“This isn’t a good look for ‘America’s Sweetheart.’ I’ve been in contact with your publicist and PR team, and they’ve indicated that you should remain silent and let them speak for you. You’re going to disappear for a couple weeks. They’ll float rumors of rehab—”
“Rehab!” My hand flies to my chest, what little good it does to calm my raging heart. “But that makes no sense. I don’t do drugs! I barely drink! This was just one unfortunate event! I’ll give up alcohol right now if that’s what you want. I don’t need rehab!”
“That’s not what people are going to be saying.” Caleb takes a serious tone, his face a stoic mask. “Don’t think for a second that someone won’t take advantage of this, someone that might want your roles—Mindy Chance, Ester Strange, Kelly Malley.”
Tears sting my eyes, and it takes every ounce of my strength to keep myself together. “Oh, come on! I’ve never-I’ve never done something like this before,” I gesture to the monitor. “This is crazy!”
“I know, Ali. I know.”
I hang my head, searching for something to say that would make sense, that would make this right, but no words come to me.
Caleb’s phone vibrates. He looks down, his brow shooting upward. “Well, it’s settled.”
“What are you doing with me?”
“You’re going to Nebraska.”
Have you ever had one of those nightmares where you think it can’t get any worse, then suddenly, a black hole opens up, and sharks come tornadoing out? You think you’re safe when a ship magically floating in the air comes to save you, but there are nukes on board set to explode?
Nebraska is said nuke.
“Absolutely not!”
“If you’re ever going to work again, you are.”
“You can’t say that! Not for sure. My history will show that I’m not an insurance risk. They hired a damn sober coach for Danny Elroy while he filmed that one cop drama, and he’s been arrested how many times? Don’t tell me I’m gonna be canceled over—”
“Danny Elroy isn’t America’s Sweetheart. He rose in popularity because he’s a notorious bad boy. You, on the other hand, are comfortable, you’re safe, you’re dependable, or at least that’s what people want to see you as. You wanna make demands to the studios? Go ahead. Tell me what they say. I guarantee you, you’re not going to keep those jobs you have lined up. You could put in some work, do a few indie flicks. People love that, and you’d be great in them. Or you could be the next B movie queen. They’d love to have you, as long as you’re willing to flash some skin. You’d make seven-figures shooting porn. Heck, you might even make eight.”
My jaw hangs ajar as the cruel words spill from his mouth, or rather, the cruel truths because everything he’s saying is right. There is no way I’m getting out of this unscathed.
“The good thing is that nobody knows you’re from Nebraska, so you can hide out there quietly for as long as it’s needed.”
It might seem crazy that I was able to keep my hometown a secret, but when I first came onto the scene, my changed my look and my team floated rumors that I was from Sweden. Then they had a bunch of people from various states claim that I went to their high school. It was to create a mystery, and it worked. Of course, people from my hometown recognized me, but no one believed that they went to high school withtheAli Kat Carter.
“You’re going back to the family farm to spend the summer. Ted is having someone pack your bags as we speak. Your current projects are rescheduling to accommodate you.” Caleb rakes his fingers through his hair. “Just-just take the vacation.”
I cross my arms over my chest defensively. The absolute last place I wanna be is in Aurora, Nebraska. In fact, I’d much rather go back to my jail cell than be carted off to FarmTown USA. There has to be another option.
“What if I apologize?”
“You will. In time.”
“What if—”
“There is nothing else. This came straight from Ted. Vultures are circling, ready to take your crown. Don’t think for a second that you’re not replaceable. As of right now, we need to figure out how we can use this to our advantage. People love a good comeback story. Two months in your hometown won’t hurt you. While you’re there, I’m going to make your legal problems go away, Ted’s going to protect your future work, and PR will be planning your reentry into Hollywood.”
I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions from spilling over. I wish I had never come to New York City, but I needed to support a few events, and what woman in her right mind would pass up a date with Alistair Whent?
“It’s not going to be that bad,” Caleb reasons.
“That’s easy for you to say. You grew up in a New York City high-rise. I’d love to see you spend the summer on a farm.”
“Well, some people are better made for that sort of thing.”
“Gee, thanks.”
“Oh, there’s another thing,” he says with a cocksure grin.
