Chapter 20
Willa
I stormed into Alan’s office first thing the next morning. He was slumped over his desk. I could tell he hadn’t consumed his three energy drinks yet, but cranky and off-his-game was kind of what I’d been hoping for. I didn’t have good news for him. I’d had a long chat with my agent last night while pouring over everything I’d signed in relation to Triple Threat.
I wasn’t sure whether Doug even wanted to stay on the show, or if Alan had already made it clear to him he wouldn’t be back next season, but before I could threaten Alan with anything, I’d needed to know what leverage I had. Now I knew. And I was ready to go to battle.
“Let’s talk about how we’re ending this season when it comes to my relationship with Doug. I thought I was picking who was better for my heart.”
Alan scrubbed both hands down his face and yawned. “Did I actually say that? Because to be honest, you’ll be picking who’s best for our ratings. Everyone is wild about you and Justin right now. You know that, Willa. When I said you’d pick Doug ‘in the end’ I didn’t necessarily mean the end of this season.”
It was everything I’d suspected. “You expect Doug to continue trailing after me, thinking it’s all real?”
Alan laughed. “It’s worked so far, hasn’t it?”
“Yes, but not because he’s gullible. Doug’s known it was fake all along. I told him before he ever signed on.”
Alan stared at me for a long time. “That was a strategic decision on your part. What are you so upset about then?”
“What if I’m married next season? What if I’m in a serious relationship? Would you still expect me to flirt it up with Justin?”
Alan rolled his eyes. “So that’s what this is about. You met someone. Excellent.” He banged his hand down on his desk. “Nothing in Hollywood lasts. That’s what pays the tabloids’ bills—the relationships that ignite and then fail in a splashy way before the beautiful people find someone else and do it all over again. I thought you were smarter than that, Willa. It’s no matter. Date whoever this isafterthis season ends, and keep it quiet when you break up.”
I leaned in and stared him down. “What’s happening with Doug? It sounds like he’s coming back next season.”
Alan shrugged. “If nothing else works out, yes. But I’m getting a lot of interest from much bigger stars than him. I don’t do favors. I do what’s best for the show.”
Knowing he was hoping to ditch Doug altogether meant I was moving to plan B. It was what I’d hoped and feared I’d get to do.
I crossed my arms. “Well, I’m not going to speak for Doug. He may be happy to cut ties, but I think it’s in your best interest to leave it open-ended for now. I’m about to do something you won’t like, and if you want to get rid of us both after this season, so be it. I’ll still be paid residuals for as long as this show airs, whether I’m on it or not. Have a nice day, Alan.”
I walked out with him sputtering and turning an angry shade of red. I had a long limo ride with Justin ahead of me, and I had a lot to say to him before we arrived for our morning talk show interview,Live with Adelaide Michaels. The timing was perfect.
Doug
Working with the choreographer on a sword fight scene with two of the contestants was an excellent stress reliever. We’d be playing The Three Musketeers in a sketch for tomorrow’s show, and honestly it was one of the few things that kept me from calling in sick. Clashing swords, even plastic ones, is a lot more fun than making interview clips.
I only had my apartment for a few more days, and sleeping in, avoiding the problems with my new house, with my current career, and with my fake love-life had sounded pretty good this morning. But I couldn’t be on Alan’s bad side if I wanted anything to go to after this show ended. After all, I had a whole house to renovate and resell. I hated to admit it, but Nelson was right. I couldn’t stay there long term.
I could picture the headline now.The Creepy Doug Keller Sells His Creepy Home.
“Wait, wait. Swords down. All right, Doug. Show them the parry from the beginning. Set your feet like his and pay attention.” The choreographer walked around them, adjusting hand and shoulder positions as they attempted to mimic me. It was the little boy in us that made us think we’d be amazing sword fighters from the get go. I thought back to my early days at Strength Warriors. I’d been the same way.
Victoria swept into the room. “I need to steal Doug for about thirty minutes. Don’t mind us.”
She wasn’t asking for permission so much as notifying the choreographer. Grabbing my arm, she practically dragged me from the room, her perfume making my eyes water.
We hadn’t interacted much since our dance routine, and I had no idea what could be so important. Victoria wasn’t exactly the errand girl type, so I knew she wasn’t fetching me for anyone else.
“There’s something you need to see.”
“Now?” I asked.
“I’ve paused live TV to come get you, so yes. Now.”
I followed her without further argument to her dressing room. A large-screen TV was mounted to the wall. Frozen on it wasLive with Adelaide Michaels, where Justin and Willa sat with the host. This? This was what was so important?
I glanced at Victoria in exasperation, but she only pointed for me to sit down on the couch across from the TV. She backed up the footage to just as Willa and Justin were shaking hands and kissing cheeks with Adelaide Michaels.
