Page 89 of Off Script
Okay…
I bought you a new charm for your bracelet, but the paps ruined my surprise.
Wanted to give you the head’s up in case the press starts running stories that I was buying jewelry for Willa.
CARLISLE
Ah, got it. Thanks for telling me. And for the charm. I can’t wait to see it—and you! Miss you!
Miss you more, babe.
Imiss Carlisle more than she could ever understand. Hell, more than I even understand. Carlisle has only been a part of my life for a brief time, but I can’t remember how I functioned before her.
Reluctantly, I tap outmy next text.
Also, Willa and I have been ordered to go on a date while we’re in Berlin to help stem the tide of recent negative media attention. Just want you to be prepared.
To combat the recent speculation in the press, the studio has requested that Willa and I make more of an effort to conduct our romance in the public eye, which is why a date was added to our itinerary. I hate having to deliver the news, but I know Carlisle appreciates it when I’m upfront about any changes to our schedule.
CARLISLE
Cool, cool. Not really, of course, but thanks for letting me know.
I promise I’ll make it up to you. Miss you, babe.
Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I wait in the living room of our hotel suite for Willa to finish getting dressed for our date.
After our awkward conversation in London, things have been tense. Unless we’re in public and have to portray ourselves as a couple, Willa has distanced herself from me. Part of me is relieved that she's erected a clear emotional boundary between us, but part of me wishes that we could act like the friends we were before the showmance started.
Becky and Jada both called me today to discuss the arrangement. Jada’s call focused on why it was so important to maintain the charade, and what I need to do to better portray it in the media, but Becky’s call was different. She called me, not as my publicist, but as Willa's friend.
“Ben, you need to step up yourgame. You know that Willa is sensitive and a people pleaser. Yet you’ve placed her in an untenable situation.”
"Me? What have I done?” Taken off-guard, I feel defensive and irritated that I’m getting blamed for Willa hanging out with Thad.
“She feels stuck in the middle—caught between wanting to please the studio by convincing the public that she’s your girlfriend and also wanting to please you and not screw up your relationship with your real girlfriend.” Becky pauses, as if she’s frustrated with me. “It isn’t fair to place that burden on Willa. Carlisle is your girlfriend and your problem, not Willa’s.”
“Shit,” I mutter, running my hands through my hair as I pace the hotel room. “I didn’t realize that she felt responsible for protecting Carlisle.”
“Why do you think Willa’s been avoiding you? She thinks it’s what you want. She thinks that by pulling away from you she’s making it easier on you. She told me that you were avoiding her too. Can you do something about that please?” Becky huffs in annoyance. “Look, all I’m asking is for you to just… show her a little extra kindness, Ben. She’s hurting right now and going through some personal issues.”
I let Carlisle’s belief that Willa was nursing romantic feelings for me get in my head and I saw Willa’s withdrawal from me as further evidence that Carlisle’s assumption was correct. I feel like such an ass. Before the showmance even began, I’d sensed Willa’s unhappiness and recognized that she wasn’t in a good place mentally. But I’ve been so self-centered that I allowed my own worries and problems to overshadow everything else.
Becky continues, "As her friend, I’m also worried about how much time she’s spending with Thad. Not only is he a bad influence on her, but the PR optics are terrible. It’s not a good look for Willa to be out with another guy while you two are supposed to be together. I’ve already read her theriot act, but could you try to be a little nicer to her? Ask her to hang out so that she’ll have another option other than hitting the bars with Thad."
"Yeah, I can do that," I sigh, feeling guilty.
“But whatever you do, don’t tell her that I spoke to you. She’ll get upset because the last thing she wants is your pity, Ben.”
“I’m ready. Sorry for running late,” Willa announces as she hurries out of her bedroom, stuffing her phone and compact into a small clutch.
“No worries. The restaurant isn’t far. We still have plenty of time to make our reservation.” With Becky’s words still ringing in my head, I swallow slowly and remind myself to be nice. “You look beautiful, Pipsqueak.”
Willa’s head jerks up in surprise. “Oh, umm. Thanks?” she replies quizzically. She tilts her head, adding, “You look nice too?”
I laugh at her hesitation. “Was that a question or a statement?”
“Shut up,” she says petulantly. “It’s just that you haven’t… I don’t know…”
