“Sex,” Jack says. “It’s what people want to know most about you, especially with those photos.”The bite marks.“Who are you seeing? What kind of pressures do you deal with being the son of a sex addict? Are you more careful? Do you have insecurities?” He lists the questions rapidly.
I’ve heard them all before. Jack broaches the topic ofsexalmost every production meeting.
“Are you ready to talk about this stuff?” he asks.
“No,” I say firmly. “Not this season. Maybe not ever. I’m sorry.”
“This is ano apologyzone, remember? Whatever content you want to share, good. Whatever you don’t, that’s good too. It’s all up to you.” Jack already jumps to a new topic. “What about your relationship with Luna? She’ll be eighteen and be on her own for the first time. It’d be a great arc.”
Out of my siblings, Luna is the only one who’s onWe Are Callowaywith me. We’ve bonded a bit while filming together, and I already know she’d love a whole arc about our relationship.
So I agree.
“Jane?” Jack asks. “Any personal topics?”
Janie and I already scooted closer to one another. I stare down at my best friend who wears a cheetah-print sweater, pale yellow pants, and sequined high heels. Whatever she’s about to say, she hasn’t brought up with me yet.
“I’d like to discuss my weight,” she says assuredly.
Our bodyguards have no idea how to react to these issues if it doesn’t involve security. Even Farrow, I think. They just keep eating and drinking. Doing their best not to appearconcerned. It’s not their job to be emotionally invested in us.
But a lot of them care, I’ve fucking realized.
Obviously.
One is my boyfriend.Don’t look at him.I’m trying. Christ, I’vebeentrying for the past fifteen minutes.
“More specifically?” Jack asks my best friend while jotting notes. He bites into his muffin.
I wrap my arm around Janie when she says, “That I love my body the way it is. I have tiny boobs, no ass, love-handles and a bigger belly. Howchubbyisn’t a nasty word. And their hatred won’t change me.”
Farrow and Quinn start clapping in genuine appreciation.
Can we do take-backs?
Our bodyguards actually do know how to react.They’re our friends.
I know.I know.
I squeeze Jane around the shoulders and kiss her freckled cheek. “Je t'aime, ma moitié.”I love you, my other half.
Janie smiles warmly. “Je t'aime aussi.”I love you too.
Jack scribbles and nods. “That’ll be great. Also, you’re looking lovely as ever, Jane.”
“Merci.”
Farrow rolls his eyes, not at Janie’s comment but the producer’s.
“What?” Jack asks him. “I can’t give compliments to this group anymore?”
“You’re almost maxed out,” Farrow says.
“Then you’re all ugly,” Jack says with a wide grin. “How’s that?”
Quinn starts a slow-clap for Jack, and Farrow, Jane, and I join in. The exec producer’s smile expands.
The bell to the front doordingsopen. Akara has a key. Janie and I straighten up and exchange a look that says,protect Sulli if it gets intense.
