Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
"Uh, yeah."
"Okay," Regina appears again, getting everyone's attention. "So we've got helicopters above. Telephoto lenses down there and there," she points. "We talked about a safe distance." She turns to me. "Let's see how you'll stand."
I look over at Asher, unsure of what's going on.
"No looks," she snaps. "That can be misconstrued in photos."
"But-"
"If we do this right no one will think twice about this being anything more than you out with a group of friends," she ignores me and stares at Asher. "Best case scenario no one will care about who Elle is."
"God lets hope," Mona glares.
"Brad, you should stand in between them just in case. Where's Phil?"
Four more people approach. Brad and Asher greet them. I recognize two from other photos I've seen before.
They introduce me.
A costume designer, makeup artist, and the other two are producers, all Asher's friends.
Is everything always so staged?
After a few more directions we get moving.
Pretty soon our shoes are crunching loudly against the dirt path.
Am I even allowed to talk to Asher?
I'm not sure.
I decide to try.
"So all these people know we're together?"
It's weird looking across two others to see him.
"After the big stink he made, yes."
It's one of the lawyers that respond.
"We all sign something," the costume designer nods.
“Oh, that’s comforting.” I sarcastically respond.
“Don't worry,” Asher confirms. "Everyone is paid to do what they're supposed to do."
I look over, but get yelled at again and frown.
"It's not so bad," Brad shrugs.
"I thought someone briefed her on this?" Another shouts.
"It would ruin his career," Regina drones like she's said the words a thousand times before.
"And it would ruin your life," Asher quips.
“That’s... harsh,” I snap.
"What's harsh is being sent death threats," the makeup artist girl replies. "I hugged him once outside his trailer on a video shoot and let me tell you, it was not pretty."
"This seems like an awful lot of trouble."
"That's what I said," Mona groans.
"It's fine," Asher hisses.
"We just have to be careful," Regina agrees. "A lot rides on this."
"Sales could drop." I don't see who says it.
"Movie numbers."
“I get it,” Asher sighs. “Just, Elle, please don’t make me feel any worse.”
I look his way again but this time out of the corner of my eye, thankful he can’t see the concerned look on my face. I've always known his life wasn't normal, but this is truly one of the most outrageous things I've seen and done.
"That reminds me," Regina slows down next to me. "It really would be beneficial for you to sign this."
I don't need to look to know what she has.
"Did anyone fax it to the best friend and parents? What about the brother?"
I'm caught off guard.
"Enough," Asher hisses.
What the actual fuck is going on?
"We did discuss the benefits, Asher." Someone interjects.
"So that's why you came tonight, Parker?" Asher groans. I can tell by his tone that he's getting upset.
"I'll pause that," Regina continues. "I'd also like to get your approved meals."
"My what?" I gasp.
"We're doing the tour schedule, Elle," she raises an eyebrow. "Your list of approved meals. Likes and dislikes?"
"Let's not discuss that," Asher waves his hand in the air.
"Good idea," Mona nods. "Tour isn't for a while. Who knows what will happen by then."
I think I'm going to be sick.
I veer off to the side.
"Elle?" Asher calls.
"I, uh, just need a minute."
Everyone halts in place as I find a rock a little ways away.
What is going on?!
A second later Brad appears. "Elle?"
"What - this is stupid."
"Then you're probably not going to like that I'm bringing you a message from Asher."
"Because he can't come over himself," I nod.
"Yeah..."
"Oh god. Brad..." I look to him for help. I can't remember the last time I felt this overwhelmed.
"I know this is weird."
We suddenly hear helicopters above and look up.
"He could have at least prepared me for it."
"I think he kind of did. In his own way. It's why he never brought you out here."
"I'm an idiot for pushing. This is-"
"He was just trying to do something nice. Try to remember that."
I swallow hard and nod.
"Anything with Asher involves people. That comes with the territory."
"What about not getting a say?"
"Also comes with the territory," he shrugs. "That's why he's never had a real girlfriend before. It's too much work. It says a lot about you that he thinks you're worth all that work."
I bite my lip, unsure.
"Try not to focus on the negative. You can do this. You have to."
I glance up at his words.
"Mainly because I don't want to see him hurt, and losing you would hurt him like hell. Please don't make me pick up those pieces."
I let out a low huff, just as Asher appears. He flashes an apologetic look.
“I'm fine," I sigh.
"I should have probably warned you a little. I wasn't thinking."
"Space!" About five different people shout as he gets too close.
He takes a step back.