“Excuse me, can I interrupt for a moment? After the last show, I am taking a few days off. I see that there are a couple of things scheduled but I won’t be able to fulfill those obligations.”
Everyone’s heads snap up. “Samantha, don’t be silly.” My mother would be the first to chime in. “The best thing for you right now is to stay in the media. You need to have people writing about you, talking about you. If you take time off, they will likely forget you even mattered.” Ouch. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom.
“I don’t want a month or anything long. Just a few days. I’m sure my image would survive that.” I say it with a tone that lets them know I am not discussing it any further. I would have never had the nerve to do this before Hunter came along. I always just did what I was told and didn’t resist in the least. He has shown me that it’s okay to have a say in my own life.
“Okay, let’s move on.” My publicist Erin looks over at me. “I have been fielding questions about the two of you since you did Morgan’s talk show. I need to start answering some of those questions or people will just start making answers up. It’s been a month and I have avoided asking you, but now is the time.”
I knew this was coming. What do I say? Everyone is staring at me, waiting for an answer. Hunter’s hand rests on my thigh in support. “We are together. I don’t know what more you need.”
“I need to know if there are any skeletons I have to worry about popping up.” Her eyes narrow at Hunter in question.
“I have a bunch of skeletons, honestly. Some wear hats, others you can pose whatever way you want. The trick-or-treaters love them.” No one laughs. The entire room is silent.
Awkward. I don’t even know what to say to break the deafening silence.
“Okay, Jesus. I don’t have anything to hide.” I hear him exhale loudly and I know that he hates dealing with this stuff. I do too but it comes with the territory.
“Okay, moving on again. Samantha, the press knows someone is leaving you notes and such. I have a few different offers for exclusives. Do you have a preference for who we go with?”
“What do you mean exclusives? What do they want?”
She sighs as if I am bothering her. “They want an exclusive interview with you. No limits. You and a reporter talking about the terror you are living.” Well, that just sounds delightful.
“I don’t want to do that. Obviously they know and they can write about it, but it isn’t even over yet. I don’t want to share with the world that I am terrified of this monster.” This is a complete invasion of privacy by the people who are supposed to be looking out for my best interest. People that I am supposed to be able to trust. More and more lately I feel like the only person I can rely on is Hunter, which is crazy because he has known me the least amount of time.
“Samantha, you should really reconsider. I mean, at least look at the offers. People is offering two million for the story and a tour of your house with the two of you.” Two million dollars? That is insane.
“Erin, she will do it. I think maybe she is just a bit cranky today.” My mother gives one of her fake caring smiles.
Cranky? What am I a toddler? “No. This is not up for discussion. I am not willing to do an interview about this right now. Maybe once it’s over, but not while it is still going on.” I cross my arms across my chest, trying to make it clear that I have taken a stand and do not intend to back down.
“Samantha, by the time it’s over people may not care anymore. You need as much exposure as you can get.” Her eyes bore into me and I search them for a shred of the mother I had before she became a manager. I can still remember the second I saw the change start.
“Good luck baby. I’m sure you will do great. I love you.” My mom gives me a quick kiss on the forehead before I walk into the audition room. It’s my first audition since I finished all of my classes that Mom paid for and I’m super nervous.
“My name is Samantha Baker and I’m nine years old.” I run through my monologue, stumbling a few times out of nervousness. I just want to do well. I want to be able to get a job to help Mom with the bills. I know my classes were expensive but she worked extra hours to pay for them because she loves me.
I exit the room and they call my mom in. She is my manager because she loves me and knows I can make it. I always wanted to sing but acting is a good way to get your foot in the door. When I see her come out of the room, she looks upset. I didn’t get it. She sits next to me in the chair.
“We need to start taking things more seriously, Samantha. No more running around outside with those animals you call friends. We need to practice, practice, practice. I am also going to get you a gym membership and we will be dieting.” She stands up and walks toward the door. I follow her, upset that I didn’t get it.
Upset that I disappointed her.
Things were never the same after that day.
I lost my mom that day.
Chapter Eighteen
Samantha
I slam the car door to let out some of the frustration.
“You okay, Hulk?” I look over at Hunter, who is fighting the laughter but losing.
“Ugh, I hate doing that shit. I hate sitting there with all of them, listening to them dictate my life for the next few months. God forbid I have an opinion of my own, or want to do something that isn’t scheduled. It isn’t right and I’m so over it.” I cross my arms over my chest and try to calm myself down.
“Hey, just calm down. You did good, cupcake.” He smiles at me and I scoot over, closer to him.
“You know your rationale for that nickname really doesn’t fit anymore.”
He places a kiss on my lips before pulling me onto his lap. “Sure it does. You are so sweet that once I’ve had you I already want more.” I laugh, thinking of his explanation the first time he called me it. God I hated him.
“Okay, Casanova. So…when the tour ends would you want to take that vacation with me? Not on the clock?” I wring my hands in my lap, waiting for his answer.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure I can.” I work to hide the disappointment I feel. “My boss can be really cranky and I don’t think I can get the time off.” I look up at him and hit him in the chest. “In fact, I don’t even think I should be talking to you right now, she has started to get abusive.” He is rubbing the spot where I struck him, pretending to be hurt.
He has this way of cheering me up and making me forget any of the stressors in my life. “She sounds like a real hassle.”
“She is, but she has her good points too.” His arms tighten around me.
“Oh really?”
“Yeah, she’s great in bed.” My mouth drops open and I move to abuse him some more when I realize he has my arms pinned to my side. Sneaky bastard.
Two can play at this game. “At least she’s good in bed. My guy is mediocre at best.”
His eyes catch fire and I immediately regret what I said. “Mediocre?”
“I mean, that is a word that is totally up for interpretation.” I laugh as he pins me underneath him.
“Well, I hope mediocre means fucking incredible to you.” He grinds into me and I arch my hips. A smile plays across his lips as he raises himself off of me. “That’s sad to hear about your guy’s…skills. My girl is in for it tonight.” My body ignites at his promise. No one has ever affected me the way that he does. He can whip any calm situation into a frenzy with just one word.