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I nodded instead of saying anything else on the matter.
“So, we’re picking up Celia first and then Reed and Jules,” Henn announced while she pulled out her phone and began to type.
“I didn’t know that Reed was riding with us.”
“There’s the possibility that both of you will be cast in Jared Elwood’s upcoming production. He’s the youngest director in town and everyone has nothing but great things to say about him. Jared thought it might be a good idea to start the PR machine early. Get the bromance going. The press will love that you’re already friends and soon to be co-stars.”
Bromance?
My earlier nerves kicked up good and hard.
And my urge for cocaine slithered to the forefront of my brain.
The drug made me feel invincible, like I could take on the world, and talk to anyone, do anything. I wasn’t self-conscious like I tended to be when I was out in public.
“So,” I started as I pulled on my tie, trying to loosen the chokehold. “What’s the expectation? Reed and I pose side by side for a couple of photos?”
“Exactly,” Henn replied. “Make a few comments about Reed’s work, what you think of him as an actor, and that you look forward to working with him someday.”
I could do this. He was my friend after all.
The press knew that. Our friendship was now the worst kept secret in Hollywood.
I glanced at the bottle of champagne in the mini bar. “I need some liquid courage.”
Henn passed me the bottle, then grabbed two glasses. I popped the bottle open and gave each a generous pour.
Before either of us could make a toast, I took a huge gulp.
The sweet bubbles hit my tongue. It wasn’t nearly as satisfying as that first hit of coke, but it would have to do.
We arrived at Celia’s place twenty minutes later. She slid into the limo and sat on my other side.
She looked elegant in a black sequin dress, but she could have been naked for all I cared. I could put up with the fake smiles and the overpowering perfume but when she grabbed my thigh and squeezed, that was it. I pushed her hand away.
“Let me make something clear,” I whispered in her ear so Henn couldn’t hear. “This is for show. You get the photo ops you need, I get mine, we smile, maybe have a dance and then go our separate ways, understood? Don’t touch me when we’re not in view of the press.”
Celia’s eyes rolled. “No problem. Not that I’m surprised.”
“What do you mean?”
“Come on, Tate. I know you by reputation. This really is a very small town when it comes to gossip. People talk.”
I stilled. “And what do they say?”
Celia leaned in closer. “That you’re a?—”
My heart was pounding so hard, I could barely hear her voice.
“—complete bastard.”
Well, I couldn’t argue with that.
CHAPTER 9
TATE
FOUR YEARS AGO – THE SAME NIGHT, PART 2
