I looked around to make sure I didn’t see any camera phones. I leaned forward, happy to see how he stumbled back. “You would never be enough for her,” I said, even though I shouldn’t have. I was past pissed off, but it was better to lose control of my tongue than my fist. “Not in a million years. You never understood the gift you had. And now it’s too late.”
“And who the fuck are you?”
His glare faltered as I slowly stepped into his space, looking down on him. “I’m the one who knows her best.”
He stepped back, confused. “What the fuck ever. She’ll never return your feelings. You think she wants to be part of this circus act?” He gestured around. “You think you could offer her anything? You’re a pathetic washed-up child actor who can’t even get his shit together.”
I ground my jaw; my head throbbed from controlling my rage.
I gestured the guard over. “Yes, Mr. Downing?” he asked.
“Take this man’s guest pass away. I don’t want him anywhere near this set. Not even outside the gates.” I kept my focus on Klester-Fuck as I spoke. I may not have much, but I did have some power left. “If you or any of the other guards see him again, call the police.”
“Yes, sir.” The guard tried to lead Pete to the exit, but he roughly shrugged him off.
I stepped in front of Pete one last time. “And if you ever talk to Kate again, I’ll find out and I will make your life a living hell.”
Pete was fighting back words, his lips white with the effort. He opened his mouth to say something and then closed it. Then he turned and stomped off, the guard following close behind until he was through the gate.
I stood there for several minutes collecting myself.
I wouldn’t let his words sink in. I wouldn’t let him have any power over me. He got so many things wrong in his temper tantrum. I didn’t have any hopes of being with Kate. I would never be good enough for her. But at least I understood that.
Worried Pete would head to her hotel next, I headed over there. I was already talking to security when I got the drunken email from Kate.
I turned from the security desk, heading for the exit to read her message in private when my attention was drawn to the bar. Kate immediately stuck out with her short bob and breathtaking beauty. Some man in a business suit was eyeing her up, and my feet moved in her direction before I could stop myself.
I would just make sure she was okay. Then I would leave.
25
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Psssst
RC!
I’m drunk!
OMG, is it okay that I tell you that?
Of course it is.
But still. I feel weird about it. I neeeeever drink. So you know it’s been A DAY.
ALSO. Sorry I have hardly messaged you since I got to LA. Let me tell you, it has been a whirlwind! I don’t even know where to start. And also, it’s getting harder to type. The screens on phones are really tiny. Thank duck for autocorrect. This probably wouldn’t even be intelligible otherwise.
So, BIG news! The director of this special has a friend who’s a literary agent. She said that he said that he might talk to me. CAN YOU IMAGINE? Has any of this made sense?
Well. I have other less good news too. Pete and I broke up. I think I’ve known for a while but it became abundantly clear last night. I don’t know why I didn’t tell you sooner. I guess I felt stoopid. Stoopid. No. That doesn’t look right. You know what I mean.
So here I am at the bar *all by myself*. I’m okay. Really. I should probably have a glass of water.
I’m sorry I’ve been so MIA lately. I will make sure to catch you up on everything as soon as things stop blurring all around me.
Imma drink some water.
