Unwritten

Chapter 3

Clover could hear Brandon and Nancy arguing on the other side of the door, their voices muffled but unmistakably tense.

"We've already canceled three press conferences," Brandon hissed. "You need to do something about this!"

"She's going through a lot, Brandon," Nancy replied, her tone softer but firm. "Give her some space."

"We've got two months until the Oscars. If she's not ready by then, this whole thing could turn into a scandal."

"I've been posting regularly; no one's caught on yet."

"Miraculously!"

"Let me talk to her," Nancy said, her voice exasperated.

"One more chance, Nancy," Brandon growled. "That's it."

"Yeah, yeah, I've got it."

The door creaked open slowly, and Nancy peeked her head through. Clover, curled up on the bed petting Esme, sat up, trying to mask her exhaustion. She tucked her hair behind her ears, attempting to look like she was holding it together.

"Hey, babe," Nancy said, walking over and sitting beside her. She gave Clover a warm, knowing look.

"I know. I'm trying," Clover muttered, her voice brittle.

"I know you are. If it were up to me, we'd be sitting here right now with a tub of Ben and Jerry's, watching The Proposal on repeat until you felt better." They both laughed softly. "But you know we're doing everything we can to give you a break. It's just... we can't hold the press off forever."

"You don't have to worry about me, Nance. I'll be ready for the next interview."

Nancy sighed, squeezing Clover's hand. "We're heading to a meeting now, handling the business stuff. So, enjoy this last bit of peace because starting tomorrow, I'm going to be all up in your business." She wiggled in her seat, trying to pull off a ridiculous dance move. Clover laughed, the tension in her chest loosening for just a moment.

"Thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"I'm your girl. Always."

They hugged, the kind of embrace that reminded Clover she wasn't alone in the chaos, even if it felt like it sometimes. As they pulled apart, Nancy glanced at Esme.

"Not to change the subject, but Esme's been acting strange lately. She hasn't been eating all her food, which you know she normally finishes in thirty seconds. Mind if I take her to the vet today?"

"I'll let Brandon know. One of his assistants can take her. You can't go on your own and especially cannot be spotted."

"I can handle it. It's no big deal. I'll just cover myself–" Nancy interrupted her.