It's Just Pretend ✔️

Chapter 19

"They did what!?" Mother yells into the other end of the phone and I sigh. "They are trying to get me to have a sex scene with this Valerie girl" I explain again and I can hear her breathing become angrier and angrier.

"I'm suing- I'm suing the company, that girl, the writer- everybody!" She shouts and there's a muffled noise before my father takes the phone. "Hey Zachary, your mother is having a little timeout right now, so I'm just going to say this in a calmer way. We will be suing if they force anything onto you. When you've clearly said no. Nancy sit your ass down! I love you too, but we have a meeting soon I can't have you being riled up, yes I know I'm sorry. We can go have a nice day out afterward" I cough into the phone signaling I'm still here.

"Right sorry. I'd go along with the movie, but continue what you're doing and say no to the sex scene. If they try to force anything on you-" Mom took the phone back more than likely without Dad's permission.

"I will personally beat the living shit out of them. I'll sue every single one of them. I'll sue their parents and their children too. Once they have grandbabies I'll sue them too! Speaking of grandbabies-" dad rips the phone from her as I shake my head.

"Nancy sit back down! Anyways your mother is correct- I'm just saying it calmer" he explains again and I chuckle. "Got it, I've got to go into my meeting now... to talk about it more, but I felt like telling you guys. Thanks for the support it makes me feel better knowing I have more than just Damien on my side" I sigh. "Of course son, we are always here for you" he assures me and there's more shuffling before moms on the phone again.

"You call me and tell me what they say to you, just know mom will be there for you as soon as you need me" she sings and I take another deep breath. "I love you mom, tell dad I love him too" I exhale and she kisses me over the phone. "I love you too, and your father said the same" I kiss her back before hanging up.

Stepping out of my car, I walk into the building not really ready to face them. For once I wasn't showing up early. I mean technically I still had five minutes. I walked into the room full of the lead roles and sat next to Jadyn.

"I thought you weren't going to come for a minute" he nudges my arm and I slouch into the couch more. "I really thought about it. I was on the phone with my parents. They are beyond pissed" I laugh and he purses his lips eyes wide.

"I bet, you seem pretty chill about it though" he moves his hands to his knees and I shake my head. "No I'm beyond pissed, but since I have paparazzi watching me like a hawk I can't have tantrums until I'm home and out of view" I admit and he sighs.

"That's awful dude- I'm sorry" he apologizes and I just kind of shrug. "It's all good, a little irritating but all good" I repeat. Suddenly another body flings itself onto the couch next to me. "Hi, boys" the girl hums cuddling up close to me.

"Hi, Valerie" both of us groan simultaneously making us laugh. Her hand goes to my bicep as she tries to talk to me. Thankfully cut off as the director comes in more notes in his hand.

"As you may know the contract you signed mentioned traveling. The farthest we will go is Oregon, we will be using one of the forest there for many of the scenes. Zachary hope you aren't too scared of heights" he laughs looking over at me making the others laugh.

"Can't wait" I give him a hesitant thumbs-up making him laugh again. "You'll all be given plane tickets a week in advance, please contact one of us if you need an extra ticket- we want to do an estimated count now, so if you'll raise your hand. Remember you can drive yourself if you'd like" he calls and the others raise their hands.

I keep mine down knowing there was no way in hell I was going on the plane with Valerie. "Zachary, will you be going with us?" Valerie asked and I chuckle. "Nah I'm going on my parents plane," I tell her and she pouts hugging my arm.

"Come on, please... we could have so much fun" she mumbles being extremely suggestive. "It's a plane ride full of people. I could go by myself be there quicker, and leave whenever I want" I didn't want to sound spoiled but I did not want to be on a plane with her.

"Sorry Jadyn" he puts a finger under his eyes and traces a tear. "I'll cry over you the whole time" he sighs. "Jadyn, I'm going to be doing seats, so I was wondering if you would like to sit next to me? Unless you would prefer somebody else, if so tell me so I can write it down" a guy comes over and writes something on the clipboard, waiting for Jadyn's answer.

"Uh yeah. We can sit together definitely"  Jadyn nods as I eye the two. "How about you Miss. Dale, who would you like to sit next to?" He asked now standing in front of me.

"Next to Zachary of course," she answers and I roll my eyes. "I don't believe Mr. Tatton is going with us," he replies, looking back at her. "Anyone else?" He asked and she crossed her arms pouting.

"I want to be alone then" she huffs and he nods. "If we have enough room I'll be sure to give you your own seat" he explains before moving on. I look over to Jadyn and smirk. "Dude I've known you for like two weeks but, ya got to tell me. Who was that?" I ask looking back to the guy asking people their preferences.

"His name is Mylo. He's the director's assistant. Yeah," I go into fangirl mode looking between them both. "He so has a thing for you" I laugh and Jadyn scrunches up his face.

"I'm straight" he reminds me and I stand seeing other people were leaving. "I forgot you were in denial" I send him a little wave as his face drops. He stands to come after me but ultimately turns and crosses his arm to rethink what I said.

I left the room with the others and made my way out to my car. Getting inside I pulled out my phone to call Damien. "Hello Darling" he answers and I sit back against the seat.

"Hi" I smile. "Is there a reason you called me?" He asked and I played with my shirt. "Yes. I don't have exact dates, but in a few months would you be willing to fly to Oregon with me. We would be there for a few weeks. It's for the movie, but it could be a little vacation for us" I mumble hoping he'll say yes.

"I'll need a warning in advance so I can get time off work, but I'd love to" he answers and I bring my hand to my heart. "Thank god- I wouldn't be able to deal with Valerie" I sigh and he chuckles. "I'd also miss you way too much" I murmur and he sucks in a breath.

"You're so cute" he grumbled as I hold the phone closer to my ear. "You know, I should come to your work... order some boyfriend time" I whisper and he clicks his tongue.

"I'm sorry dear, my schedule is booked today. More and more people want a Damien in their life thanks to you" he whispers and I pout. "Screw this" I huff slouching down in my chair.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry darling. We can plan a day to hang out just me and you" he assures me and I blush. "You'd do that for me?" I ask and he goes silent before my phone starts ringing.

I look to it, only to find Damien now FaceTiming me. Quickly looking in the mirror I check my hair and face before answering. "What took so long?" he gives me a look and I give him a timid smile.

"I was panicking, okay?" I laugh and he shakes his head. "About what?" He asks spinning around in his chair. "You're so cute" I huff as he holds his phone up smiling at me.

"How I looked in front of you" I admit and he laughs. "Well you look amazing as always" he whispers looking me over. "Anyways I called because, of course, I would take you on a date. I'd do anything for you darling" he chuckles and I bite my lip nervously.

A door opens from behind him and he puts his phone down so I can only see him. "Damien you have an appointment in thirty minutes" a man reminds him as his face goes serious again.  "Yes, thank you for the reminder" he answers and the door closes again.

"So serious" I laugh and he gives me a little smile. Before moving some of his hair. "Sadly I've got to go now" he sighs and I pout but nod. "I've got to call my parents anyways" I mumble.

"I love you," I remind him, and he smiles at me. "I love you too darling, I'll send you a text after I'm done with this date" he responds and I nod.

"Try not to miss me too much"

"Too late"