Chapter 5
Jessamine
“Jessamine, can you explain why you have a problem with Adán El Rey’s new relationship?”
I whip my head to the side to try to see who’s pushing a microphone into my face. Weeks of the same questions are wearing my nerves thin but this narrative is problematic on so many levels.
“When have I ever said that?”
“Answer the question,” the pushy paparazzi with the beer belly says. The massive sweat stain could mean he was waiting for me to surface to ask me bullshit.
“You answer my question instead. Why are you bothering me and making up bullshit?”
I move around him, opting to not waste anymore time but one of his friends flanks me.
“So you’re bitter.” She implies.
“Never bitter, always busy. I don’t give a damn what my ex does. Move.”
I pivot to get away from the space invaders and something solid hits my leg. A small whooshing sound escapes the kid’s lips before he collides with the ground.
“Oh no,” I sigh as I bend to help him up.
His pale cheeks turn red, right before he bursts into tears. He’s the most adorable thing ever but I hear the clicking of the cameras as I help him up.
“Johnny!” His mom cries out. “I told you to watch where you’re going.”
“I’m so sorry,” I tell her. “I didn’t see him, they,” I motioned to the paps taking pictures, “were blocking my view.”
His mother, a woman who appears to be in her mid-twenties laughs with a shake of her head.
“Are you kidding, he bounced off famous hips.”
My surprised chuckle has me covering my mouth. “I was not expecting that. I was totally prepared to be mauled by a mama bear. He is so cute.”
The little buddy perks up at the compliment as he wipes his face.
“And rambunctious,” his mom adds. “It’s fine. I saw the entire thing. I know it was an accident.”
I turn the glare at the paparazzi but they’re already walking away. “I’m relieved. I’d never purposely hurt a little buddy,” I admit. “I love kids.” I turn my attention to her son, “I’m sorry for bumping into you, Johnny. Are you okay?”
Johnny, who has already moved on, cheeses up at me as he moves some of his hair out of his face. “I’m okay but Spider-Man isn’t.” He holds up his broken toy. “But he’s a fast healer.”
“He is,” I agree. “But I would like to get you a new one if that’s okay.” I suggest as I look between the mom and son.
Excited, Johnny jumps into my arms and I’m happy that my reflexes are fast enough to catch him. I accept his hug, loving the feel of the small child’s warmth.
Oh, my ovaries!
∞∞∞
I’m done. The newscycle and the vicious fans try to turn me into an asshole no matter what I do.
No one is pointing out that I went to the toy store and had lunch with the mother and son.
I didn’t do any of that out of guilt, it was just nice to talk to people who weren’t obsessed with this so-called love triangle.
It also helped me see that I may not be in the right place.
I found myself preferring to talk to a six-year-old about his toy collection than the majority of the adults I’d recently seen.
My social media blowing up with another lie is the last straw.
The city was starting to feel too small.
Suffocating. I’m thoroughly regretting my decision to move to New York after our break up.
It just doesn’t feel right anymore. Filming always kept me away from the city anyway.
How and why do they keep creating this lie that I care about Adam’s relationship?
His name and now Shira’s are the last names I want to hear.
It’s a shame that being on the opposite side of the United States from Adán, isn’t helping with this situation.
The paparazzi are too comfortable in New York and LA wouldn’t be any better.
I need to be in a place where cameras aren’t always in my face.
The desire to escape is clawing at my skin and taking my anxiety to an all time high. I do not feel safe here.
My phone pings, taking me out of my thoughts.
Kyle-Manager: I know you want to take a break but I want to run an offer by you.
Me: I can’t deal with people right now.
Kyle-Manager: Which is why you might like this.
Sighing, I hit the call button. Kyle answers after one ring.
“I’m listening.”
“There has been a botanical alcohol company reaching out to me because they want you to be a spokesperson since you are health-conscious and all. But,” he rushes on before I can cut him off.
“I was holding out since you had a lot on your plate. This morning, they doubled down their offer with something I knew would interest you.”
“Bottomline me.”
“The owner is so sure you’re the right person for their brand that he also extended the offer for you to be the spokesperson for his brand new wellness resort.
” Kyle starts speaking faster because he loves the reveal.
“It’s in Dallas. Just a few hours away from your hometown.
” He sings the city name the way he does when he thinks something is perfect.
“No appearances necessary. It’ll be just you and the staff for one week as you test drive all of the amenities of the resort for free before the grand opening.
You will taste the botanical drinks while I deep dive to make sure all the ingredients are something you can stand behind.
If everything lines up and is to your liking, then you can sign their contract.
If not, you at least got a luxurious week to yourself to unplug and decompress. What do you say?”
A fresh set of tears attack as I remember the vitriol waiting for me online.
“They want me even with the bullshit online?”
“The assistant insisted on adding you to the resort brand deal BECAUSE of the bullshit online. She said and I quote. ‘We are huge fans of Jessamine and the show. She doesn’t deserve this. She needs a break.’”
Although Kyle is quoting a stranger, I can’t help but to feel seen.
“Who is behind the project?”
“The youngest of the Heywood Corporation. It’s a wonderful empire to align yourself with. Plus you love their lemonade.”
“That’s true. I’ve publicly talked about it for free.”
“Exactly,” Kyle explains while probably calculating his commission
Fuck it. I’m moving back to Texas.
I don’t bother to ask for more details. “I want to leave now.”
I end the call before he can respond and start packing with shaky hands.
Tears are still in my eyes. I hate to think I’m fleeing a city so I’ll look at it another way.
I’m liberating myself from the bullshit.
Luckily, my lease was month-by-month anyway.
I sent the landlord my notice then checked my unread emails to find that Kyle has booked the earliest trip back to Texas.
I look around my new empty temporary home while reflecting on how quickly I packed up my life and moved in one day.
I know Kyle expected me to return but I refuse.
I will handle my business from Dallas. It didn’t take much thought to decide to give Lake Dallas a try especially with the offer on the line.
While Texas was the place I needed to be, I didn’t want to be a sitting duck in Houston since my hometown would be the first place they’d look.
I’m still feeling low and emotionally drained as I reflect on everything.
At least the youngest Heywood knew how to welcome someone.
I was pleasantly surprised to be directed to a private jet for my flight.
The staff and food was phenomenal. My cousin was able to hook me up with one of her units in her rental complex to house me until I find a permanent place to stay.
She won’t be back in town until I’m done with my resort tour and I cannot wait to see her.
I have two days before I check in at the resort. I just want to sit in silence and stare at the ceiling.