Page 85 of Beyond the Fame

“I knew it. I fucking knew it.”

I turn to walk back to Rebecca’s car.

“He said he’d go to rehab longer this time. A year-long recovery program,” Lana yells after me.

I spin back around.

“How did this happen?” My voice wavers and I suck in my devastation.

“He was drinking on days I couldn’t be there.” Lana starts sobbing.

“This isn’t your fault, Lana,” Rebecca quickly adds.

“I know... I...” She turns back to me. “What are you going to do? With filming? You still have two weeks left, right?”

I lift my arms with no purpose, then drop them to my sides. “I don’t know. I have to speak with the producers and the studio head. But if it were up to me, I’d fire his ass.”

This time when I turn around, I keep walking, ignoring the protests from Lana, Rebecca, and even Ginger. I drop into the passenger seat of Rebecca’s car and stew.

This is so fucked up. What the hell was he thinking?

If it were up to me, I’d fire his ass.

Who am I kidding? We’re too far into filming for it to even be possible. The production company is going to do whatever it takes to finish the movie, even if that means stopping Mylan from entering rehab right away.

Rebecca returns to the car about ten minutes later. I’m laying back in the seat, covering my eyes with my arm.

Without saying a word, Rebecca starts the car and drives away from Lana’s. Five minutes later, we’re back in the convention hall’s parking lot.

Neither of us gets out.

“Are you really going to fire him?”

I lift my arm just enough to see her. She’s gripping the wheel hard enough her knuckles turn white.

“It’s not up to me.”

“But you would if you could?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

I sit up and put the seat back in its upright position. The move was so fast, Rebecca jumps.

“Because, Rebecca, I’m an inconsiderate asshole.”

I get out of the car and weave through the parking lot to find my driver.

Rebecca gets out too, stomping after me.

“He’s your best friend, and he’s in trouble.”

“You heard Lana. He’s going into a longer treatment program.”

“Jensen, you’re clearly upset.”

I spin around. “Upset? Upset? Fuck yes, I’m upset. Did you know I asked the producers not to hire him? I told them this would happen. I told them he would relapse because that’s what he does.”

---