Stars Collide Read Free Page B

Desi Arnaz . . . when they were still married, I mean.” Grandma gave me a knowing look. “I realize they’re divorced now. Such a shocker. Don’t you find it sad that so many couples are getting divorced these days?”
    I drew in a deep breath and counted to three before responding. So many times of late she’d asked me to take her to places that no longer existed. And I certainly didn’t have the heart to tell her that Lucy and Desi were currently dining in that great Brown Derby in the sky.
    “I don’t think that’s the best idea,” I said at last.
    “Oh, well, let’s stop at Pink’s then,” she said with a glimmer in her eyes. “They’ve got the best hot dogs ever.”
    I couldn’t argue with her there, but with her cholesterol on the rise, hot dogs weren’t the best option. “I think we’re better off going home,” I said at last. “You’re on a special diet, remember?”
    She groaned. “There’s nothing wrong with this heart of mine. I have no idea why that doctor put me on a low-cholesterol diet. He just wants to spoil my fun.”
    “No, he just wants you to be around so that he can enjoy seeing you in more episodes of our show. And who knows . . . if you stay healthy, you might be asked to compete on Dancing with the Stars next season. I heard they’re putting together the list now.”
    “Oooh! Do you think they might pick me?”
    “Sure, why not?” I could see it now—Lenora Worth, dolled up in a dress from the 1940s, waltzing around the dance floor and winning the hearts of the viewers. Stranger things had happened.
    We walked side by side to the studio door. Once outside, we were met with glorious blue skies and perfect weather.
    “Wow, great day to let out early.” I could hardly wait to get home and take a dip in the pool.
    Grandma Lenora wrapped her hair in a beautiful scarf and handed me one in leopard print. “Put this on, KK. Don’t want your hair to get messy on the way home.”
    “You want to drive or should I?” I asked as I tied the scarf in place.
    She giggled. “Oh, honey, it’s midday. Tourists are out in force. You drive so I can wave to my fans.”
    I stifled a grin and nodded. Lenora Worth could work a crowd, that much was certain.
    “Would you mind fetching the Pink Lady and pulling her around to the front? My hips are really bothering me today and I don’t think I’ll make it to the parking lot.”
    My heart went out to her. Grandma had been having a lot of joint pain lately. That, coupled with her ever-increasing memory loss and rising cholesterol, really had me unnerved. I’d spent more than the usual amount of time ushering up prayers for her health over the past weeks.
    I gave an upbeat answer. “I’ll be happy to. You just wait right here.” Pressing my sunglasses in place, I headed off to fetch the car. I didn’t really mind walking alone, not with my mind still reeling from Scott’s kiss. I thought again of our private exchange, how he had pulled me into his arms and whispered so tenderly in my ear. Goose bumps covered my arms as I relived the special moment.
    In the parking lot, I located the car at once. The pink Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz glistened under a bright Los Angeles sun. I’d never questioned Grandma’s car choices. In fact, I’d rather grown to love the eclectic old vehicles. This one happened to be my favorite, though guiding the oversized vehicle through L.A.’s traffic often proved to be a challenge. Thank goodness I’d finally talked her into having the top customized, and with the push of a button it lifted and tucked itself away, out of sight.
    Now, to pick up the grand dame of Hollywood. Or, rather, the woman who still fancied herself as such. With sunglasses and scarf in place, I pulled the car around to the front of the studio. Once there, I caught a glimpse of my grandmother leaning against the column in front of the studio in a rehearsed pose. Probably something she’d memorized from a scene she’d once acted