Shooting this commercial is my last project this year before we go on winter break.After this, we can move on, finish other projects at the beginning of the year, and then I can finally be free from Gene.So, I just have to endure a little longer.
“Fenella, welcome,” Alan says, stretching out his arms like he’s about to hug me the second I walk into the meeting room.I ignore him, of course.
“Hey, Alan,” Jessy greets.
I stay silent, refusing to acknowledge him.I still don’t want to talk to him, and honestly, he deserves the cold shoulder.Besides, whether I’m friendly or not, I still have to finish this damn project.
“You’re not gonna say hi to me?”Alan presses.
I keep walking into the room, not even breaking stride.The three of us are supposed to meet the director and the producer for shooting prep, but before I can sit down, Alan grabs my arm.
“What the—” My jaw drops.
The sharp set of his jaw and that piercing stare shut me up real quick.His hand tightens on my arm, and then he leans in, whispering.
“I demand your respect.Even if you’re reluctant and planning to leave Gene, I’m still your boss.You got that?”His hiss is right in my face.
“Answer me.”Even though it’s a whisper, every word comes out through his gritted teeth.
My knees shake.He’s getting more aggressive, almost feral.He’s dominating the whole damn room, and I know ignoring him will only make things worse.I glance at Jessy, whose jaw drops.
Jessy tries to talk him down.“Alan, I think—”
“Yes, Alan,” I cut him off.It’s not worth the risk.This’ll all be over soon, I remind myself.
“Good,” he says, finally letting go.I’m trembling as I rub my reddened wrist.God, this is getting more serious.
The three of us take our seats and wait.Not long after, two women and a man walk in.Alan jumps up right away, and I follow.They introduce themselves, and we go around shaking hands with fake smiles.
“So, you two are the models, right?Just relax and make yourselves comfortable.You should trust me,” Martha, the director, says with a laugh.
“Don’t worry, Martha, we trust you one hundred percent,” Alan adds, chuckling along with the room.
“Damn, didn’t expect you to hop in as the star of this one,” Lorenzo, the producer, says with a chuckle, throwing Alan a look.
“Anything for Mallory, right?”Alan shrugs, laughing like he’s the life of the party.
“Yeah, true.Plus, it’s your brand.That personal touch makes the whole thing more emotional.”Lorenzo nods.
So, it’s true.
“Oh, really?I didn’t know 4U was yours, Alan.”I turn, staring at him.
“Half the shares are mine, the rest are Mallory’s.Guess I never mentioned that, huh?”Alan shrugs again.
“Surprise!”I throw up both hands with a fake laugh.Everyone else laughs too.
Damn it.He set me up.No wonder he slipped the contract in so easily, and now he’s rushing us to finish.
The meeting wraps, and we head out.Jessy and I walk to the car, but Alan plants himself right in front of my door.I sigh, force a smile, and look him dead in the eye.
“Yes, Alan?What now?”
“I heard you met Mallory at the studio yesterday.Thought you could cancel the project that way?”
“Well, I couldn’t give up.Now that it’s failed, I’ve got no choice but to keep going.Now, move.I wanna go home,” I snap.
“I told you, Fenella.Stick with me, and you’ll be the biggest name out there.Why throw it away for some guy?”
