Beyond Famous (Famous #3) (23 page)

It was weird seeing “
Cade gives Brook an Ultimatum!”
on the same rack as “
As things heat up with Davina, Cade dumps Brook!”

Fucking polar opposite bullshit. 
Could that be more of an oxymoron? I wouldn't be surprised if Davina were chasing after Cade, but the less I knew about it, the better.  It didn't help my piece of mind that she dumped her husband just in time to hit the set of
Only Us. 

Hello?  Coincidence much?  Hardly.

I couldn’t help the insecurity that made my heart drop.
She was beautiful and worldly in a way that only age and experience could create, but I had to focus on my own film and did my best not to think about it.

Jeanne and Denise had the ultimatum article leaked so there would be sufficient time until Comic-Con and getting back to the set of
A Love Like This
next September to make it all more believable.  They were planting the seed that David and I were finished and then bracing the world for Cade and me to come out as a couple when we got back to set.  It would appear that I made the choice to be with Cade after enough time had passed to realistically put Pinnacle's botched beard scheme to bed.

The real ultimatum was the one Cade gave Pinnacle to let us be together by the time the third film went into production, but what the hell?  Whatever worked so that we could eventually be more open about our relationship was fine by me.  All of this crap was exhausting and I was so over it.

I was on a break with another young actress; Stacy Mills. We were sitting on the ground in the shade sipping cokes and going over our next scene, when my phone rang.  It was Cade, but it was unusual he’d call in the middle of the day.  He never did that so I answered as fast as I could. I stood up and moved away from Stacy, making sure she didn’t see Cade’s name flashing on my phone and careful to turn my back so she wouldn’t hear the conversation.

"Hey...”

He was breathing hard.  "Cade?"

"Brook, thank God.  I really needed to hear your voice."  I could hear the tremors in his tone but his voice was quiet.

"What's wrong?"  He didn't answer and I felt the panic beginning to rise inside my chest.  "Babe, are you okay?"

He sighed and I knew he was either running his hands through his hair or covering his eyes with them. I'd seen him do it so many times when he'd been frustrated or anxious.

"Not really, no.   Bloody hell!  The fans here in New York are complete lunatics.  The security team has tried to keep them off of me, but they are fucking
everywhere
."  His voice was loaded with incredulity and a hint of anger and even fear.

"Oh my God.  Do you want me to have Joel call Pinnacle?  I mean... what can we do?  What just happened?"

He laughed nervously and took a deep breath.

"Where are you?"  The questions spilled out of me.

"All I was doing was going to the set, Brook.  Hundreds of bloody girls started screaming and running after me down the bloody street.  The guys had to get physical with them.  One of the guys shoved and literally pinched them to keep them off of me.  They were touching me, pulling, and clawing at my clothes... Jesus, I've never seen anything remotely like it.  It's... madness. I utterly
hate
being here."

I let my breath out in a rush and I felt my eyes begin to prick. "Oh my God, Cade, I'm so sorry.  I wish I could come up there and beat their moronic asses!" My heart was breaking for him and I couldn't stand the thought of all of those women treating him like that... like he wasn't a human being, but just an object that they wanted a piece of. I tried to joke to help him relax.

He laughed softly, finally calming down a little bit.  "I'd love to see that Brook.  Actually, it is weird that when you're around, the girls are more respectful.  Why do you think that is?" I pictured the soft smile I knew would be turning his mouth up at the corners as the soft words tumbled from his beautiful mouth.

I struggled to swallow the rising lump in my throat, although I didn't have much luck. My skin flushed with warmth. "Because their stupid fantasies die with a dose of reality, maybe?"  I knew my voice was trembling but there wasn't a fucking thing I could do about it.

"Hey... don't get upset.  I'm sorry. I shouldn't have called you with this, sweetheart. You definitely are my reality, my love."

I was feeling anxious, afraid for his safety and my mind raced on what could be done or how in the hell I could get out there.   I needed to wrap my arms around him, to stroke his hair back and feel his heart beating next to mine.  Like I was the strong one; what a gigantic joke.

"Brook, are you still there?"

"Yes.  Sorry, sweets.  Of course you should have called me!  I'm just... so scared and just...
pissed
that this is happening.  What a hellacious nightmare!  I wish...”

Cade sighed and finished my thoughts, "We could be together?  Yeah, me too. I miss you," he said softly. 

"Would it help if I came out there? I mean... I can't promise, but I can try."

He groaned.  "God, that would be amazing, but don't jeopardize your film, babe."  A few seconds ticked by in silence and I wondered what was happening.  I could hear the screaming in the background and I grimaced.  "Denise is trying to get some time off for me too, but I don't know when it will be. I bloody hate not knowing when we'll see each other again."

"Yeah. It hasn't even been that long and I'm not doing so well.  The songs are helping, but I miss being with you."  The cast was moving around and my production assistant was waving me back from break.

"Ugh! There are no words.  It's only been eight days. I say
only
because I’m counting down to the end.  Eighty-one days to bloody go."

I closed my eyes at his words, before opening them and running after my cast mates.

"I
do
know, I'm counting, too.  Shit, Cade, I have to go.  We're being called to set.  I'm... scared for you, I wish we could talk later, but I'm working late tonight.  I'll send you a note and a song when I'm finished, but you should be sleeping by then.  Should I call Jeanne and tell her to get on Pinnacle?"

"Honey, there’s no need.  Denise already called them, but we may need to call Joel if they don't increase security."

"Okay.  I'll have him call you.  Please be careful.  I love you."

He sighed.  "I love you, Brook... and you look hot in those leather pants.  I'll ring you tomorrow, love.  "

I laughed, knowing which photo he was referring to.  "You Googled."

"Of course," he chuckled, and I could hear that he was more centered and felt better from our talk.  I felt a great deal of pride that I had the ability to calm him and make him smile.  My heart swelled with emotions.  Jesus, I missed him.

"Love you. Bye."

"Bye, love."

THE REST OF THE
week Brook and I barely spoke, but the songs kept coming.  Sometimes I was so tired at the end of the day I just wanted to fall into bed, but I always found myself looking up whatever I could find of her online, new pictures and news about her film, and I never missed a day of sending her songs.  Each and every morning I would wake up and find a note and song from her too, but I missed her voice and the feel of her soft skin beneath my lips. I sighed as I opened the newest one.  It was short, but the words overwhelmed me, and my heart ached. 

-C

My arms may be empty and aching, but my soul is so full of you.  I'm yours & you're mine.  I love you...

-B

The song is... Soulmate by Natasha Beddingfield

I closed my eyes. Jesus, she was amazing.  In all the madness and despite the distance and our incredibly crazy schedules, Brook was still my center; the anchor of my chaotic existence.

Only Us
was going well.  The days were packed and long.  Only one thing was missing.  The director had bounced me about the obvious lack of chemistry with my co-star, insisting that the fans would be looking to see the screen set ablaze like they did in
The Future of Our Past
.

Bloody Hell.  I couldn't fucking
manufacture
it, but if I were honest, I didn't want to get to know her.  I didn't have the same desire to spend time with her like I had with Brook.  Frankly, she left me cold, and I couldn't even be sure it was because of my blazing love for Brook that kept me distanced or just the fact that Davina had such a plastic personality.  Either way, it didn't matter.

Davina tried to talk to me and break the ice on several occasions and I'd been avoiding her.  We had a kissing scene coming up in filming this Friday and I knew I'd have to try harder if it was to be at all believable.  Leave it to Pinnacle to make sure the kissing rubbish was scheduled at the front of the production so it would hit the stands as soon as possible and they could start weaving their hype and lies. 

My heart constricted.  I had to tell Brook because I didn’t want her bombarded with the press and Internet barrage, and no doubt Wendy wouldn't pass up that opportunity to bring it to her attention. Brook would say she was fine with it, but I knew it bothered her just like it would me if she were making out with some other bloke; on screen or off.  We could say it a million times...
It's just a job
, but it was still hard to see it unfold. 

Brook's movie, was coming out around the time
Only Us
was, and I'd have to watch her naked with some other guy, so maybe a kiss or two wasn't so bad.  I tried to rationalize it all away. She was almost nude with me in our series, so it wasn’t likely Jeanne would be able to negotiate her out of nudity for this film. Ugh! I should have thought of that.

I clicked reply on the email and attached the song.

B-

You give me crazy love, Brook... It makes me crazy and makes me calm, it's everything... all I need in the world is you.  Listen to the lyrics, love...

The song is Crazy Love, by Van Morrison.

-C

I took out my phone and dialed Denise on my way down the hall to the elevator.  I knew when the doors opened John and Brian would be there to ward off the screaming masses, so I stood and looked out the window of my hotel as I waited for her to answer.

"Hi, honey.  What's up?  Are you okay?"  Denise always sounded upbeat but her voice held a slight strain, and I was sure that was caused by the numerous calls I'd been inundating her with. It was due to the stalking incident, the issues she was trying to work out with security, and also my incessant pestering for time off.

"Yes.  I'm just checking in.  I'm getting ready to face the mobs again," I sighed into the phone and leaned my head on the window.

"I know! It's bullshit, Cade.  I'm working on it.  I told Pinnacle we needed to get the streets blocked off further back from the set and add two more guys to travel with you, at the very least; but they’re pandering."

"Jesus, Denise.  I shouldn't have to have an entourage of security!  This film isn't even that big for Christ's sake," I said in frustration. 

"I'm doing what I can, Cade.  Your safety is my first concern.  I'm sorry if it cramps your style."  She sounded irritated.

"I don't mean that I'm ungrateful. I just think it’s bloody ridiculous.  And...”

"And?" she asked impatiently.

"I'm anxious for a trip out to Los Angeles," I said softly.

"Cade, it hasn't even been two weeks.  You have to deal with it for a while longer.  How are things with Davina?"

"Horrible.  Do we have to go there?" I begged.

"She seems like a nice young woman and from what I've seen a pretty decent actress."

"She's... boring.  I have nothing in common with her.  Talking with her is like pulling teeth.  It's bloody uncomfortable. It’s all I can do not to bolt in the opposite direction, between takes."

"You’re being melodramatic,” Denise warned. “Are you sure you just aren't coming up with reasons to keep a distance between the two of you?" 

I groaned into the phone because she was probably right.

"Maybe a little, but I can't help it."

"Look, you know she isn't going to be Brook.  Get over it, babe,” Denise said flippantly.  “You have to deal and get your head in the game."

I rolled my eyes even though Denise couldn't see me do it. "No, she's definitely not Brook.  I'm sorry. I'll try to be more receptive to getting to know her if you'll get me out to L.A. I’ve never been this miserable on a job."

She laughed.  "What you are is pathetic, Cade.  We can't have the press documenting your trips to Los Angeles after we just broke that
ultimatum
story.  You know that."

"So charter a plane.  I don't care what it costs."

"Money isn't the problem.  Schedules, remember?"

"Yeah, I understand.  I have to go to work, Denise, just do the best you can."

"I will, hon. Have a good day, and Cade?"

"Yeah?" I stopped.

"Can you pretend it’s Brook with you in those love scenes?  That might make it easier for you."

"Yeah, right.  That would only be possible if I could shut down all five of my bloody senses.  All
five
."