by L. L Hunter
“And what is that?”
“We want you to be Connor Blake’s girlfriend.”
17
I choked on my coffee.
“Excuse me?” Why I had chosen that moment to take a drink was beyond me.
“The deal is simple. Go on a couple of dates with Connor, be seen together, get photographed, and hopefully, it’ll polish up both your now tarnished reputations,” Jordan explained.
I stood up and took my coffee mug to the kitchen, setting it in the sink just for something to do. I had to wrap my mind around this.
“So, let me get this straight. You want me to pretend to be Connor’s girlfriend for some good press?”
“Yes. The last thing a new actress needs, one whose career has barely begun, is for a bad reputation. It’s not a very good selling point for the film. Besides, you and Connor are playing a couple in the movie. Why not be a couple in real life?” said Diana.
“I don’t know. I don’t even know Connor, and he’s not really my type. I’m going to have to think about it.”
“Okay, well. Think fast, because the press isn’t going to wait for you, honey.”
When Diana and Jordan had gone, I went back to my bedroom and slumped on the bed.
“What am I gonna do, Grandma?” I said, laying back and staring up into the heavens. Well, the ceiling.
I waited for an answer, which was stupid because she was in heaven. But as if it were a sign, my phone buzzed with a new message.
It was Connor.
“Wanna meet for lunch? We need to talk ASAP.”
I read the message a few times, stewing over what I was going to say. My people… It was weird saying that, my people.
I had people.
They had probably already told Connor about the deal.
I realised we did need to talk.
So, I replied.
“Sure. Where do you want to meet?”
He replied less than a minute later.
“How about that new paleo café in Santa Monica at noon?”
“Sounds good. See you then.”
I got up off the bed, replaced my ballet flats with heels, and grabbed my purse. Rechecking my lipstick on the way out of my room, I called out to Bree.
“Bree, I’m heading out.”
“Where are you going?”
“To see Connor to talk about this so-called publicity stunt.”
“Okay. Good luck.”
The café where I was meeting Connor was crowded. I stood outside the cute little restaurant near the pier and looked around for him. I wasn’t sure if he was waiting inside or hadn’t arrived yet.
Just as I was about to text him to tell him I was here, a black car with dark tinted windows pulled up alongside the restaurant. A man in sunglasses and a hat got out of the driver’s side, walked around the car, and opened the back door.
A brown dress shoe and a jean-clad leg stepped out, followed by a lean body. It was Connor, arriving in style.
He saw me and smiled. He thanked his driver and strolled toward me.
“Hey, beautiful.” He kissed me on the cheek. I air kissed him in return, a little unsure of how to act around him now, because of the article, the story, and now the deal set up by our people.
“Hey.”
“Look, about last night…”
I glanced around uneasily, to see if anyone was watching. A few people walking by were whispering to each other and pointing at us.
“Um… should we go inside? We can talk about it over lunch.”
He nodded silently.
We headed inside the restaurant, and Connor didn’t even need to say anything regarding a reservation. As soon as the waitress saw him, she told us to follow her. She led us outside on the deck to a private area overlooking the ocean.
When we were alone and had ordered coffee, Connor spoke up.
“Can we please talk about last night now?”
“Yeah. That’s why I’m here.”
“Oh? You’re not here to see me?”
“Well, it’s more than that. I saw the newspaper this morning. The picture. The article.”
“Don’t worry, I know who sold us out to the media. And they’re no longer in my circle. Besides, my agent is dealing with it. You don’t have to worry about it. Okay?”
He reached for my hand across the table, but I pulled back. Our coffees came then, which I was grateful for.
“There’s something else, Connor,” I said when the waitress was gone again.
He exhaled noisily through his lips. “You’re talking about the deal. About being my girlfriend. You don’t want to do it.”
“Yes. I mean, no, I mean… I don’t know, okay?”
“I know it’s a lot to think about, but it could be perfect for the both of us.”
“In what way? This is still so new for me, this world.”
“I know. I’m here to help you. Okay?”
“Thanks, Connor. I still need to think about this, though.”
He nodded. “Of course.” He signalled the waitress. “Let’s order lunch. I’m starving.”
18
That weekend was the Teen Choice Awards. I already had my outfit prepared—the black dress Bree had bought me, the heels I’d bought my first few days here, and a clutch purse borrowed from Bree. All I needed was jewellery. But that was remedied when our agent organised for a few jewellery samples to be sent from different designers.
“I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven,” I said, holding up some sparkly diamond earrings to my earlobe and admiring myself in the mirror.
“You’re welcome,” Bree singsonged. “This is how Hollywood is done.”
“I feel so glamorous. This is amazing.”
“You should make sure to get pictures with Connor on the red carpet.”
I dropped my hand and set the earring back in its holder. “I don’t know, Bree.”
“What do you mean? You did say yes, didn’t you? To the deal?”
“I said I’d think about it.”
“What do you need to think about it? All you’re doing is using him for his position to raise your profile. This will be the best thing for your career.”
“Is that how it’s done now? Is that how all careers are made here? Is nothing real anymore?” I didn’t realise I was yelling until Bree was left speechless and staring at me.
“I didn’t mean…”
“Sorry, Bree. But I don’t want to be known as Connor’s girlfriend. I want to make my own way in the world. I want to be known for my acting, not just for being someone’s arm candy.”
“I get it. I do. But, sweetie, it’s so hard. It’s so damn hard to make it in this industry. Sometimes you need help getting to the top.”
“But I don’t want to do it that way. Let’s finish getting ready and go to the awards. I don’t want to think about Connor tonight. Okay?”
“Okay. Fine. Sorry.”
But that was easier said than done. I found out the hard way that it was nearly impossible to avoid Connor Blake.
If I could use only one word to describe the red carpet of the Teen Choice Awards, it would be chaotic.
People screamed, cameras flashed, and celebrities posed. It was a lot to take in, so I found myself running into people as I tried to make my way down the carpet.
And then a funny thing happened. Something I’d never thought would happen in my wildest dreams—people were screaming my name.
“Kate! Look this way.”
“Kate! Where’s Connor?”
Bree told me to stand in one place and pose a few times for the media, but not too long. And I wasn’t to answer any questions, especially about Connor.
This whole celebrity business was hard work.
More media people called out to me, so I gave them a few more photo opportunities then, thankfully, Bree tugged on my arm and ushered me inside the venue.
“Thank you,” I whispered, once we were inside.
“You’re welcome. You looked like a
deer in headlights out there.”
“I felt like one. That was… insane.”
“I know. But you did well.”
“I did?”
Bree nodded then waved down a waiter for some champagne.
I definitely needed champagne.
“Yes. It takes practice, but you did well. The more events you do, you’ll see, it’ll become as easy as breathing.”
“I hope so,” I muttered and took a big sip of champagne.
And then Connor came sauntering over.
“Kate, there you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Well, you found me,” I said, not looking at Connor and instead focusing on my champagne. Man, it was good champagne.
“We should get a picture together.”
“Why? We’re not together.”
“Please, Kate. This will be good for both of us. Think of the movie.”
I sighed and finished my second glass of champagne before setting it on a passing tray.
“Fine. Where should we take the picture?”
“Out here,” he said, gesturing at the doors leading back out to the red carpet and the media frenzy.
So I followed him out there. Little did I know then how that one half-drunk decision would change my life forever.
19
Our picture featured across several media articles the next morning, was in several magazines and newspapers, and even became a hashtag.
The whole night was a blur. I remember briefly Bree waving her award in my face, but I mostly remembered the flash of the cameras and the people screaming my name, as well as Connor’s hand on my hip and his breath on my neck.
As I scrolled through the articles the next morning on my phone over coffee, I was astounded as to how many there were.
Some of the hashtags, which I thought were amusing, read:
#KateandConnor4eva
and
#couplegoals
We weren’t even a real couple! But as I was learning, people loved love stories, whether false or real. There was a spate of reality dating shows to prove that.
I got a text from my agent Diana to meet her at her office in town, so I got ready and headed there.
When I arrived at Diana’s office, Connor was waiting in the room.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
Connor gestured at a middle-aged man beside him whom I had failed to see until now because Connor stole all the attention in any room. “This is Brett, my agent. Diana called us here so we can chat.”
“Nice to meet you, Kate. You’re much prettier in person,” said Brett, offering me his hand to shake.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Brett.” I shook his hand and took a seat just as Diana walked in.
“Kate, thank you for coming in. Brett and I wanted to have a meeting of sorts with you and Connor to discuss ongoing media opportunities. And to discuss how we are to manage your relationship from here on out.”
“Wow. This is really blowing out of proportion,” I said, staring at my hands on the wooden table. It was a large boardroom table. Connor and Brett sat on one side of the long table, and Diana and I sat on the other.
“Did you really think people would forget about us? We’re epic together, baby,” said Connor, giving me a wink. My cheeks flushed.
“Connor is right. Your relationship is something the people want to root for. You’re going to be playing lovers on screen, so for people to find out you’re together in real life is a dream come true.” Brett placed his laptop on the table and typed a few things into it, before turning the screen around. “Ratings are off the charts for the film. Keep this going, and by the time the film releases, it’ll be a box office success. That means bonuses for all of us.”
I stared at the ratings and social media hashtags, and suddenly felt overwhelmed.
“I–I never really wanted this, but if it means the film is going to be a success, then I guess it’s a good thing.”
“It’s an excellent thing, baby.”
I really wished Connor would stop calling me baby.
“Connor is right, Kate. it’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us,” said Diana. “Now, here’s what Brett and I have proposed.”
I tuned out for the rest of the meeting. It was all getting too much. Thankfully, I was due on set the next day. It would give me something to focus on. The downside was, both Connor and Damian would be there.
The next day, Damian walked past my trailer while I was rehearsing lines in the mirror. My door was open, and he stood there watching me. I noticed his face in the mirror, and startled, dropping my script.
“Oh, my gosh. Damian. You scared me!”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you. I saw you were on set today and wanted to come by to see you.”
“I’m fine if that’s what you’re wondering.” I bent down to pick up my script, which had scattered into a million pages all over the floor. Great. Damian hurried up the steps and into my trailer to help me. Our hands touched when we reached for the same page, and as I looked up at him, our eyes met.
“I wasn’t, but are you?”
“I… yes. I’m fine.”
I couldn’t tell him I was slowly dying under all the pressure.
But he saw straight through my façade.
“I’m not convinced,” he whispered and reached out to touch my face. I closed my eyes and leaned into his caress. I’d secretly missed him. I realised that now.
So, I confessed everything. I didn’t know what it was about him, but he made me want to tell him all my deepest, darkest secrets. I wanted him to know all of me.
“I’m not okay,” I began. “I’m actually dying inside a bit. All this attention and press over Connor and me… it’s happened so fast.”
“You and him—is it real?”
“No, no. It’s not real. It’s just a publicity thing for the movie. I promise.”
He nodded, and then he kissed me.
He kissed me deeply yet gently. Respectfully yet needy.
“Good,” he replied, in a deep husky voice, “because you don’t know how jealous those pictures make me feel.”
I kissed him back, grabbing the back of his neck so I could be closer.
“Don’t be jealous. It isn’t real. This is real.”
He stood, bringing me with him and then backed us up to the couch, pushing me onto it. He fell gently on top of me and continued kissing me. After a few more minutes of hot kissing that made me want to rip my clothes off and make love to him again, he got up.
“We have to keep this a secret, okay?”
“What? Why?”
“Because of the movie, the press. As far as anyone knows, you’re dating Connor Blake. If you’re seen with me, it could shatter that illusion and ruin the movie.”
I swung my legs over the couch and sat up. I fixed my top and hair and stood up. I walked over to him.
“I understand. I want the movie to do well, but I also want you.” I reached for him, but because my door was still open, he stepped away from me. Which broke my heart.
“I know. I want you too, but we can’t do this here. It was a mistake coming here today, but I had to see you. Until we work out how we’re going to do this, we have to stay away from each other.”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. A tear escaped my eye and rolled down my cheek. I wiped it away.
“Please know I do care about you, Kate, but we have to keep this secret. Just until the movie is out.”
I nodded even though I didn’t want to accept it. “I understand.”
Damian left my trailer and my heart broke in his wake.
20
I filmed my scenes and concentrated on my lines for the rest of the day, trying not to think about Damian. But it was hard with him in the room, with his eyes on me. I tried not to look at him, but at Connor instead. I smiled and laughed with Connor, but it was all pretend. I didn’t want to look at Damian’s face as I played the part of the fake girlfriend
and my character. It would probably break my heart all over again.
The next day, on our day off from filming, Connor and I were scheduled to go on a date. We spent the day at Disneyland with a photographer following us, snapping candid shots of our time together for the press as well as a few posed shots.
That night, though, I made my way to Damian’s place in the cover of darkness. As soon as he opened his door, I was in his arms. He kissed me passionately at the door then walked me inside, our lips still attached, and then pressed me up against the closed door.
“I’ve missed you,” he said, kissing my ear, my neck, my cheek, my hairline.
“Me too. Gosh, it was a long day.” I kissed him, reaching for his neck and twisting my fingers through his hair.
“I know. It was torture.” He kissed my lips again, then tugged me toward him. His hands went to my waist, then cupped my backside, pulling me closer still. My core grazed his groin, soliciting a moan from my lips. “Oh, Kate. I can’t take it anymore. I need you. Screw the consequences.”
So, we went to his room and made love for the rest of the night. It was the most satiating and hottest night of my life. I needed that. I needed him. Screw the consequences was right.
And so, the secret rendezvous continued. Each night after filming, I made my way to Damian’s house where we made out and made love.
Of course, during filming, or during the scheduled outings between Connor and I, all I thought about was Damian.
This routine continued for several months until the headlines and the rumours became too much for everyone.
But I knew we wouldn’t be able to hold onto our secret forever.
It was during the final week of filming of my first film that everything came crashing down around me and everyone involved.
I was in my trailer on set when all of a sudden, there came a crashing bang at my door, which startled me. I had been rehearsing lines for my final few scenes, so the banging caused me to drop my script on the ground again and scream.
“Who is it? Who’s there?” I asked while holding my hand over my heart to try to calm it.
