“It was to be a tech-free weekend,” Addie pointed out. Her voice was a little shrill as she added, “Other than the approved photographers, it was to be tech-free.”
Toni gave her a look that made Addie feel like she was a fool. “I didn’t want there to be bad press about you sleeping in a hotel off-site, and I wanted you with me, so I thought— You know what? It doesn’t matter what I thought. I’m sorry this happened. We can find you a hotel in the city while we sort it out.”
“I thought you had a guest room…?” Addie felt her temper fray.
“I do, but—”
“So you don’t let friends stay with you?” Addie snapped.
Toni pressed her lips tightly together, like she was trying to trap words. She failed, though, as she said, “I don’t bring women I fuck to my condo.”
The words hit Addie like a slap. “Well, luckily for you, it turns out you aren’tfuckingme anymore. So I’ll be staying in your guest room while the publicity people figure out the next move. Either of us staying in a hotel will add fuel to the fire,orI’ll be forced to hide out in my room the whole time, so no one knows I’m there alone. What do I do, Toni, live on room service in my historical dresses and a hotel robe?”
Tears slipped over her cheeks. She hadn’t created the spectacle. She hadn’t leaked the photos. And she wasn’t the one currently being a bitch.
But I am the one they’re saying got the role on my back, and not because of my acting skills. Philip accused me of that when he talked to Marcela. Is he involved? He wanted to come here and…Addie didn’t bother sharing any of that.What does it matter?
Toni closed her eyes and took several breaths, but she didn’t reply. Addie hated this, hated everything about the fact that yet again she was pushed away.
Neither woman spoke as they packed and headed to the airport.
At least we won’t be seated together.…
Chapter 31Toni
The entire checkout and ride to the airport, Toni kept replaying the conversation with Emily in her head. This mess wasn’t Addie’s fault, or Emily’s, or… well, it was the fault of someone at the event, and Toni had no idea which person that was. Someone leaked it, and, of course, Toni herself caused it. She wanted Addie with her, so she set out on a stupid plan—just like her father had done so often. Toni couldn’t believe she’d screwed up so badly already. She thought about Emily’s words again.
“If you try to say it was fake rightnow,you’ll come out looking like a predator.” Emily’s voice was gentle, as if that would offset the horrible words.
“Apredator?”
“You aren’t looking at her like this is fake… and you aren’t an actor,” Emily said bluntly. “You are looking at her like she’s everything, and she’s younger. An unknown actor.”
“She’s in her mid-twenties, only four or five years younger than me at most,” Toni argued, as if age was the real issue.
“I’m aware,” Emily said dryly.
“It’s not… I’m not like that… you know me, Em.”
“I do, and I think you have far more feelings for Addie than you are admitting, even to yourself.” Emily took a breath. “If it looks like you seduced her and paid her off with the role… sweet,innocent, younger actor… that’s some MeToo fallout we don’t need.”
“But when we met, I hadn’t even sold the book.” Toni closed her eyes. “There wasn’t a show to even get a role in—”
“Yes. So inthissituation, closer to the whole truth is better. I know you like your privacy, but you created this mess. You can either look like a monster, or admit you have feelings for a woman you met before sellingThe Whitechapel Widow.I’m talking to Greta and publicity, and I have a call in to Marcela. What I need you to do is take your bride home, and be the fucking charismatic woman you can be the entire time you are in public. You’re the one who has a lot to lose here, Toni. If she decides to go to the press and say you pressured her or—”
“She won’t.” Toni looked toward the closed door. “I know her, Em. She’s not like that.”
“I hope you’re right,” Emily said ominously before disconnecting.
Toni understood the worries, but she trusted Addie. Even though she was currently angry, Adde wouldn’t lie. She was a good person, one who deserved more kindness than Toni had shown her today. It wasn’t Addie’s fault that Toni felt embarrassed by having feelings.
They walked through the airport side by side, but Addie was not so much as glancing at Toni. She was again dressed in regular clothes, but slightly nicer than average. Jeans and a blouse. A scarf and sunglasses. Bright lipstick. Jangling bracelets. She looked like a hippie with some extra cash to spend on her appearance.
“You look amazing today,” Toni said in a low voice. “You always do.”
“You were an asshole.” Addie stared straight ahead. “Complimenting my clothes doesn’t undo that.”
Toni sighed. “I didn’t cope well.”
