Mr. Hollywood (Celebrity #1) (20 page)

Zane glanced over at his team and raised an eyebrow.
“
What do you think?
”

“
I
say we sit on this for as long as we possibly can and see if the press sniffs
out the story,
”
Penelope suggested.
“
We don
’
t need to volunteer any
information. As long as they
’
re out hunting, it gives us more
time to work with. I
’
ll also start working on an
official press release for when the story breaks.
”
Penelope
glanced at me apologetically before looking back at Zane.
“
Are you sure this child is yours?
”

“
That
’
s my question, too,
”
Mike spoke up.
“
We need to get a paternity test
done to verify the claims.
”

“
There
will be no paternity test,
”
Zane said firmly.
“
I trust Aubrey
’
s word. She was a virgin when I
slept with her, I can personally attest to that. Besides, the kid looks exactly
like me.
”
Turning to me, he added.
“
Show them the picture.
”

I did as he asked and apparently it was enough to
satisfy everyone for the moment, because no one else pressed the matter any
further.

“
So
what do you want the press release to say?
”
Penelope asked Zane.

“
Tell
them I
’
m happy to announce that I
’
ve recently reconnected with the
love of my life and am thrilled to find out we share a son together. I ask that
everyone please respect our privacy and allow us the time to become acquainted
as a family.
”

“
I
’
m on it,
”
Penelope said, quickly jotting down
notes into her phone.
“
What are you thinking about things,
Mike? Any concerns?
”

“
If
he
’
s wanting to acknowledge his son I
see no problem with that,
”
Mike replied.
“
We
’
ll
just need to get together and discuss some future financial decisions with the
management team
—
like will Dustin be added to the
will, or is there going to be a trust set up for him, but those are all things
we can address down the road.
”

“
And
the answer to that is, yes, by the way,
”
Zane spoke up.
“
So start looking into getting the
paperwork going on that, right away.
”

As I listened to them rattle things off, it amazed me
how many people were involved in running Zane
’
s
life. He honestly had a team of people at his beck and call. It was hard for me
to wrap my head around it. Listening to the way he ordered people about made me
realize that despite how long he
’
d struggled with addiction, his
people still respected him and his decisions. He was still in charge of the
show when it boiled down to everything. Without him, they had nothing
—
no product to sell. I changed my
mind. He wasn
’
t in charge of the show
—
he
was
the show. It was kind
of incredible to watch. I
’
d never really had anyone step
forward to fight my battles before, like he was doing. It was hard for me to
not think of him as that white knight on the charger
—
the one I
’
d always hoped would come find me.
Hope bloomed in my chest.

“
What
about you, Luke? Anything you need to add?
”
Penelope asked, moving on.

“
I
guess my biggest concern is what any of this means for your recovery and if
anything is changing revolving around your stay here? Will you be moved to a
different facility now that your relationship is known? I need to let the
studio know of any changes that may affect their time schedule. They
’
ve been antsy.
”

“
There
will definitely need to be some disciplinary action taken against Aubrey,
”
Dr. Bentley said, and my heart
crashed as he turned his full attention to me.
“
The
rules here are very plain and they were broken, no matter how unintentional or
blindsided you might have been.
”

“
I
understand.
”
I wasn
’
t going to beg or plead.
“
I
’
ll
take whatever punishment you deem worthy without complaint.
”

“
Again,
I
’
d like to ask you for some leniency
on her behalf,
”
Zane said.
“
Her constant worry was about
keeping the name of Sunnybrook Haven protected. I
’
d
also like to request that I be allowed to take the rest of the weekend off. I
want to meet my son and have some time to spend with him.
”

“
I
do think that is crucial to his recovery and we should grant that request,
”
Dr. Wilson spoke up, having
silently observed most of the proceedings thus far.
“
I know nothing has gone according
to plan with this case. It
’
s uncommon for patients to be
released in their first ten days, let alone start new relationships, or ask for
weekends out of recovery. Since Zane has been doing well, perhaps we could move
him from inpatient status to outpatient status. This would allow him to go home
every night and be with his family. The point of this facility is to treat the
whole person, not just the addiction. As everyone has different factors in
their care, I say we consider implementing time with his family as part of his
care plan.
”

Well, I liked that idea.

“
Depending
on his hours needed for treatment, he might even be able to work part-time,
too,
”
Dr. Bentley added.

“
I
think that would greatly please the studio,
”
Luke
said.
“
They could start production sooner
if he had work release.
”

“
We
could easily place him in a half day program with weekends off, as long as Zane
feels he can safely deal with that,
”
Dr. Wilson said.
“
Then he could work afternoons and
weekends if needed and still see his family. I
’
m
assuming his next picture is local?
”

“
The
majority of it is, except for a stint in Paris,
”
Luke
said.
“
They can work the schedule around
him here and shoot on away locations after he
’
s
released.
”

“
If
they
’
d be willing to work with him that
way, I think we
’
re in agreement,
”
Dr. Bentley said.
“
Does that work for you, Zane?
”

“
I
think it sounds great. I
’
m totally on board.
”
His thumb rubbed lazy relaxing
circles on the back of my hand.
“
If I feel I
’
m struggling, I
’
ll let someone know immediately.
”
Pausing, he cast a soft smile at
me.
“
I have a lot to live for. I want to
get this right.
”
He turned his attention back
to the doctors.
“
But what happens to Aubrey?
”

Love infused my heart, knowing that my verdict was
still forefront in his mind. It made me feel good that he wanted to protect me
—
even if I didn
’
t need protecting.

Dr. Bentley stared at Dr. Wilson.
“
What do you think?
”

“
As
much as I hate to say it, I think we need to take serious action against her,
both for her protection and ours. If this relationship ever leaked out, we
’
d need to be able to prove that she
was disciplined and it wasn
’
t ignored.
”

Dr. Bentley sighed heavily.
“
I agree.
”
Locking gazes with me, he shook his
head sadly.
“
Aubrey, as of this moment you are
officially suspended without pay for the duration of Mr. McCartney
’
s treatment here. We can
’
t have rumors of a relationship
happening. I think by doing this, we will protect everyone involved. I don
’
t think we need to release any of
this information to anyone, except to inform the staff that you felt you
shouldn
’
t treat him since you knew him from
the past. It will allow the two of you to explore your relationship as you see
fit, away from this campus and any prying eyes. And hopefully will keep the
press from making the connection that Zane is being treated here as well.
”

“
Okay.
”
I nodded, attempting to keep my
tears at bay, but it was difficult. I couldn
’
t
swallow past the knot in my throat.
“
Again, I
’
m sorry I didn
’
t come forward sooner.
”

“
Aubrey,
you
’
re a good nurse
—
one of our best
—
and we
’
d hate to lose you. We aren
’
t so cold hearted that we don
’
t see the awkward situation you
were placed in. There
’
s so much more going on here than
just patient care. There are many lives involved and we want what
’
s best for everyone, including you.
”

“
Thank
you. I
’
ve loved this job. It
’
s been such a good living and has
helped me provide adequately for my son. Thank you for not firing me.
”

“
You
’
re welcome. And Zane?
”

“
Yes?
”

“
Please
remember, if you need to come back for any help or treatments after Ms. Hart is
reinstated that you
’
ll need to check in and let
staffing know she is to be sent home. We don
’
t
want you both here at the same time unless it
’
s
for a therapy session that you
’
re doing together, or with your
son. She should never be on the clock working while you
’
re being seen as a patient here.
”

“
I
understand.
”

“
Good.
So unless anyone else has anything to add, you
’
re
all free to go
—
including you, Zane. As of this
moment, you
’
re on outpatient status.
”

Zane smiled widely and glanced at me.
“
Let
’
s
get my things. I don
’
t want to wait another minute to
meet my son!
”

“Read About Last Night’s Big Award Winners, Including Superstar, Z
McCartney!”

–
HIM Magazine

Chapter Sixteen

Aubrey

“
Is
this your place?
”
Zane asked as I pulled into the
driveway.

“
No.
I just thought it might be more exciting to park at a stranger
’
s house. You know, freak them out a
little.
”
I couldn
’
t help my laughter.

“
Smart
ass.
”
He grinned, shaking his head.
“
Which one is your parents
’
house? Right or left.
”

“
Right,
”
I replied, turning the engine off.
“
Are you sure you don
’
t want to wait here while I go warn
them? It might save some drama.
”

“
Nope.
I can fight my own battles. You don
’
t need to protect me. Besides, I
made a mistake leaving you the way I did. It
’
s
time to own up to it.
”

“
All
right.
”
I hoped he knew what the heck he
was doing.

He chuckled.
“
Why do you sound so depressed?
”

“
Well,
I just got you back in my life. I was kinda hoping you
’
d live to enjoy it longer than one
day.
”
I was only partially teasing. Zane
’
s name was an actual four letter
swear word, according to my dad. He
’
d rather cut his own tongue out
than speak it.

“
You
genuinely think it will be that bad?
”
He raised an eyebrow
slightly.

“
Honestly,
I have no idea. At least let me go in first and send Dustin into the back room
to play video games, or something. I don
’
t want him to feel any discord.
”

“
Me,
neither. I
’
ll wait out front until you tell me
to come in.
”

“
Okay.
”
I reached for the door handle.

“
Wait!
”
he said, stilling me.
“
I
’
ve
got it.
”
Jumping out, he slammed his door
and ran around to my side, opening it.

I couldn
’
t help my giggle.
“
Still a gentleman, just like when
we were younger.
”
It made me feel good to have
someone who wanted to treat me in a special way. It almost made me feel
embarrassed, it had been so long since anyone had paid that kind of attention
to me.

Slipping my hand into his outstretched one, I stood.
He shut the door behind me and we walked hand in hand over to my parent
’
s house.

“
Your
dad taught me that
—
to always be a gentleman, no matter
what.
”
He sighed.
“
I
’
ve
missed Brent.
”

“
Well,
for better or worse, you
’
re about to be reunited.
”
I paused when we reached the door,
sincerely hoping the
“
better
”
part was going to be the one we got
to deal with.

Nodding, he glanced around.
“
I
’
ll
just have a seat here on the porch swing until you
’
re ready for me.
”

“
It
won
’
t be long, I promise.
”
Giving him a quick peck on the
cheek, I left him and walked inside the house, taking a cleansing breath and
hoping for the best.
“
Hey, everyone! Where are you?
”

“
Back
here, honey!
”
my mom answered and I made my
way to the family room.

“
Mom!
”
Dustin shouted, dropping a game
control and running to give me a hug.
“
You
’
re
back! You were gone a long time!
”

“
I
’
m sorry. I had a special work thing
I had to do and it took longer than I expected.
”
I
glanced to where my dad was reading the newspaper and my mom was crocheting a
doily. Both of them flashed a smile at me before continuing on, though my mom
gave me a puzzled once over as she took in my appearance.
“
Dustin, I need to speak with
Grandma and Grandpa in the other room for a minute, sweetie. Do you mind
playing video games in here while I do? I have a surprise for you today, but I
’
m not quite ready for you to see it
yet.
”

“
You
have a surprise?
”
His eyes immediately lit up.
“
What is it?
”

Laughing, I rubbed my hand across his buzzed hair.
“
I said it
’
s not quite ready yet. I need to
talk to your grandparents first. Play your game and sit tight. I
’
ll call you when I
’
m ready.
”

Both of my parents were now curiously staring at me
and I motioned for them to follow me.

“
What
’
s going on? Is everything okay?
”
my mom asked as soon as we were in
the front room.

“
Yeah,
everything is fine, but I wanted to give you a chance to see the surprise I
have and react to it.
”
I was too afraid to tell my
dad who was on the porch for fear he wouldn
’
t
let Zane inside.
“
Mom, you asked me what has been
bothering me lately. I have permission to tell you about it now. I just ask
that before the two of you jump to any conclusions that you allow me the chance
to explain everything first.
”

“
Aubrey,
you
’
re starting to scare me. What
’
s the matter?
”
Mom seemed truly nervous.

“
Don
’
t be scared. I
’
m excited about this. I
’
m happy
—
truly happy. Just keep that in
mind, all right? Please.
”
Glancing between them, I
waited for them to both nod before I moved to the door and opened it.
“
You can come in now.
”
I bit my lip, waiting.

Zane appeared in the doorway, stepping inside, and I
heard my mom release a gasp as she stepped backward and sank into the chair
behind her, shock clearly evident on her features.

“
Zane?
”
she whispered, her face going pale.

“
You
son of a bitch!
”
My dad lunged forward,
swinging back his fist and throwing a punch, hitting Zane hard in the cheek and
knocking him backward.

“
Dad!
”
I screamed jumping in between them as
he moved to swing again. I held my hands out shoving them apart.
“
Stop!
”

“
Get
the hell out of my house, you bastard!
”
He strained against me, a bit
of spittle flying from his lips as he spoke, his face angrier than I
’
d ever seen in my life. Veins
popped out against his forehead as he struggled to get at him again.
“
I brought you into my home and this
is how you repaid me? I trusted you, dammit! I trusted you!
”

“
Dad!
I love him! Please stop!
”

My father stared at me incredulously, his face growing
even redder, though I didn
’
t know how it was possible.
“
How can you love this jackass? Don
’
t you remember what the last ten
years of your life has been like? How lonely you
’
ve
been? All the while he
’
s been out screwing everything in a
skirt. How dare you bring him to my home!
”

I could feel my irritation growing now.
“
He
’
s
Dustin
’
s father, and
he has every right to know his son and I intend to give it to him. I love you
Dad, and I appreciate everything you
’
ve done for me, but this is my life
and I get to decide who
’
s in it. Not you. I love Zane. I
always have. Now please, can you not cause a scene? I want to introduce him to
his son.
”

Rage, was the only way I could describe my dad
’
s features. His face was so
mottled, I worried it might actually explode. Turning on his heel, he marched
out of the room without another word.

“
Mom?
”
Dustin
’
s shaky voice came to me and I
noticed him standing there with concerned eyes. Immediately, I wondered how
much he
’
d heard.

“
Come
here, sweetie,
”
I said, taking a steadying
breath and glancing briefly at Zane, who despite being punched was standing
quietly near the door.
“
I want you to meet someone.
”

Dustin came into the room, standing close to me, and I
put an arm around him.
“
Dustin, this is Zane McCartney. He
’
s your daddy.
”
Emotion choked my voice and I
couldn
’
t speak any more and I blinked back
my tears. The moment I
’
d dreamed of for so long was
finally happening.

Zane crouched down, at eye level with his son, and
held out a gift bag.
“
It
’
s
nice to meet you, Dustin. Your mom has been telling me all about you. She said
you like to play video games, so I brought you a whole bunch of mine. Maybe we
could play together sometime, if you think you
’
d
like that.
”

Gingerly, Dustin reached out and took the bag from
him, briefly peering inside before glancing at Zane again.
“
Wow! These are cool games!
”
He paused, studying him for a
moment.
“
Are you really my dad?
”

Tears flooded the rims of Zane
’
s eyes and he nodded.
“
I really am.
”

Dustin looked at me, and I nodded too, reaffirming his
words.

“
Where
have you been?
”
Dustin asked him.
“
All my friends have dads who live
with them.
”