Page 100 of Seeking Stars
"I don't think that's fair. I understand why you advised against starting a relationship with him; you've been clear about that, but I'm not a liar. When I told you we weren't together, it was the truth. Things changed after you and I had that conversation."
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry about assuming you had lied, but that also means that you ignored my recommendation and got together with him anyway."
Ana winced, but hid the reaction from her voice. "Is this really happening? Do you really have an opinion on my private life?"
"I don't have an opinion on your private life. I have an opinion on your public life and it's going to be impossible to keep your relationship with Liam McMillan private. That is, it will be seen as public. That's what I have an opinion on, because it will impact your career."
Ana didn't have an answer to that.
Diana continued, "Look, this is a difficult thing to talk about but it's really important. For one, I like you. And I want you to be successful."
"I know."
"Do you want to be successful?"
"Of course I do."
"Then you'll have to learn to trust my guidance."
Ana couldn't help but compare Diana's words with Coulton's to Liam, not that long ago. Would her life in this industry always be like this?
"I've already tried to give you good advice," Diana insisted. "I've had my doubts about getting involved with Mr. McMillan from the start. I for sure did not want you to flaunt this thing you have with him, whatever it is."
"Noted."
"I am still very much concerned with the consequences you— and, by extension, me and my team— might have to go through when it fizzles out, or if it reaches much more presence online than it has now. At the moment, I think you're still at a place where you will benefit more than you will suffer from this fling; at least some of these people searching for you online will actually watch your films and like them. Whether that's going to be enough to compensate for the many, many fans of McMillan's that hate you right now, that's up for debate. And what happens when it ends?"
Ana's throat closed up. She fought the tears.
"What we have is real," Ana whispered more to herself than Diana, but the latter reacted to it nevertheless.
"Oh, Ana. Of course he's going to tell you that you're special and make you feel like a queen… and of course you want to believe him. We're talking about Liam McMillan! Your feelings probably feel very real. But I've seen this happen— I've had to help a number of people through the storm— and I've seen what happens when things fall apart. Few careers survive the fall. His will, no doubt, but I'm trying to protect yours."
When Ana didn't respond, Diana continued.
"Okay, let's imagine it's real. That he does feel for you what he's telling you he feels. It still doesn't mean this relationship will last for a long time. Few relationships last under the pressures of Hollywood. He travels a lot, his career will always eclipse yours, and you will be scrutinized. Constantly. At some point, whether it's a week or a year, your heart will be broken, and it will break publicly. If you end it now, it's still in your control. I'm trying to help you, here."
"Are you?" Ana's stomach had progressively twisted into a worried knot. "Because it feels as if you're trying to make me break my own heart."
"I need you to understand, you haven't been around enough to know what I know. You'll need thicker skin to go as far as you could go. Especially as a woman. A Latina. And you're… uhm… plus size for Hollywood. I'm sorry, but you'll have to make tough choices."
"So you called me to tell me breaking up with Liam is one of those tough choices that will protect me? Are you aware that Coulton is okay with us dating?"
"I am aware Coulton is not against it at the moment, but don't think he can't change his mind. One day soon he may have this same conversation with McMillan. After the documentary is done and the publicity isn't necessary anymore, he might decide you're not helpful to him and his client any longer. That's up to them; my goal is to think of you. I am here to protect you and your career. You believe that, don't you?"
"I can believe you think that that's what you're doing."
"Okay. I can see that we're not in agreement on this yet. I hope you understand I need to keep insisting." Ana didn't answer. "Think it over. When you come to realize I'm right, let me know. I can help you break things off with Mr. McMillan. The team will be there to help you handle it. Otherwise, focus on only interacting with the positive comments, and continue to do your work as discussed."
"I will. My work will never suffer."
"I hope that you're right about that. I really do want you to do well."
"Thanks. I do believe you in that.
"Goodbye."
"Bye."
