Page 18 of The Publicist
“It looks like the death machine that’s going to make my hair a complete mess. Either the top goes up or we’re taking my car. It took me too long to tame this mop as it is.”
He groans and opens the passenger door for me. “Get in, Princess. I’ll put the top up, just for you.”
Victory!I take a seat and smile. He puts the top up and peals out of the driveway, heading downtown. The ride is comfortable and the music is low. “Thanks for coming with me tonight. We will be up in the VIP area, so there shouldn’t be too many cameras around.”
“Just add this evening to my running tab of what you owe me. I’ll be able to buythiscar if I want sooner than later with all the extra things you want me to do.”
“There’s a lot more I want you to do, baby. If all it takes is a bit of payment, I’m down for that.” He smiles briefly before realizing he basically called me a whore. “I don’t mean it like that, Quinn. I don’t think of you like that. Oh, shit.” He shakes his head, trying to backpedal to safe territory.
I roll my eyes and turn my attention to the passing streetlights as we drive. “I see we have a long way to go until your head is out of your ass,” I mutter.
We arrive at the club, and the place is already packed with a line out the door. There are photographers swarming the place, along with fans waiting to catch a glimpse of celebrities as they enter. Caleb pulls the car up and hands his keys to the valet as I step out onto the curb. He jogs to the other side and links his fingers with mine, leading me into the building. He doesn’t stop for photos, and I try to duck my head away from the flashes.
We make it inside with ease and are led to a private area in the back of the club. Elena Conners is already back there with a few people whom I assume are her friends. I also see Bradley Mathas, Caleb’s newest co-star, and Tait sitting at a table, each with a drink in their hands. There are countless other celebrities lounging in various states, and a small giggle bursts through my lips.
Caleb leans closer. “What’s so funny?”
“I feel like I’ve walked on to the set ofKeep Her Hiddenwith everyone that is here. It’s just crazy.”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting starstruck.”
“Not starstruck, but I have friends who aren’t going to believe this is how I spent a Sunday night.”
“Well, let me introduce you and then I’ll get you a drink.” We walk over to Elena, and Caleb pulls her into a hug. “Quinn, this is Elena, one of my good friends. Elena, this is Quinn Harrison. She’s my girl.”
I look up at him and back to Elena. “Hi, Elena. What he means to say is I’m hispublicist. He made me come tonight to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid. I’m trying to change his public image, but he keeps messing it up.” I shake her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise, I’m glad you could come. This means I don’t have to keep him entertained tonight.”
Tait looks over at me with the mention of my name and gives a small wave, making no move to come closer.Thank God he’s listening and staying away.I wave in return, and Caleb’s hand goes around my waist in an instant. I roll my eyes but don’t move to push him off of me. Bradley walks over and smiles at us.
“Caleb! What’s going on, man?” Bradley grabs Caleb’s hand and pulls him close for a chest bump hug.
“Hey, Bradley, good to see you. This is my friend, Quinn Harrison. Quinn, this is Bradley Mathas,” he introduces us.
“It’s nice to meet you. Any friend of Caleb’s is a friend of mine. He’s a good guy. Don’t let the press fool you.” He smiles.
“The press never scares me; I know how to make it work in my favor,” I respond, and he scrunches his eyes in confusion. “I’m his publicist. I’ve been hired to change his public image,” I explain.
“Oh! You’re the girl everyone talks about. When you get into deep shit, you’re the one to call. I’ve heard your name passed around.”
“I’m flattered. If you ever need to get out of trouble, give me a call.” He smiles and turns to start up a conversation with Elena.
Caleb turns to me. “I’m going to get us a drink. What do you want?”
“I’ll take a white wine, please. Don’t need a repeat of last night.” He nods and makes his way to the bar to get our drinks. I pull out my phone, trying to avoid Tait, and see I have a text from Thad.
Thad:Looks like people think you two are dating. Click the link.
A second message comes in with the link. I click it and bring up pictures from Tortilla, the two of us last night at the gala, and now entering the club.We just got here ten minutes ago. How the hell are these up so quick?Technology amazes me sometimes. I respond back to him.
Me:Yay for me. Guess this means I won’t be getting lucky for a while.
Thad:You need to run with this. Make it appear real. Couldn’t hurt his image, could it?
I roll my eyes. Yeah, right. Caleb and I pretending to date—like anyone would believe that. I put my phone away as Caleb places the glass of wine in my hand. “Thanks.” I take a sip and weigh the idea some more. Thad does have a point; it might help change his image. No longer the party boy, but the boy who is settling down. “Hey, Caleb, can we go somewhere a little quieter to talk? Something has come up, and I want to discuss it with you.”
“Is everything all right?” He sounds concerned.