Smile pretty for the cameras. Shake hands. Say complimentary things about the cast and director. Talk about how great the studio support for the movie had been. Gush about the beauty of the locations and how nice the locals were. Be humble when asked about any awards he might win for the role. Don’t get too drunk at the parties. Smile some more. It wasn’t rocket science, so he wasn’t too sure why Garrett felt the need to go over tiny details that Tyler didn’t give a shit about and didn’t affect him. Time to cut to the chase.
“I get it,” Tyler cut in, stopping the unending flow of words from Garrett’s lips. “You know, I’ve done a few of these tours in the past. I’ve even done a few specifically for the Thunder franchise. Are they doing something new and different this time?”
His face turning red, Garrett cleared his throat. “No, not really. I just… Listen, I wanted to talk to you.”
“That’s all you’ve been doing for the last thirty minutes.”
Garrett exhaled noisily and rubbed his chin, his gaze darting all over the screened-in patio but never quite looking Tyler in the eyes. “I want to talk to you about something else.”
“Then talk. You’ve never spared my feelings in the past so let’s not start now.”
Luckily Garrett had caught Tyler in between work projects so he was relaxed and patient. If it had been forty-eight hours or less before the tour or the start of a movie, the reaction might have been much different.
Opening his briefcase, Garrett pulled out a manila file folder. “When you told me that you were going to ask Billie to be your wife…well…I thought I’d better do a thorough background check on her. You know, make sure she doesn’t have any major skeletons in the closet that could come out and bite you in the ass later and ruin your image and career.”
Tyler’s blood ran cold and a muscle jumped in his jaw. The mere idea of Garrett digging into Billie’s past looking for dirt infuriated him. He shouldn’t have taken it upon himself to do this without discussing it with Tyler first.
“I should fire you right here and now,” Tyler said through gritted teeth. He fisted his hands under the table and didn’t even bother to try and look cool and unbothered. He was pissed as hell and he wanted his publicist to know that he’d fucked up royally.
“I did it for you,” Garrett replied, holding his hands up as if to ward off a punch in the face. “It’s my job to protect you, Tyler, and I take that seriously even if you don’t. You’ve worked hard for your success. Do you want to do something stupid that will ruin it all?”
Regarding the folder like it was a poisonous snake, Tyler pushed right back. “Are you saying you found something out about Billie that would ruin my career? Because I seriously doubt it. I’ve known her for the last five years and she leads a boring, quiet life. Hell, I’ve been in much more trouble than she has. You should be lecturing me about ruining my own career.”
“I do on a fairly regular basis,” Garrett said, shaking his head. “But I’d be derelict in my duties not to check Billie out. Yes, you’ve known her for the last five years but what about before?”
“What about it?” Tyler had had just about enough of this. “If it’s that far into the past who really gives a rat’s ass? Did you find out she’s secretly a drug dealer? No, wait. Maybe she’s a high-class madam for an escort service in her spare time. Can’t be that. It must be that she’s secretly a genius computer hacker that just pretends to like expensive shoes. I can’t believe you went behind my back and did this. I thought you liked Billie. She deserves better from you, man. She’s made your job a shitload easier these last five years, that’s for sure.”
Garrett looked like he wanted to cry but Tyler wasn’t going to cut him any slack. What he’d done was dog dirty. “I know she has and I appreciate it. I adore Billie, you know that. But you pay me, Tyler. My first loyalty is to you.”
“Then you shouldn’t have done this,” Tyler shot back. “I never asked you to.”
His publicist and friend simply nodded. “No, you didn’t but I did it anyway. I have to live with that.”
That folder was still sitting between them.
“I can’t believe you can even look Billie in the eye after this,” Tyler said. “She really liked you and she was always on me about listening to you. Do you think she’d tell me to listen to you now?”
His expression sober, Garrett nodded. “Actually, I think she would. She’d want the best for you.”
“She is the best. She’s the best person I’ve ever known.” He pushed the file back toward Garrett. “I don’t care what’s in there. It won’t make a difference. We’re already engaged and we’re going to be married. Whatever you think you’ve found doesn’t matter.”
Garrett pushed the folder back toward Tyler. “I’m not saying you end things but we can mitigate any damage–”
“Just fucking stop,” Tyler grated, trying hard to control his anger. He didn’t want to be mad at Garrett but what he’d done was beyond the pale. “What damage? Are you saying you found something on Billie? I don’t believe that.”
“Look through what I’ve found and decide for yourself.” Garrett tapped the file. “You don’t know everything about the woman you’re about to marry, Tyler.”
Tyler was well aware of that fact but he also knew without a shadow of a doubt that he could trust Billie with his life. Her integrity was far better than his own. There might be something in her past that wasn’t shiny and wonderful. The way she avoided talking about her childhood was a huge clue, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t a good person.
“Whatever I need to know, Billie will tell me. I’m sure of it. I don’t need your file of skeletons. What human being could stand up under the scrutiny that the public puts people through? I’ve got a few bony bastards in my closet too, remember?”
“Yours are minor,” Garrett argued with a sigh. “Billie–”
“Don’t,” Tyler shook his head. “I will not sit here and hear a word against her. Not when she’s not allowed to defend herself. How in the fuck do you even know what’s in that folder is true?”
“It’s true,” Garrett said quietly. “It’s not horrible but I just think you should know. Before you marry her. Before some reporter finds it and then we’re on our back foot trying to defend it in the press. That’s all I’m asking, Tyler. Just be aware of it.”
His publicist pushed back his chair and stood, looking like there was a hell of a lot more he wanted to say but Tyler was in no mood.
“I’m leaving that with you.” Garrett nodded at the folder. “Read it. Don’t read it. Whatever. But I’m of the opinion that you should know more about Billie than what cheese she likes on her hamburger. You’re one of the biggest movie stars on the planet. The films you’ve made are some of the highest grossing in history. You’re riding high, my friend, but don’t get too comfortable. There are a lot of people that would love to take you down to the level of us lesser mortals. They’d love to make your life difficult and drag you through the mud whether you and Billie deserved it or not. When someone is as successful as you are, you’re a target. I’m just trying to protect you. Don’t shoot the messenger.”
Scraping his hand down his face, Tyler suppressed a frustrated groan. Garrett was only trying to help but he still should have talked about this before he did it.
“I appreciate what you’re trying to do but whatever is in this file? Billie will tell me. I know she will.”
Garrett gave him a crooked smile. “Maybe you’re right. I hope you are.”
“You think I’m making a mistake. Marrying Billie.”
“Actually, I think it’s the smartest thing I’ve ever seen you do,” replied his publicist, that smile growing wider. “She’s a hell of a woman and the only one that can handle you. I’d get her down the aisle as soon as possible.”
That didn’t make any sense.
“I don’t understand you. If you think that, then why this?” Tyler poked at the folder on the table. “If you want me to marry her what’s
in here can’t be all that bad.”
“She’s not an assassin for the Mafia,” Garrett mocked. “All I’m saying is the press is going to dig around in her past and we should be ready. They’ll take any youthful indiscretion and blow it out of proportion. I also think you have a right to know about your future wife’s past.”
Tyler shook his head. “Listen, it’s not that I disagree with you. It’s just this wasn’t the way to go about it. You probably don’t know but I’ve never actually asked her about her life before I met her. I should probably try that first, don’t you think?”
“Are you going to ask her?”
“Eventually.” Tyler shrugged as if it didn’t matter to him in the least but he had to admit his curiosity was peaked. What was in that folder that Garrett was so fired up about? What did he think Tyler needed to know? “We’ll talk. I’ll tell her my secrets and she’ll tell me hers. It’ll happen in our own time.”
Although that moment was rapidly approaching. His publicist had a valid point. The press wasn’t going to be easy on Billie. Or him. He was a target and he’d pulled her into his orbit, so now she had a bullseye smack on her forehead too.
Garrett turned and left, leaving Tyler sitting at the patio table with the folder. A file filled with details about Billie’s life. Maybe even the reason she’d needed the fifty thousand. Because he was her best friend he wanted to know everything about her, but he also wanted to respect her privacy. If he knew anything about Wilhemina Oliver it was that she was a straight shooter, as honest as she could be. If there was an incident that he needed to know about, she’d tell him. She knew this business as well or better than he did. In the meantime, this folder was far too tempting and also kind of sleazy. He couldn’t violate her trust like this.
Picking it up, he strode toward his office at the front of the house. He’d bury it in one of the drawers there. Out of sight, out of mind.
However, he needed to add one more thing to their wedding checklist. Ask about her past and then talk about his. It was far past time that they learned some of the more personal details about each other. After all, she was going to be his wife, maybe for a long time. If they had fun and the relationship was good, did they even need to get a divorce? Garrett was right. Tyler should marry Billie as soon as possible. Good thing they were meeting with the wedding planner in a few days.
Another item on his to-do list. Give Billie the wedding of her dreams.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The next few days passed quickly for Billie as they prepared for Tyler’s promotional tour for his last Thunder movie. It seemed like forever since he’d wrapped filming but the release was almost upon them. She’d thought Tyler might be sad to say goodbye to his famous alter-ego Bobby but he seemed fine with the end of the movie franchise. There might be other installments but Tyler’s contract was up and he wouldn’t be a part of any future films.
As a newly engaged couple, she and Tyler would be traveling to New York City, London, and Toronto in addition to the premiere in Los Angeles. That meant she needed clothes, which had started a whole new argument with her movie star fiancé. He’d insisted on purchasing clothes for her along with all of the accessories like shoes, handbags, and jewelry. She’d said no of course. She paid her own way.
Tyler wasn’t one to give in easily, however, and he’d argued that the only reason she needed the clothes was because of him and the movie. Therefore, he should pay for it all. They’d gone around and around about it until they’d both been red in the face. Tyler had pulled the marriage card at the end saying that he was going to be her husband and her money was his money and his money was her money. That was all well and good except she didn’t have any money so it was hardly fair.
He’d opened his mouth after she’d said that as if he was going to point out that she did indeed have money. Fifty grand worth. But instead of saying anything he’d stayed silent, making her feel more guilty than ever. She had to find a way to tell him about her family, but so far every time she’d tried the words simply wouldn’t come.
Eventually, she’d given up because it was easier than explaining what she’d done with the money and he’d made a valid point whether she was ready to admit it or not. They were a couple now – albeit a make-believe one – and couples shared things. Couples did nice things for one another and helped each other. It would have been churlish to refuse. It did make her feel slightly better when he told her that a famous designer had offered to dress her for the events and parties. At least Tyler wouldn’t be footing the bill for expensive dresses she’d only wear once.
This morning, however, she had a renewed sense of urgency to come clean about where she’d spent the money. If they were going to be – heaven help both of them – husband and wife, she was going to have to part with a few personal details no matter how distasteful.
They’d gone for a run early this morning and then shared breakfast on the patio before she took a shower and dressed for the day. There was still one small obstacle to talking with Tyler and that was their appointment this morning. The wedding planner was coming over to talk to them, making this entire situation even more real than it already was. It felt like a runaway freight train speeding down the tracks and she was standing in its way holding up a useless sign that said Slow Down. The massive train didn’t give a crap that she was nervous. It had a life of its own, pretty much like her deal with Tyler. With the press coverage and the expectations of fans all over the world, stopping it now would be almost impossible. Not completely out of the question but damn hard. She couldn’t just end things and walk away unscathed. Not in this town. To add insult to injury, no one would seriously believe it had been her that had called off the wedding, not Tyler.
Frankly, she kept whipping herself back and forth like a flag in the wind. One moment she was content with marrying – or at least being engaged – to Tyler. The next she was furtively looking for a way out, panicked that her friendship with him would be ruined. That was her greatest fear…losing him and the love he’d shown her. As flighty as he could be, he’d brought stability into her life.
Dressed in a teal blue sundress and low-heeled sandals, Billie made her way down the long staircase and out onto the patio where Tyler was chatting with a blonde in her late thirties to early forties. It was hard to tell in Hollywood. She could very well be over sixty. Her hair was styled into a sleek bob and her makeup was perfectly applied. Houston Callaway had come highly recommended and knew how to keep a secret. This wouldn’t be her first big name wedding and Billie was looking forward to depending on the woman’s expertise.
Tyler beckoned to her. “Come meet our wedding planner.”
The introductions were made and Billie settled into a chair next to Tyler so they were both facing Houston on the other side of the table. Billie wasn’t sure where to start but luckily Houston wasn’t shy. She plunged right in without a lot of small talk.
“First of all, congratulations to both of you.” She spied Billie’s ring. “What a lovely engagement ring. You have excellent taste.”
“I can’t take any credit.” Tyler smiled and shook his head. “Billie picked it out.”
Houston nodded approvingly. “Just gorgeous. Now let’s get started. Before we dig down into the details I want to get an idea of what kind of wedding you’re looking for. A small intimate ceremony on the beach? Or a lavish event with hundreds of people? Something in between? Or perhaps you’re not sure but you know you want it to be in the evening? Whatever you have in your head I want to hear about.”
“Whatever Billie wants,” Tyler said firmly. “I don’t care what it costs. I want this wedding to be everything she’s ever dreamed about.”
Tyler appeared to have said the magic words. I don’t care what it costs. Houston was beaming from ear to ear and her eyes were sparkling. Billie wondered how often the planner heard that in this town of dreams. This probably wasn’t the first time, nor would it be the last.
Billie laid her hand on Tyler’s arm.
“I’m sure we can have a nice wedding without hocking the crown jewels. As for what I have in my mind, well, to be perfectly honest I’m not sure what I want.”
“That’s not true,” Tyler said, frowning. “You told me you wanted a big wedding to rival the royal ones you saw on television.”
Houston was smiling again but Billie was going to have to burst her bubble.
“I did say that,” she admitted. “But that was five years ago and I’ve grown up a lot since then. I don’t need a huge production. I want something elegant and tasteful, not cheesy or over the top.”
“We can absolutely do that for you, Billie,” Houston replied. “How about we start by talking about the mood? When you picture your wedding, is it night? Or daytime? Are you inside or outside?”
“It’s night,” Billie said, surprising herself with the answer. She hadn’t realized that’s what she wanted, but an evening wedding with candles and a starry sky sounded perfect. “And inside. I don’t want to have to worry about the weather. But it would be nice to have an outside area so people can get some fresh air.”
Houston nodded and scribbled a few notes. “That’s great. This is good information. Have you started your guest list yet? Do you have any idea how many people you’re thinking about inviting? Just a ballpark figure would be fine.”
“Not yet,” Tyler replied. “But with all the people we know I would imagine the number won’t be small and intimate. I’m going to throw out two or three hundred but it’s just a wild guess at this point.”
Two hundred people? Was he expecting her to invite half of that number? She didn’t know that many actual human beings and she sure as hell didn’t like that many enough to invite them to her wedding. Her number was somewhere around twenty or twenty-five.
Wild on the Red Carpet (The Hollywood Showmance Chronicles Book 3) Page 8
