The Love Script, page 21
“You can’t let a woman sway you on this.”
“Let me ask you a question.” Lamont placed his elbows on his thighs. “What happens if I get married?”
“To Nevaeh?” Bryan cried.
“To anyone.”
Bryan shrugged. “Then you’ll be a married actor doing movies.”
“And if I have kids?”
“Then you’ll be a married actor with kids making movies.”
Lamont bit back a sigh. “You do know most actors slow down once they have a family, right? They pick and choose what roles they want because their families come first.”
“Only you’re not married, and you don’t have kids, so why slow down now?” Bryan studied Lamont. “Do you need a break? Are you getting burned out?”
“No, not at all. I simply don’t want to ruin my new relationship either.”
Bryan’s eyes flickered back and forth, then his shoulders dropped. “Nothing I say will change your mind?”
“No. I feel good about this.” Truly, he did. Bryan trying to storm the castle made Lamont realize just how important it was to take a stance. He wanted to be able to give Nevaeh the time she deserved. She was worth it.
“Fine.” Bryan opened his mouth to continue speaking, but his phone rang. He held up a finger, then answered the call. “Bryan Wilkinson, how can I help you? . . . Yes, sir, I saw. . . . We talked, and I support his stance.” Bryan’s gaze flicked to Lamont’s, and he shook his head as if he really didn’t.
Was Otto or James on the line? Lamont wanted to inch forward and listen to the call, but Bryan would update him when it was over. Lamont pulled up a message thread with Nevaeh.
Lamont
Want to go to a horse race with me?
Nevaeh
Sounds fun. I’ve never been. Where is it?
Lamont
Del Mar.
Nevaeh
When is it?
Lamont
Last weekend of this month.
Nevaeh
Count me in.
Lamont
Can I count you in for dinner tonight? Someplace fancy?
Nevaeh
Applebee’s?
Lamont
😂 Better than Wendy’s.
Nevaeh
😂 Don’t we have your premiere tomorrow?
He’d almost forgotten about that.
Lamont
Yes.
Nevaeh
Then I’ll relax tonight in order to prepare for tomorrow.
Lamont
Understood.
“Lamont!”
His head jerked up at Bryan’s yell. “Sorry.” He slipped his cell into his pocket, ignoring the vibration of a new text. “What’s up?”
“That was James Cannon.”
So it had been the owner of Cannon Industries. “Was he mad?”
“More resigned than anything.”
Phew. Lamont waved Bryan on. “Keep talking, Bry.”
“He wants you and only you for the role. He said if you feel strongly about being able to see your girlfriend, he’ll make an exception and arrangements.”
“What do you mean ‘arrangements’?”
“Check your email. Apparently, he’ll send a longer version later, but sounds like Nevaeh can stay with him and his wife whenever she comes to visit. I’m not sure if they own vacation homes in the other locations or will rent a home for the duration of filming.”
Lamont grinned. He’d get to see his girlfriend. “What if she decides to try for a stylist position?”
“James and his wife will be your chaperones for dates.”
It would stink not having alone time, but he’d be able to see her. “I could work with that.”
“I never thought I’d see you go bananas over a woman.” Bryan shook his head.
“I’m not acting irrational. Just . . .” He paused. Had he been about to use the four-letter word? After only a month and a half of dating, he couldn’t be that far gone already. Right?
“You’re what? Lovesick? Sweet on her?”
“Hush, man.” Lamont tossed a throw pillow at his agent, who ducked successfully.
“Well, make sure you tell her the good news. And please, don’t bother James every couple of weeks with a visit. If she doesn’t end up getting the job, just have her come once a month.”
It wasn’t perfect, but Lamont could deal with that better than going six months without seeing her. “When will filming start?”
“He said if you’re agreeable, mid-August.”
So he’d get two weeks of no work? A small blessing. “Okay. I’ll sign the contract.”
“Great.” Bryan stood. “Thanks for making me more money.”
“And the real reason you showed up is revealed.”
Bryan rolled his eyes. “Like you don’t appreciate the funds.” Bryan threw up a peace sign and waltzed out the door.
As soon as it closed behind him, Lamont threw a fist in the air.
“What’s got you all chipper?”
Lamont spun on his heel at the sound of his mother’s voice. “You’re up.”
She nodded. “I think the combination of Zumba this morning and shopping with Carol did me in.”
“Then you’re feeling all right?” He studied her, trying to note any irregular fatigue or pallor in her face.
“Who’s the parent?” She eyed him, pouring a cup of coffee.
“That’s a trap.” He smiled. “I’m just a concerned son.”
“Humph. You’re about as bad as a helicopter mom.”
Ouch. Maybe that’s why the Holy Spirit was trying to get his attention. But he’d joke back with his mom. “You did ‘claim’ I had separation anxiety as a kid.”
“Claim!” Her mouth dropped. “Don’t act like my memory is faulty. Trying to downplay how my one and only son would sob buckets if I attempted to use the restroom in peace. Acted like I was physically harming you.”
“And look how close we are now.” He smirked.
“Oh, you.”
Lamont laughed, then let out a slow breath, thanking God she wasn’t sick. Still, he’d have to come to terms with the very real fear that gripped him at the thought of her getting sick again. He couldn’t keep reacting like this. Something had to change, and it was probably Lamont that needed an adjustment.
Twenty-Nine
Nevaeh, you go ahead and sift that flour for me, ’kay?” Mrs. Hazelton said.
I nodded, doing as instructed. She’d knocked on my door a few minutes ago and informed me of today’s activity: baking a coffee cake for my man. Her words, not mine.
“How’s the boyfriend?” Mrs. Hazelton asked.
“He’s good.” I bit my lip, trying to keep a grin from forming at the thought of Lamont.
Knowing he was truly my boyfriend still induced pinchable moments. So far, all I had were irritated arms.
“Just good?”
“He’s the best, Mrs. Hazelton.” I studied my neighbor. “But I’m also beginning to worry I’ll end up on the side of the road with a stupid glass slipper.” Women didn’t go from rags to a ball gown without the help of a fairy godmother. The only person I could think of who even fit that role was God, which made me cringe. I wasn’t trying to say He’d grant my every wish—quite the opposite. Lying to the world made me feel like I’d land in rags, sitting on a pumpkin, because of my own choices, not because God let me down.
Mrs. Hazelton laughed, jarring me from my thoughts. “You sure do tickle me pink, Nevaeh Richards.”
“It’s a gift.”
“It really is. It’s hard to remember to laugh some days.” She tilted her head, examining me. “I have a feeling the last couple of days have been tough to laugh through. Them shutterbugs camping out and disturbing your peace.” She shook her head. “They’ll never learn.”
“Well, they’re gone today.” When Nora had peeked through the window earlier, her face had resembled one who’d sucked on a lemon and discovered the sourness.
“Have they been a huge problem?”
I shook my head. “I can survive them.” Plus, when I moved out, they wouldn’t know where I’d gone.
“I know you can, my girl.” She mixed the wet and dry ingredients together. “How come I haven’t seen you wearing your uniform lately?”
“I got fired.”
She gasped. “I’m so sorry. Have you ever thought of opening your own salon?”
“No. I like working on film sets more.” I did not want to be my own boss. That was a headache I would gladly give to someone else.
“Then I’ll be praying it happens.”
I stared at Mrs. Hazelton. How had I never thought of that? I’d hoped I’d get a position on a film set, even wished I would. I’d spent time polishing my portfolio and had applied to various positions over the past few months since my last spot ended. Yet in all that time, I’d never thought to pray to God about it. To lay my desires at His feet and see what He could do.
Hadn’t the pastor at Lamont’s church preached on the importance of coming to God with everything? He’d said something like it was one of the primary purposes of prayer. Had my relationship with God always been superficial on my part?
My face heated. I’m sorry, Lord.
After a few more moments of silence, I finally spoke. “I’ll pray the same thing.”
The rest of our time went relatively quickly, and I soon left with a loaf in hand for myself and one for Lamont. Back at home, I reached for the dry-cleaning bag my dress hung in. My stomach clenched. This would be my first ever movie premiere. Jody had helped me pick out a dress I’d feel confident in, but the thought of all those flashing lights and knowing I would actually be on a red carpet had me wanting to reach for a trash can to toss my lunch in.
Breathe, Nevaeh. Now’s not the time to get “crazy eyes.” Unfortunately, quoting Date Night didn’t bring me any humor. Perhaps a wig would help me channel my inner diva—not the Diva Jones variety of course. I opened my wig wardrobe and stared at my beauties. The bottom row held my personal wigs. The ones I didn’t let clients use. I grabbed one with coiled ringlets. The style would look great with my designer gown.
Knowing I’d be prancing around on the red carpet had me reaching for a body shaper. I shimmied until everything was where I wanted it to be. After donning my gown, I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror. If Lamont didn’t drool when he saw me, I’d let him hear it.
My phone rang, and I smiled at Lamont’s name. “Hey, boyfriend.”
“Hey, beauty. Are you all ready?”
I slid a hand down my hip. “I am.”
“Great. I was about to turn the corner when I saw paparazzi out here. Just wanted to let you know.”
Of course they were here. Nora must be home. She had started posting old pics of her and me to gain more followers. She was pathetic, and I refused to engage in her shenanigans. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
“See you in a sec.”
I hung up and made my way toward the door, but Nora stopped me in my tracks.
“Going somewhere?” She arched a brow, looking down at me, even though we were practically the same height.
I stood up straighter, chin tilted to let her know I refused to be intimidated. “Lamont’s premiere.”
“Since you’re still here, expect me to make a comment soon.”
“I’ll be gone tomorrow.” I had originally planned to move next week, but why wait?
Nora’s eyes flashed, and her mouth opened, then shut.
I wanted to say something further. To demand an apology for all the turmoil she’d caused. How could she just throw away a decade of knowing each other? Instead, I made my feet go around her.
As soon as I stepped outside, Lamont linked fingers with me, smiling at me in a way that signaled he was happy to see me. Somehow, the press faded into the background as I took in the joy on his face.
He bent down and kissed my cheek. “You look lovely.”
“America’s sweetheart lovely?”
Lamont chuckled. “You’re in your own category.”
I’d take it. We said nothing more, pressing through the snaparazzi until we slid into the back of the chauffeured limo waiting at the curb.
“A limo, huh?”
“Nothing but the best for my girl.”
I grinned.
“Sorry I couldn’t make the paparazzi go away.”
I shrugged. “Probably Nora’s doing. I told her I’d be moving out tomorrow.”
“You found a place?”
We hadn’t talked since I sent that text. Guess now was the time to stop running from it all. “I’m moving in with my folks.”
Judging by the gaping hole created by his dropped jaw, my news was difficult to digest.
“I hate that’s the only option you have. We’ll be farther apart now.”
“Well, they say couples start acting alike the longer they’re together. Now we both live with our parents.” Though I’d be living with my parents versus Rosie living with Lamont.
“I’m sorry.” He blew out a breath, running a hand over his head.
Is it a shame if I envied his fingers?
“I’ve got some news myself.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I accepted the movie with Cannon.”
Now it was my turn to resemble a guppy. “Oh.”
“I actually turned it down first.”
My brows rose. “Before or after you read my text?”
“After. I’d made the decision, saw your text, but in the end, I simply didn’t want to be apart from you for so long.” He shrugged. “So I said no. Then they called and told Bryan they were willing to chaperone if I said yes to the job.”
I didn’t know what to say to that. Yay?
His fingers gently grasped my chin and tilted my face his way. “We’ll make arrangements for when you come out to visit.” He kissed my right cheek. “And if you want, you can apply for the stylist position. And expedite that passport so we can schedule your first visit.”
As much as I needed a job, I didn’t want one gained from nepotism. “We’ll video chat?”
“Yes.”
The car slowed, and my stomach dipped. “I’m not ready.”
“Hey, you’ll get to see your favorite actor on the big screen. You just have to walk through the gauntlet to get there.”
I laughed at the image. “At least you’ll be with me.”
“‘I’ll never let go.’” He interlaced our fingers.
“You better not. I don’t want to freeze in paparazzi-infested water.”
We shared a laugh, then the door opened. Lamont exited first, and the sound of camera shutters assaulted my ears. I swallowed and reached for his hand again. I glanced at the red carpet beneath my feet, letting a little smile show as I walked beside Lamont.
Entertainment newscasters called out our names, some to chat with us, others to simply get a photo of us. We slowly meandered down the red carpet, and my heart finally fell out of my throat and back into my chest.
“Lamont, let’s see a kiss.”
My boyfriend peered down into my eyes. “Is that okay with you? I’ll keep it tame.”
Kissing for the camera? Thank goodness this wouldn’t be our first kiss. I nodded my agreement, and he bent down, brushing his lips against mine. I sighed against his lips as my body heated from the contact. He pulled back and winked at me.
I’m not even going to lie. My inner fangirl swooned and landed hard on the floor. If that was any indication of the status of my heart, I was in big trouble.
Thirty
The StarWeekly article about him and Nevaeh left a sour taste in his mouth. Though the majority of the magazine article was glowing, despite Nora’s attempt to sabotage Nevaeh, Lamont couldn’t help but feel convicted.
Though a source close to the couple says they are intimate, our journalist believes that to be a falsehood. It is apparent the source is trying to seek out their own fifteen minutes of fame, hoping to eclipse Hollywood’s golden couple. Our journalist and photographers have never seen Lamont Booker and Nevaeh Richards enter hotels together, spend the night at the other’s homes, or anything else to indicate they’re untrustworthy.
The last sentence pierced his heart. The world believed Lamont and Nevaeh were trustworthy. He grimaced, rubbing the stubble on his chin. Their relationship was continuing to perpetrate the lie they’d created when Nevaeh agreed to date him. Yes, they were a real couple now. Yes, the events and dates they went to were because they wanted to be in one another’s company, but it was all based on a lie.
Lately the thought had been waking him up in the middle of the night. Almost as if he needed to confess. Although he was nearly done filming the horse trainer movie, Lamont felt no relief. Joy had been sucked out of him as the constant thought of repentance echoed in his head.
Only asking for forgiveness during his time reading the Bible wasn’t bringing the relief he hoped for. It was almost like God wanted him to publicly repent. That was foolish, right? What would be the purpose of concocting the scheme of him and Nevaeh being together in the first place if Lamont had to confess to the charade? On the other hand, he’d never been comfortable with the idea of lying. Maybe that’s all this was. Guilt he hadn’t dealt with.
But, Lord, Nevaeh and I are really together now. Does it matter how our beginning was orchestrated?
“For God is not the author of confusion . . .”
The verse scrolled through his mind. How did it relate to Lamont and Nevaeh? He wasn’t confused on anything, was he?
Nothing but the need to repent. Okay, so maybe there was confusion. Was there also confusion on Nevaeh’s part? He thought their various talks on how he felt and what he wanted out of the relationship would assure her this wasn’t a game. But what if he always had to prove to her that his intentions were genuine because of their beginning?
He groaned and pushed away from the outdoor table. He’d come out to the balcony this morning needing to feel God’s peace after waking up repeatedly throughout the night. Tomorrow they were supposed to drive to Del Mar and hang out with Chris, Tuck, and Piper. But all he could think about was the lie used to save his reputation.
“Why was it so wrong, Lord?” He knew the basics. A lie was a sin. But when he was trying to save his reputation due to misrepresentation, why was it wrong?
