few unpleasant surprises in my life.   I guess I just needed a change.  I was depressed, not really myself, and my partner Justin told me I needed to do something outside my comfort zone, so I did!” I told him with a laugh.
     
       “Your partner?” asked Ron,