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ChapterSeventeen
Things have calmeddown since Jenna pressed charges against Danny Salari and his buddies a couple of weeks ago. He was arrested after Jenna gave her statement for harassment but posted bail a couple of hours later. She has a restraining order placed against him and that seems to have sent a message to the rest of the paparazzi. They have started to dwindle but not enough where she can venture out by herself without a bodyguard. Both girls have started getting used to Mason being around and even Avery was able to crack his stoic facade and gets him to smile more.
My schedule is still sporadic with the movie, but I try to maximize my time with the girls. I can tell Jenna is slowly starting to trust me more by her actions. We laugh more together, and I catch her watching me when she doesn’t think I’m looking. As much as I’m ready to just dive right into our relationship and pick up where we left off from Vegas, Jenna isn’t ready.
But she will be.
* * *
I listen to my agent talk on his cell phone, my mind racing as to what the real reasons are for him making a surprise appearance on set today. He barely ever visits me while I’m filming and if he does, he gives me notice when he’s coming. I don’t like surprises and him making a house call out of the blue doesn’t sit well with me. He showed up when we were going on our lunch break and convinced the director to give me the rest of the day off so he could visit with me.
Something feels fishy about this whole setup.
He checked into the same hotel I’m staying at, but for only one night. We had lunch and now my driver is just circling around Chicago. He wraps up his phone call and hangs up.
“Sorry about that, Cal,” he says while pocketing his cell phone.
“No problem. So, Philip, why are you here and why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” No sense in beating around the bush anymore. I want answers.
He chuckles and says, “Can’t I just come check on one of my most important clients?”
“Cut the bullshit, Philip. What’s up?” I demand with a cold smile, not having the patience for his games.
“Nothing is up. I wanted to see how you’re doing and finally meet Jenna and Avery. They’re an important part of your life and therefore, important to me. I know this visit is sudden and I apologize but it was really the only time I had available the next couple of months and thought I could come out here, check on you and finally meet Jenna.”
I know Philip is a family man, so I shouldn’t be questioning his intentions on meeting my girls. It just seems odd to me that none of this was planned out. I have no idea what Jenna’s plans are for today because I was supposed to be on set all day and wasn’t planning on seeing them until the morning. I take out my cell phone and text Robert, asking if Jenna’s home.
Robert: Her and Mason went to the grocery store. Should be back shortly. Why?
Me: My agent is here and wants to meet her.
Robert: I’m at her place, so you can stop by now and wait for her.
I send Jenna a text telling her about Philip and that we’re making a quick appearance and instruct my driver to go to her house.
“Excellent, thanks for making this happen so quickly. Will Avery be home?” he asks.
“No, she’s at school so you’ll have to wait until next time.”
He accepts my answer and within twenty minutes we are at Jenna’s condo. Robert lets us in and I introduce the two men to each other. Robert’s phone starts ringing and he excuses himself and leaves the condo. We sit down on the couch and start talking about the schedule for the press tour for my upcoming movie premiere.
“So, Cal, you know I’m always a straight shooter with you…” Philip starts, and my defenses are immediately up. “And well, the studio isn’t really happy about your recent headlines in the news.”
“As my agent, I would hope you’ve discussed with them the circumstances as to why.”
“Of course I have, and they are very sympathetic to you and Jenna, but they feel there needs to be some damage control.”
“Damage control?” I ask in confusion.
“Well, your image took a hit with that headline of being a deadbeat father and even though we know that isn’t true and you’ve been here with your daughter for almost two months now, they are worried how your reputation will affect box office numbers.”
I narrow my eyes at him, not liking where this conversation is going. “And what are they suggesting we do?”
“They want Jenna to accompany you to the premieres and portray yourselves as a happy, in love couple.”
“No,” I state firmly with a shake of my head and zero hesitation. “Absolutely not.” I will not allow Jenna to be a pawn in their game.
“But it’s not that far-fetched,” he argues with urgency. “You are hoping to get back together with her.”
