“The openness. The dirty talk. Was that a joke or…”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.” I cock an eyebrow and she pouts.
“Obviously.” She shakes her head like I’m crazy, and I smile with a shrug. “Ugh, fine,” she relents. “Either way, I like it. Let me know when I can get down.”
I glance away, locking eyes with Luke as he gives me a thumbs-up. And seeing his obnoxious face helps calm things down until I’m no longer hard. “I’m good now.” I release Hayley. “Thanks for your patience. It won’t happen again.”
Hayley lets out a squeal as I lower her slowly, dropping her feet to the ground, careful not to wriggle this time. “Onlyyouwould apologize because a girl turned you on.”
“Only me.” I wink again, and as she shakes her head, I draw in a quick breath, preparing myself to see Bria, only then thinking about the fact that it’s been years since she attended a game.She’s always been too busy.But now that she's here, I’m not as excited as I thought I would be.
“I’m sorry, Hayley, I should—”
“Go. You need to talk to her. It’s going to drive you crazy if you don’t find out exactly how she feels.”
“Thanks. But you’ll be here when I’m done, right?” The thought of her disappearing makes me not want to leave.
“Yep. I’ll be here. I owe Juliet a cuddle, and I’m sure Amelia and Luke will welcome the chance to have a moment alone.”
Hayley presses a kiss to my cheek before mouthing “good luck” and skipping away to find Amelia. I watch for a minute as Juliet reaches for Hayley, instantly snuggling into her chest, and then I gather my inner strength, heading over to my best friend. The woman who currently feels like a stranger.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Hayley
I’m wrecked by the night of theJaded Beginningspremiere, making something that should be a joyous occasion a little bit tainted. The US press tour has been taxing, and the thought of heading off for the international tour is making me anxious. Especially since I still haven’t lined up another role for when I get back.
The last two weeks have consisted of junket after junket, interview after interview, audition after audition. And I’m not sure how much more I can take.
We had promotional tours back home, but they were nothing compared to this, and if I’m being honest, I was not prepared.
I was alsonotprepared for how much I’d miss Reed.
After heading out to celebrate his final game—alcohol free and a lot less flirty—he headed straight into playoffs preparation and I entered hell. At least, I’m imagining hell to be like this.
Who knew so many people cared about little things from my past. Or my co-stars’ past. Or the director’s… You’d think they’d want to talk about the film, the story, the craft. And yet, time andtime again, I was asked about my ex, and what I think he feels about my rising stardom. Or my family life back home. Or that supposedbestiewho decided to speak out about the girl I was in high school, when I barely recognized her face.
I’m exhausted. Both physically and mentally. And now that the premiere is here, I’m terrified for the release.
What if they don’t like the film?
What if they don’t like me?
Taking a deep breath, I work hard to calm myself down, checking my makeup for the hundredth time. This isn’t me. I love life and everything it throws my way.Mostly. I’m usually the first to tell someone I’m going to succeed, and this time around I shouldn’t feel any differently. I nailed that role. The director did a phenomenal job. This movie is going to break records. It’s time I got out of my funk and sorted my shit out.
It’s time to bebetter.
My intercom buzzes from our concierge, and I preemptively laugh as I rush over to summon Reed.
“Oh, Henry, you know I was joking… You can send Reed up, even if he’s not dressed like a prince.”
Henry chuckles. “Your guest, Mr. Coombs, is on his way, and you’ll be happy to know he gets my seal of approval.”
“Ooh, I can’t wait. Thank you. Bye—” I move to hang up but he calls out.
“Miss Jackman. One moment. I have some flowers for you and a card. They arrived seconds after your guest or I would have sent them up with him.”
“Flowers? Wow. Okay. I’ll grab the card on my way out. But you should keep the flowers. You know I’m hopeless with living things.”
