“No, I’m okay.” Skye tilted her head to get her attention. “It’s not about the pictures, Paige. It’s not about who you’re dating. The problem is you’ve been hiding out here for weeks while Julius is painting this damning narrative about you in public. You didn’t do any interviews after the divorce. You didn’t speak out after his many arrests. It’s time for you to get ahead of this.”
Paige lifted her head. “You’re right.” She’d become comfortable in hiding, away from the prying eyes of the paparazzi, away from the reminders of the huge mistake she’d made by marrying Julius. It was time for her to take control of her life.
“I know he hurt you.” Skye squeezed Paige’s hand. “I know you needed this time to gather your thoughts and rest. But we need to get back in the game. Let’s turn the tables on that asshole.”
Paige hugged Skye. “Thanks. I appreciate you.” “Girl, you know I’ve got you. Demi will handle that dumbass divorce filing when she gets back, Michelle and/or Andrew will tackle that breach of contract shit, and I got you on this faux scandal.”
Having a team that had her back meant everything to Paige. She was grateful for their persistence and their dedication. When this was over, she planned to do something nice for all of them.
“Another thing.” Skye tapped her chin. “We need to talk about Andrew. Where is he?”
Paige glanced at the stairs. “In the bedroom.”
“Hm. So I take it you’ve graduated from lustful thoughts to real life fu—”
“Shh!” Paige held up a finger up. “Don’t say it. He might be able to hear you.”
Shrugging, Skye said, “What?”
Paige scratched the back of her neck. “I just . . . want you to be quiet.”
Skye barked out a laugh before covering her own mouth. “I’m sorry. Forgot you were hiding me downstairs.”
Swatting her friend with a towel, Paige smiled. “You’re a nut. What were you going to say about Andrew?”
“What about me?” Andrew walked down the stairs—fully dressed. He approached them. “Skye.”
“Andrew,” Skye tossed back. “I figured I’d just show up. Because Lord knows if I’d called, you wouldn’t have answered.”
“That’s not true.” He pulled a mug from the cabinet and started himself a cup of coffee. “I was planning to contact you today.”
“Really?” Skye narrowed her eyes on him. “What about?”
“We’ve already been through this,” Paige cut in. Turning to Andrew, she told him about their conversation. “And I’m going to go back to L.A. so we can handle this.”
Andrew ran his thumb over her chin. “Are you sure?”
Nodding, Paige said, “Yes.”
“Which brings me to my next agenda item,” Skye quipped. “I’m going to need you two to cool it.”
Paige’s eyes flashed to Skye. “What?”
“It’s best that you’re not seen together until we’re able to get your side of the story out there.”
“Seriously? Why?” Paige asked incredulously. “We went over this already. We’re both single.”
“I know that, but the goal is to get you some positive press. Although you’re not doing anything wrong, it’s best not to give him more ammunition to play the sympathy card.”
Andrew pressed a comforting hand to Paige’s back. “As much as I hate to agree with Skye, she’s right.”
Paige massaged her temples. “You’re still my agent.”
“Yes, but I think we need to concentrate on your career for the time being.”
“What does that mean? So we’re not going to see each other at all?” Paige asked.
“Right,” Skye chirped.
