Double Trouble

Chapter 2: Jade's Life

"Miss Winters?" my publicist's assistant, Lacy Ann calls sweetly in an innocent Alabama accent. "Mrs. Taylor will see you now." I spring up and walk confidently into my publicist's office. "Would you like anything to drink?" I shake my head. She shuts the door as she walks out.

"Please, if you're going to get married, you have to have Sue May as your wedding planner. She is a walking miracle," Lucy Taylor talks through her BlueTooth, "good-bye dear. We'll have lunch." She hangs it up with a click of a finger. "Jade Winters! My favorite teen star!" She exclaims, spreading her arms out welcoming me with open arms.

"Hi, Lucy," I smile. "You wanted to meet with me?"

"Yes, I did," she types hurriedly across the computer. "Let's just get down to business, shall we? Dale Morris called and he wants YOU to be in his next project!" She claps excitedly. "He's directing this new movie about two lovers that reconcile after a long enduring twenty years of the male lead off at war and the female lead growing up and getting married. It's perfect. It's a surefire blockbuster hit."

"And who is cast for the male lead?" I ask curiously. 

"They told me Ayden Tyler is the number one on their list. He is an up and coming movie star. The movie publicity plan will probably have you date him for a few months, but just don't get caught up with him. He's a bit arrogant and likely to have a shortened career." Don't worry, Lucy. I won't. She forgot about three years ago, when I was first jumpstarting my career, and he took advantage of a Hollywood newbie.

Ayden Tyler and I met at a movie premiere three years ago and I felt that I met my perfect soulmate because he always listened to my rants and hugged me when I was feeling down and brought me flowers and chocolates on the movie set I was doing that summer. But that's when I realized--he only wanted to be with me in public. So I dumped him. At his premiere party for a movie he was finishing that summer. I know that sounds bratty, but trust me--he was worse.

"So, just do whatever they tell you to do and focus on the acting. I'll work with the movie's publicity team about the details."

"Thanks, Lucy," I say.

"Now, I have to get to a meeting with Elle. I'll set up lunch sometime soon to talk further details. I'll have my assistant send you a copy of the script." She stands up and air kisses me on both cheeks and sits back down to her computer. I take my cue to leave.

As I press the button to go down in the elevator, my Sidekick buzzes in my coach bag on my arm. I slide it open and sigh.

Tally: Hey girl! Wanna go shopping later?

Jade: Let's meet up at Barney's. I need to shop. 

Tally: Can we meet at 4? I need to get a dress for tonight. Ren's taking me out tonight.

Jade: Alright, sounds great!

I step out of the cab I hailed onto the hot sidewalk outside of Barney's. Ah, the sweet smell of cashmere and denim and overpriced perfumes make me happy. I push open the doors and run into Tally, my best friend, and also the biggest pop star in pop history.

"Jade!" she exclaims as she heaves several bags in her tow. "Major issue. I don't know which shoes I want. The boots are on sale here are super cute, but the sandals over at Saks are perfect for my week away with Ren." She sighs. "He's taking me to Barcelona." She claps excitedly.

Ren Thomas is a superstar country rock singer and is known to be a super sweet country boy. He was fresh off the bus from Idaho when an agent saw him and his guitar at a bus stop and knew his looks was just enough to jumpstart a career. When Hollywood born and bred Tally first laid eyes on Ren, it was love at first sight. They've been in love ever since. I personally think a proposal is coming soon...and so does the rest of the world.

"And we have to find you a perfect dress for Shane's big night out with you!" she exclaims.

"Shane?" I cough as I flip through a rack of cute jeans. "We're not dating." I shake my head. "We've been on a few dates," I wave my hand.

"Please, he's like, totally in love with you."

Shane Rock is in every single action movie there is, always ending up with a huge blockbuster or a complete flop. Either way, his career seems to be going in one direction: up. His reputation, however, is that he's known to be a heartbreaker. However, when I'm with him, he doesn't seem to act that way. However, I have only known him for a few weeks.  

"Whatever. I want to focus on my career. Plus, I just landed a movie job this summer, so I'll be pretty busy," I say. She gasps.

"What movie? And who's the male lead?" she gushes. I say the name. She frowns. "The boy you dumped?" I nod. "Ugh. He is so not cool."

"Well, Dale Morris asked him and me for the leads," I say. "So he must be doing something right."

"That's okay. You could try and get Shane a part, so you two can bond all summer and still work together!" she exclaims. "Dale Morris?"

"Yes, but he only directs romances. Shane is an action flick type of star, remember?" She nods in agreement.

"Oh well," she shrugs. "You'll find a way to hook up with Shane," she giggles. "Anyway, have you thought of anything to change your mind about coming to Ren and I's get together at our new place?" Every year, on New Year's Eve, Ren and Tally throw a New Year's party to ring in the new year. It's basically a publicity party, to show everyone's achievements, mostly Tally's...and Ren's. I only go for the food, but Tally does not know that. If I had my wish, I would stay at home in my cozy pink PJs, eat a gallon of strawberry ice cream and watch the ball drop until I fall asleep.

"I don't know, Tal. I think Lucy has me going to several different parties I lost count." She pouts and sticks out her lip. "But I'm sure I'll be there! For you and Ren." She perks up.

"Great! Ren and I are already planning everything. Well, I am," she corrects. "Wanna grab something to eat after this?" she asks as I heave a big heavy load of jeans to the dressing room.

"I would love to, but I'm meeting...Shane for dinner. We're kinda planning a date."

"Oh! I hope you have fun!" she giggles. I smile and close the dressing room door.