Page 35 of We Own Tonight
She grins. “I wouldn’t worry about that part. I’ll handle her. She’s a non-issue.”
“Good, and don’t bring her up to meagain.”
“You got balls, man,”Noah laughs before throwing back a beer. “I just signed the damncontract.”
I’ve been here three days working with Paula on renegotiations, and this is the first time I’ve allowed myself to relax. Normally, New York is where I feel settled. I know this isn’t my native home, but I love it. The lights, people, smells, and food make me want to stay forever. I think it’s also New Yorkers’ ability not to see famous people. I’m at a bar without a single worry that some vapid fan will come bug Noah and me. However, tonight I would much rather be on the beach or sitting in a beautiful woman’s living room eatingpizza.
“It’s not balls, it’snegotiating.”
“How wasTampa?”
My mind shifts to Heather. It’s funny how after a few days, she’s what I’m associating with my hometown. Not Ma, Randy, or the hundreds of things that I love about Florida. No, it’s the beautiful blonde who has taken up residence in my goddamnmind.
“It’s definitely moreinteresting.”
Noah may play my brother on the show, but I still don’t want to share her with him. As soon as people find out about her, she’ll be swamped by publicity, which will send my shot with her up in smoke. My world comes with a whole new set of rules, right now, I want to play byhers.
I think back to the night we were together. We were laughing, talking, and hanging out. I can’t remember the last time I did that with a girl. Usually, it’s expensive restaurants, clubbing, and the talk about how great we’d be together if I give the random girl ashot.
With Heather, it’s nothing likethat.
I’m not even sure she actually likesme.
“Yeah?” he asks with a knowing grin. “What’s hername?”
I lift my hand, motioning to the bartender to head our way. I need to get off the topic so that I don’t outright lie to my closestfriend.
It’s clear she knows who we are but does her best to mask it. Another point for NewYorkers.
“What can I get you guys?” The bartender gives a seductive smile. I take a second to look her over. She’s hot, but all I can think is that her eyes aren’t brown and her smile is wrong. When Heather smiles, my heartpauses.
“Two beers,please.”
“Not a problem.” Her blue eyes travel to my mouth before coming back to my gaze. I know the look. It’s her come fuck me eyes. I’ve seen them a lot, but once again, my mind isn’t there, so I turnaway.
Noah chuckles, and I glance back at him. “Smooth.”
“I’m here for business this trip. I don’t have time for a woman,” I try to explain. It sounds plausible. I’m here to kick my agent and the network’s asses. I’m not here to fuck some bartender. I have a goal, a mission, and that doesn’t includedetours.
I’ll stick with that line ofbullshit.
Noah shakes his head in disbelief. “Because you’ve never been known to mix pleasure when dealing withbusiness?”
I’m not quite the playboy everyone has made me out to be. Sure, I’m not known for being a long-term relationship guy, which I blame on the bitch, but my public persona and the guy Noah, Randy, Shaun, and Adam are friends with are not the same. I’m different on stage or behind the camera. I look the part they’ve created—a bad boy with women in every town. It could be true, but it’s not. I don’t know what it’s like not to always be putting on a show, but the other night with her, I felt . . .normal.
“Not since, Jo—” I almost said her vile name. “Her. I learned my lesson on the importance of keeping a clearhead.”
Noah’s head snaps back. “Who?Penelope?”
Penelope is the reason I started acting. She pushed me to take something that would keep me around more, plus, the band was getting old and had lost a lot of its popularity. I loved her and wanted to make her happy. My heart was hers, and I thought she loved me, turns out she doesn’t love anything exceptherself.
“Yup.”
Noah eyes me carefully and pulls a long draw from the bottle. Then he proceeds to pick at the label as we both sit quietly. “I’ve known you a long time, and I like to think we’refriends.”
“Weare.”
“I know you’ve got secrets, I don’t push because I’ve got them, too, but whatever happened between you and Penelope Ashcroft was years ago. She’s married now, she’s moved on, and you’re still reliving the shit shedid.”
