Page 122 of Yellow
I sighed.
“At this point I don’t care what you want, Cleo. You will go out with Liam tonight because he’s the good guy of Hollywood and you need someone like him to restore your reputation.”
“But he doesn’t like me much.”
“He likes you enough to do this for you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Is he being paid?”
“Not directly.”
“Jane, tell me. Why is he doing this, then?”
“You should ask him about that, but it might have something to do with his wanting the lead role inKing Solomon.”
“Huh, I see.”
“Well, since you’re playing the love of King Solomon’s life, Liam and his agent are hoping you’ll put in a good word for him.” She gave me a direct glare. “And you will, right?”
I closed my eyes and covered my head with my hands. “Sometimes I hate Hollywood.”
“Nonsense. You saw what happened when you ran off to a cabin in the woods and hung out with that false guru.”
“Adam wasn’t a guru and he never claimed to be.”
“Look, Cleo, this happens to famous people all the time. How many times have I warned you not to get involved with sects of any kind?”
“There was no sect, Jane.”
“Honey, when spiritual people approach you and talk about finding inner peace and ask you to pay them millions, it’s usually a sect, trust me, I’ve seen this before. I’m just glad you got out of it quickly.”
“Don’t call it a sect and don’t call him a guru – it wasn’t like that.
“Spiritual advisor, then,” Jane scoffed. “You came back even more depressed than when Niko shot you.”
“Don’t mention Niko.”
Jane mumbled something under her breath.
“What was that?” I asked.
“I was just saying that at least he could make you laugh. This Indian guy has made you cry for months.”
“It’s been six weeks.”
“Six weeks that made you look a year older.” Jane got up. “I booked Michael and his crew to get you ready. They’re coming over at four, so make sure you’ve showered by them.”
“Why do I need my stylist and make-up artists for a date night? It’s not the Oscars, you know.”
Jane arched her brow. “Because a small miracle is needed to cover those dark circles under your eyes and hide your hollow cheeks. Don’t worry, Michael and his crew will make you look radiant and healthy. The last thing we need are more headlines saying that you’re wasting away and losing weight.”
“But I…”
“Stop it, Cleo.” Jane had that strict maternal tone she used so often with me. “You’re going on that date tonight, and you’ll smile and flirt as if winning your next Oscar depended upon it. Got it?”
There was no use fighting her, and with a small nod I gave in. “Got it.”
As soon as Jane was gone, I picked up one of the magazines and forced myself to look at it although it still physically hurt like hell.
