Page 116 of Catch Me
Stan goes quiet.
The entire line goes quiet, and I imagine Rachel mentally scrambling to fix this.
“Understood,” Stan finally replies. “But that’s not what I was referring to. The photo of you and Rachel isn’t the only issue. In the writeup, it also mentions that you were spotted getting into an altercation with, uh, Dennis?—”
“James,” I finish for Stan.
“Is that true?” Rachel asks.
“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. “They should’ve put that picture in this damn post. That’s the real story of that luncheon.”
The headline from the blog post went with the story of Amber Jones and my non-relationship, including a few photos of us eating lunch together and Amber holding my hand before we parted.
“That could be a potential problem,” Rachel says.
“He’s a non-issue,” I tell them. “That piece of garbage is on the verge of bankruptcy and possible criminal charges for stalking and harassment."
Turns out, Dennis James didn’t leave his antics to the online space. At least one woman has come forward claiming harassment with evidence.
“We can use that to spin this if it gets out,” Rachel says after I tell them about Dennis’ history and what happened at the restaurant. “Maybe if Ivy is willing to?—”
“Absolutely not,” I say through clenched teeth. “I don’t want her anywhere near this. He’s done enough to her.”
“But what if?—”
“No. Ivy’s not for public fodder. End of discussion.” My tone is razor sharp.
“Okay, we’ll do everything in our power to keep your private life private,” Rachel promises. “Meanwhile, we need to figure out a way to get ahead of this Dennis James thing. If footage of you assaulting him gets out …”
“I’ll deal with it,” I say.
“Andreas, Rachel is right to bring this up,” Stan agrees. “You assaulting someone is the last thing we need with you starting promotions forLate Nightssoon.”
My top lip ticks.
“He deserved that punch and much worse,” I counter. “If it gets out …” I glance back at my closed bedroom door. “I’ll handle it. I have to go.
“In the meantime, set the record straight about me and Amber. The past is over. We broke up more than three years ago, and it’ll remain that way.”
“Will do,” Rachel answers.
“I’ll be out of touch for the next week. If you need anything, my assistant is on standby.”
“Once you return, we need to hash out your promotional schedule forLate Nights,” Rachels tells me.
“I spoke with Michael yesterday and post-production is going well. He’s ahead of schedule. We should have the final viewing within a couple of weeks.”
I run my free hand through my hair. All of this sounds great, but I know that means my schedule is about to get even more hectic.
“I’ve already got two scripts ready for you to review. I definitely think?—”
“We can discuss it when I get back,” I tell Stan, at the same time I turn around to see Ivy quietly leaning against the wall.
She’s dressed in the button down top I left on my bedroom floor last night in my rush to get inside of her.
The shirt stops a few inches above her knees.
Her eyes drop to the phone in my hand before she gestures to the bedroom, trying to escape back inside.
