Page 46 of The Publicist
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Things are over, and I’m fine with it. She was fun while it lasted, but I can’t distract myself with a relationship right now anyway. I have too much riding on this movie and the next one. Plus, my manager has sent a few scripts over for some auditions. So, I wouldn’t be able to spend a lot of time with her anyway.”
She points her lettuce filled fork in my direction. “That’s the lamest piece of bullshit I’ve ever heard. You love her, and she loves you. There is no denying it. Everyone can see it, plain as day. Whenever she’s around, you can’t help but smile. I’m sure someone could shoot your puppy, and if she showed up at the funeral, you would forget why you were sad in the first place.”
“That is the worst analogy I’ve ever heard.” I stifle a laugh.
“Well, it works. It got my point across to you. Now, be smart and fix this. She’s just as miserable without you, I know it.”
“Have you talked to her?” I ask, hopeful.
“Not since I told you about the incident at the club, but thatwasonly yesterday.”
I run my hands through my hair, and I know the stylist is going to yell at me for messing up her work this morning. “Yeah, well, I did, after we got off the phone, and it wasn’t pretty. She hates my guts, and honestly, I’m not sure I blame her.”
Her features soften. “What do you mean? What happened?”
“We each said some things we didn’t mean, and that was that.” I chuckle. “The funny thing is, I forgot in my haste that I fired her as my publicist, and I went to see her when I got back in last night. I wanted to make up for everything that was said between the two of us. Imagine my surprise when she wasn’t there.”
“You’re an idiot, Caleb. Why can’t you pull your head out of your ass and admit what you did was wrong?”
“I don’t love her, and I don’t think she loves me.” Yes, I do, but I haven’t admitted it out loud to anyone, and I don’t plan on saying it to Elena first. I wanted to be able to tell Quinn that. I was going to take her to Boston with me to say it. We could go to Fenway to see a game, or go to the top of the Prudential Center to look down amongst the city. Hell, we could go to the North End for some pastries and I could tell her in a crowded street for all I care. I just want to be able to tell her when it’s just the two of us, when we aren’t on someone’s set schedule.
“Yes, you do. What are you going to do to fix this?”
“Nothing.”
Chapter 39
Filming wrappedand Amanda is back in the office. She keeps going on and on about how nice everyone was, and how wonderful it was to work with Caleb. The small pang of jealousy keeps rearing its ugly head whenever she talks about him. I can tell she is swooning, and she has no idea what actually happened between the two of us. She tells me all about how he came to visit the first night and how he is the easiest client she has ever had to work with. She asked him to do something—or not do something—and he obliged, no questions asked. He practically fought me tooth and nail to do anything.Men!
My other clients are at least happy to see me and have me back with them full time; so, silver linings, I guess.
My office phone rings, and it’s the receptionist. “Ms. Harrison, there is a gentleman here to see you.”
“Who is it, Jen?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me.
“He’s been asked to remain anonymous.”
My heart starts pounding; it has to be Caleb. I start flattening out any wrinkles in my dress, wanting to make a good impression. “Okay. You can send him back.” I hang up and stand, so I’m in front of the desk. I smile brightly, and as I see him turn the corner, it falls.
“Hey, Quinn. How’s my favorite girl?” Tait asks. He must notice my expression change. “Sorry, lass, it’s just me. I know you were hoping it would be Caleb. Has he not been in touch with you?”
I shake my head and motion for him to have a seat. He does, and I take the spot next to him. “No, he hasn’t talked to me since the night we had the fight. I’ve been too scared to reach out to him, too, so really it’s both our faults.” I give him a sad smile, and he places his hand on my knee, trying to comfort me.
“What are you doing tonight? Do you want to join me for dinner?”
I shrug. “I was planning on staying here late. I’ve got some work I can do, and it will be quiet. I guess I could spare a few minutes for some food.” I haven’t been eating as much. I’ve been too focused on my job and trying not to think of Caleb. Being upset over Caleb has done wonders to my waistline—I should have thought about this years ago.
“Well, you look like you could use some food. I’ll be back to get you in an hour. Be ready.”
He walks out of my office, and Amanda is on him in seconds. “Hey, Tait, I thought I heard your voice. What are you doing here?”
“Just visiting Quinn. She and I became quite close before she left. Just wanted to stop by and say hello as I’m back in town.”
She giggles, and I think I might gag. This is not normal for Amanda; she is usually so professional. I’ve never heard her talk to clients like this. “Well, if you see Caleb, can you tell him hello for me. I’ve been trying to reaching out to him, but he isn’t responding.”
I’m seeing red at this point. Why does she need to talk to him? Her job is complete; she shouldn’t still be in contact with him.
I peek my head around the corner and I see Tait looking uncomfortable. “I’ll let him know you’re looking for him if I see him, but we aren’t really on talking terms. Have you tried reaching out to Elena?”