Page 126 of You and Me, For Real
I grit my teeth, my jaw clenching. “Because it’s my life! I should be able to do what I want with it.”
“Apparently! Since you paraded your private life for half of Hollywood to see tonight. Now everyone and their dog knows you’re cheating on Scarlet. This could take weeks—months—to die down. We’ll have to extend the terms of our contract to ensure the public is convinced your relationship with Scarlet is real. You’ll be lucky if Wesley proceeds with his offer. This is a publicity nightmare. The public will hate you for this.”
“Am I talking to my agent right now, or my dad? Because frankly, you suck at both. You’re fired.”
“Son, you don’t?—”
I press end call.
A weight immediately lifts off my shoulders.
I should have stood up to him sooner. If I had, I wouldn’t have lost Ashton, because I wouldn’t have been trapped in a contractual relationship in the first place.
It’s done. Now I need to figure out how to get Ashton back in my life. And for good.
37
ASHTON
It’s nearly midnight when we pull up to the modest, but cute and well-kept, beach house address my sister texted me. Don’t get me wrong, despite its small stature, I’m sure it’s nearly a million dollars in this neighborhood so close to the beach. She must’ve saved every penny she made from the show.
I drag myself from the limo, feeling like I’ve aged ten years in a single night. I didn’t have the energy to drive, so I requested that Winston bring me here. I’ll get my car another day—after I wake from a coma in hopes this disastrous night magically disappears.
Winston hops out, opens the trunk, and removes my bags. The front door opens and my sister, wearing a casual coral jumpsuit and a loose-fitting green sweater, emerges from the cottage. I don’t know when I’ll adjust to her new, more casual wardrobe. She comes down the paver sidewalk and meets us.
“Need any help?” Her tone is friendly but cautious.
Probably becauseWorst Night of My Lifeis stamped across my forehead.
Things have been good between us, but everything is new and tender—like a newborn’s skin—we proceed cautiously around each other.
I wheel my suitcase toward her. “If you could take this, I’ll get the dogs.”
“Sure.”
Teddy exits the limo on his leash. I reach in and grab the crate with the puppies.
Cecily’s eyes go wide. “Oh my.”
I get it. Going from no dogs your whole life to three in a single night is a huge jump. Then again, Griffin took on the same.
My stomach twists painfully. I’d like to think about anythingbuthim and his generosity right now.
“I promise, it’ll only be for one night. Then the dogs and I will get out of your hair.”
Her face softens. “It’s fine, Ashton. I’m happy you’re here. Come inside.” She rolls the suitcase down the sidewalk and hefts it onto the porch.
I turn to Winston. “Thank you for this. I really appreciate it.” I pull him in for a quick hug. He probably thinks I’m being overdramatic and clingy, but I don’t care. The man helped me escape the paparazzi sharks tonight.
“It’s my pleasure, miss.” He releases me and pulls a card from his suit pocket. “Take this in case you ever need a ride or a quick escape. I’m at your service. Anytime.”
As he drives off, I kick my ridiculous ball gown from my feet and step onto the curb, wishing I’d taken the time to remove the monstrosity. My bad omen. A token of my nightmare. I feel like a crimson bride who ran out on her wedding day. I trudge up the sidewalk, Teddy following by my side.
My sister opens the door wider for me. “Sorry, it’s a bit messy in here. If I’d known I’d be having company, I would have cleaned up a little better.” She shrugs, looking nothing like thepoised princess my mom molded since our childhood. I like this version better. She’s more relaxed. And happy.
The moment I slip into her cottage, I feel like I’m walking into an alternate universe. I expected her house to be a miniature version of our childhood home. One filled with pristine white furniture, polished flooring, neutral tones everywhere…but instead, I walk into an array of colors. Soft textures. Warm and inviting furniture. Paintings cover the walls, bringing vitality to the space.
“Cecily...this is...”
