He pulls me into a hug.
"I knew it was bothering you more than you were letting on."
"Of course it is. But I can't show it. I have to go out and pretend to be on top of the world."
He nods and gives me a kiss. "Be safe, Boots."
Cooper and I pick up Knox. He gets in the car, gives me a kiss on the cheek, then fist bumps Cooper. "I fired my bodyguard. Where can I get another one of you?"
"We can put you in touch with the security company that Keatyn uses," Cooper replies.
"Cool. So, how did today go?"
"It went well."
"Did you really fire Vincent Sharpe from his own company?"
"Yeah."
"Amazing. You look amazing, too. I'm digging the suit. And the boots."
"Thanks. It's what I wore for the meeting."
He gives the driver the address of where we're going and, as we hoped, there are a few photographers waiting for us outside.
"Knox! Keatyn! Can you stop and give us a picture?"
Knox pretends to whisper in my ear and I pretend to agree, nodding my head and stopping to pose for a happy couple photo.
After lunch, we walk to Bergdorf's, where I help him pick out an Alexander McQueen tonal jacquard suit with a skull pattern for an event he's going to this weekend.
"Maybe we should get you a dress so you can join me. Do you have plans this weekend?"
"No. Aiden will be back in school, so I'll probably be back and forth between here and L.A. for however long it takes."
"However long what takes?"
"For something to happen with Vincent. Preferably something that would put him in jail."
"Like what?"
"Attempted kidnapping. Kidnapping. Stalking, maybe. Whatever."
"You get kidnapped in our movie."
"I know. Probably why I'm so good at the role. I barely have to act. Tommy is like my father. I've almost been kidnapped . . ."
"That must be weird."
"It kind of is. But I'm excited, regardless. Oh, and I think you were right."
"About what?"
"Us maybe taking over the franchise. Tommy and Matt had a meeting with Edward Moffet yesterday. He's going to announce my role sometime today."
"He probably saw the video. And the pics of us."
"He did. Wants to strike while the iron is hot."
"You looked hot in the video." He winks at me then gives me a steamy kiss right in the middle of the men's department.
"What the hell was that for?"
"Just playing my part," he says, quietly, still holding me in his arms.
"You don't need to kiss me like that."
He grins at me. "Maybe I just felt like it."
"And maybe you're just playing me."
He grins at me. "I'm pretty sure it goes both ways, sugar."
"I'm going to warn you. I'm celebrating the takeover by purchasing an insane amount of shoes as well as some new handbags. I hope you don't bore easily."
"Why stop there?" he says, egging me on. "Let's find you a dress to wear this weekend."
"What kind of dress would I need?"
"Something long and classy. I liked the dress you wore on New Year's Eve. It was sophisticated but edgy."
"Thanks. I liked it too."
After very little looking, Knox holds up a J. Mendel black strapless gown with a leather bodice and columned skirt. "How about this?"
"I think I need to try that on. It would look perfect with your skull suit."
After shopping, we drop Knox off at his place and then go meet Tommy for dinner. We've just ordered when Tommy gets a text from his publicity team, letting him know that the press release has been sent out. Tommy hands me his phone so I can read it.
The official joint statement from Moran Films and High Adrenaline Productions: Keatyn Douglas, daughter of Abby Johnston and the late Mark Douglas, has been officially cast to play the role of Tommy Stevens' daughter, Harper, for the third movie in the Trinity Trilogy, Retribution. Director Matthew Moran said, "We're thrilled to have signed Keatyn. She was always my first choice, but we needed to prove her acting abilities. Because of her great screen test with co-star, Knox Daniels, the writers are currently expanding both actors' roles. We expect to see great things from these two in the future."
"That sounds good," I say. "When do you start filming again?"
"Tomorrow. And we should have your new schedule in the next couple weeks."
"Sounds good," I say again, stifling yet another yawn.
"You had a busy day. I should let you get back home," he says, asking the waiter for our check.
His phone, my phone, and Cooper's phone all buzz at the same time.
"Looks like another version of the press release," Tommy states, glancing at it and then setting his phone down.
But I get a frantic text from Damian.
Damian: WE HAVE A PROBLEM! DID YOU READ THE ARTICLE I JUST SENT YOU? AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, DID YOU SEE THE PHOTOS??!!
Me: Uh, no, I didn't. Hang on.
I open the article up and read a different version.
Keatyn Douglas: Hollywood's Next It Girl?
The official joint statement from Moran Films and High Adrenaline Productions: Keatyn Douglas, daughter of Abby Johnston and the late Mark Douglas, has been officially cast to play the role of Tommy Stevens' daughter, Harper, for the third movie in the Trinity Trilogy, Retribution. Director Matthew Moran said, "We're thrilled to have signed Keatyn. She was always my first choice, but we needed to prove her acting abilities. Because of her great screen test with co-star, Knox Daniels, the writers are currently expanding both actors' roles. We expect to see great things from these two in the future."
The real story: Talk about a good gene pool. If ever there was a girl made for the spotlight, it's Keatyn Douglas. Our sources on the Retribution set say that Knox and Keatyn are already a couple. That they were burning up the place with their chemistry and have become very close. We know they were goo-goo over each other at a hip NYC night club last week, but then got in a wicked fight that saw poor Keatyn leaving the club in tears, only to be stopped by Knox and whisked off to his penthouse. The couple shared a special night together, capped it off with a brisk morning jog through Central Park, and carpooled to the movie set.
But, let's be real. We all saw Keatyn's music video debut, and no one can deny the chemistry between her and Twisted Dreams' lead rocker, Damian Moran, the son of director Matthew Moran. Although just days before, Damian was seen with a leggy blonde, we all know who he kissed on New Year's Eve. In further evidence are these photos of the couple's arm-in-arm stroll through Central Park with their doggie pal and the entrance to their secret love nest. Add to the equation professional surfer, Brooklyn Wright, who pledged his love to Keatyn after winning the Surf City Hawaiian Open just a few months ago and high school sweetheart, actor Luke Sander, and it looks like our new it girl knows how to play the field.
And what a delicious field it is.
P.S. Vincent Sharpe, if you're reading this, stop the silly nationwide search and cast Keatyn in the remake of A Day at the Lake.
P.P.S. Because, seriously.
Below is a photo of Damian and me at the entrance to my loft. The address numbers clearly visible.
"Fuuuuck," I say loudly, causing the restaurant patrons to give me disapproving glares.
"What's wrong?" Cooper asks.
"The loft has been burned. Somehow, someone must have followed us home from the park when we took Kiki for a walk. We have to get Damian, Peyton, and Aiden out of there. I can't go back. Shit."
Tommy looks panicked. "What are you going to do?"
"Let me think for a minute," I say.
"How did they follow us to your loft? We've been so careful," Cooper says.
"Apparently, not careful enough," I snap. I'm pissed.
Because, not my loft.
It's the only home I have.
I text Damian back.
Me: Look out the windows. Do you see anyone out front?
Damian: Hang on.
Damian: No.
Me: They would think only you and I are there, right?
Damian: So I should be the only one to go out the front?
Me: Yes. Press-wise, people have forgotten about Peyton already. They think I'm seeing both you and Knox.
Damian: I'd prefer it that way.
Me: Me too. So send P & A out the back. Tell them to follow the alley, take the first right, and then get a cab to the Plaza hotel. Tell them to go to the Food Hall and get some yogurt. Cooper will find them. Tell them if they see Cooper to pretend like they don't know him and to shop around a little. He's going to want to make sure they don't have a tail, just in case.
Damian: Got it.
Me: At the same time, you go out the front and catch a cab. Go straight to your dad's apartment. I'll message you when I get all the pieces in place. Text me when you're at your dad's.
Damian: Will do. Are you freaking out?
Me: A little. I'm good now.
"Tommy, Cooper and I are going to head out. I have to find somewhere to stay tonight."
"Just come to Matt's apartment," Tommy says.
"Damian is headed there, but I can't send Aiden and Peyton there. The press has already forgotten about Peyton. Damian kind of wants to keep it that way."
"You're very protective of Aiden," Tommy observes.
I nod, then stand up and give Tommy a hug goodbye. "Come on, Cooper."
Cooper gives Tommy a nod, but as we leave he's looking at the floor.
I grab his arm. "It's okay, Cooper. It's not your fault."
"It's absolutely my fault," he replies, marching ahead of me.
"No, it's mine. I'm pushing you. Putting myself in situations that aren't easy to control. I know the risks. It just makes me sad. Not being able to go back there."
"All our stuff is there."
"I have a lot of new shoes in the car," I tease. "You can borrow some."
"Not funny," he says with a little chuckle as we get in the car. "Why don't you let me plan what's next."
"Okay, what are you thinking?"
"I'm going to check us all into a hotel. You can sneak in and I'll go get Aiden and Peyton. Where do you want to stay?"