Page 125 of You and Me, For Real
“I can see why Ashton’s pissed.”
“Plus, I forgot to tell her about my dad being with her mom.”
Luke slugs my bicep.
“Ow. What was that for?”
“I told Ashton I’d beat you up for her. You got off easy.”
I rub my arm. “Fair enough.”
Luke eyes me, glancing between me and the road. “I told you to be upfront about that.”
“I know. I’m an idiot.” I exhale. “This is not how I wanted Ashton’s big night to go. I told her I love her.”
Luke whistles. “Was this before or after the secluded rendezvous with Scarlet?”
“After.” I pinch my nose. “I doubt she believes me.”
“She might. At least, one day. Probably not in this moment, especially now that the media has connected her to her reality TV days, on top of your blunder with Scarlet, and the drama with your parents.”
“Gee, thanks for the recap.”
“But she will, bro. Just give her time.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, as though it will erase the last hour of my life. “That’s what she said. She wants time.”
Luke shrugs. “Hey, at least she didn’t tell you to f-off and that she wants nothing to do with you. I would say time is a good thing. Probably best since you still have the premiere to go to with Scarlet, plus three more weeks of continuing your relationship status. That’s going to be awkward.”
“There won’t be any more relationship between us.”
“What about the contract?”
“I’ll do the premiere, as friends. Nothing more after that.”
I was being truthful when I told Ashton I don’t care about the contract anymore. I would walk away from my career entirely if it meant we could be together. No role or award has given me the same amount of joy she has.
She’s everything.
My phone rings in my pocket. I swipe to answer it without looking at it, hoping it’s Ashton. “Ashton?”
“Just the subject we need to discuss. What were you thinking, Son?”
My shoulders fall.
“Now’s not the time,Dad.”
“How could you make such a spectacle of yourself? Chasing after a woman in front of all those people like some besotted schoolboy while Scarlet watches you from across the room. This is going to be a publicity nightmare for me.”
Not, “Are you okay?” Not, “I’m sorry this contract is ruining your life.” Not, “I’m here for you, son.”It’s always about him.
“I’m sorry I’m making your life more difficult, but in case you’ve forgotten, this ismylife.”
“Yeah. And you just screwed up. Big time. Do you really think Wesley’s going to want you as his lead after you screwed over his daughter?”
“I don’t care anymore.”
He ignores me. “I told you to keep your personal life private. Why is that so hard?”
