She knew he was committed here for a while, but she could visit him between projects. Maybe he could even fly out to see her sometimes. Other actors made it work.
Although, more often than not, they didn’t.
Her mother’s warnings cropped up in her mind. Maybe Levi wasn’t in the film industry, but he’d proven himself supportive and understanding of her career. She was pretty sure he had the makings to survive in her crazy world. They’d be the exception to the rule. She gave a nod as if to solidify the thought.
Resolved, she rolled over and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. There were a few texts from Brooke.
Wesley is there? Why didn’t you tell me?
There are pics all over the internet!
What’s going on?
Oh no. There was a text from Nolan, too, informing her that photos of her and Wes were making the rounds. In fact, he’d sent her one of them.
In the photo Wes was leaning toward her in the backyard, his hand covering hers. They seemed intent on each other, sharing an intimate moment. Based on the perspective, the photographer had been on the lake and must’ve used a telephoto lens to capture the close-up shot—an illegal action. But reporters continuously got away with such things.
She stared at the photo, knowing what it implied. This wasn’t good. She called Nolan, and he picked up immediately.
“I never knew North Carolina could be the hotbed of so much gossip.”
“It’s not what it looked like. Wes was in the neighborhood and just came to talk. We resolved some things. It was just... closure, that’s all.” She was almost afraid to ask the next question. “What are the tabloids saying?”
“That your relationship with the innkeeper was nothing more than a ploy to make you look innocent in the Jax scandal. You’re trending on social media again, and not in a good way. Whatever you do, don’t get online and start reading.”
Mia’s heart sank at the thought of what people were thinking and saying about her. “Nolan, the thing is... Levi and I really are together now. It developed quickly, but it’s real. We have feelings for each other.”
“Well, that’s good, Mia, but unfortunately perception is reality in this business. And right now the public perceives that you faked the relationship to cover your own skin.”
Mia cupped her forehead, thinking of the production company. “How much damage do you think is done?”
“I want to get right on this,” Nolan said. “I’ve already started writing a press release. Basic story is this: you and Wesley parted as friends and since he was working in Asheville—a fact that can be proven—he dropped in for a visit. You and Levi are in a relationship, and you extended your stay in Bluebell to spend more time together. How do you like that spin?”
Mia gave a rueful laugh. “Well, it’s the truth, so it’s great. Do you think it’ll work?”
“Will Wesley back this up? If we ask him for a statement?”
“Yes, of course. As I said, it’s the truth.” Apparently that mattered to her more than most people. She winced a little as she remembered that she had actually faked her “relationship” with Levi for a while.
She was worried for her role inLesser Days. She appeared to be walking the line of that morality clause in her contract, even though the worst thing she’d done was fake a relationship.
“Have you talked to Maura recently?” she asked. “Does the studio still want me onboard for the movie?”
“They do, but I’m not going to lie, kiddo. Maura’s very concerned. The studio isn’t digging all this negative publicity. We really need to get on top of this. I’ll get a quote from Wesley and get this release out for public consumption. Then we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”
***
Mia snuggled closer to Levi on the living room couch. It was a rare night at home with no guests, and they’d decided to watch a movie:First Man.
Molly was at Adam’s house, and Grace was out with a friend. The movie had been running a while, but Mia was having trouble keeping up with the plot.
Nolan had gotten out the press release around noon. She’d told Levi what was happening, and he’d offered to do whatever she needed to help clear this up. Maybe they should’ve been seen out together tonight, but she was afraid to do anything that would fan the flames.
She knew she must look like an erratic mess to the general public. Obsessed with Jax one moment, dating a random innkeeper the next, and then having a rendezvous with her ex-fiancé in the inn’s backyard! She hoped her fans stuck by her. It was bad enough that the studio might not.
She didn’t know what she’d do if that happened.
“I can hear the wheels turning from here,” Levi whispered against her temple. He paused the movie, and Claire Foy froze on the screen.
