“That’s bullshit, Reeve, and you know it. You’re the star of this movie. The fans are already going crazy for you. If this movie is going to be as big as predicted, there’s no way they can recast Camden Marshall. You have leverage, Reeve. You’re the one with the power in this situation. All you had to do was tell them that clause was a deal breaker, and they would’ve conceded. I bet that bitch Bianca has been filling your head with crap because this feeds into her agenda too,” I fume.
“This is bigger than me, Viv. Fans of the series aren’t happy that Saffron has been cast as Abby.”
“I don’t disagree,” I snap.
He continues, ignoring my little outburst. “It’s an issue if they don’t get on board. While Saff has her own loyal following, the series fans could make or break this movie.”
“More bullshit,” I hiss. “This isn’t a PG-13 movie. The main target audience will be adults, and most adults don’t give a crap about stuff that’s said online. And what does some fans objecting to Saffron’s casting have to do with you agreeing to a fake relationship?”
“The studio believes the fans will come around if they think we’re in a real relationship. That it’ll cement us as Abby and Cam. Ultimately, it’s for the greater good of the movie. That’s why I agreed, and I got it modified so we only need to hint at a relationship in public. It won’t go beyond a few fake dates, some holding hands, and suggestive looks. I won’t have to kiss her. I made them take that out.”
“Well, that makes it all okay then!” I yell. I shove at his chest, but he’s a solid wall of muscle. “Get the fuck away from me. I can’t even look at you right now.” I shove him again, and I’m seconds away from beating him with my fists.
“I’m not budging until we fix this.”
I snort, balling my hands into fists at my sides. “The only way you can fix this is to get that fucking contract modified.”
“You know I can’t do that. Please, Viv.” He rests his forehead against mine. “Please don’t make a big deal out of this.”
“Are you for fucking real—”
“Oops, sorry.” Saffron tugs on Nate’s hand as she pulls him past us in the hallway. “I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“I’m sure you didn’t,” I scoff.
“Leave us the fuck alone, Saffron,” Reeve snaps, and I’m glad he’s not hiding his anger from her. Maybe all hope isn’t lost after all.
“We’ll just be on our way,” she says, ignoring me and mouthing “sorry” at Reeve.
I stare numbly after her and Nate, watching them walk up the stairs, groping and laughing like my world isn’t crumbling around me in shattered piles. “I thought she was fucking the assistant director?” I say to Reeve.
“We broke up. He was too old and boring. Younger guys have much more stamina!” she shouts down the stairs, and I flip her the bird, even though she can’t see me.
“You mean he served his purpose and you’re chasing the next victim who can help your brand?!” I roar up the stairs at her.
Reeve can deny it all he wants, but I know she has her sights set on him. Pity he’s too fucking blind to see she’s already laying the groundwork, and I hate how much she’s coming between us. I’m so frustrated I could scream, and I’m mad at my boyfriend for sucking me into all this drama. I shove his shoulders again. “Get off me. I mean it, Reeve. If you don’t step back, I will not be responsible for my actions. Right now, I hate you. I hate you with the heat of a thousand suns.” My anger gives way to pain. “How could you agree to this?” I cry. “You didn’t even consult me about it. We used to discuss everything, and you never made decisions that impact me without my input.” I shake my head as tears stream down my face. “What happened to me grounding you, huh?”
“What happened to you supporting me?!” he shouts, eventually pulling away from me.
“I have always supported you, Reeve.”
He harrumphs, flattening his back against the wall across the hallway. “All you have done since I got this role is bitch and whine. I have never given you any reason to doubt my loyalty, yet you hurl accusations at me all the time. I can’t handle your insecurities, Viv. Do you have any idea of the stress I’m under? I don’t need this shit from you. You know it’s not real. It’s part of the industry.” He pushes off the wall. “For fuck’s sake, more than half the so-called relationships in Hollywood are fake. It means nothing, Viv. It’s part of the role, and I am getting sick of repeating myself.”