As Paige’s popularity skyrocketed with every performance, every new film, every television special, she’d always made sure she handled most of her own business. He knew that had a lot to do with her mother’s influence and her mother’s experience in the industry. Tina Mills had always stayed on top of her own career, even though she was represented by one of the most trusted, honest agents in the industry—Jax Starks. Although Paige had trusted Andrew to handle her career, she’d always followed her mother’s advice to the letter when it came to the business of acting.
“I figure she just needs time,” Vonda said. “It’s been a roller coaster for her.”
Nodding, Andrew considered her statement. He’d read the articles, he’d seen the slanted media coverage, and he’d heard the rumors. Paige’s divorce had turned into a media spectacle. Paparazzi had latched on to the story, probably hoping to expose anything that would make viewers question her Black America’s Sweetheart status. But she’d prevailed, maintaining her reputation as the lovable real-life heroine she’d always been.
“I read the latest article,” he said. “Divorce is final?”
“Yes. By all accounts, she walked away with everything she brought into the marriage.”
“Good. Is there—?” Another knock interrupted his inquiry. “Come in.”
Skye Palmer-Starks opened the door. “Andrew?”
While it wasn’t uncommon for Skye to be in Los Angeles for business, he hadn’t expected her to drop by his office. “Skye? What brings you here?”
Skye greeted Vonda with a warm smile before turning cold eyes on him. “We need to talk. Alone,” she added with a raised brow.
Vonda quickly excused herself, leaving him with the obviously irritated Skye. Since she’d taken over publicity for Paige, he’d often been on the tail end of her ire, mostly because of his decision to step back.
“What’s up?” Andrew asked.
“I need your help.” Skye took Vonda’s vacated seat. “Paige is off the grid.”
Andrew frowned. “What do you mean she’s off the grid?”
“What does off the grid mean toyou, Andrew? She’s gone.”
“I know what it means.”
Skye shrugged. “So why did you ask the question?”
He let out a heavy sigh, rubbing a hand over his face. “Because I’m trying to understand what happened.”
“Maybe if you’d been talking to her like you should’ve been, you might be able to answer your own damn question.”
Andrew paused. Skye was right. If he’d been there, maybe he’d know the details, maybe he’d know how to get through to Paige, maybe she wouldn’t have disappeared in the first place. “When did she leave?”
“The day after the divorce was final.”
“What happened?” he asked.
“Again. . . I. Don’t. Know. Shit, I’m just as confused as you are.”
He took a deep breath and counted to ten. Andrew had known Skye for years, and he considered her a friend. But she had an uncanny ability to get under his skin. “When did you see her last?” he grumbled through clenched teeth.
“Two weeks ago” was her inadequate answer.
“Where?” he blared, surprised by his own outburst.
Skye’s eyes widened. “Okay, damn.” She crossed her legs. “I saw her right after the court hearing. She was happy Demi was able to save the house.”
“The house?” he asked. “What does her house have to do with the divorce? She bought it after they separated.”
“I can see you’re out of the loop,” Skye muttered.
“Julius’s ass tried to force her to sell and split the value of the house because they were still married when she bought it.”
Muthafucka. Andrew could sit no longer. He stood, nearly tipping over his chair. Pacing the floor, he thought about how devastated Paige must have been. Especially since he knew how much she loved that house. Purchasing it had been a bright spot in the midst of the darkness.
