Page 139 of Reel Love

That’s real love.

I always thought love would be enough. I think my parents have a degree of love for one another. They definitely share a mutual respect and a deep commitment to each other. I never wanted what they had. I wanted a love that woke me up, settled me down, and made me reorganize my life for another person. And now, I’ve found it. Only, I can’t ask Stevens to do what he thinks he wants to do for me. I need to take the bullet.

I call Caroline as I’m walking out the door. There’s one person I need to see as soon as possible—the woman who understands me, Hollywood, and Marbella Island. I’m on my way down the hill to her house as I call my publicist.

Caroline answers on the first ring. “Alana, tell me. What’s your decision?”

“Hi, Caroline. I’m ready to do the shoot.”

“Good news. So, what’s our angle?”

I fill Caroline in on my thoughts and what I’ve decided. She responds to me with the neutrality that makes her one of the most consummate professionals in her line of work in our industry. While Caroline outlines point by point what we’ll be doing and the part I’ll play, I shift gears into actress mode. I can pull off any role. Once I know my motivation and have a feel for what’s needed, I’ll deliver a performance. And this one will be my greatest and most necessary performance to date. I have no choice. It’s plain. Either I throw Stevens to the sharks, or I pass him the driftwood I’ve been clinging to and help him avoid drowning. He can survive the aftermath of the wreckage—but only if I make a way for him to float through it to safety.

“We have a complication,” I tell Caroline.

“Your mother?”

“How’d you guess?”

“I just got off a call with her.”

“That quickly? I just hung up with her less than five minutes ago.”

“That woman moves quickly. She didn’t get where she is by lying down in the face of things going against her will. She’s a fighter. She’s earned her place in Hollywood because of her fight, her talent, and her beauty. I’d never underestimate your mother, that’s for certain.”

“Well, it sounds like she and my father have a plan to try to show the world I’m still with Rex. And, according to her, they have Rex in their back pocket, or on their leash … whatever you want to call it. She told me he agreed to whatever it is they’re planning.”

“To announce your engagement to him?”

“To … what???”

“She planned to have Rex and you on camera with them. Rexwas going to bend the knee. I think your father may have sweetened the deal with some film opportunities, but don’t quote me on that.”

I’m speechless.

“Anyway, I wouldn’t worry about it.” Caroline’s voice is breezy, dismissive even.

“You wouldn’t worry? Why not? My parents are bribing a man to fake a proposal to me so I can escape a scandal that doesn’t even exist. The only thing I’ve done wrong is falling for a marine biologist. And since when was that a high crime?”

“When I say don’t worry, I mean don’t worry.” Caroline’s confidence calms my nerves. “Rex had already agreed to the shoot with you. For all we know, he’s under the impression from your parents that you want to pull off this fake engagement … which, I’m not sure was meant to be fake, actually, but that’s irrelevant.”

Irrelevant?My parents are treating me like I’m living in the Middle Ages or a country where they still practice arranged marriages.

“And, Alana, it’s irrelevant because I’m quite sure when I talk to Rex again he’ll understand your decision and want to support you in it.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“May I remind you that you pay me to manage your image. I will do my job.”

“Sorry. I know you will. And, thank you, Caroline. I truly appreciate you. I hope you don’t experience any fallout from choosing to do things my way on this one.”

“Your mother did use the words, ‘I’ll ruin you. You won’t work in this town again after this.’”

I roll my eyes. “She’s grasping at straws. If you pull off salvaging my image …”

“When… When I pull off salvaging your image. It’s not if I do it, but when.”

“Okay. When. When you salvage my image, people will be banging down your door to have you rep them.”

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