Page 141 of Reel Love

Phyllis clucks her tongue. “I’m not going to tell you that you need to decide what you really want, but … you need to decide what you really want. Not for him—for you. You’ve already sacrificed so much for your career. Do you really want to sacrifice him too?

“Stevens is a catch. And I’m wagering that he loves you. Your life is what it is. You can’t protect him from your life and the blessings and curses that come with it. Either you are going to claim him and take this hit from the press. And, it will be a hit. No one wants to see a star dating a common man. You need to at least date a supermodel or a mogul or a billionaire—you know, no pressure.” Phyllis laughs.

“You’ll either claim Stevens publicly, or you’re going to have to publicly disown him. And that may cost you your relationship. Take it from one who knows the cost of losing a relationship that mattered. I believe you’re strong enough to take a stand for yourself and him, if that’s what you truly want.”

“Then again …” Phyllis winks knowingly at me. “You can always cave one more time, and let the media and your fans, and most of all, your parents, drive your private life.” She stares at me with her head tilted so she’s looking through her lashes. “It’s up to you.”

“I’ve already made my decision. And it’s the one I know I haveto make for his highest good. This isn’t about me. It’s about him. I love him too much to drag him through the mud for the rest of his life.”

Phyllis’ lips thin. She spears me with a look that says she disagrees. For a moment, I almost second guess myself. And then I remember the reality: this will never be over for him once it starts. And I’m the only one with the power to stop the media before the neverending frenzy unleashes into Stevens’ life.

Phyllis says, “I’ve found, over the years, that what benefits one person, benefits both, as long as the decision is made in love. I hope you choose well.”

“Sometimes neither choice is a good one,” I quip quietly, almost under my breath.

“Yes. But there’s always the choice that leads forward—the one that might be harder, but has the greatest benefit despite the pain. That’s the one you have to make.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

Stevens

I'm not a smart man. But I know what love is.

~ Forrest Gump

As soon as my tour pulls into the slip, the men and women with cameras and microphones swarm the dock. I ask them to make way for my guests to get through, and they oblige. They aren’t as willing to let me pass. I keep saying, “No comment. No comment.” It’s what I’ve seen in movies and in TV shows. It eventually works. I’m able to pass through the mass of reporters. But some are relentless and follow me, not even trying to hide their invasion of my privacy.

I walk over to the Alicante and find Ben’s friend Cam. He works in customer service on the main resort property. I spot him at the guest services desk in the center of the expansive lobby.

“Can you help me?” I ask Cam.

I look over my shoulder. A few stragglers from the press have entered the resort behind me. Persistent, I’ll give them that.

“Sure, Stevens. What can I do for you?”

“I’ve got a situation. Some members of the press are heretrying to get me to talk about my relationship with Alana. I need to ditch them.”

“Okay. I’ve got you. Follow me.”

Cam says something to his co-worker who is with him behind the desk and then he walks out and heads toward the bank of elevators. I follow him, trying to discreetly check over my shoulder to see if we’re being trailed. The reporters are eyeing me. But none are being so bold as to follow us.

Cam pushes the elevator button for UP. Once we’re inside he pushes five, six, seven.

“We’ll throw them off that way. We’ll get off at six.”

“Huh. Good thinking.”

We exit at the sixth floor and I follow Cam along hallways to the stairwell.

“Stay behind me.”

“Have you done this before?” It seems like he has a method and plan.

“A few times for celebrities or dignitaries.”

We take the stairs down six flights, Cam in front, keeping a pretty good pace.

“It always adds a little adventure to my day. Okay. Here we are. Lobby. This door will let you out in a service hallway. You can follow the hall down to an exit door that leads out to the side of the building. Walk out that side walkway, look around and make a break for it.”

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