Page 99 of Off Script
Becky squints at me, tilting her head towards me slightly and looks at me like I’m an idiot. Though, quite possibly, I am. I certainly feel like one right now.
Losing my patience, I mumble, “Cut to the chase, Becky. What are you saying?”
“I’m saying that if you really love Ben, you’ll put his needs ahead of your own. You’ll stay quiet and walk away.” She magnanimously spreads her arms wide, as if she’s asking an inconsequential thing of me. “At least for the time being. Give us time to clean up this mess. Let Ben finish up his promotional work for his movies. I’m sure you’ll be out of town spending the holidays with your family for half of December anyway, so it’s not a big ask. I’ve already suggested the same thing to Ben, and he readily agreed. Being successful in this industry requires sacrifice, and right now Ben wants to simplify his life and focus on his priorities. If he’s interested come January, he’ll contact you, and then you two can decide if you’re meant to be or not. Sound good?”
How can she realistically be asking me if it sounds good?
My boyfriend, or rather myex-boyfriend,sent his publicist to break up with me. One segment of his love triangle needed to get removed, and he chose to say goodbye to me.
“Sounds great, Becky,” I huff derisively.
I can read the writing on the wall. There’s no use fighting for us. Ben chose Willa instead of me.
I can’t believe Ben didn’t have the decency to break up with me himself. Ben knows how hurt and betrayed I felt after my father so easily cast me aside to prioritize his new family. Ben’s treatment feels dishearteningly similar.
Shooting me her first authentic smile of our conversation, Becky replies, “I knew you were a smart girl. Now if you can sign these documents.” Pointing at the places I’m supposed to initial and sign, she continues, “It’s a nondisclosure agreement to confirm that you won’t talk about your relationship with Ben under penalty of litigation and a hefty fine.”
Dejectedly and without even reading the fine print, I do as she asks before roughly pushing the papers across the coffee table.
“Now, if you’ll erase Ben’s contact information from your phone, please.” Becky waits expectantly as I stare at her, dumbfounded. “I know it seems harsh, but we can’t risk you getting in his ear right now. He needs to maintain his professional focus. Like I said, if he so chooses, he’ll contact you later.”
Numbly, I withdraw my phone and swipe to delete Ben’s phone number. Once I’ve done so, Becky returns the signed papers to her attaché case and pulls out a check.
“A parting gift for you. Ben wanted to apologize for the trouble he’s caused you. I took the liberty of hiring a car to take you home. It’s waiting outside when you’re ready.”
Then Becky stands, signaling the end to this uncomfortable, impromptu meeting.
And to my relationship.
Actor Ben Sutton Issues Public Apology
This morning, Becky Phelps, a senior publicist at the Jada Fischer Talent Agency, released a statement on behalf of her client in response to the actor’s confrontation with paparazzi, which left one person injured.
“Ben Sutton was detained early this morning in Tokyo after a minor altercation with a member of the press. Mr. Sutton has since been released. He was neither arrested nor charged with any crime stemming from this regrettable incident.”
Videos of the altercation show Sutton escorting hisCaptain Commanderco-star Willa Radford from a private nightclub when they were quickly surrounded, verbally harassed, and accosted by paparazzi. One photographer acted especially vigorous in his pursuit of the couple, despite numerous verbal requests to move out of their way. When the photographer refused, Sutton retaliated by forcefully pushing past the photographer, knocking him to the ground.
Phelps went on to read the following statement on behalf of Sutton: “I am deeply sorry for the inappropriate actions that I took last night. Though I feared that our safety was in jeopardy, I should never have resorted to violence. I apologize to the photographer, my girlfriend, my family, my fans, and anyone else my actions may have hurt.”
This confrontation is just the latest in a string of incidents surrounding the celebrity couple and provided the impetus for Sutton to finally confirm his relationship with Radford, whom he refers to as his girlfriend in his apology.
Phelps, the joint publicist for both Sutton and Radford, also took the opportunity to unleash her anger on the press’ unrelenting public scrutiny of the couple, which has increased dramatically since news first broke of Sutton and Radford’s romantic relationship.
“The clickbait reporting, the aggressive tactics commonly utilized by the paparazzi, and the endless, nonstop entertainment news cycle makes this outcome seem like an inevitability rather than a random occurrence. If anything about this situation is surprising, it is simply that this does not happen more often. Ben and Willa realize that their celebrity status comes with less freedom and some level of public access to their lives, but they would like to request privacy at this time. It is my hope that you will honor their request.”
We reached out for further comment, but no one was available for comment at the time of publication.
34
Ben
The morning after his arrest
Carlisle, I’m so sorry. I’m sure you’ve heard about last night by now, but I’d like to explain everything myself.
Shit, I feel like all I do is apologize to you.
I know you asked for time to figure things out, so I’ll leave you alone now. Please call me when you’re ready. I’ll be waiting.
