My heart races as I smile to myself. Of course, he slept on the couch. Taking a deep breath, I laugh as a memory from last night springs to mind. “What about good guys?” Since I’m now in the spotlight for the wrong reason, paparazzi are likely to start following me around, and I have no doubt that someone will get evidence of my friendship with Reed. I refuse to stop spending time with him for a damn role.
I need him too much.
I need one constant in my life. Amelia’s amazing, and Paige and I have become great friends lately. But they both have a lot going on, and I don’t want to get in the way. Reed has a life outside of our friendship, and yet, when I call or text, he always makes me feel like I’m his number one priority, even when he’s teasing me, and I’ve never had that.
Not even with my parents.
The last few months have really opened my eyes up to the way I’ve allowed myself to be treated in the past. Yes, I’ve always held my own and stood up for myself and my friends, but there was a lot I accepted as normal that was anything but. Friends that got pissy when I didn’t have time for them. Boyfriends that showed me off and paraded me around like a trophy.
I was well-known in Australia. Hell, Iamwell-known in Australia. But because of that, the high-profile boyfriends I had back home weren’t in the relationship for me. They wanted the recognition it gave them. And I let it happen. Mostly because I was subconsciously doing that same thing to them.
God, I even allowed my last boyfriend to cheat on me, pretending it never happened so that he’d invite me to the US when he was cast in a series over here.
I hold myself in high regard. But I never held anyone else to that same standard. When I’m with Reed, it feels like he sees me the same way. No, screw that, it doesn’t justfeellike it.He does.And he treats me as such.
I can’t lose that. And on that note, I get why he didn’t want us to fake a relationship. God, why didn’t I think of this yesterday?
“Hayley?” Mel questions me, bringing me back to the present.
“Sorry, I missed that.”
“I said… What did you mean when you asked, ‘what about good guys’?”
“Oh. What if I’m seen with a good guy? I have a close friend and—”
Mel gasps. “Yes. That’s perfect, Hayley. If you can find someone that’s squeaky clean then I say go for it. It might win you some bonus points in the sweetheart department.”
“Go for what?” I hesitate, not liking where this is going.
“You should pretend to date your friend. The good guy.”
Dammit. “I was worried you’d say that.”
“Why?”
“Never mind. I’ll figure something out. I promise.” What? I have no idea. But fake dating is off the table. I know now that it was a bad idea. I was too busy trying to distract myself yesterday, and I didn’t truly listen to what Reed was saying.
“Great.” Mel’s tone lifts and I can hear the smile in her voice. “I’ll leave it to you then. This is a huge role, Hayley. If you thinkJaded Beginningswas big, wait until you see the fanfare around this one.”
“I know. I’ve already been hearing about it.” Tension works its way into my chest, but I smile through it. I was a fool to think it was going to be easier after the success of my last movie. My starmay be rising with the general public, but with the people that matter, I’m just another actress looking for her next role. And the joke’s on me.
“Good,” Mel responds, oblivious to my spiral. “Then you know what’s at stake.”
“Yeah. A huge commission.”
Mel laughs out loud and I can almost picture her giving me a slow clap. “I love Australian humor. Let’s talk soon.”
“Okay. Bye.”
She hangs up and I burst out laughing. But it’s not one of those “this is a funny situation” laughs; it’s more of a “what the fuck just happened” laugh and it’s not at all humorous.
My head spins when I try to get up, so I let my eyes glide closed, giving myself another hour since it’s still way too early for my liking.
I swear I’ve just drifted off to sleep when the front door bangs open and I jolt, grabbing my phone to check the time.Midday?! What the hell?
Jumping out of bed, I run my fingers through my messy blonde hair and make my way down the hall, my eyes locking on Reed as he dumps his bag on the floor.
With a sigh, he kicks the door closed and runs a hand down his face.
