Page 26 of Nathan
The line fell quiet before Denise asked in a breathy voice, “Do you mean Nathan Robertson as in River Robertson’s brother? The one who went with you and Storm to Spain on that survival trip?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, Lord.”
“I didn’t see anyone taking pictures. We were sitting in a booth, and it felt very private.”
Denise scoffed. “Well, it wasn’t! This is a breach of contract with the film studio. You agreed to officially be with Storm until two months after the premiere of the movie. Do you have any idea about how much money you’ll lose because of this? Or how hard I have to work to restore your reputation? You cheated onStorm Johnson!”
“Stop saying it like that. Technically, I didn’t cheat on him since we’re not together.”
“The world doesn’t know that, and people are pissed.”
“They’ll get over it.”
“Oh, hon, have I taught you nothing? You say it like it’s no big deal, but that’s because you haven’t been online yet.”
“It can’t be worse than after that headline saying I was a drug addict and pregnant with twins.”
Denise made another of her emphatic sounds. “Girl, that episode was like a small fart compared to the shit storm you’re in right now. Storm’s fans are attacking you like you were the Antichrist and their very survival depends on them finishing you off.”
“What are they saying?” With an uneasy feeling, I opened Twitter and began reading. “Wow.”
“Oh, this is only the beginning, and you wanna know how I’m so sure...? Because it’s two in the morning here and I have reporters blowing up my phone.
“Right.” My answer was distracted as I was reading a random comment from someone called BestBella92, who was attacking me.
Yo, @Serena_Star. It was mental of Storm to cheat on @CelebRiverRobertson for someone as cold and disgusting as you. I called it from the beginning... you’re a pathetic, nasty wannabe who can’t act for shit!
I had been called worse and quickly moved on, scanning the hostile comments to find just one of my supporters standing up for me. I didn’t see any.
“Nathan Robertson. Tell me about him. What’s the deal between you two? How long have you been seeing him?”
“Ehh…” I blinked my eyes and refocused on my conversation with Denise. “We’re not seeing each other. I mean, last night was a one-time thing.”
She sighed. “And should I expect any more one-time meetings with him to show up in the media?”
“No.”
“Every gossip channel, magazine, blog, and YouTuber will be hunting you down for a comment. I guarantee that the press in London are wringing their hands with glee that they’re interviewing you on the same day this juicy gossip came out. I’ll make sure Marie gives out strict instructions that you won’t be answering any questions about your personal life. Their questions should be about the movie only.”
“Thanks. What about the statement you talked about? What does it say?”
“That you were very drunk and didn’t know what you were doing and that you and Storm are asking for privacy to work through this crisis.”
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I leaned forward as an unconscious act to protect my solar plexus from all this drama. “That’s just more lies.”
“So?”
“I’m tired of lies, Denise. I didn’t do anything wrong, and I wasn’t unfaithful. I don’t deserve all this hate online. I want out of this farce with Storm.”
“You can’t. You signed a contract.”
“That was a mistake. It’s been going on too long, and I’m done with it.”
Denise’s voice took a maternal tone. “Look, you know I’m only looking out for you. As your agent, I strongly advise you to think about this. Going against the wishes of the film studio isn’t a smart move. Not when we’re in the middle of negotiating theWood and Watercontract. That movie has Oscar nominations written all over it, and I want you to play the leading role. We talked about it. This role could make you the highest-paid actress in Hollywood.”
Anger and frustration simmered inside me. “Everything isn’t about money, Denise. I’m sick and tired of lying for profit. Don’t send out a statement; I’ll write a Twitter update and tell people what I want them to know.”
