Page 11 of Off Script
It's on the tip of my tongue to correct Jo's assumption that I actually called the hotline, but I don't. So much of my life is available for public consumption that I like keeping Carlisle a secret.
After I convinced her to give me her real phone number so I wouldn't have to keep using her work cell number, Carlisle and I spent all day yesterday texting back and forth. Of course, I had to provide her with my cell number too, mutually assured destruction she called it. Though she doesn't know it, she's one of only a handful of people who has my number.
I enjoy our banter and getting to know more about her. Her life is drastically different than mine, which is part of her appeal. It also helps that she doesn't know that I'm a celebrity. Since making it big in Hollywood, I've only dated a few women because it's difficult to trust people.
Jo drones on, recapturing my attention. “Did you receive a new script sometime last week, Ben? Jada said she messengered it over.”
“Uh, I got the one Jordan sent over about cowboy aliens traveling back in time to conquer the Vikings.”
I started readingit yesterday, but it's so shitty that there’s no point in finishing it. I can’t tell if Jordan gave it to me as a joke or if he seriously thought I might be interested. Knowing my best friend, I’m hoping for the former but assuming the latter.
Jo laughs. “God, that sounds just like a script Jordan would recommend. I’m talking about one calledLosing Love.”
“Sounds familiar. I'll find it and skim over it today.” I blow on my coffee before taking a sip. Putting on my blinker, I turn into my neighborhood.
"Check the inbox on your desk. That's where I always put scripts." Jo has been working for me for four years and she handles all my day-to-day tasks. When I say I’d be lost without her, I mean it. “Jada’s convinced you’re going to like it, so don't skim it. Read it thoroughly please.”
“Alright.” I take another swig of my coffee, savoring it. “What’s on the agenda for the week?”
“I synced the updated schedule that Studio 67 sent over yesterday, so you should have everything loaded in your calendar. Also, have you looked at the suits that Brooke sent over for you yet? She’s coming to your house this morning to do the preliminary fittings for theCaptain Commanderpress tour.”
“Seriously? Today? But it’s the weekend,” I grumble. Although I love my stylist Brooke, trying on clothes is one of my least favorite activities. Just give me a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and be done with it.
“You’re so melodramatic.” Jo scoffs, offering me zero sympathy, which is understandable but still annoying since I'm her boss. I only half-listen as Jo prattles on about my various commitments. “Okay, last thing. Jada’s throwing a cocktail party in a couple weeks. I RSVPedfor you, but Jada’s assistant called yesterday to confirm that you’re not bringing a plus one. Do you want to bring a date?”
This is a trick question.
Do I want to bring a date? Yes.I'd love to bring Carlisle. Despite never having met her in person, her name is the first one that pops into my mind.
Can I bring a date? No.The first genuine connection I’ve formed with a woman in years, and I can't pursue it for a variety of reasons, both personal and professional.
“No date. Unless you want to come with me? Not as a date. Obviously. No offense.”
“None taken,” Jo laughs. “Normally I’d love nothing more than to sit through a boring industry dinner and talk shop with a bunch of old gray hairs, but that's Harry and my two-month anniversary and I've made special plans for us.”
“You're already planning your two-month anniversary?" I love to give Jo shit, which works out well since she dishes it out just as often. "Wait, wait. You've only been dating Henry—"
"Harry," she corrects.
God, I can't keep up with Jo's dating life. As my assistant, she has her shit together, but man, her dating life is a revolving door of weirdos.
"Right, Harry. You guys have only been dating for a few weeks, but you've already made plans to celebrate your two-month anniversary?" I barely hold in my laugh. "Have you even had your one-month anniversary yet?"
"What can I say? I'm an optimist when it comes to love. Maybe my optimism regarding love will rub off on you someday soon."
"Doubtful."
Jo’s one of the few people privy to the truth behind the downfall of my relationship with my ex-girlfriend. It ended nearly three years ago but the pain and mistrust from my breakup with Kelsey linger.
Thinking about my ex dredges up feelings that I would rather stay buried. Nothing good comes from dissecting the demise of my relationship with her.
After hanging up with Jo, I park my car and as my garage door shuts behind me, I vow to shut the door on my memories of Kelsey too. I want to focus on the future, not the past.
I let myself into the backyard and drop onto one of the loungers by the pool to finish my coffee and enjoy the beautiful fall morning. Then, like I did all day yesterday, I grab my phone to text Carlisle.
You up yet?
I wait impatiently for a few minutes before she responds.
