Page 21 of Stolen Hearts
The screen darkens and his focus returns to me.
My head and shoulders drop.
How do I know that name?
“You sure we can make the campaign work with the work schedule?” My bitter smile is matched with a heavy sigh.
“We need to juggle stuff around in the diary, but yes. It just requires you to leave a day early to New York for the shoot.”
“But what about the film?” I ponder out loud.
“I’ve already checked in with Alfonso. It’s not ideal, but they can swap one of your shoot days for the scenes you’re not needed for. Then we’d get you back to New Mexico for the final week of shooting right after the VMAs.” Paul flicks his pen between his fingers.
What do I need to do on this shoot?
How long will it take?
Where in New York will it be filmed?
Countless questions run through my mind while the two lines of coke left on the kitchen counter stare at me. The rolled up twenty-dollar bill calls out my name. Cocaine helps me both focus on things and gives me a high that my Ritalin prescription alone can’t do.
“Can you give me a moment?”
I mute the audio and turn off the camera before Paul responds. I grab the rolled up note and snort one of the lines, wipe my nose, and turn the camera and audio back on.
“Everything alright?” Paul’s tone walks the line between concern and annoyance.
“Why wouldn’t it be?” I respond a little too defensively.
I’m sure Paul has his suspicions, but I keep playing them down anytime the subject’s broached. I pass it off as method acting.
Wait. That’s it. That’s where I recognize the name from.
Tony is Christopher’s work colleague. The one who took the client away from Christopher when he’d missed a meeting because he was at the hospital with me. The same night we decided to become boyfriends.
Is this why Christopher won’t take my calls?
My jaw clenches. My hands tighten on the kitchen counter.
A swirling mix of anger and guilt engulfs my stomach.
“I’m up for it on two conditions,” I say, speaking through my teeth with forced restraint.
“Name them,” Paul responds, grabbing his pen.
“First, I want to ensure the campaign is credible. If we’re serious about me transitioning into a sophisticated artist, and out of the popstar tween phase I’ve been stuck in the last ten years, then the campaign can’t be cheesy.”
“That won’t be an issue,” Paul states firmly. “And second?”
“I’ll only do the campaign if Tony is removed, Christopher oversees the whole Brewed campaign, and he attends the shoot.”
Paul’s jaw clenches and his posture stiffens.
I sense abutcoming.
“No buts Paul. They need me more than I need this. Especially since, as you mentioned, I’m their backup plan. And after all we’ve done to Christopher, this is the least we can do.”
I can’t change the past, but I can at least make amends.
