Chapter 20 #2
Teagan Davis, her longtime manager, had been texting her relentlessly about the urgent need to fight back against the wave of coverage that had made her life look like one big drama, when it was anything but.
Marlene had mentioned that once the press had made the connection between Carson and the recently reunited Corbin and Kate, a brush fire had blown up into a wildfire overnight.
Cresley had ignored messages from employees, friends and colleagues as she spent most of every day at the hospital with Carson.
In coordination with Carson’s security team, she’d allowed Ty to go back to school last Monday, with men positioned outside the school to ensure his safety.
He had at least two of Carson’s guys with him at all times, with her friends pitching in to keep him safe and happy while she was at the hospital.
Isla and her friend Mrs. V had also offered anything she needed, and Cresley had gratefully accepted Isla’s friendship along with their help.
Carson had promised his men would keep her son safe while he was in school and out. “They’re extra vigilant since Beckett stabbed their boss. Keeping you and Ty safe is their only concern.”
While Anthony had been driving her to and from Cedars, two other guys had been assigned to making sure they weren’t followed to the Laurel Canyon rental.
The general consensus was that Marlon was probably long gone from LA at this point, but they were taking no chances when it came to her safety and Ty’s.
Anthony was still unhappy she’d gone alone to Cedars the night Carson summoned her and made her promise she wouldn’t go anywhere alone again.
Cresley wanted to know how someone desperate for money could disappear without a trace, but from what Carson had told her, it happened more often than most people realized.
When backed into a corner, rats tended to run, he’d said.
He suspected Marlon was in Mexico by now, but she wasn’t so sure, and the not knowing had her constantly on edge as she and Ty tried to carry on as if everything were normal when it was far from that.
The one bright spot in her days, other than every minute with Ty, was the time she spent with Carson, snuggled up to him in his hospital bed, watching movies and talking about everything and nothing and soaking up the second chance they’d been given and would never take for granted.
She couldn’t wait to have him at home where she and Ty could dote on him until he was back to full health.
The hospital’s security had roped off an area for the media to gather to get their daily photos of her coming and going from the hospital. Thankfully, Carson’s guys were also there to make sure they didn’t get anywhere near her.
As she walked into the lobby at Cedars, she was surprised to find Teagan waiting for her.
At just shy of six feet without the three-inch heels she favored, Teagan had long, sleek dark hair, luminous light brown skin and gorgeous brown eyes framed with extravagant natural lashes that were the envy of all her friends.
They’d met years ago in the modeling trenches and had been close friends and colleagues ever since.
“Figured I might catch you here,” Teagan said as she hugged Cresley.
“I’m sorry I’ve been avoiding you. I’ve been on overload.”
“I know, honey, but we need to make a statement and perhaps do an interview to change the narrative that’s festering online.” Teagan wore a light gray suit that was probably Prada, and one of her many priceless purses hung from her forearm.
Since she’d become a mother, Cresley couldn’t keep up with all the latest brands and designers, except for those she was paid to promote.
“I don’t have the mental energy to do an interview right now.”
“I think you have to. People want to hear from you about what happened, and with the manhunt for Marlon making the news every day, your point of view is badly needed to balance the discourse. Otherwise, the story becomes Cresley Dane drove her ex crazy, and he tried to kill her new boyfriend or some such bullshit.”
“They’re really saying that?”
“In the absence of truth, fiction takes over. You know how this works, love.” Teagan showed her a photo of Cresley sitting outside on a bench with Carson yesterday.
She’d taken him out to get some sun on his face, as he’d requested.
“This was online this morning. ‘Cresley Dane comforts Carson Remington as he recovers from being stabbed by her ex, Marlon Beckett, in the yard of her Hollywood Hills home.’ It already has more than a million views.”
“I understand that you’re concerned about the impact to my career, but I’ve done nothing wrong, and neither has Carson. We’re victims of a violent crime that happened to take place at my home.”
“You need to say that publicly, Cresley, and reclaim the narrative from the trolls accusing you of driving Beckett crazy, which is why he stabbed your new man.”
“Write something up and send it over. Text me when you send it. I’ll turn it right around. That’s the best I can do right now.”
“We’ve already prepared a statement that’s waiting for you in your inbox. Let me know when it’s approved, and we’ll release it for you.”
“Thank you, Teagan, and I’m sorry for going silent on you.”
“I understand you’ve been overwhelmed. So this sexy new man of yours, Carson Remington… You’ve been holding out on me, girl.”
Cresley smiled. “It was brand-new when this happened.”
“And now?”
“He’s very special, and I’m looking forward to taking him home and helping him to fully recover. That—and Ty—are my sole focus right now. Everything else needs to be put on hold.”
“Already done, babe.”
“What’s D&G saying?”
“That they hope your friend makes a speedy recovery, and they hope you can get back to work before too long.”
“They’re not threatening to pull out of the deal?”
“Not that I know of, and I would’ve heard.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Take care of your man. We’ll deal with the rest.”
Cresley hugged her friend. “Thank you. Love you.”
“Love you, too. I’m so glad he’s going to be okay.”
“So am I. I’m not sure what I would’ve done…”
“Don’t go there and check your email.”
“I’m on it.”