Sugar Baby Beautiful(46)

“You wouldn’t be more comfortable in the back, ma’am?”

“The front is fine, and again, it’s just Felicity.”

He looked at me like I was an alien but didn’t say anything as he started the engine. Winding down the window, I stuck my hand out, enjoying the warm breeze on my skin.

Don’t get involved, Felicity.

I knew I shouldn’t try to insert myself anymore than I already had into his life. I should just walk away, and I was going to. After this week I was going to end things with him. It was getting too serious. He wanted more from me than I could give him or anyone else. I didn’t want to hurt him.

Why would I?

That thought. That brief second where I hoped for something more was the very reason why I had to leave. Taking out my phone, I texted Cleo and Mark: After this week I’m done with him.

Cleo: I understand.

Mark: I don’t.

Me: I’m going to screw this up. You know that.

Mark: No I don’t, and neither do you. Have you ever thought maybe you aren’t scared of you hurting him but him hurting you?

Cleo: Mark, life is not one big romantic comedy. Just because he’s into her now doesn’t mean this is forever. They barely know each other, and even if he knew everything, what would Felicity’s life be like?

Me: Exactly. We get along great… now. Besides, I don’t fit into his life.

Mark: Are they legal?

Me: Are what legal?

Mark: The things you guys are doing, are they legal?

Me: Yes.

Even though it felt so good it shouldn’t be.

Mark: Do you feel safe with him?

I knew what he was doing, and I couldn’t bring myself to reply. He texted me again.

Mark: Most importantly, are you happy with the situation you’re in?

Texting them had been a bad idea. I felt even more conflicted now than I had on my own. It did make me wonder, though. Mark and Cleo could be so alike yet have such varying views on the world.

“Ms. Felicity?”

“Huh? Yes?” I looked at Nolan.

He pointed to the white mansion we were now in front of. “We’re here. Would you like me to give you a moment?”

“Oh no. I’m good, thanks. You can go now—”

“Mr. Darcy said for me to stay with you at all times.”

Of course he had. “All right. I don’t know how long this will be, but I’ll just come to the car when I’m done.”

The first person I saw was Mr. Hamilton, talking with—no way—Deborah Day. She was one of my favorite actresses. Her blonde hair was curled into an updo. She wore white pearls and a bright blue dress with opera gloves that went past her elbows. She was dressed for the part, but from the look on her face it seemed like she was not pleased one bit.

“What do you mean, you will get someone else?” she screamed at poor Mr. Hamilton. He looked exhausted. “I said replace him. I will not work with him!”

Well, there went my perfect picture of her.

“Excuse me!” I stepped forward. Mr. Hamilton looked relieved at my presence even though he looked past me for Theo.

“And who are you?” she snapped.

Good question. “I’m Mr. Darcy’s personal assistant. He had another appointment today but wanted me to convey a message for him.” I turned to Mr. Hamilton, who stared at me in confusion. “Where is the other actor?”

“He’s in the living room.”

“Please follow me, Ms. Day. I’ll talk to you both together.” I didn’t wait for her. I was already moving into the house, which in my mind would always be Mr. and Mrs. Beauchamp’s home, despite whatever it may be in real life.

In the very same room I’d had my acting debut across from Theo, was a man whose real name, I believed, was Alexander something. I had seen him in action movies, but I couldn’t place him. He was dressed for the part of Ernest, only his black hair was more slicked back and he wore his suspenders off his shoulders.

“Who are you?”

I didn’t answer, looking around at the crew. “Ladies and gentlemen, do you mind giving us a moment please?”

They looked relieved to not have to be around either of the actors. Deborah sat on the other end of the red couch like she was repelled by him. He rolled his eyes at her and looked the other way.

“As I told Ms. Day, my name is Felicity Harper. I’m Theodore Darcy’s personal assistant.”

“Why isn’t he here?” Deborah huffed and crossed her legs.

“Because he doesn’t have time to deal with actors with inflated egos. He’s the CEO of a company, not your therapist or your fan,” I yelled at her. “And just so you know, if your fans knew this was the type of person you were, believe me, they wouldn’t waste their time with you either.”