16. Ben
16
Ben
C arlisle and I have been holed up in my house for the past few days hanging out and getting to know each other face-to-face. It's been perfect.
But today I have a meeting that I can't miss, which gives me an opportunity to finally read Carlisle's notebook that Harper gave me. It's been burning a hole in my pocket. I leave for my meeting a few minutes early to allow me time to pull over and read the contents in its entirety. The entries are concise, so it doesn’t take me long. When I finish reading it, I almost wish I hadn’t because I am fucking livid.
As a secondary observer, it's obvious how Mr. King groomed Carlisle. A young woman far away from home without a strong support system and completely dependent on her salaried job to survive, she was ripe for the picking. Mr. King’s calculating harassment started out with minor infractions, designed to test Carlisle's boundaries and reinforce the uneven power dynamic that existed between them. Incrementally, her boss's actions became more and more overt, culminating in yesterday’s assault.
I doubt Carlisle is his first victim, and unfortunately, I doubt she’ll be his last. It takes all my willpower not to storm into Staples King and beat King’s face to a bloody pulp. That perverted scumbag deserves nothing less.
Instead, I place a call to my attorney and give him a run-down of what’s detailed in Carlisle’s notebook. Together we put in place a plan to protect Carlisle and ensure that she’ll never have to deal with her boss again. It’s presumptuous for me to do this without discussing it with Carlisle first, but I want to provide her with a solution. I know if I ask to help her, she’ll rebuff my offer out of misplaced pride.
Especially if she knew my attorney’s hourly rate.
I’d love nothing more than to take her boss to court or file criminal charges against him. Unfortunately, it’s a shitty situation and Carlisle doesn’t have a lot of options without any corroborating evidence. It’s a classic he said/she said case.
In the meantime, my attorney agrees to messenger over a letter alerting King that Carlisle has retained counsel, and that she would be filing a lawsuit for sexual harassment if he doesn’t pay her severance pay along with providing a glowing letter of recommendation to help her land a new job. I’m hoping that King isn’t savvy enough to call my bluff and pays up. A few months’ salary will provide Carlisle with some breathing room to plot her next career move.
Speaking of career moves, I have my own that need plotting.
Putting the car in drive, I hustle to the meeting I requested with Becky and Jada so that I can tell them about Carlisle.
“Ben, good work on the first round of press coverage,” Becky says as she shuffles some papers around the conference room table. “Your Good Morning, USA interview impressed the studio heads and confirmed the results from studio’s test screenings of Captain Commander . Audiences love you and Willa together.”
Sensing that there’s more that Becky wants to say, I remain quiet .
The awkward pause stretches until Becky finally cracks. “Specifically, everyone loves your onscreen chemistry with Willa. Given your successful interview with Samantha McGriffin and her insinuation that you and Willa have an offscreen romance, the studio would like you and Willa to go all in.”
“All in?” I repeat, my eyebrows shoot toward my hairline. Prickles of apprehension skirt across my skin with a growing sense of dread.
“Studio 67 wants you and Willa to go public with a romance to generate more hype and publicity for the movie.”
Showmances, Hollywood’s nickname for fake romances that are orchestrated as part of a publicity plan, happen more often than you’d think, but the participants’ silence is always ensured with legal contracts. I’ve never been involved in one before. From time to time, I’ve been told to accompany an actress to a premiere or a party, but it was always a one-time thing. A single date is easy to fake, but falsifying an entire relationship? That takes a lot more time and effort to make it believable.
Time and effort that I’d like to dedicate to someone else.
When I came here today, I planned on talking to Becky about how to best take my budding relationship with Carlisle public. I anticipated that the movie studio may want me to keep my relationship quiet until after my movies premiere, but I never expected that I’d be asked to be involved in a showmance with Willa.
That sure as shit wasn't on this year's bingo card.
How will I explain this to Carlisle? Will she understand it’s part of my job? Will she be okay with it?
If our roles were reversed, I wouldn’t be alright with her parading around pretending to date another dude. How can I ask that of her?
“I take your silence for hesitation. What’s up, Ben? You and Willa get along great. This shouldn’t be a big ask. She’s already agreed to it. ”
Fuck. If Willa’s already agreed, then it becomes that much more difficult for me to say no. I sigh heavily. “What’s the proposed timeline?”
“The studio PR team proposed the backstory that you and Willa started dating while you were shooting Captain Commander, and you’ve continued quietly dating since filming wrapped last year. To legitimize your relationship, they’ll plant stories from anonymous sources confirming the duration of your romance. Since you both keep rather low profiles and haven’t been linked with anyone else during that time –”
“Willa dated that professional baseball player,” I interject, hoping to throw a wrench into the plan.
“Only a few photos surfaced of them together and none of them looked overtly romantic. As far as the public is concerned, Willa and Baron are old friends," Becky explains with a patient smile. "Anyway, you and Willa will continue with the relationship through the promotional tours in December, and then you can go your separate ways. We’ll issue a joint statement confirming the split in January.”
“Only six or seven weeks then.” I rub my jaw, contemplating the situation. “What exactly will the studio want us to do?”
“They’re drawing up a schedule now. Once it’s finalized, I’ll get it to you. Obviously, you’ll be each other’s dates for all of the promotional events for Captain Commander and she’ll accompany you whenever possible for your Truly, Madly, Deeply events as well. A little PDA here and there for the paparazzi. A few dates in LA and while you’re traveling for the promotional tour.”
Jada cocks her head and narrows her eyes at me. “Look, I know you’re normally a private person, but is there more to it than that? As you said, it’s only a few weeks.”
Ah, the moment of truth .
Sitting forward, I meet her stare and decide that I need to be honest if there’s any chance to avoid participating in the showmance. “I just started seeing someone and I don’t want to screw it up with her because I have to pretend to be dating Willa. I actually scheduled this meeting to discuss Carlisle. Not this…" I trail off, leaning back in my chair. With a sigh, I scrape my hands down my face in frustration. “Does this really need to happen? Can I say no?”
Becky glances sharply at Jada before she replies. “Jada and I can give the studio some pushback, but—”
Interrupting Becky, Jada snaps, “It wasn't long ago that you sat in my office, assuring me that you were committed to doing whatever it takes to land the role in Losing Love . Those were your exact words, Ben. Whatever it takes. Do you remember that?"
Reluctantly, I nod.
" Captain Commander is an action movie. The director who’s attached to Losing Love is known for independent films. Period pieces. Serious dramas. He's not going to be impressed by an action movie; however, Lyonsfilms Studio will be if Captain Commander blows its competition out of the water on opening weekend. Because all the studios care about is making money.
"You have the acting talent to tackle the role in Losing Love , but the commercial successes of your prior films have been mixed. Some have been huge hits, but you've had a few flops. Exceptionally strong box office showings next month will improve your chances at winning the role." Jada steeples her fingers together over the top of the ebony lacquered table and leans towards me, pinning me down with a glare of disappointment. "And a romance with one of America’s leading ladies will cause ticket sales to skyrocket. ”
Becky trades a look with Jada and then adds, “It’s our professional recommendation that you agree to the showmance, but we can discuss other options that might pacify the studio.”
"I appreciate that."
"But Ben, if the studio wants it badly enough, they'll force your hand," Becky warns. "The publicity contracts are intentionally vague for a reason."
With every word that flows from Becky's and Jada’s mouths, my stomach sinks a little further. I don’t want to move forward with a showmance, but if I’m forced to, then all I can do is hope that Carlisle will be amenable to this truly fucked up scenario.
I shove those thoughts aside, compartmentalizing my apprehensions because I fear that what Carlisle and I have is too new to weather that particular conversation.
After leaving the meeting, I make one stop and then drive directly home. I only left Carlisle a few hours ago, but I’m eager to see her again. I miss her.
I utilize the drive home to get my head on straight because I'm still reeling from the showmance proposal. Unfortunately, my choices are limited.
To begin with, I can’t be romantically linked to Carlisle right now. If I can pacify the studio by keeping my burgeoning relationship with Carlisle out of the press, hopefully I won’t be forced to give into to their latest demand .
Maybe the mere idea that Willa and I might be dating will be enough to grab the fans' attention and satisfy the studio.
When I arrive home, I find Carlisle in the kitchen raiding my pantry. My eyes rove over her from head to toe. Her long blonde locks look like as if they’ve been tousled by the sea air, and she’s applied some light make-up that highlights the blue of her eyes and the curve of her high cheekbones. She’s dressed casually in a t-shirt and denim cut-offs that show off her toned legs.
What I wouldn’t give to have those legs wrapped around me.
Like an Etch-a-Sketch, I give my head a gentle shake to clear away my dirty thoughts.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” I say in lieu of hello. "A sight for sore eyes."
“Stop, you’re going to make me blush.”
Noticing the delicate flush arising on her cheeks and neck, I comment, “Too late, babe.” Stepping into her, I slide a finger through one of the belt loops of her shorts and pull her body to mine. Snaking my one arm around her waist, I rest my cheek on her head. Being tall, I’m used to women being shorter than me, but Carlisle fits perfectly under my chin. Just like she was made for me.
Angling her head towards mine, she shines the full wattage of her double-dimpled smile at me and sniffs. “What smells so good?”
"Besides me?" She rolls her eyes. I laugh. "I brought home Thai take-out. I hope that's okay."
“Sounds great,” she shrugs. "I'm easy."
Winking, I tease her, “Easy, huh? I like easy," which earns me another eye roll.
While we eat around my kitchen island, Carlisle fires questions at me, mostly pertaining to my career.
"What's a role that you auditioned for but lost?"
"I was up for Isaiah in Departing Chaos ." I shake my head, feeling a little disgruntled. "I still can't believe they gave it to Louis Hamlin instead of me."
"That movie was terrible, Ben!"
"I know because they picked that douche canoe over me!"
Carlisle smooshes her lips together to stop her smile from growing. "So humble."
I grin and nod. "Indeed, I am."
Snagging a bite of Thai basil beef from my plate, she chews thoughtfully before she resumes her questioning. “Favorite role you’ve had to date?”
“Hmmm… probably Charlie from Friday Night Gridiron . I got my first onscreen role on that show. Without it, I’d probably still be bumming around Austin doing who knows what.”
“I can’t believe that we talked about Friday Night Gridiron, and you never said anything! I feel kind of stupid when I think back on it.” Carlisle’s eyes swirl in embarrassment and she covers her face with her hands.
“Don’t feel stupid.” I pull her hands away from her face and grip them tightly. “If anything, I feel terrible for not telling you the truth sooner.”
Her unease slowly dissipates. “Okay,” she relents. “I’ve been wondering… Why did you tell me that you were a bartender the first time we spoke?”
“When you asked, you caught me off-guard. I played a bartender in Truly, Madly, Deeply , and it was the first thing that popped into my mind.” Smirking, I add, “Better I said bartender than superhero, right? You never would have talked to me again.”
Her snicker makes me smile. “100%! I absolutely would have declined every call from you.” Polishing off the last bite of her spring roll, she changes the topic. “Tell me more about the movies that you have coming out. You mentioned that you have to travel for them soon.”
Carlisle sets me up with a near perfect opportunity to broach the subject of a possible showmance with Willa, but I hesitate before responding.
I want to figure out the depth of my feelings for Carlisle before I decide if it’s worth risking our relationship to land a film role. So, I chicken out and give her a brief synopsis of both films instead.
“Well, I can’t wait to see them.” Pushing her plate away from her, she places her napkin on the table and stretches her arms above her head. "I'm stuffed. Thank you for dinner. It was delicious."
Throughout the meal, my phone has been vibrating in my pocket from text message notifications. I’ve been ignoring them, wanting Carlisle to have my undivided attention. But when she slips away to use the restroom, I check my phone—and then immediately wish I hadn't.
TREVOR
Still on for our training session tomorrow?
JOJO
I’m heading home in a few. Need anything from me before I leave?
FYI—I reserved a flight to Austin for Thanksgiving in case you decide to go. (Mama Sutton has been calling me too.) LMK if I should cancel it. Currently set to depart LA on Wednesday morning and return home on Friday afternoon.
PIPSQUEAK
What’s the plan, love? I’m game if you are. Want to be my boyfriend? Wink, wink.
JADA
Give our earlier discussion some serious thought. I wouldn’t ask you to do this if I didn’t think it was necessary. Talk soon.
BECKY
If you agree to the PR relationship, the studio wants to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. You’re staying in town for Thanksgiving, right?
After scanning my texts quickly, I feel the walls closing in around me. As much as I want to ignore Willa and the possibility of a fauxmance with her, I can’t.
I have a decision to make.
However, Joanna’s texts supply me with an idea for an escape, at least for a few days.
I shoot off texts to Becky, Jada, and Willa informing them that I'll be out of town for Thanksgiving and that I won’t take any more meetings until after the holiday. They’ll have to wait until after Thanksgiving for an answer, which allows me a week to debate my next move.
During that time, I must figure out what Carlisle and I are to one another, and if what we have together is strong enough to withstand a fake relationship with another woman.
Or if my relationship with Carlisle is special enough for me to dig my heels in and refuse to participate in the arranged relationship with Willa.
Hearing Carlisle’s approaching footsteps upon the wood floors, I slip my phone back into my pocket and vow to make the most of the time I have with Carlisle. Starting right now.
“Hey, what are your plans next week for Thanksgiving?”
The worry lines etched on her face are at odds with her soft, flippant voice. “Not sure yet. Probably stay home and watch the Macy’s Day parade while eating a whole pumpkin pie by myself. You? ”
“You’re not going home to Mississippi?” I question, my eyebrows lifting in astonishment. Today might be my lucky day after all.
“Not this year,” she answers quietly. “As you know, my relationship with my dad isn’t great, so I waited for an invitation from him. I didn’t want to buy a plane ticket before I knew what their plans were. Anyway, when I finally spoke to Monica, my dad’s new wife, she informed me that they’re going to visit her family in Alabama.”
“You don’t want to go to Alabama with them?”
Pain flashes on her face. “I wasn’t invited.”
“That sucks. You can see them at Christmas though, right?”
She shakes her head ruefully. “Dad, Monica, and the twins are going to Mexico for Christmas. They’re staying at a house on the beach, but unfortunately, it only has two bedrooms so there isn’t room for me to join them.” She has a smile on her face when she says the words, but I can see the hurt that she tries valiantly to conceal. “Basically, I wasn’t invited. Again.”
I come stand behind her at the kitchen counter and wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly. “That’s total bullshit.”
“I’m sorry to be a downer. I’m fine, it’s fine, everything’s fine.” She shoots a big smile over her shoulder at me. While I love to see those dimples of hers, I hate that she’s pretending with me.
Turning her around to face me, I place a finger under her chin, lifting her face. “Don’t do that. Don’t gloss over the painful parts. I’m here for you. The good, the bad, all of it.”
Nodding mutely, she looks everywhere but in my eyes. It’s clear she doesn’t believe me. Yet. But she will. I’ll see to it that she will.
“Look, you need to get away and I want to skip town. Come with me?”
This could be perfect. A short vacation together. All the possible destinations float through my mind. Jo chartered private flights to and from Austin, but we still have plenty of time to change our destination. Banff, Key West, Scottsdale, Telluride…
“Aren’t you going home to see your family? I don’t want to take you away from them on a holiday. It’s fine, I promise. I’ll see you when you get back. Just because I’m not spending Thanksgiving with my family doesn’t mean that I’ll let you bail on yours.”
“I won’t enjoy myself knowing you’re alone.”
Although I haven’t declined my parents’ multiple invitations to spend Thanksgiving in Austin, I had every intention of begging off, but Carlisle’s comment has given me an idea. It's not ideal but it's better than spending the holiday week apart.
“What about a compromise? Come home with me to Texas and meet my family,” I impulsively implore her. “Come on, please.” I shoot her my best puppy-dog eyes. While this is much less fun than a vacation for two, I only have a week with her. I’ll gladly spend Thanksgiving with my family if it means that I get to spend the holiday with Carlisle.
Well, gladly is pushing it, but I’ll do it, nonetheless.
“What? No way! Don’t feel sorry for me. I’ll be okay here by myself. Besides, there is no way I can afford a last-minute airline ticket.”
“Don’t worry about the ticket. I’ve got you covered, Carlisle.”
“No, Ben. You lead a much different life than I do, but I want things between us to be as normal as possible. If Harper invited me home for the holidays, I wouldn’t expect her to pay my way.”
“Is your only hesitation that you don’t have the money for a ticket?” I ask, trying to identify her exact rationale, so I can best provide a counterargument.
She hems and haws before admitting that it is, which makes my job incredibly easy .
“Good, then get your bags packed. It’s a quick trip because I have work commitments. We’ll leave Wednesday morning and come back on Friday mid-day.”
As she gapes, I give her a quick kiss on her cheek and stroll towards the living room, ending the discussion. Plopping onto the couch, I grab the remote to scroll through Netflix to find a show for us to watch, but Carlisle is hot on my tail.
“Wait, what? Ben!” Standing over me with her hands on her hips, she looks irritated. I put my hands on the curve of her waist and pull her towards me so that she’s standing between my legs.
“Jo chartered a private plane for me, so I have the whole plane to myself. It costs the same no matter how many people fly on it, so there’s no need to buy a ticket. Even in first class, traditional airlines will be slammed and chaotic with all the holiday travelers.” I shrug my shoulders. “So, private plane. And before you protest, you’re doing me a giant favor.”
I pause, wondering how much to tell her now. Eventually I’ll have to tell her everything, but I don’t want to unload the details of my family drama yet. If I do that, then she’d probably run for the hills.
“When I see my family, things are tense, so your presence will be a welcome buffer.”