Page 138 of You and Me, For Real
Marissa says something next to me, but she might as well be one of the adults speaking onThe Charlie Brownand Snoopy Showas much as I catch what she’s saying.
He loves me.He said it for everyone to hear. He put me before his career. Said he’d protect me.
And I believe him.
There’s no more hiding. No more pretending. The man is mine if I want him.
And boy, do I ever.
I rip out my cell phone and open a text thread I started with Wren and Cecily.
Ashton
Are you guys busy tomorrow? Think you could help me get ready for a premiere tomorrow night?
41
GRIFFIN
Luke and I step out of the limo and onto the red carpet.
“Thanks, Winston.”
He tips his hat. “Anytime, sir. Hope you have a wonderful evening.”
“Thank you.”
Luke stands in front of me and straightens my tie. “Looking good, my man.” He pats my cheek. “Even if you look like a penguin.”
“Thanks, brother,” I chuckle. “You, too.”
Luke looks down at his nearly identical tux and buttons his jacket. “Only for you would I be willing to wear this uncomfortable get-up.” He smirks.
Since I fired my father as my agent, I had an extra ticket to the premiere. After the interview aired, I held onto a small measure of hope that Ashton would call me and come as my official date, but it’s been crickets. I hoped the interview would show her how serious I was about her and our relationship.
But I guess it wasn’t enough.
Unless her feelings just weren’t as strong as mine?
I could feel bad about my idiotic timing telling her I loved her at the gala, but I’d have regrettednottelling her more. Which leads me to believe my career really is too much for her. And I’m not worth the hassle. I’m asking a lot for her to be sucked back into such a lifestyle.
Luke straightens, inhaling a big breath. “You ready for this?”
“Nope.”
Hard to be excited about anything when you feel like half your heart is missing. I don’t care that I walked away from the film project with Wesley—one that Jaxon’s already happily shared the news about on his social media. I don’t even care that I don’t have another role lined up and my career may be over. The only thing that matters is fixing what I’ve broken between Ashton and me, because for the first time in my life, the people closest to me matter more than my career ever did.
Luke claps me on the back. “Great, then let’s do this so we can get the heck out of here, and I can get out of this clown suit.” He tugs at his collar, making his bowtie a little lopsided.
“Sounds good to me.”
In step together, we walk down the red carpet and head toward the small theater entrance where the private viewing of the first episode of the final season ofMalibu Shoreswill take place. A simple set of bleachers is set up across from the entrance for all the invited media. A backdrop is arranged across it with multiple strobe lights, reminding me of my last photoshoot at the beach and the first night I had Roxy. Despite myself, I smile at the memory of her crashing into everything and the fact that she and Ashton took over my life the moment they entered it.
As soon as we’re in the vicinity of the media, photographers start shouting my name.
Luke squeezes my shoulder. “You’ve got this. If you need me, I’ll be over there.” He points to the side of the entrance where a large potted plant sits.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he chooses to hide behind it.
