Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 468(@200wpm)___ 374(@250wpm)___ 312(@300wpm)
Nick looked curious. “Tell us.”
I sat next to Nick, my nerves flying. He looked so good dressed in a button-down with the sleeves rolled up and dress pants. I wore a skirt and blouse Andi got in the hotel lobby shop, the pretty colors suiting me. I swallowed as Nick leaned over. “Relax, Shortcake. This will be easy. We’re just gonna answer some questions.”
“In front of a few million people. How did Tom do this so fast?”
“Magic.”
Gloria Hanes, the interviewer, joined us. Well-known, well-respected, and clearly surprised, she sat across from us, offering us a smile. “So, we’re going to wing this. I’m going to let you lead, Nick. I have the questions Tom has given me, and I’ll let you tell your story. You can join in when you’re comfortable, Mila. We’re going to keep this to twenty minutes, and it will air live at eight, preempting the show that was planned. Once it hits the airwaves, his story will be worthless. It’ll kill that gossipmonger’s ratings.” She smiled widely. “That’ll be worth it.”
She leaned forward. “Any chance of a sneak peek at your latest book, Mila? I am a huge fan.”
I laughed. “Andi will get you one. I’ll send the whole collection to say thanks for doing this.”
She settled, waiting until her mic was clipped on. “The author falling for the star? The actor with a hidden secret? Uprooting his entire life to be with the woman he loves. My God, that’s a book right there.” She looked past us with a nod. “Okay, you two ready?”
Nick squeezed my hand. “We’re ready.”
I swallowed and lifted my head, remembering what my dad had said to me when I called to tell them what was happening.
“Show them who you are, Pumpkin. Strong, fierce, talented, and beautiful. We’re so proud of you.”
“Ready.”
An hour later, I sat, bemused, as Nick and his team shook everyone’s hand. The interview had been easier than I expected. Gloria was charming, intelligent, and blunt. Her questions were direct and formed in such a way they could be answered without implicating anyone.
She downplayed my identity.
“You write under another name. I know many authors do. Why?”
I shrugged. “I’m boring. My life when I’m not writing is simple. There is no news. I used that name in a contest and it brought me luck, so I kept it. I’ll still keep it. A.M. Archer is the artist. Mila is just along for the ride.” I laughed lightly.
Nick entertained her with the whole gofer story and my nickname. She laughed in delight, but I was glad he never mentioned the pool.
Then they discussed his bipolar disorder, not giving too much away. She cocked her head. “And the studio allowed the story of you being in rehab? They preferred you being a drug addict to the truth?”
He had smiled and shrugged. “What happened or what was done is in the past. I’m looking toward the future.” He drew in a deep breath. “But I will say this. If you need help, ask for it. Go to your doctor. A friend. Reach out. You don’t have to suffer with pain on your own.” He found my hand. “You can find your support. I did, and I’m stronger for it.”
She turned to me. “So, Mila. I understand you live with a disorder as well.”
I cleared my throat and talked about vasovagal syncope.
“How extraordinary,” Gloria mused. “I had never heard of that until now. So, you could pass out at any given moment?”
“It’s much more under control. But I don’t drive or operate heavy machinery,” I quipped, making her laugh.
“And you found each other.”
Nick smiled, his megawatt superstar smile that made women melt. “She bolsters me, and I hold her up when needed. We’re a great team.”
Gloria nodded. “So, a new page, Nicholas. A new life, new management, a new goal. A clean slate, so to speak.”
Tom had insisted that line be in the interview. It sent a clear message to the world that MJ was no longer part of his career.
“All of which I’m looking forward to,” he replied.
“And love.”
He nodded, pressing a kiss to my temple. “And love.”
She looked at the camera. “Only in Hollywood, folks. The writer falls for the star. The star changes his life and finds healing in revealing the truth. Then they ride off into the sunset together.” She smiled at me. “Sounds like a great book to me.”
I smiled. “That is one story I plan to never end.”
Gloria ended the program with phone numbers and websites for mental health.
And it was over.
Nick sat beside me, resting his arm on the back of the sofa. “You were amazing, Shortcake.”
“So were you.”
Andi sat down. “Well done, you two. My phone is blowing up.”
Tom chuckled. “Mine as well. We should get to it.”
“What about tomorrow?” Nick asked.
“We’ll handle it. You two have done your part. I doubt MJ will show. If she’s smart, she’ll send her lawyer to sign the papers and the NDA. Tonight killed her revenge. They are pulling the show that was to air. She has nothing left to hurt you with.” Tom smiled at us. “You two relax tonight. Your part is over.”