Absolutely Famous(6)

Damn, I must be losing it.

I grab my sunglasses and my sweater out of the bedroom and just as I’m heading over to get my purse off of the couch there’s a light rap on my door.

Flinging open the door to the suite, I find Steve standing there with his usual menacing expression. His short sleeve T-shirt is inappropriate for today’s cool weather. His two enormous, tattoo-covered biceps are visible and practically bursting the thin fabric at the seams. With the tattoos, his buzzed military style haircut and the aviator sunglasses he wears, I’d be scared of him if he weren’t protecting me. The glower he throws my way when I open the door is enough to make me flinch back.

“Miss Tannen, you didn’t check to see who I was. I could have been a reporter or a photographer or worse.” He’s angry.

“Did Drew tell you to correct everything I do wrong?” I snap.

Steve smiles at my sharp retort. “Yes Ma’am. He told me to make sure you were safe, and to help you keep yourself safe. That includes basic personal safety lessons.”

I poke his giant chest. “Listen here, I’m a grown woman. You can tell Drew that I don’t need lessons or him spying on me … you know what? Forget it, I’ll tell him myself later.” I huff and stomp out of my suite and down the hall to the elevator, Steve following diligently behind. I ignore him the entire way to the car.

Great, now I’m not only being treated like a child, but I’m acting like one.

Bruce is standing outside the huge SUV with dark tinted windows that the studio rented for the duration of the shoot. “Good morning, MissTannen,” he says cheerily.

I climb into the back seat and Bruce gently closes the door behind me. Steve hops into the passenger seat and Bruce heads around to the driver’s side. “I know we’re headed to the Gastown District, and I’ve already prepared a route. Is there a particular store you want me to go to or will you just be walking around?”

I hadn’t thought this far ahead. Everything has to be planned out now. It’s annoying.

“I guess I’ll just walk around.” I sound as grumpy as I look, folding my arms across my chest. Sighing, I realize that I have to stop being a bitch and just accept my new life. My phone startles me with a text alert as I sulk.

Drew <Hey miss you. shopping?>

Of course he knows what I’m doing. Certainly Steve is going to keep him updated on my day to day activities. He might be in a meeting today, but once he’s filming, he’s not going to be able to meddle as much.

I type out a response.

Me <Yes, that big interior design district I told you about. I don’t need safety lessons from Steve. Or you spying on me.>

My phone beeps immediately.

Drew <I’m not spying, just in love.>

My heart skips in my chest. A smiley face from Andrew Forrester? I’m being an ungrateful bitch. He’s been through a lot lately because of me. I guess if this is what he needs to be able to function and not worry, then I can suck it up and make him happy.

Me <Love you too. Xoxo. How’s the meeting?>

A minute later, it chirps again.

Drew <Boring, wish I was with you. xoxo. Gotta go. Getting the evil eye from the studio bigwigs.>

Smiling, I toss my phone back into my purse. Bruce guides the Suburban down Water Street and pulls over next to an adorable shopping area with paved brick walkways and dotted with outdoor cafés. This is incredible, I can see at least four stores that I want to check out and am armed with a list of several more.

Two hours later, I’ve made several contacts with some excellent furniture and interior design retailers. I took a ton of pictures of different pieces that I can use in future projects. I fully plan on returning to work after Drew’s movie is done. I’m sure he’ll have an opinion about that, but it’s what I know and love. I can’t just do nothing all of the time or I’ll lose my mind.

I have one more store I want to check out, one that specializes in vintage pieces. Steve opens the door for me, intimidating glower in place, and follows me inside. A well-dressed young brunette, probably in her late twenties, approaches us smiling. Her face falls when she gets a good eyeful of Mr. Muscles behind me, but she retains her professionalism and shakes my hand.

“Good afternoon, welcome to L’Atelier. I’m Ashley White.” I push my sunglasses up onto my head and shake her hand. “And you’re Sydney Tannen!” she states loudly, suddenly looking a little pale.

Crap. I made it this far in the day without anyone recognizing me. I try to put on the ‘public’ mask that Drew and my mom have mastered. Unfortunately, I’m not an actress, and my face always betrays my emotions.