by Jackie D.
“Six actually,” Harlow said and laughed teasingly.
Audrey pulled on the clothes Harlow had given her. “Funny. You’re very funny.”
“What are you doing this week?”
“I have some press to do, and I find out if my production idea is going to get off the ground.”
Harlow stepped out of the shower and pulled a large towel from the rack. “Of course it will.” She kissed Audrey’s cheek as she walked into her closet. “You’re Audrey fucking Knox. People will line up to work with you.”
“I appreciate it, but wanting to work with me and wanting to fund a project are two very different things.”
Harlow came out of her closet in jeans and a T-shirt. “I think you can do anything.”
Audrey hugged her. “Thank you, but it’s not you that I need to convince.”
“Come with me. I want to show you something.”
Harlow took her hand and walked her down the stairs and into a large room. There was a sizable white screen on the front wall and twelve black recliners in three lines. A movie theater popcorn machine sat next to a drink cooler, and there were shelves of candy stacked on the other side.
Harlow pointed to the left wall. “What do you see there?”
Audrey looked at the movie posters and put her hand over her chest. “You mean aside from having your own movie theater? You have posters of every movie I’ve been in.” Audrey stepped closer to look at them.
Harlow put her arm around her. “I realize now that it may seem creepy.” She chuckled. “But I swear I had no idea we’d ever be in this situation. I just wanted to show you that you have devoted fans—people who’ve followed you through your whole career. Those movie people know that. You’re a good investment. Your name attached to a project helps it sell. Have a little faith in yourself. I have faith in you.”
Audrey hugged her. “Thank you.” She pulled back to look at Harlow. “And it is a little creepy now.”
Harlow shrugged. “What can I say? You’ve always been my celebrity crush.”
Audrey kissed her for being adorable. She kissed her for being sweet. But mostly, she kissed her for saying precisely what she needed to hear at that moment.
Harlow’s phone buzzed. “We have to get going.”
Audrey found herself sitting as close to Harlow as possible on the drive to her house. She hadn’t planned on missing Harlow as much as she did—as much as she knew she would in a few minutes, but that was the truth. Harlow made her feel special in a way she didn’t think possible. She was normal with her, special with her and seen by her.
Harlow rested her forehead against Audrey’s when the car stopped in front of her door. “Thank you for last night.”
Audrey smiled. “Which part?”
Harlow kissed her. “All of it. And for giving me more than three kisses.”
“You’re so welcome.” Audrey reached for the door. “I’ll see you soon.”
Harlow grabbed her hand before she got out of the car. “Audrey.” Audrey stopped and looked at her. “Go into those meetings knowing it will be their loss if they don’t choose to work with you. Don’t let anyone sell you on accepting less than what you want.”
Audrey put her hands on Harlow’s cheeks and kissed her. “Thank you for being you.”
Audrey watched as Harlow’s car pulled away, and she forced herself to take a deep breath. Kylie was sitting on the couch tying her running shoes when she walked in the front door with a massive smile on her face.
Audrey flopped down on the couch next to her. “Morning.”
Kylie gently kicked her side. “How was your night?”
“I won both categories.”
Kylie pinched her leg. “I saw, but that wasn’t what I was talking about.”
Audrey sighed. “It was wonderful, and my God, sex with her gets better every time.”
Kylie clapped. “Those are the details I want.”
“That’s all the details you’re getting.” She pointed to Kylie’s table. “Jane wanted me to look at Twitter. How bad is it?”
Kylie typed a few words on the keyboard and handed the tablet to Audrey. “Ten thousand Twitter mentions.”
Audrey scrolled through and tried not to cringe when she passed some of the more hateful comments. “Well, no one can confirm anything. It’s all speculation.” She allowed herself a few moments to study some of the pictures. Her black dress and Harlow’s white tux were a fantastic contrast, but that wasn’t the only thing she noticed. She studied the expression on Harlow’s face in one of the candid shots someone had captured. She remembered the moment well. Harlow had made a funny comment about how much they must have paid for the centerpieces, and Audrey laughed. Harlow’s eyes were focused entirely on her, as though Audrey was the only person in the room. If she hadn’t known where they were in this picture, she’d assume they were like any other couple in the world caught in a perfect moment. She smiled at the memory.
Kylie nodded and took the tablet back. “Do you think Harlow is ready for this? She’s always been so private.” She pointed to the screen. “This is the opposite of that.”
Audrey leaned her head back on the couch and looked at Kylie. “She says she’s okay, but a thought exercise is vastly different from reality.”
“Jane sent me a list of responses to questions you’ll probably get today. You have two interviews, and the first one is in three hours. “
Audrey pushed herself off the couch. “Go on your run. I’ll take a shower, and when you’re ready, we can get going.”
“Hey,” Kylie said. “For what it’s worth, you look incredibly happy in these pictures from last night.”
“I am happy, thank you.”
Audrey headed toward the stairs to take a shower. She was happy—supremely. Harlow was happy, for the moment. Now, they just had to make sure that the rest of the world didn’t derail that for them.
* * *
Harlow had managed to put Casper off for the entire flight, feigning exhaustion. Unfortunately, the flight was only an hour. He hadn’t bothered to make eye contact with her until they were safely in the car on the way to the hotel.
“Did you have a good night?” Casper’s tone implied that he wasn’t actually curious about her night.
“Yes. Did you?” She pulled her hair back because she needed something to do with her hands.
“My night doesn’t matter. Have you looked at social media?” He held up his phone.
Harlow sighed. “No, but I’m sure you’re going to fill me in.”
He tossed her the phone. “I told you we’d figure all this out, but we needed a plan. Going out with Audrey in public isn’t a plan—it’s a statement.”
Harlow rolled her eyes. “So what if it is? Does it really matter? It’s not like being seen with Audrey will tank my ticket sales. People will ask questions, but they always do. We aren’t proclaiming that we’re together. I haven’t sworn my devotion to her in public.” She sighed. Casper had no idea how much time she’d spent thinking this through. The more she turned it over in her head, the less it bothered her. Yes, she’d always been private, but nothing had changed. She was far more concerned about what her reputation could do to Audrey than vice versa.
Casper rubbed his face. “And what if this doesn’t work out? You’ll be the person who hurt sweet Audrey Knox. I bet there will be an over-under on you two in Vegas. Remember when what’s-his-name cheated on and divorced Sandra Bullock?”
She opened a bottle of water and drank half the contents before answering. “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself, Casper. We’ve been seen together once, and you already have me married, cheating, and running.”
“Damn it, Low. You aren’t built for anything else, and we both know it. I know you like her, but what is the point of all this really?” He pointed at her. “A teenage crush?”
“Just because I’ve never been involved with someone long-term doesn’t mean I can’t learn to be.” She knew she was raising her vo
ice, but she didn’t care. His assertion hurt.
“I’m looking out for you like I’ve always done. She’s one of America’s sweethearts, and you don’t want to be on the wrong end of that. Look how the tides turned on her ex. She ran around saying all kinds of negative things about Audrey. People pondered it for what, like ten seconds? Now it has been hit job after hit job in the media, and the word is no one will hire her.”
The car rolled to a stop at the back of the hotel, and she unbuckled her seat belt. “We aren’t confirming anything. We’re letting people get used to seeing us in public. We’re spending time together. We’ll announce our relationship when we have to and not a second before. Jesus, we’re not even totally sure what it is, yet.” She threw his phone back at him. “Not that it is anyone’s business.”
He followed her into the hotel. “We aren’t done talking about this.”
She ignored him and continued to the service elevator. She understood that Casper had a job to do—a job she paid him to do, but this was ridiculous. At the very least, he could’ve taken a full minute to be her brother instead of whatever this was.
He closed the hotel door behind them. “You’re being reckless. Do you have any idea how many people are impacted by your decisions? It’s not just you. You have an entire team of people you employ. There are millions of young women who look up to you.”
She turned and shoved her finger in his chest. “Don’t do that. Don’t you dare put all that on me. I’m entitled to live my life. I’m entitled to be happy.” She pushed him farther back. “I’ve followed all the rules. I’ve been everything everyone ever wanted me to be. I get to have something that makes me happy.” She swallowed against the knot in her throat. “Just because we haven’t been built for something doesn’t mean we can’t change. That we can’t be more. That’s not fair, Cas.”
He stared at her for so long she was sure the argument was going to escalate to another level. She was trying to get her breathing under control. Her anger was simmering right on the surface. She’d never pushed back against her brother. She hadn’t had a reason to until now.
He stood and grabbed her, wrapping her in a hug. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
She reluctantly hugged him back. “I’m right?”
He stepped back and held her at arm’s length. “You deserve to be happy. I want you to be happy.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I guess I’ve just been feeling a bit out of the loop, and I’m not used to that. I’m sorry.”
She sat down on the bed. “I have thought it through. I know you don’t think so, but I have.”
He sat next to her and bumped her shoulder with his own. “It’s not that I don’t think you’re capable of more. I just don’t want to see you get hurt. I’d hate to think the first time you actually take a leap, you end up hurt and blasted by the press. You’re more fragile than people think.” She stared at him and opened her mouth to answer, and he held up his hand. “It’s not your or Audrey’s fault. It’s just one of the costs no one ever thinks about.” He kissed her forehead. “I love you, Low. Take a nap, and I’ll see you at the stadium in a few hours.”
He walked out of the room, and she let herself fall back onto the bed. She was angry that her personal life was up for debate. She was frustrated that her brother thought it was his place to weigh in on her decisions. Mostly, she was irritated that any of this had to be discussed.
She picked up her phone and smiled when she saw a text message from Audrey. I miss you more than words can express. Good luck tonight. Xoxoxo.
Audrey was absolutely worth it. Whatever was going to happen, Harlow was ready to face it head-on if it meant having Audrey. There was no doubt in her mind, no matter what her brother said.
Chapter Twenty-four
Audrey closed her eyes as the makeup artist put the finishing touches on her lipstick. Lights in a television studio were always brighter and hotter than those on a movie set. She understood it was a necessity, but she couldn’t help but feel as if they were a little hotter today. It also could have something to do with the fact that she’d only slept for an hour and had to change her wardrobe a few times to make sure the bite mark Harlow had left on her shoulder wouldn’t be seen. Totally worth it.
The countdown ended, and the host plastered on her television smile. “Welcome back. I’m thrilled to have Audrey Knox here with me today.” The host turned her attention to Audrey. “Audrey, congratulations on your two People’s Choice Awards last night. You must be delighted.”
Audrey smiled. “It’s always exciting to win an award that is decided by the fans. I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received, not just this year but throughout my whole career. I have amazing fans.”
Behind the host, pictures of the awards show flashed on a large television screen. “How cool was it to have Harlow Thorne performing a song from your new movie?”
Here it comes.
Audrey nodded. “Harlow is incredible, and we were all so appreciative that she agreed to be part of the project.”
“It seems like you two have become pretty good friends. Is that because of the film?”
Audrey clasped her hands in her lap. “Yes. We met because of the film and became friends. I enjoy spending time with her.”
The host turned and looked at the pictures. “You two seem very cozy.” An image of the two of them leaving the award show holding hands appeared on the screen. “Is there more than friendship brewing there?”
Audrey hated that she had to laugh, but she did. “Harlow and I like spending time together, but that’s all I’m going to say.”
The host leaned in, pretending it was just the two of them in the conversation. “Does that mean you’re both still single?”
Audrey laughed again and shook her head. “If I have any public announcements to make, I’ll let you know.”
Twenty minutes later, Audrey unhooked her microphone, thanked the host, and walked to the green room where Kylie was waiting.
Kylie pushed her glasses up her nose. “Well, that went pretty well.”
Audrey started pulling off her clothes to change into jeans. “I think so. She didn’t spend the whole time focused on Harlow and me. At least I got to talk about the movie.”
There was a knock on the door, and Kylie pulled it open. It was Alicia, the host of the entertainment show who’d just done the interview.
“I just wanted to thank you again for doing the show. I’m sorry about all the Harlow questions, but with the way Twitter was reacting, I had to ask.”
Audrey waved her off. “No big deal. Thanks for a good interview.”
Alicia handed her a card. “My cell is on the back. I’d love to take you out for a drink.” She took a step closer. “Are you free Saturday?”
Kylie stepped up beside her. “She’s out of town from Saturday through Monday.”
Alicia nodded at Kylie and turned her attention back to Audrey. “The next weekend?” Audrey hesitated long enough for her to continue. “Give me a call if you’re free. It doesn’t have to be anything serious.”
“I will, thanks,” Audrey said.
Kylie looked at her with raised eyebrows after the door shut. “You know that’s going to keep happening if everyone continues to think you’re single.”
Audrey picked up her bag and swung it over her shoulder. “So? I don’t have to agree to go out with everyone that asks.”
“No, of course, you don’t. But it will add fuel to the fire about you and Harlow the longer you don’t answer questions.”
“We’re taking it a day at a time.”
Kylie nodded. “I know that, but the vague answers will only work for so long.”
Audrey didn’t respond because she wasn’t sure what else to say. Kylie was right, but this was what they’d agreed to, and it was still too new to push it.
Kylie handed her the phone. “Speak of the devil.”
Audrey read the text message. You looked amazing during the interview. I’m heading to the st
adium. I’ll call you tomorrow.
“Got to love live television.” Audrey handed the phone back to Kylie.
Audrey had agreed to deflect questions because it was what Harlow wanted, but Kylie was right. It wouldn’t hold up forever. At times Harlow was filled with confidence that bordered on cockiness, and then at others, she was like a terrified girl afraid it would all be taken away in a heartbeat. Audrey wanted her to feel safe. She just needed to figure out a way to make that happen.
* * *
One of Harlow’s favorite parts of touring was the meet and greet. There was something magical about the palpable excitement exuded from the fans she had personal interaction with—even if it was only for a minute or two. If it were up to her, she’d spend longer than the time allotted, but that decision hadn’t been hers for years.
A young girl came back into the staged area and burst into tears. “I can’t believe I’m meeting you.”
Harlow hugged her. “Thank you for coming.”
The girl’s hands were shaking. “Your music means so much to me. It got me through some of the hardest times in my life.”
Harlow grabbed her hands. “And you have no idea how much you mean to me.”
The young girl handed her a small rainbow pin. “My best friend got this for me the day I moved in with her because my parents threw me out of the house.”
Harlow had to grit her teeth to keep from crying. “Are you safe now?”
The girl nodded. “Yes. I’m doing much better. I just wanted you to have this. I know you don’t specifically sing about women, but sometimes it feels like you do. Thank you.”
Harlow hugged the young woman, and tears nearly fell when she saw the scars along her wrists. “I want you to hang on to your pin. How about instead I give you something?” She waved to her tour manager. “She’s going to give you two VIP tickets to the next show. We’re going to take care of your hotel and getting you there too.” She waited for her manager to nod. “You’re enough. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.”
The young girl continued crying and nodding her understanding. “I don’t know what to say.”
