Absolutely Famous(5)

“He lives in New York?” I feel like a crappy friend for not knowing who my best friend is dating.

“Yep, he grew up in L.A. and hates Hollywood and all the bullshit. Just like you and your man,” she states proudly. “Has a place on the Upper East Side, right near all of the great shopping!”

I roll my eyes, Leah and her shopping. Going to any store with her is an absolute nightmare. I should know, somehow I always get roped into joining her whenever she has to buy a new dress for some big event or another. I usually end up wanting to poke myself, or her, in the eye with a stiletto.

“You really like him? As in Ryker, not whatever character is it that made you act like such a fangirl at Verve?”

Leah has never dated anyone famous before, so I want to make sure she isn’t just into the role he plays. Not like I have dated famous people, well, I have, but I didn’t know Drew was famous when we started dating, so I just treated him like a regular guy. And with my famous parents, I’ve got plenty of experience with people thinking that the real life person is the same as the character they portray, and nothing could be further than the truth. Leah is no star-fucker though, so I have to believe that she really likes him.

“Syd, I know what you’re doing. And yes, I like Ryker, not Orion Donovan. So you can chill out.”

“I have no idea what an Orion Donovan is, but I assume it’s his character’s name in the movie. Just looking out for you, Leah. You know I love you. If he’s what you want then go for it.” I have to support her in this, she’s been nothing but loyal to me over the last dozen years.

“Thanks, Syd. I’ll miss you these next couple of months. With you in Vancouver and me in London, we’ll be half a world apart.” Leah starts sniffing and I panic, not wanting to get emotional.

“Oh God, don’t get sappy on me. I’ve cried so much over the last few months, I don’t know if I have anything left in me. I’ll miss you too, Lee-Lee.” I use her much despised nickname to try and lighten the mood.

“Thanks, Syd-Syd,” she flippantly replies. I think I’ve been spared from the waterworks until she turns serious. “Call me if you need anything, Sydney. You know I’ll leave London and come to you if I have to.”

Okay, now I might cry. Only a best friend would leave her dream vacation with her dream guy to help you out. “You too, Leah.” My voice cracks at the sentimental moment. “You’re like my sister.”

“Your much cuter sister,” she laughs.

“Obviously.”

We say our goodbyes and hang up. I clench my phone tightly in my hand. I really hope she’s doing the right thing.





Chapter 4



Drew took off early for his production meeting this morning at the studio, so I’m left to find my own entertainment today. Well, me and Steve and Bruce, the Three Musketeers of Vancouver. He gave me explicit instructions not to go anywhere by myself.

Bossy, gorgeous, ass!

I sigh and call up Steve on his cellphone. His room is just next door to our suite at the Hotel Georgia, but I wouldn’t want to go over and knock and find him undressed or something embarrassing. Plus, if Drew knew that I saw him in his skivvies, he’d flip his damn lid.

“Miss Tannen, what can I do for you.” Steve’s clipped military voice comes through the phone.

“Hi Steve, I’d like to go to see some interior design shops. There’s a place called the Gastown District that has a lot of cool stores.” I hate having to basically ask permission to go out. It makes me feel like a child, and I despise that feeling.

“No problem, I’ll have Bruce bring the car around front. When do you want me ready for you?”

“Ummm, I’d like to go soon I guess. Maybe twenty minutes?”

“I’ll be at your door in twenty minutes then, Miss Tannen.”

“Thanks.” I disconnect, feeling magnificently stupid.

I hate the loss of my freedom; it brings back stifling memories of my childhood. Carted all around L.A. by a score of bodyguards and handlers, never a having a minute that you’re not watched by someone. If it wasn’t the hulking security surrounding me, then it was the relentless paparazzi or crowds of fans that hounded my parents.

Drew did say he came with a lot of baggage that I wouldn’t like because of my experiences as a kid, and I have to say this is one of them. But, it’s a small sacrifice to make in order to be with him, and after the attack on me I have to say that as much as I hate it, the bodyguard doesn’t seem like such a bad idea.

I roll my eyes in disbelief, I’m actually agreeing with Drew and his almost obsessive-compulsive behavior when it comes to my safety.