Chapter 7
Since I expectedit to come down to this, I was prepared. We sat in Bailey’s management team’s office. I was at one end of the table with my team surrounding me while hers was on the other side. It looked and felt very much like an ambush.
I nodded to her agent. “It’s good to see you again, Robert.”
“Wish I could say the same.”
Biting my tongue, I responded, “I understand that you’re wary of me, but I can guarantee you that I will give 110 percent to this movie.”
Her manager got right down to business. “There’s not a chance in hell Bailey is doing this movie with you.”
Before I let my short fuse get the best of me, B. Night chimed in, “Now let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Bailey would kill in this role, and you know it.”
“We have no problem with Bailey playing the role of Quinn,” Robert announced. “Just as long as he’s not playing the role of Samuel.”
What could I say?
Where I could I even start?
If I spoke up, it was going to be out of anger, and that was never a good thing. I didn’t have to worry for long. One of my favorite things about Thomas was his power to command a room, and he proved his worth to me within seconds.
As soon as he declared, “Aires has every intention of doing whatever he needs to do to make this happen. On top of the fact that we’re talking about Bailey Pierce-McGraw and Nicholas Aires III, let me pitch it for you… America’s Sweetheart and the bad boy of Hollywood filming a movie together, can we say tabloid gold? Bailey is known to the world as the girl next door, but let’s not mistake her fandom. It won’t be long until they outgrow her. She needs a new edge. She needs a new following. Something relatable, something real.” He paused for effect.
“Aires’s fans love that he gives no fucks, and they will devour this match made in heaven. Women love the good girl who can change the bad boy… People want to see love flourish. They want to believe that it exists. That if it’s possible to tame Aires, the eternal bachelor, then it’s possible to tame any man. Women want the hope, the excuses to keep screwing the guy who won’t ever settle down with them. The one who plays the game, the man who fucks them over time and time again. They want to believe that love can conquer all. It’s truly that simple.”
“Simple isn’t the word I’d use to describe what you want.”
Thomas answered Robert, “I know. I didn’t say this would be easy on your part, but think of it as a love story within a love story. Fans can believe what they want. We’ll just lay the framework and crumbs to open not only number one but maintain that title for months.”
“So a lie?” her manager asked.
Thomas countered, “You’re telling me you’ve never lied to get ahead? We’ll control the narrative.”
Robert nodded. “Your theory is more delusional than we thought.”
There wasn’t a chance I was going to give up and lose this opportunity not only to make a movie with Bailey but also to spend time with her. The positive press and changing my image were just a bonus.
I opened my mouth to plead my case, when out of nowhere, the double doors to the room opened and in stormed Bailey with Capri behind her.
We locked eyes for a second before Bailey spoke with conviction, only looking at her team, “I’m doing this movie whether you want me to or not, and Capri is fully on board, so you can either get on board or you can find yourselves a new client.”
I jerked back and saying I was surprised with her outburst was an understatement.
“Bailey…” Robert surrendered his hands. “This?—”
“Isn’t up for discussion.” She interrupted. “I trust B. Night’s vision, and if he thinks we’re made for the part, then I’m honored to play the role.” Her gaze shifted to mine. “It’d be my pleasure to play your love interest, Aires. You’re the definition of a professional actor, and I know your private life won’t interfere with us making an iconic production together.”
I smiled, leaning back against my leather chair, and crossed my arms over my chest. If I had popcorn, I would have kicked up my feet and enjoyed the show. This was the first time I’d ever seen her stand up for herself, and the fact that she was doing it for me meant everything.
Plus, I was proud as fuck of her for finally taking charge of her career. It was long overdue.
Glaring back at her team, she threatened, “Have I made myself clear?”
They looked at each other with expressions of pure disdain but knew better than to test her threat. Bailey buckled down, crossing her arms over her chest, mirroring my pleased demeanor along with B. Night’s.
Capri beamed. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
“Well then…” Her manager stood while the rest of her team followed with their tails tucked between their legs. “I guess we stand corrected.”
Yeah, the fuck you do.
* * *