Page 63 of Yellow
“No one you know.
“No, it wasn’t a lover.” She lowered her voice and looked away. “The important thing is that I’m in one piece, right?”
“I don’t know when I’ll be back. I want to celebrate New Year’s with Faith, so I’ll stay in Seattle a few more days, probably.”
“Yes I did see the invite, but I don’t feel like going.
“I know it’s good publicity, but I want to be with my sister.” Chloe moved further back and pulled her knees up in front of her.
“You said yes? But I never agreed to that. Why did you say I would be there?
“I can ask her, but she doesn’t like those big Hollywood events, so I think I know the answer.
“Yes, I’ll call you about it.
“For the press? Ehm, just say that I’m shocked and saddened but physically fine. Say that I have no further comments and that I wish to be left alone.
“What? No, don’t say that.
“Because it’s not true.”
Chloe rolled her eyes. “I don’t need more sympathy cards. I was already shot, remember? Just keep it simple.
“Jane, I said no.”
I watched as Chloe’s head fell and she drew a long sigh. “If you say so, but I don’t like it.
“Okay.
“Yeah, bye.”
When Chloe hung up I waited for her to explain. She gave me a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Agents see opportunities in all situations, don’t they?”
“What was it you disagreed on?
“Jane feels we should milk the situation, but I just want to forget it.”
“She talked you into something, didn’t she?”
“It’s just that she’s giving the press release a spin that I don’t agree with, but hey, I pay her an awful lot of money to keep me among the biggest stars in the industry. I have to trust that she knows what she’s doing, and she does. She’s made me very successful.”
“Hmm,” I said and walked to the bed. “It’s late. Brush your teeth and get ready for bed. When you’re done I’ll heal you and let you sleep until tomorrow.”
“It’s not that late, it’s not even nine yet,” she objected.
“Humor me,” I said.
“Why do you look so serious, Adam? I can tell you’re thinking about something.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
“Tell me.”
“Okay,” I said and nodded my head slowly. “I just wonder if you ever stop to measure your success against the price you’re paying for it.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What I just said. You might have the biggest cars, houses, or the most followers on Twitter, but if the price you pay is to break your own values or lose your integrity because you have to lie, cheat, or be someone you’re not, then I doubt your success will ever truly fulfill you.”
