Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129110 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
"And that's still in there? During later revisions I mean?"
"No, it was modified, but I don't know if it's much better. Now it's like five pages outlining how I'm expected to remain hidden. It even details things like sex and the protection I'm expected to use."
"Jesus."
"Yep," I nod. "And even the non-in-depth and personal parts are... weird," I shake my head. "I'd be walking on eggshells, afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing."
"How is that really different from you now?" She jokes. She's not entirely wrong. "You're kind of a hot mess either way."
"Okay, I get it," I roll my eyes. "Signing it makes it official, like I agree to it, which I don't. I want things to progress naturally."
"I get it."
We both sigh.
"You know one of the first few times he came over his people sent a menu of foods he likes and doesn't like."
"No!"
"Yeah. There were like notes from his trainer and stuff. I mean he ate whatever, but that's just the life he's used to. He says he wants normalcy, but I don't think he truly even knows what it involves."
"Well isn't love about taking risks? Doing things we don't want to do but do anyway? If it doesn't make us a little uncomfortable is it even love?"
"I know what you're doing." I cross my arms.
"Is it working?" She raises an eyebrow.
I roll my eyes.
Of course I love him, but I haven't told him that yet so I certainly won't tell anyone else.
"Play their games," she smiles kindly. "Don't overthink. Don't second guess. For once give yourself enough credit."
I hesitate. "I'll think about it."
"Are you gonna mention all this to him?" She stares at the papers.
"Maybe. After I see what Travis wants. He can be pretty vindictive if he wants to be so I need to be prepared before I mention anything to Asher."
"I guess that means you're going to meet up with him?"
"Yeah," I sigh. "I am."
I meet Travis the following day during my lunch hour. I pick a coffee shop around the block from my office so Smith doesn't come along or know about it and tell Asher.
Funny how when we were dating Travis was always too busy to meet for lunch.
I walk in not knowing what to expect.
Last time I saw him he was throwing my stuff out our apartment window and there was lots of screaming.
By the looks of it he's prepped for battle, which is... typical.
I slide into the seat opposite him. His hair slicked back, a selfish gleam in his eye, I can't believe I ever dated him.
I can't believe they sent him this!
"Is this a joke?"
"Yes?"
Maybe if he thinks it is we can drop it and go back to not speaking.
He narrows his stare.
"I don't think it is, which is why I reached out."
I let out a deep sigh.
I don't even know what I'm supposed to do here. I mean there was zero warning on who they were sending these things to.
"Travis, as the last boyfriend prior to Miss. Harris entering into an agreement with Mr. Montgomery-"
"Okay to be fair I never entered into an agreement with him," I interrupt.
He raises an eyebrow.
"I'm really sorry. I never-"
I don't finish. I am sorry he was sent this, but that's all I'm sorry for. I mean he called about this but never said boo on my birthday.
Hell, he threw my stuff out a window!
"I'm just a little confused so I'd like some more information before I sign anything." He's got that look about him. The what's in it for me gaze. Those I have all the control stare. The I will hold this over your head attitude. The I have you right where I want you smirk. "Are you strapped for cash? Does he need good PR or something?"
"What?"
"Why you?"
I'm not offended, just used to it.
I shake my head.
"I don't know," I sigh, which is not entirely untrue.
"Asher Montgomery." He can't believe it.
"Yeah."
"So like all this time..." he shakes his head, his eyes narrowing. "That's why you left."
"What?"
"It says here you're friends, but I call bullshit."
"Excuse me?" I hiss.
"You played me for a fool, Elle. Barbados. Picking you up from his concert..." he shakes his head. "Now you want me to sign this shit?" He raises his voice. People look over. "So everyone can see that you left me."
"First of all, I don't care if you sign anything."
"You were fucking him that whole time!"
A lady at the next booth over gasps and I shoot her an apologetic stare before turning back to Travis.
"Calm down. No one was fucking anyone."
"I sign this so your reputation can remain crystal clear. So you can ride off into the sunset thinking you're better than me because you rub privates with some celebrity like a whore."
"Travis!" I gasp.
"You think I'm a piece of shit who'll use this to benefit me? That's why you came here right? So I won't spill all your secrets."