Chapter 353 If Jessica Hears This, It Would Be Terrible.
After stepping off the stage, the director and producer kept mingling with industry friends alongside the lead actors.
Not every opening banquet had the tradition of toasting, but the old-school director of "Shadow Kill" insisted on it. He made them toast at each table. Even with small sips, Jessica, who couldn't handle much alcohol, felt tipsy after so many tables.
There were over thirty tables. When Jessica finally sat down, Kevin asked, "Had too much?"
"No," Jessica forced a smile, "But Sam Smith is brutal. Different drinks at each table—red wine, white wine, beer. Mixing them is rough."
Luckily, she didn't run into Gabriel while toasting, or she might not have survived.
"Sam does this at every opening banquet, saying it brings good luck. And his movies always do well. Maybe it works." Kevin poured her some juice. "Have some juice."
Jessica waved it off, "No, I'll throw up. Got any bottled water?"
Kevin looked around, then went to get two bottles of water. When he returned, Jessica was leaning back with her eyes closed. Sebastian came over to check on her, and she smiled, saying she was fine.
Sebastian laughed, "I should've reminded you to bring hangover medicine. Sam's always like this."
Jessica sighed, "Anyone would think it’s a wedding with all this toasting."
Sebastian chuckled, then saw Kevin returning with water. He teased, "While Sam's not calling you, take care of your new bride. I'll go chat with some folks."
Kevin smiled at the joke and walked back. Jessica just gave him a look and started searching for her phone.
"What are you looking for?"
"My phone. I need to call Mackenzie to keep me company. You guys might sell me off without me even realizing it."
"Didn't you give your bag and phone to Mackenzie before you went on stage? They should be with her." Kevin handed her the water, looking around. "But I don't see her."
"She might be in the restroom. I'll find her later." Jessica took a sip of water and frowned.
Over the past couple of years, she had attended events and drank occasionally. Sometimes red wine or champagne, sometimes white wine or beer. She'd been drunk before. According to Mackenzie, it wasn't that the alcohol was weak; Jessica was just getting more reckless. Even though she couldn't hold her liquor, she always pretended she could. People who didn't know her well thought she could hold her liquor.
For instance, Sam, the director of "Shadow Kill," probably thought Jessica could handle her liquor, which is why he had her and Kevin toast with everyone.
But Jessica was actually a lightweight when it came to drinking.
Still, she was great at maintaining her composure.
"Eat something."
Many people from the industry came over to chat. Seeing that Jessica looked tipsy, they kept it brief and talked more with Kevin. But Kevin stayed by her side, looking after her.
Jessica couldn't focus on anything else. She leaned back, eyeing the fruit and snacks brought to her, but shook her head.
"I can't eat. If I do, I'll throw up."
But she was starving. She'd skipped eating much before the banquet, thinking she'd eat there. Now, the table was full of delicious dishes, all to Sam's taste, making it a real feast.
The food smelled amazing—beef, veggies, everything.
After sitting quietly for a bit, Jessica felt a bit better. She nibbled on some veggies, then fruit, drank some water, and finally dared to try a piece of beef.
She'd done her part of the interview and socializing. She could just go home after eating.
But after a few bites, she suddenly put down her fork, clutching her stomach, looking pale.
Kevin asked if her stomach hurt. Jessica shook her head, stood up, and waved off Kevin's helping hand. She grabbed a waiter, asking for the restroom. After getting directions, she rushed off.
"Hey, Jessica, you..." Kevin didn't follow, guessing she was going to throw up. He just opened another bottle of water for her to rinse her mouth when she got back.
Jessica rushed into the restroom.
She really wanted to vomit.
But as soon as she ran in, she saw the second and third female leads touching up their makeup. They were gossiping about her and Sebastian.
Jessica suppressed the urge to vomit, forcing herself to walk in calmly. She pretended to touch up her makeup at the mirror across the room.
But her bag wasn't with her, so she had nothing to use.
She grabbed a tissue from the sink and lightly pressed it against her nose, pretending to blot non-existent oil. Jessica had great skin. Usually, actresses' skin gets oily after makeup, but hers stayed clean and fresh. Without her makeup bag, she could only act like she was touching up.
The second and third female leads stopped talking when they saw her, exchanging glances and quietly continuing their makeup. They occasionally glanced at her but seeing nothing unusual.
They didn't know if Jessica had heard their gossip. She was quite famous now and had good relationships with directors and producers. If she had heard, it could be bad for them.
