Page 99 of You and Me, For Real
“It is. It is. I just wanted to help her get jump-started.” I shrug. “Figured it couldn’t hurt throwing my name around a little, see if we could secure a venue sooner.”
“How soon?”
“Within a month.”
“Why the rush?”
“Just trying to capitalize on the connections she made last night. Keep the idea fresh in people’s minds.”
Luke steps back, resting against the counter, his eyes narrowing. “How long have you been researching? Did you sleep at all last night?”
“Not a wink.”
“Dude, you must have it bad,” he says, crossing his arms. “You’re taking some huge risks here, publicly connecting your name with hers. You’re gambling your chance with Wesley over a woman you just met two weeks ago if this stuff gets leaked.”
“Screw him.” My anger simmers to the surface, thinking about Jaxon’s comments last night and the way Wesley flaunted Ashton’s mom at me just to see my reaction.
“Uh, excuse me? What’s wrong with you?”
I cup my hand behind my neck and rub. “I’m just not sure all this dog-and-pony-show business is worth it.” Maybe I’m dreaming a little, but there’ve got to be other possibilities in film I haven’t considered. Maybe I don’t have to do the dumb Hollywood song and dance to land a role I want. Maybe I can obtain one simply due to my skills rather than politics.
“Dog and what? What are you even talking about right now? I think you need some sleep, brother.”
I laugh at his bewildered expression. “I’m just tired of the stupid hustle. Why should I be obligated to be in a fake relationship just to secure a role? It’s dumb. I should be allowed a personal life of my own. So, yeah. I’m going to do somethingI actuallywantto do with my time instead. And I want to help Ashton.”
He’s quiet for a minute, scrutinizing my face, probably questioning if I’m throwing my whole career down the drain. I probably am, but I hope not.IfI am, Ashton’s worth the risk.
“Okay then. How can I help?”
I stand, bolstered by his support. “Thanks, man.”
Luke swipes my phone off the counter. “The Gatsby? Wow. You don’t mess around.”
The Gatsby is one of the most popular locations in Los Angeles, notable for hosting elaborate and expensive parties.
“Only the best for my girl.”
I snag my phone back and shoot off a quick text to Ashton, telling her to get ready because I have a surprise for her. Then I text Wren to ask if she’ll watch Teddy for us for a few hours.
Luke scoffs. “Yourgirl, huh? You best be careful, Griff.”
“I will. Ashton knows we can’t really betogether-together in public.”
“No, I meanwithAshton.”
“What do you mean?”
“She seems pretty eager to escape the spotlight, given her history. I’m not sure your…lifestyle will be what she wants.”
A pang of doubt stabs my chest. My career wasn’t enough tokeepmy mom in my life, and now it could be the very thing that steers away my potential soulmate. And yet, I can’t help but still want both.
“She’s strong. I’ll protect her from any backlash.”
“I’m sure you’ll try, but you’re not Superman. You can’t protect her from everything. Hollywood is vicious and she’s a sweet person, which makes her stand out even more. The press will eat her alive.”
“I appreciate the concern, but I think she’ll be fine.” I stretch out my stiffness. “I’ve got to get ready. You okay looking afterRoxy and the foster pups for me for a few hours?” The puppies are romping around in their playpen, and Roxy is lying in her favorite spot on the porch, soaking in the sunshine.
“Sure thing.”
