Page 8 of Cat's Outta the Bag

"Don't freak out, but we've got a pap taking our picture." She freezes, and I drop my hand. Fuck. I was hoping we'd have more time to get to know each other before the public forced their way in. "I'm going to call my P.R. team and get them working on a statement. Are you able to check your phone at all while working? I want you to give the statement your stamp of approval before it goes out. Shit. I’m so sorry, Alexis. This is the worst part of my life. Are your social media accounts private? We – “

She reaches out and gently grabs my bicep, giving it a quick squeeze. "Slow down there, Jason. Take a breath. I walked into this lunch knowing that this was a possibility. I accepted that. It's not your fault some dude is across the street, taking our pictures to sell to gossip magazines. I'm not super active on social, but all my profiles have been private since I created them. It's going to be ok." She gives me another squeeze before unlocking her car and opening the door. Before she sits down, she turns back to me. "I'll keep the volume up on my watch and will look for a text from you. I'll try my best to step away and give it a once over, but I trust you." She smiles and adds, "It's going to be ok. I had a wonderful time at lunch."

She finally gets in, and I step away as she starts her car. My phone is already out, and calling my people as she pulls away. And while I'm still pissed, she eased the worst of my worries.

“Petra? It’s Jason. We’ve got a situation here.”

Chapter 7

Alexis

“Shit.”

HOLLYWOOD’S MOST SECRETIVE CELEB PARADES MYSTERY WOMAN AROUND TOWN

WHO IS SHE?

Intermixed with the completely dramatized portrayal of our lunch are the shots of Jason and me at my car. The angle of the shots makes us look way closer than we were and definitely gives us a romantic leaning. Even the one where Jason is scowling directly at the camera with my hand on his arm. We look like a couple; it doesn't matter that we've barely known each other two weeks.

Sources close to the new couple say they’ve been keeping things under wraps.

I snort at that line; sources close to the couple? What the fuck? These are straight-up lies. I should ask Jason how he handles these kinds of articles.

In a statement made this morning, Jason stated he had lunch yesterday with a close friend and that any claims of a relationship were unfounded. He kindly asks that the media back off and focus on his upcoming feature film Agent Smith: Total Takedown, in theaters March 16. But we know our readers, and this reporter is determined to give you the juicy deets. Stay tuned for more about Jason Adams’ mystery woman.

What the actual fuck?

“Decaf latté for Sarah?” The barista sets my drink down and turns back to the next drink. I’m not exactly sure what possessed me to give a fake name at this coffee shop, but now that I am looking up from my phone and seeing a couple of stares, I’m glad I did. Never hurts to throw people off the scent, I guess.

I put my head down and hustle back home, hoping no one's following me. Fuck, this is messed up.

Four fucking hours later, and I am still too keyed up to sleep. Slinky is keeping me company, sensing something is wrong, but even though I'm exhausted, my body won't relax.

Despite myself, I pull out my phone and text Jason. Maybe he can help,

Alexis: Hey, are you home? Or are you on set today?

I don’t have to wait long before he replies.

Jason: Not on set today. They're filming scenes that don't include me. Is everything ok?

Part of me doesn't want to unload on him; I'm sure he's stressed about this too. But the fact is, he's had the media covering his life for decades now, and I'm a newbie. He'll have a better handle on this than I do.

Alexis: I saw the ‘Reporter’ article and am just feeling off about it? I’m trying to sleep but can’t relax. Any advice?

His response is almost immediate.

Jason: You got a Blu-ray or DVD player at all?

Random. But I’ll bite.

Alexis: Yes? Not sure if the Blu-ray player still works, but I have it hooked up. Why?

He doesn't reply, and five minutes later, I'm resisting following up. He isn't my boyfriend, and honestly? It would be a stretch to even call us friends. I have no right to expect quick responses from him, or any at all.

Just when I think he’s completely abandoned me, I hear a knock at my door.

“Alexis? It’s Jason. I’ve got something that might help.”

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