Page 60 of Off Script
"Let me guess. You're afraid that if I don't cave to Studio 67's demands, then they'll circulate rumors about me within the industry, and Lyonsfilms Studios may decide that I'm a liability and a risk," I surmise, my voice quiet and miserable at the prospect. "Too risky to land the role of Martin."
“That’s the gist of it, yes. Especially since there are other actors interested in playing Martin.” Becky exhales loudly.
"What does this mean for my relationship withCarlisle?"
“If you want to maintain your relationship with Carlisle, then it will have to continue behind closed doors, but I have to caution you about that. It’s dangerous.”
I pace the small bedroom as I contemplate the situation. Agreeing to a showmance with Willa the morning after having sex with Carlisle for the first time feels all kinds of wrong. It feels fucking smarmy.
“Shit. I don’t know what to do, Becky.”
“Ben, let me give you my professional opinion.” My publicist trails off for a moment before she continues. “You’ve known Carlisle for a few weeks, but you’ve been building your career for over a decade. Don’t risk your entire career for someone you’ve only just met. Cooperation with the studios is the best way forward, and you know that."
Becky’s giving me the hard sell, and I hate that I’m wavering in my conviction.
"If you don’t readily agree, Studio 67 will force you to do it anyway. The harder you make this, the greater the likelihood that your reputation will suffer. It’s pointless to fight the studio. It’s only six weeks and then you and Carlisle can openly be together in the new yearafteryou’ve wrapped your publicity tours and landed the role inLosing Love.”
It isn’t what I want to hear, but I understand Becky’s point of view. Rationally, it makes sense even if it seems emotionally screwed up.
Fuck, I hate this.
I rake my fingers through my hair, pulling on the ends. The studio has me backed into a corner. I really don’t have a choice.
"Fine. I'll do it," I agree begrudgingly.
“It's the smart move, Ben. But remember, your name is your brand, and it’s only as good as your reputation. When your arranged relationship with Willa goes public, your reputation will tarnish, possibly irreparably, if any rumors come out about you being involved withanother woman. Any insinuation that you’re cheating on Willa will damage your image, so you have to be really careful from here on out. No more public outings with Carlisle. I’ll email you the revised publicity contracts. Sign them and get them back to me ASAP.”
I am so close to landing my dream role. I just wish it wasn’t happening at the same time that I’m also working to land my dream girl.
Whatever the opposite of serendipity is, that’s what this feels like.
Not Ben, His Publicist Claims
Early this morning, Becky Phelps, a representative for Ben Sutton released a statement quelling rumors that the actor was the man photographed kissing a blonde outside of Le Bistro on Tuesday evening.
“This is a ridiculous story and a completely fictional fabrication of the truth. The fact that news outlets reported on this story, which is based solely on conjecture and speculation, is disappointing. If even one media source had done their research and checked their facts, then they would have known that Ben is out of state celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday with his immediate family in Austin. Any suggestion otherwise is a blatant attempt to create drama where none exists.”
His publicist’s assertions have since been corroborated by photographs pulled from the actor’s social media accounts, which show him with his parents at their family home in Texas.
21
Carlisle
Irecline my seat as I wait for the flight attendant to bring me another mimosa. I’m not sure I can ever go back to flying commercial after this experience. Ben said this is one of the smallest private planes that he’s been on, but it’s still far more luxurious than any other airliner I’ve ever seen.
“I could get used to this way of travel, Ben.”
Ben chuckles halfheartedly but doesn’t meet my eye. Since leaving his parents’ house this morning, he’s grown more and more withdrawn. I’ve coerced him into conversation a time or two, but he’s only become quieter the closer we get to LA. Morose, even.
Since meeting in person, our relationship has moved quickly, but the pace felt natural to me. Last night when we had sex, it was perfect. It was the epitome ofone thing led to another.Nothing felt forced or like it was happening too fast. I loved experiencing sex with Ben. It felt like he was worshiping my body, and I reveled in every second of attention that he lavished upon me.
So, I was completely unprepared for the sharp turn in his behavior today. He’s barely touched me at all.
From under my lashes, I surreptitiously observe him. His stony expression hasn't changed in the last half hour. I worry that he’s regrettinghaving sex.What else could it be?That’s the only explanation for the change in dynamics between yesterday and today. I can’t think of any other reason for the abrupt shift in his mood and behavior towards me.
What if I wasn’t good enough in bed? To me, the sex was damn near mind-blowing, but I’m not that experienced, only having slept with three people. How many women have shared Ben’s bed? Doubts creep in, growing louder and louder as more time passes without any reassurances from Ben.
Was it about the chase for him? Is Ben one of those guys who just wanted to add another notch to his bedpost?
