Page 35 of Faking the Pass
“He asked where I was going in such a rush, if I had a ‘hot date.’ I laughed. I didn’t havetimefor dating. Cleaning houses was only one of my jobs. I also pet-sit and tend bar.”
“That’s a lot of jobs for one person,” Presley said.
“I have a lot of debt. I told Randy I was on my way to the theater for opening night of a small production I was starring in. When the curtains opened that night, I was stunned to see him sitting in the audience.”
“That’s when he found out how good you are,” Presley said.
“Well I was nervous, of course, but I did my best,” I said. “Afterward he came backstage and told me he was looking for an unknown actress to play the lead in a Cinderella-inspired movie he was producing and starring in. He said I was perfect for the part. Of course I was ecstatic. It was the career break I’d been waiting for, and it couldn’t have come at a better timefinancially. The entire paycheck went toward the debt and my rent, but I felt like I was finally on my way, you know? It was just the beginning. And then he started romancing me and saying he couldn’t live without me. It was like I was living a fairytale.”
“He love-bombed you. But then Prince Charming turned into the Big Bad Wolf,” Presley said, prompting me to go on.
“Yeah. I mean, at first things were great. He begged me to move in with him. I couldn’t believe this amazing guy was actually in love with me. Pretty quickly though, his temper started showing. And he’d be very hot and cold.”
Drawing my knees up, I wrapped my arms around them. “I thought it was the whole mercurial creative genius thing, you know? And I was so grateful to him, I didn’t want to complain. Plus he was the producer of our movie, so he wasn’t just my co-star, he was my boss.”
“That’s a tough spot to be in,” Presley said. “How was he able to hide the fact he had a pregnant girlfriend the whole time?”
“Well, he was gone a lot, working, and out of reach. He didn’t keep a phone on him. He says they disturb his flow state, and he wants to keep his mind clear so ‘sparks of creative genius’ can strike. Again, I didn’t want to argue. It was his process. And honestly, he seemed so in love with me, I wasn’t suspicious. I guess he’s a better actor than I thought he was.”
“Sounds like your expectations were pretty low,” Presley said, looking perturbed.
He rose and went to the dresser, grabbing a pair of swim trunks before he walked to the door.
“I’m going to do some laps in the lap pool—it’s indoors. Need anything?”
“Some hair dye and a new set of identity papers so I can disappear and start a new life?”
He laughed. “I’m afraid I don’t have any of those on hand. Besides, it would be a shame to cover up your natural blonde locks.”
“They’re not natural,” I said, “But my zillion-dollar Rodeo Drive stylist thanks you.”
Presley’s eyes crinkled at the corners, and he gave me a warm smile. “It’s nice to see fame hasn’t changed you.”
“Don’t you mean infamy?” I quipped. “I didn’t really get a chance at the fame. Besides, you’re the famous one, mister G.O.A.T.”
“Nah, I won’t be the greatest of all time until I win eight Superbowl rings.”
“Sounds likeyourexpectations are pretty high.”
“You could say that,” he admitted. “But I believe we get what we expect. I’ll see you later. You’re welcome to stream a movie or check out my bookshelf in the living room if you want to. Wilder says it’s best not to go outside again, you know, because of the cameras. We’re surrounded on all sides.”
I rolled my eyes and gave him aduhexpression. “Really? Cause I was planning to do some naked sunbathing out there.”
Presley’s face broke into a wide grin.
“In that case, I’m gonna go getmycamera.”
Chapter 9
Eyes on My Own Paper
Presley
I could certainly have done withoutthatcomment—and the visual image that had accompanied it.
After my swim, I showered then went to the kitchen to make some lunch.
Rosie was reading in the living room, sitting sideways in the chair she’d apparently claimed as her own.
