“I just saw someone I knew and wanted to say hi,” I pulled her closer for a picture.
“Oh! Well, would you mind coming back over to the promo circle? I think we should get some shots of you smelling the fragrance with me.”
I let her go and followed her across the room. A part of me wanted to go after Melody Carter, but she seemed to be offended by something I said.
What the hell did I say?
Most of the launch party went by in a blur—I drank a glass of wine whenever a waiter brought me one, but taking fake “we’re in love” pictures with Selena seemed to go by in slow motion.
When I wasn’t by Selena’s side, Shelby was pushing me in front of microphones, telling me to give short impromptu interviews about upcoming projects. By the time the party was over, I was dozing off in Selena’s limousine.
“Matt! We’re back at your place,” Selena shook me awake. “Did you want me to come in with you tonight?”
“He doesn’t,” Joan unbuckled my seat belt and stepped out of the car. “He told me to say that if you asked.”
Selena and Joan scowled at one another as I took my time getting out.
“No, I’m okay. Thanks though,” I kissed Selena on her cheek and closed the door.
As soon as the car pulled off, I bent over and puked. Joan helped me to walk straight and stopped every few feet to let me vomit.
“I’ll have maintenance clean this up before morning sir.”
“You don’t have to call me sir anymore, Joan. What have we known each other for? Three years?”
“Four years sir.”
“Stop with the sirssss,” I vomited on the steps. “I’m okay. I’m okay. I gotta ask you something Joan.”
“Yes?”
“Do you think Selena and I…Well, I know you know what Selena and I are…Do you think we’ll last a long time? Do you think one day I’ll wake up and like her again? Do you think what we’re doing is wrong?”
“Sir, I—”
“We’re off the record, Joan. Don’t call me sir. Call me Matt.”
“Well Matt, with all due respect, you don’t pay me enough for psychiatric analyses. And even if you did, neither of us would be alive long enough to go through everything that’s wrong with your situation.”
“We are so on the record for forever Joan! For forever!”
I tripped over my shoes and let out more bile.
“Come on Mr. Sterling,” Joan patted my back and led me to a trash can.
When she was sure I was done coughing up my insides, she led me to the elevators and up to my room. She pulled my sheets back and took off my shoes. I rolled over and grabbed my phone.
“I’m going to call People Magazine…Tell them that—”
“I’m taking your phone so you won’t do something stupid,” Joan sighed. “I’ll return it tomorrow morning. We’ll need to be up by nine to prepare for the Ryan Seacrest interview.”
“What do you think about Mel—Melody Carter? She looked really good tonight. Do you think it’s just a crush? Do you think she would go out with me?”
She pulled the sheets over my head. “Goodnight sir.”
“You’re my only friend Joan,” I sighed before everything went black.
As usual, Joan had my favorite breakfast delivered and hung my outfit for the Ryan Seacrest interview on my bathroom door.
“All of Mr. Seacrest’s questions look pretty straightforward sir,” Joan entered my room and handed me two Tylenol. “Are there any topics you do not wish to discuss?”
I shook my head. My head was still throbbing from last night and I wanted to get the interview over with as soon as possible.
“Okay great. After the interview, you’ll have two free hours before we have to head to your dance school.”
“There’s a recital today?”
“No sir. You’re finishing up your Instyle interview.”
“I meant what I said about the ‘sir’ thing, Joan. It makes it seem like we’re not cool when you do that…Is there any way we could do the Instyle thing right after Seacrest? Like, in the same area?”
“I’ll see what I can do,” she took out her phone and headed for the door.
“Wait, Joan. I wanted to let you know that I’m sorry about last night. I was really unprofessional and—”
“That was actually one of your better nights,” she smiled and walked away.
I laughed and tossed back the Tylenol.
Ryan Seacrest was sitting on the famous red interview couch when Selena and I arrived to the set.
“Matt Sterling! Selena Ross!” he stood up. “Thank you so much for allowing me to interview you both.”
“Anything for Mr. Seacrest,” Selena gave him a hug.
“Any time Ryan,” I shook his hand.
“Go ahead and take your seats Mr. and Mrs. Sterling,” a producer walked on set and began ordering people around. “Do either of you need anything to drink before we begin?”
“A water for us both please,” Selena put her hand on my lap.
Think of the exposure…Think of the exposure…