Page 73 of Hot Mess

I let out a heavy breath. “I guess you’ve seen the news?”

Steve barked out a laugh. “You could say that. Jeff is pitching a fit, he wants you back on set, and I’m not even going to mention May. I’ll let you see her social media. Jeff is probably more apoplectic over her right now than you. Did you find your Kayla? How is she doing in all of this?”

I had to chuckle. Expecting to be the badly behaving cast member, it was a relief to discover I was not. It was also very kind of Steve to be concerned about Kayla.

“Not yet. I think I know where she is. I've got a mess to clean up here and then I’m going to go get her.”

“She is welcome back on set at any time. And you know I don’t say that often.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”

Isaac ended the call. We stared at each other like the idiots we were.

“Why don’t you go work out? There’s nothing to be done here. I’ll let you know the second I hear anything. And stay off the socials. I’ll see what nonsense May has posted.”

I did my best to distract myself until it was time to make my public statement. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we arrived at the hotel my agent’s PR team booked. There weren’t a lot of reporters. But the way social media worked, I didn’t need a lot. I just needed the right ones.

Grace gave me a phone consultation and suggested that I wear a blue suit with a silk t-shirt. Business but casual enough to show that I was focused on getting work done.

I could recite lines and perform choreographed fight routines. I had no problems smiling and answering innocuous questions on the red carpet, but this was different. This was important. My gut clenched with unanticipated nerves.

I stepped up to a cheap podium that had seen better days, that the hotel typically covered in color-theme matching drapes and hung some branding sign off the front. Today it was just battered. I read the written statement from the page. I didn’t bother trying to act my way through this. The people there got my raw reaction to the situation. They saw my rage, and my fear.

“This morning an unknown source released photos of an incident that happened at a private event. I’m sure by now you have seen the photos. I will not go into details of what was shown. Yes, I am in those photos. I’m not going to deny that. The other person is not a public figure, and these images were not taken at a public event. The party where this incident occurred was at a private home, and neither the public nor the press were invited. These images are a clear violation of privacy. Legal action is being pursued. The images are being pulled from sites as I speak, and I ask that any website, or social media feed to remove the image.”

I scanned the crowd before returning to reading the statement.

“In addition…” I looked at the words. I couldn’t do this. I crumpled up the paper in my fist.

“Look, whoever took those pictures and released them, you will be found. And I will pursue all legal action against you. You have embarrassed someone I care very deeply for by exploiting an accident that resulted in what you all saw. I failed at protecting someone properly, that’s on me. I can only hope the damage you have done can be repaired.” I let out a heavy breath.

“I’m supposed to take questions now.”

At first, I couldn’t focus on the questions as everyone started barking out.

“Hey, hey, one at a time.”

Isaac stepped up and pointed at the first reporter.

“Can you tell us who the woman is?”

“She is…” I paused. I didn’t want anyone going after Kayla. “For now, we are trying to keep her identity quiet. However, I can tell you she is my fiancée.”

The room erupted in noise. I gestured at everyone to quiet down.

“Yes, I am engaged. Only a few people knew. This is not how I had wanted to introduce my future wife. But it seems pertinent so you can understand my anger. I will tell you she is a very private person, and we all need to respect that, especially in light of this situation.”

“How did you meet her?” Someone called out.

“I won’t be answering any questions in regard to my relationship with the victim. But I will answer your other questions.”

Isaac began pointing at the reporters with their hands raised.

“Aren’t you concerned about your career?”

“What about Captain Wonder?”

I shook my head. “My career will survive this. Regarding Captain Wonder, the studio and their teams are allowed to take their time to review before making a decision. I will stand by whatever they deem appropriate.”

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