My mouth gapes open as I stare at my fiancé. “Shut your mouth, dear, you resemble a fish.”
I cut my eyes at him. “But …”
“No buts. The offer has already been accepted.”
“I should pay my personal assistant,” I insist.
Carter snorts. “I’m fine with Elijah paying me.”
I glare at Carter. “Seriously, I should be paying my assistant.”
“Babe, we’re going to be married soon. My money is your money. So in the long run it doesn’t matter.”
“It does matter, Elijah.” I give him a raised eyebrow. “You already pay Josh and Jared. I can’t let you pay my assistant’s salary too.”
Elijah seems to consider my words for a moment. His eyes widen as he snaps his fingers, like he’s figured it all out. “Fine, give me all your money, and I’ll give you an allowance.”
“What?” He’s insane. He starts laughing. I kick his shin. Not hard, but enough. “I’m not giving you all my money.
“I’m not fighting about this. I’m going to pay the salaries. You can cover the utilities on our new house and anything that may pop up. How’s that?”
“Whatever, I’ll never win.” I walk into Elijah’s closet and change into a swimsuit, grab my cover up and come back out. “I’m going for a swim.”
Elijah gives me a quick kiss. “You remember a lot more than you realize.” He brushes the hair out of my face. “You went into my closet to get your swimsuit, and considering how quickly you did that, you knew exactly where it was.”
I beam. I did know where it was. “I guess I do.”
Elijah hugs me tightly and then pulls back, kissing my nose. “Don’t forget, we have that meeting today at three.”
“Right.” I take a deep breath. “I’m so nervous.”
“Don’t be. You’ll do fine.” He kisses me again before heading to the closet himself.
I turn to Carter. “Want to swim?”
He jumps up. “Of course, I do. I’ll take any chance to see you in a swimsuit.”
“Hey, watch it,” Elijah yells from the closet.
Carter winks at me. “Oh, I’ll be watching it all right.”
Elijah peeks out of the closet. “I’ll murder you in your sleep if you keep it up.” Carter guffaws as he wraps his arm around my shoulders.
I smack him. “Stop it.”
“I’ll be back to get you in a few hours. I have to run to another meeting about an upcoming project, and then check in with the private investigator.”
“I’ll be fine. We’re just going to swim for a little bit and then I’ll get ready for the meeting.”
He nods and kisses me lightly on the forehead. “I should stay.”
I wrap my arm around his waist and snuggle against him. “I’d love to go for a swim with you, but you better go to you meetings.”
“Don’t worry, man, I got it covered,” Carter states nonchalantly.
“I love you,” Elijah says, ignoring Carter, and giving me a quick kiss.
“Love you, too.”
I smile as I watch him leave. Carter and I head down to the pool. I invite the rest of the guys, but Hutch and Danny are going with Elijah and Jared says that Josh is training him on the new system Elijah had installed, so Carter and I have the pool all to ourselves. It’s nice to have a relaxing time with my friend. We do laps for exercise, but spend at least an hour goofing off. Carter loves to make me scream by pulling me under or grabbing me. But overall, it’s a good time and definitely needed.
~*~
“Remember everything we’ve talked about?” I nod my head at Elijah, but keep staring out the window.
We’re in the car on our way to the studio meeting. We’d gone over the details of the movie. It was clear to me only moments after Elijah started talking about this meeting that I didn’t have all my memories back. It was a lot to take in, but I have the biggest things down, I hope. Elijah will do most of the talking, anyway. This meeting is mostly to be sure that the studio is good with the script, costs, and casting needs that Elijah is projecting that we will be using.
“Any questions?” He tugs my hand into his.
I look over at him and smile. “No. It’ll be fine. I doubt I’ll need to say much at all.”
“You might need to answer questions about the book itself and possibly the direction you see the film taking. You could also tell them how you feel about the plan.” I nod as he continues. “They may ask if you’ve read the screen play.”
“I’ve not finished it yet.” The screenplay, so far, is great. Elijah says that we’ve written it together, but I don’t remember doing that.
“That’s okay. You only need to like the direction it’s going. A million things could change between now and the actual filming.” He seems a little on edge. I don’t recall ever seeing him so nervous before.
I take his hand in mine and turn it palm up and begin to trace the lines there. It calms him. He sighs and closes his eyes. “That’s nice.”
“Tell me why you are so nervous?”
He takes a few minutes. I suppose to collect his thoughts, so I don’t push him. “This is my first time selling a movie to a studio. Our production company is brand new and unseasoned. I have experience acting and I have produced a few things, but in Hollywood it’s not the easiest to get started with something not established.”
“True, but the studio has already committed to the project. At least verbally. This meeting is for the paperwork. Right?”
“Yeah, but it’s that paperwork that makes a difference. If they change their mind, we might be done. No one else will pick us up.”
If that happens, it will be my fault. Not necessarily because of my accident, but because of my shenanigans with Krystal and the bad publicity it caused. I can see a studio passing on the project.
“Would it be better if I wasn’t a part of this?” I don’t look at him, I keep running my fingertips over his palm.
He removes his hand and makes me look at him. “No, it wouldn’t be better. I need you on this. This is our project,” he says firmly and then gives me a small smile. “I’m not worried about the media and what they are saying. Actually, if anything, the attention is good for business.”
“But it’s making me look like a hussy.” He laughs at my grimace.
He cups my face. “You’re in no way a hussy. You’re my innocent little virgin flower.”
I turn beet red. “Shut up.”
Carter laughs from the third row seat in the Escalade. I’d forgotten he was with us. “That’s gotta be the worst thing I’ve ever heard, man.”
Elijah is totally unapologetic as he wraps his arms around me, pulling me as close as my seatbelt will allow. “She’s good, sweet, and everything Hollywood isn’t. They can try, but they won’t prove otherwise.”
“They don’t need to prove it,” I tell him.
“Whatever. I want you on this project. I can’t do this without you.” He looks so sincere, of course I can’t say no.
“What if the publisher drops me and no one else picks up the next book? It could ruin sales of the movie.”
Carter pipes up on this. “As your personal assistant and lawyer, I have to say that if they drop you, it will be a breach of contract and we can sue them.”
I turn around to look at him. “There is a clause that they could break the contract for any reason as long as they give me a thirty day notice? They already canned my tour, and I’m technically not the face of the company anymore.”
He holds up one finger excitedly. I’d forgotten how much he loves being a lawyer. Maybe I’m wrong for asking him to stay as my assistant. It really is a downgrade. “But, it also says that they cannot dump you in the middle of a contracted book, meaning if you are in the middle of writing a book they contracted with you, they have to at least see that through publishing.”
“I’m supposed to turn in my last set of chapters in a week. The release is in a few months.”
“I wouldn’t worr
y about it right now,” Elijah interjects.
“You’re getting ahead of yourself, Peaches. Just because they canceled the tour doesn’t mean they’ll cut you. They’ll do a tour with your next book. Life happens. Things don’t always go according to plan. You were in the hospital twice, you’re being stalked, and your very life is in danger. A public tour is a bad idea all around.” Carter sits, back finishing his tirade.
He makes sense, but it doesn’t stop the worry. A few moments later, we pull up to the studio. I’m surprised there are no paparazzi, but I remember Elijah said they weren’t allowed on the property, and security is pretty tight. The lot is what I imagined a studio lot would look like. Television and movies portray it pretty well. Lots of big buildings, most looking more like a gym or warehouse, and some brick buildings which hold the offices. There are props and people in costumes milling about.
We park and then walk into one of the front office buildings hand in hand. It’s so freeing to be able to do something so simple. The inside of the building is fancy, for a lack of a better description. The reception area has thick plush seating, with tables attached to every seat. There is a television screen located in the center of the room with a gossip channel on. The receptionist desk is tall with a very prim looking lady seated behind it answering the never-ending ringing phone. Everything in the room is so bright and open looking.
I gasp. “Oh, no!”
“What?” Elijah asks, turning to me. I point to the screen. He lets out a string of curses and pulls out his cell. “Adam, did you see?” He pauses, listening for a few minutes. His fist clenching in anger every few seconds. I’m not sure if he’s mad at me or the situation.
I look over at Carter who mouths, “Sorry.”
I shrug. It’s not his fault. I’m glad there’s no volume on the television. I wouldn’t want to hear what they are saying about me right now. The photo is of Carter and I in the pool at Elijah’s house earlier today. That just happened. How in the world did they get that, and so soon?
Elijah hangs up the phone and turns to me. “Ready?”
“What did Adam say?” I take his hand in mine. He doesn’t pull away so that’s a good sign.
He kisses my engagement ring. “We’ll talk about it after. Everything is fine. Okay?”
“Okay.” I give him a smile, but he sees my worry anyway, because he leans down and kisses me.
“We are fine.” He winks. This time my smile is genuine.
The meeting goes really well, and even though I don’t remember meeting the executives before, they didn’t seem to mind, and had no issue with any of Elijah’s ideas or his budget. The film is set to start looking for casting in about two months. They still have to hire a few behind the scenes type of people before that can happen.
I’m exhausted and as soon as the doors shut on our car I groan. “Feed me!”
Elijah throws his head back and laughs. “Your wish is my command. Home or out?”
“Out. I want to eat now, home is too far away.” I whine like a toddler. Elijah looks at me like I’ve lost my marbles, and I probably have. That meeting was fascinating, but was way too long! Suddenly, I remember the pictures and media. I sit upright in my seat, turning to Elijah. “What about the photos?”
“Adam had them removed, they were obtained illegally, but the best course of action for us is to appear as if nothing is wrong. We ignore the paps if they try to get our attention.” He takes my hand. “We act normal.”
“I can do normal.” I lean into his shoulder, resting my head there. I want normal so badly.
26 Confrontation
I t’s been a long day. Elijah has been gone for a few hours, so I decide to start on dinner. Carter is in the pool house, but since he’s a bottomless pit, he’ll want to eat. He can’t cook to save his life. I’m adding the food to the serving dishes when the front door opens and an angry Elijah storms in, yelling at Danny and Hutch, but I’m really not sure what it’s about. He sees me in the kitchen and stops.
“Sorry,” he mumbles.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “I don’t want to talk about it right now. Dinner smells fantastic. I’m starving.” He kisses the side of my head as he moves by me to the sink to wash his hands.
“There’s enough for everyone, if you guys are staying.” I say toward Hutch, Danny, and my bother. They all look like they’ve been raked over the coals. I want to push Elijah for answers, but something tells me that I shouldn’t.
Hutch answers first. “I’m on duty, but I’d love a plate if you have leftovers.”
“I’ll fix you one to go. I seriously made a ton.”
“Sure, if there will be enough.” I nod and start fixing him a to-go plate of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread.
“I won’t be staying, but thanks for the invite, Sophia.” Danny does this weird bow thing and walks out of the front door.
I’m pretty sure whatever Elijah and the guys are fighting over has to do with me. It’s been a week since the tabloid posted those pictures of me and Carter in the pool. It was removed from circulation, but the pics are still out there. Elijah has been on a tear since then. He knows there is more to the thing with Krystal, but his guys are at a standstill. I suggested I talk to her but he … no, everyone … is adamantly opposed to that. Not that I blame them, but I thought it might work.
“Josh left, but I’m down, sis,” Jared says. I hand Hutch his plate, and wave to both him and Danny as they leave.
“Never a doubt in my mind.” I pat my brother’s belly and laugh as he leans over and grabs a piece of garlic bread. “Hey, can you go and check on Carter?”
“Sure, I’ll be back in a few.” He heads out the back door, leaving Elijah and me alone. Elijah sits with his hands in his hair, leaning against the island.
I wrap my arms around my fiancé. “So, what’s going on?”
He turns and hugs me tightly for a few seconds, but moves back, meeting my eyes. “Brody met up with Krystal today.”
His face grows red with anger just telling me. I’m not really sure what to make of that. Danny wouldn’t do something to betray us, but it seems odd considering everything going on. So, I’m hesitant.
“Why?”
He takes a deep breath and blows it out. “He thought maybe he could get to the bottom of things, make her think he was on her side.”
“That doesn’t sound too bad. Why are you so upset? That could work.”
He stands and heads over to the liquor cabinet and pours himself a drink before he comes and sits at the kitchen island again. “I was upset that he didn’t talk to me about it first. He could have ruined everything.”
“But did he?” I ask.
“No, he didn’t, but this isn’t a game. He shouldn’t have gone out on his own.”
“Probably, but he was trying to help. I can’t fault him for that.” I run my hands through his hair trying to calm him.
He leans into me and sighs. “I’ll talk to him. It caught me off guard. Anything that could put you in danger puts me on edge.” His knuckles turn white as he grips his glass. I take it from him and sit it on the island.
I cup his face, soothing the worry from his brow and cheeks. “I get that, Eli, but don’t let it alienate the guys. They have our best interest at heart.” He nods but doesn’t respond as he leans against me. After a few moments, I speak again. “Did you hear from the detective at all?”
He sits back. “No, but I did talk to Craig. He tailed her all day. That’s how I found out Brody talked to her.”
“Did he come up with anything else?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “No, but we think the guy she’s talking to is a bookie. He’s seen her around him a few times. He’s pretty elusive in general, but he’s been extra shady lately. Craig’s going to run the lead.”
A bookie? What’s she doing hanging around a bookie? “Is Krystal in some kind of financial trouble?”
“Could be, but even if she is, it’s not your j
ob to rescue her. She has stalked you for years.”
“Yes, you’re right.”
I kiss him lightly before moving over to the food. I start mixing my already completed salad. I need to do something with my hands and think. I know that Krystal has problems. Based on the album she had of me, she’s obviously got issues and is probably obsessed with me. Why, I still don’t know. It’s part of the reason I wanted to talk to her. I frown at my salad. My heart still hurts for her. It’s hard for me to separate the stalker from my friend. She was there for me for so much, comforting me, and helping me through difficult times. It makes me question everything.
I glance over my shoulder and offer Elijah a smile. “Are you ready to eat?”
“In a minute,” he replies, walking over to me and holding me tightly.
I feel so safe with him holding me. “I don’t want to wait.”
“Pardon me?”
I look up at him. “I want to get married. I want to be your wife as soon as possible. So much time has already been wasted.”
“You want to elope?” I nod. His face grows worried. He cups my cheek. “Baby, we shouldn’t get married out of fear. I promise I won’t let her hurt you.”
I shake my head adamantly. “No, this isn’t about that. I know you will keep me safe.”
“I will, Sophie. She’ll never come near you again.”
I touch his cheek lovingly. “Eli, this year has been so hard on us.”
“And we got through it,” he says with that smile I adore.
“We did, which is why I want to do this. I want a small wedding with just my family, Carter, you of course, and a few people you want there.” I run my fingers down his cheek, as his eyes flutter closed. “Eli, I love you and want to start our life together.”
His eyes slowly open and he seems to be thinking for a long while. “I’m sure we can set up something in your hometown in the next few weeks. It’ll be tough, but if that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen.”
“That’s what I want. Nothing flashy. Just simple. I need simple.” I honestly don’t think I could handle another moment of this crazy Hollywood malarkey right now.
Fame & Consequences Page 29