36. Griffin
GRIFFIN
I stand in the dark, empty hallway, feeling like a piece of my heart has walked out of the building.
I pace back and forth, waiting for Luke’s return.
It’s not long before I hear a barrage of shouts outside.
I rush to the door and open it, peering out.
Flashes of light spark through the bushes like white fireworks exploding outside the gardens.
Paparazzi.
I should’ve known they’d be waiting outside.
I push through the doors and race down the steps. My only goal is Ashton and getting her to safety. As soon as I exit the gate, a horde of paps engulfs me.
“Did you plan to fall in love with Ms. Reid?”
“Did you always know Ms. Reid was actually Ms. Blake?”
“How does Scarlet feel about being betrayed?”
“How does it feel to be Hollywood’s newest playboy?”
“Do you regret leaving Scarlet for Ashton?”
I ignore their questions and push and shove to get through.
Ashton is nowhere in sight.
Cameramen shine their bright lights on my face, blinding me. I push their cameras to the side.
“Do you have any comments about your most recent romantic escapades?”
“How long has this secret relationship with Ashton been going on?”
I clench my jaw and face the closest camera. “No comment.”
My Audi’s engine roars in the parking lot and squeals to a stop, pulling up to the curb. The passenger door flies open.
“Get in!” Luke shouts.
Relief courses through my veins.
I jog to the car and slip in.
“Thanks, man.”
“Of course.”
“Did Ashton get out okay?”
“Well enough.” Luke disperses the crowd with continuous honks.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Is she safe?”
“She’s safe. She made it into Winston’s limo.”
The paps chase us to the end of the parking lot.
Once we’re on the main road, Luke guns the engine. “Home?”
“Yeah.” I slump in the seat, thumping my head against the headrest.
“What the heck happened back there?” Luke changes lanes.
I swipe my face with my hands. “Scarlet told me she loves me.”
“Knew it. Go on.”
“I told her I didn’t love her back.”
“Brutal, but needed to be said.”
“I was hugging her, comforting her, and Ashton saw us.”
Luke glances over, brow raised. “Let me guess, she thinks you’re two-timing her?”
“Pretty much.”
“I can see why Ashton’s pissed.”
“Plus, I forgot to tell her about my dad being with her mom.”
Luke slugs my bicep.
“Ow. What was that for?”
“I told Ashton I’d beat you up for her. You got off easy.”
I rub my arm. “Fair enough.”
Luke eyes me, glancing between me and the road. “I told you to be upfront about that.”
“I know. I’m an idiot.” I exhale. “This is not how I wanted Ashton’s big night to go. I told her I love her.”
Luke whistles. “Was this before or after the secluded rendezvous with Scarlet?”
“After.” I pinch my nose. “I doubt she believes me.”
“She might. At least, one day. Probably not in this moment, especially now that the media has connected her to her reality TV days, on top of your blunder with Scarlet, and the drama with your parents.”
“Gee, thanks for the recap.”
“But she will, bro. Just give her time.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, as though it will erase the last hour of my life. “That’s what she said. She wants time.”
Luke shrugs. “Hey, at least she didn’t tell you to f-off and that she wants nothing to do with you. I would say time is a good thing. Probably best since you still have the premiere to go to with Scarlet, plus three more weeks of continuing your relationship status. That’s going to be awkward.”
“There won’t be any more relationship between us.”
“What about the contract?”
“I’ll do the premiere, as friends. Nothing more after that.”
I was being truthful when I told Ashton I don’t care about the contract anymore. I would walk away from my career entirely if it meant we could be together. No role or award has given me the same amount of joy she has.
She’s everything.
My phone rings in my pocket. I swipe to answer it without looking at it, hoping it’s Ashton. “Ashton?”
“Just the subject we need to discuss. What were you thinking, Son?”
My shoulders fall.
“Now’s not the time, Dad .”
“How could you make such a spectacle of yourself? Chasing after a woman in front of all those people like some besotted schoolboy while Scarlet watches you from across the room. This is going to be a publicity nightmare for me.”
Not, “ Are you okay? ” Not, “ I’m sorry this contract is ruining your life .” Not, “ I’m here for you, son.” It’s always about him.
“I’m sorry I’m making your life more difficult, but in case you’ve forgotten, this is my life.”
“Yeah. And you just screwed up. Big time. Do you really think Wesley’s going to want you as his lead after you screwed over his daughter?”
“I don’t care anymore.”
He ignores me. “I told you to keep your personal life private. Why is that so hard?”
I grit my teeth, my jaw clenching. “Because it’s my life! I should be able to do what I want with it.”
“Apparently! Since you paraded your private life for half of Hollywood to see tonight. Now everyone and their dog knows you’re cheating on Scarlet.
This could take weeks—months—to die down.
We’ll have to extend the terms of our contract to ensure the public is convinced your relationship with Scarlet is real.
You’ll be lucky if Wesley proceeds with his offer.
This is a publicity nightmare. The public will hate you for this. ”
“Am I talking to my agent right now, or my dad? Because frankly, you suck at both. You’re fired.”
“Son, you don’t?—”
I press end call.
A weight immediately lifts off my shoulders.
I should have stood up to him sooner. If I had, I wouldn’t have lost Ashton, because I wouldn’t have been trapped in a contractual relationship in the first place.
It’s done. Now I need to figure out how to get Ashton back in my life. And for good.