Read Online Prince of the Playhouse by Tara Lain - Free Book Online

fine.”
    “That’s great. Thank you. Thank you so much.”
    Was he really sitting here listening to the biggest movie star on the planet express gratitude to him? Fantasyland, darling. Clearly fantasyland.
    A half hour later, Ru stepped into the front door of Shazam after his short walk from the Playhouse. The beautiful building, remodeled by Billy Ballew, Shaz’s husband, glowed all around him. A skylight in the reception area let in sunshine that warmed the slate floors, while a trickling fountain complemented the soft, piped-in classical music, and plants and flowers softened the modern décor. He loved it. And there to the right stood the door that would lead to Ru Maitland Designs—or it would as soon as Ru had the money and customers to support his own business. Shaz wanted to give it to him, but not happening. Shaz had made it on his own, and so would Ru. Sure, he’d take help, but he wanted to build his own company. The play would be a big boost. He swallowed. So would a connection with the soon-to-be-wife of Gray Anson. Shit.
    The door into the studio opened, and Bitzie Freeland backed out, juggling a pitcher of water and a stack of toilet paper. Bitzie had replaced Millicent, who became one of Shaz’s junior stylists.
    “Let me help.” Ru hurried over and retrieved the rolls from under Bitzie’s neck.
    “Thanks, Ru. Restocking the guest bathroom. He’s looking for you.”
    He set the paper on her desk. “On my way.”
    The studio opened into a large space divided into functions—hair, makeup, wardrobe, accessories, and the dressing and fitting lounge where clients hung out. Shaz’s voice spilled from the lounge. “It’s perfect, darling. This is the style the world’s been waiting for.”
    Ru walked in just in time to see Edie Hershey, one of the biggest stars ever to shine in Nashville, spin forward looking like she’d never seen a trailer park. A formfitting gown of silver paillettes shimmered, framing her sleek, beige-blonde hair, which curled on her shoulders without taking over the planet. What a transformation.
    She grinned at Ru. “Whaddaya think, dollface? Can I fool ’em into believing I’m a lady instead of an overpriced white trash filly from the back of beyond?”
    “Ma’am, I think they’ll genuflect and make you queen.” He laughed and gave her a sweeping bow.
    “Well, dayum, I know why you pay him the big bucks, Shaz.”
    Shaz gave Ru a kiss on the cheek. “Hi, darling. I need your incomparable eye on this gown.”
    Ru stepped back. “Maybe a tiny bit tighter in the hips so it emphasizes the flare. I’ll tell James.”
    Shaz helped Edie down from the platform. She smiled at Ru. “So Shaz tells me you’ve been hanging with Mr. Hot Bod Action Hero himself.”
    Ru ducked his head. “Not exactly hanging, but yes, he’s in the show I’m designing. You know him?”
    “Just met him a couple times. He’s pretty popular in the good ole boy crowd, so he comes to Nashville and Texas and those parts from time to time for parties and such. Quite a contradiction, isn’t he?”
    He glanced up and met her bright, smart-as-a-whip blue eyes. “What do you mean?”
    “One minute he’s confident as a circus clown on stilts, the next he’s lookin’ like somebody threw him in deep water and let in the sharks. You notice that?”
    “Yes. Actually I have.”
    “I’m guessin’ that boy’s had too much too soon and hasn’t had a chance to make his own choices. I mean, he may earn an oil gusher or so a year, but he’s still a young’un.”
    Ru grinned. “You do have a way with words, dear.”
    “Hey, a man like you could teach him a thing or two about the world, I’m betting.”
    “I’m younger than he is.”
    “Well, yeah, but then there’s young and young. You’ve made all your own choices would be my bet.”
    He inclined his head with a smile. “Why would someone like Gray Anson need my help?”
    “You tell me, darlin’.” She grinned and swept out of the room