“A small town away from the spotlight would be the perfect place to find yourself a nice girl. An opportunity to find someone steady. Let the paparazzi catch you having coffee, holding hands, looking all domestic and shit. Show the execs you can be the responsible, committed guy they want heading up their projects.”
“You want me to find someone to fake date?”
“I don’t care if it’s fake or not. Just make it look convincing. Make the world believe Rowan Cole has finally grown up and is ready to settle down.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose again. “Hank, I can’t just walkinto town, find some random woman and ask her to pretend to be my girlfriend.”
“Why the hell not? You’re Rowan fucking Cole. Women throw themselves at you all the time.”
“That’s different. I’d be asking someone to lie. To put themselves in an otherwise precarious position.”
“Not if you’re actually dating,” he counters. “You’re overthinking this, Rowan. Just find a nice local girl, take her out, show her a good time. Who knows? Maybe you’ll actually like her.”
I snort out a laugh. “Right. And if I can’t?”
“You could always give them some sort of incentive. Pay them. Make them sign an NDA, of course. You know the drill.”
“Dammit, Hank.”
“Look, I’m just saying your reputation is making the studio nervous. If you want them to take a chance on you as a director, you need to show them you’ve matured. That you can commit to something for longer than just a quick fuck or a weekend fling.”
Commitment. The word alone makes me break out in a cold sweat. The only thing I’ve ever committed myself to is my career.
“How ‘bout someone from your past. Maybe an old girlfriend?” he asks. My agent is on a roll. “That could be some amazing PR. The studio would eat that shit up. I mean, you’re making a movie based on where you grew up, what better way to promote it than for you to reunite with the girl next door, so to speak.”
My chest tightens when a beautiful smile full of sunshine pops back into my head.
Nope. Get your head outta your ass, Ro. Not gonna go there.
“I’m only going to be there for a few days. Then I’m coming back to L.A. There won’t be enough time for that.”
“Yeah. But you’ll be going back to film a couple of months later. So, between now and then… stay low and keep your dick in your pants.”
After hanging up with Hank,I toss my phone onto the couch with a frustrated groan. This is exactly what I don’t need right now—more pressure to be something I’m not. But if I want this directing gig, I’m gonna have to play along.
I feel a sudden urge to talk to someone who’s always been straight with me, even when we were kids. Especially if it’s the last thing I want to hear.
The phone rings three times before I hear Logan’s familiar voice. “Hey! If it isn’t Hollywood’s favorite heartthrob. Been a minute. How ya doin’?”
Despite my sour mood, I can’t help but smile. “I’m good man. You?”
“Livin’ the dream.”
I rest my head against the back of the couch and stare up at the ceiling. “Got some news.”
“Let me guess. You’ve finally realized acting is only for pretty boys and not an ugly fucker like you?”
“No, asshole,” I laugh. “I’m actually coming back to Lakeside in a few weeks. Studio wants me to scout locations for my movie.”
There’s a pause on the other end, and I picture Logan’s eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “No shit? You’re actually coming home?”
“Just for scouting, but yeah. I wrote a script that’s looselybased on growing up in Lakeside, and the studio heads think filming there would make it even more believable.”
“That’s awesome, man!” Logan’s enthusiasm practically vibrates through the phone.
He’s always been a fun, upbeat guy. A daredevil of sorts. But Logan does have a serious side. When we were kids, he was always rescuing kittens out of trees or helping local firemen fish baby ducks out of storm drains. “It’ll be good to see your ugly mug in person for once. Wait—does this mean you’re finally getting behind the camera?”
“That’s the plan. If I can convince the studio I’m responsible enough.”
