Page 379 of Hate Mates

“Are you still there? What’s going on?”

“No, I’m, well no. I left early today. There was just a mix up with his ex-wife. Nothing major and it’s been resolved,” I half explained.

“Oh, well that’s not as interesting as I thought, so why did you leave early?”

“We got into it. He plans to quit acting when he’s done with this season. Just a major blow to my professional career.”

“So don’t let him,” she said.

I laughed, “I can’t force him to keep acting.”

“No, you can’t. But there arethousandsof people out there that can help you convince him to keep doing what he’s doing.”

I cocked my head, “how?”

“You’ve seen those fan conventions? The ones where people pay the big bucks to get a quickie photo with their favorite celeb. Or they have these table selfie things where people can pay money directly to the person for a photo and a quick chat. They are like an all-weekend commitment, but I bet you if anything would convince him to keep acting, that would be it.”

“How are you so sure?”

“I’ve been to a few before with Callie and Brad. It was exhausting on my part, but a lot of fun and some people really are grateful for their acting. They made Callie cry several times.”

“How do I get him scheduled into these?”

“I’ll send you a few contacts. There are a few coming up and they arealwaysneeding celebs to attend.”

“Thanks Eden. You are a lifesaver!” I exclaimed.

“Anytime. Be careful with the press.”

The call ended and I looked around the room. This was perfect. I would set him up to attend a few conventions and then hopefully by the end of the season I’d still have a job. Not one that I’m overly thrilled with, but a job.

I spent the rest of the afternoon and into the evening talking to different contacts that Eden sent me. A few were very excited to have Jason Baxter attending their events. I told them it was still depending on him, but I would get them an answer by the following day.

I made sure to block off his calendar for those dates just in case.

This could work. I said to myself as I crawled into bed.

I arrivedat Jason’s house early the next morning. Speech prepared.

“Morning,” he said as I walked through the back door. He was already dressed, and coffee had been made.

“Good morning,” I said, confused.

“I made coffee if you want some,” he noted and pointed to the empty coffee cup on the counter.

“Thank you? I, um, I have some things I would like to discuss with you this morning.”

He nodded, “I’ll meet you in the office,” he said walking away with his coffee in his hands.

I shook my head.Well, this is weird.

I made my way into the office and sat down across from Jason who was scrolling through his calendar already on his tablet.

Shit.I thought.

“What are these blocks for?” He questioned.

I cleared my throat, “that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I was talking to a friend of mine – who is in the same business as me, and she brought up these fan conventions. I thought you may like to attend a few. It would be good publicity for your show and for you. It will also be a nice way to say goodbye to the fans since you plan on quitting.” It wasn’t exactly the speech I had planned, but it would have to do.

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