Page 29 of Fight For Me

I’m about thirty seconds into my initial meeting with the producer and I already know I hate this guy.

My first impression from the pictures Uncle Reed showed me was spot on. The dude is smarmy as fuck. He’s also conceited, snobby, and an unnatural shade of orange. He’s wearing a Rolex and he keeps shaking his right hand around, clearly trying to show it off. He’s name-dropped a dozen celebrities in the few minutes since we sat down. Plus, I’m pretty sure he’s got about a gallon of gel in his crusty hair.

“Your signature here and here,” he says, shoving the sheaf of papers across the table.

I glance down at the contract in distaste. I’ve already been through it with my dad’s lawyer and it’s all pretty standard stuff. If I’m living at the condo, I have to agree that I might end up on TV. I’m not required to be on camera or participate in any interviews or anything like that. But if I’m in the house, it’s only reasonable to assume I might show up in the background sometimes. Especially since the kitchen, living room and balcony all have stationary cameras running even when the crew isn’t around.

Knowing it’s reasonable doesn’t make it any easier to sign my name to the document. Lawyer approval or not, I don’t trust this dick as far as I can throw him. He practically salivated when we told him I was going to be staying in the condo, and it doesn’t take a genius to know why. As far as he’s concerned, I’m just another Ransome they can use to boost ratings. The bigger the in they have with our family, the more likely they are to get more of us to participate. His eyes lit up like a Christmas tree when Fox told him I’m Cash’s son. It’s pretty obvious they’re hoping to get the parents on camera.

“Is there a problem?” he asks, one eyebrow raised.

I don’t bother responding. Instead I grab the sheaf of papers and the pen. Just before I’m about to sign, Alex and Fox stroll into the kitchen. Immediately, Scott’s eyes lock on Alex. His expression as he appraises her makes me want to punch something—preferably his smarmy fucking face.

“Good morning, superstars,” he tells them, offering a huge fake smile. “Has Monica gone through the shooting schedule with you for today?”

“She has,” Fox replies. “We’re heading over to the store in a few minutes.”

“Great.” Another smarmy smile, his eyes locked fully on Alex even though Fox was the one who spoke. I clench my fists on the table.

“Are you coming with us?” Fox asks me.

“Uh…” I hadn’t been planning on going to the shop, since it doesn’t really have anything to do with me.

“Oh, you should definitely come,” Everly says, bouncing into the room. “You haven’t even seen it yet! The location issick, Wyatt.”

“You don’t have to be on camera,” Fox assures me. “They won’t be shooting the whole time. It’d be cool to show you the space.”

But Scott is rubbing his chin thoughtfully, eyes on me now. “Showing off the shop to the family isn’t a bad angle for the shoot. We could get some good footage out of it.”

I point down at the contract. “Background only, remember?”

He sighs, as if I’ve denied him some great treat. “If you insist.” He turns back to the others, plastering that smile on again. So completely fake. His gaze zeros in on the girls. “Everly, babe, you look gorgeous.”

She grins, twirling in her patterned skirt. “Thanks! It’s an FEA Threads original.”

“Very nice.” Then his eyes travel to Alex, trailing over her figure in a way that has heat spreading down my neck. “Is that what you’re wearing?”

She’s in a simple jersey t-shirt dress, the deep burgundy color enticing against her tanned, California girl complexion. She’s so beautiful it actually hurts my chest to look at her, and I have to glance away.

“Uh, yeah?” she says uncertainly “Is something wrong?”

“No.” He stands from the table and steps closer to her—too close. “This is from the line?”

“It is.”

He nods, looking her up and down again. I’m just about to tell the dude to back off when he tilts his head, giving her a nauseating smile. “It’s a pretty dress. But it might be better if you wear something with a little more...flash. We’re trying to catch the viewers’ attention, remember.”

“Hmm.” She looks down at the dress again. “I guess this is one of our more conservative pieces.”

Scott gestures at Everly. “I think this is much more in line with what we’re looking for.” He smirks a little as his gaze travels from her more-revealing neckline down to the short hem of her skirt and the expanse of leg she’s showing off.

Yeah, definitely want to punch this guy. Before I can object, Everly grabs Alex’s hand and begins to pull her from the kitchen. “Come on, we’ll find something more exciting.”

“What about me?” Fox asks, striking a pose. “Am I exciting enough?”

“You look fine,” Scott mutters, his full attention still on the retreating girls. He actually tilts his head back to follow them further down the hall, and from the leer on his face he’s definitely checking them out. Fucker.

Fox’s phone rings and he ducks out of the kitchen, leaving me alone with Scott. He turns that smirk on me. “That Alex, man. Chick is insanely hot.”