For a minute, I thought I’d miscalculated Anna’s desire to join in the festivities, but once I mentioned that it would be loud, she grimaced. “Yeah, okay. If it’s just a few days, I guess I’ll stay here. I am sad that I won’t get to see the set though…which reminds me, what is the commercial for anyway? You never did tell me…”
She tilted her head as she stared at me, like she was just now realizing it was odd that I’d never gone into detail about it. And it was odd. And hard. Resisting the urge to tell her every aspect of the show was slowly giving me an ulcer. Keeping secrets sucked. The truth would come out soon enough though, and hopefully when it did, she wouldn’t be too steamed at me to listen—I was dying to tell her.
“Oh, well it’s…” I looked around the bedroom for inspiration. What would I be good at selling to the world? Condoms? Aftershave? Baby-making juice? Seeing something delicious on my dresser, I told her, “Whiskey. It’s a commercial for whiskey.” Even as a jolt of guilt knotted my stomach, I couldn’t contain my smile. That had been a well-crafted lie. Me being a whiskey spokesman was totally believable. And actually, that would be pretty awesome. If this opportunity led to that one, it would complete the circle of my epicness.
Anna gave me a bright grin that made my dick throb. If she hadn’t been holding Onnika, I would have tossed her down on the bed and given her some of my superspecial baby-making juice before I left. “That is perfect for you, babe. You’re gonna nail this! I can’t wait to tell everyone.”
Knowing she couldn’t do that yet, I firmly reminded her of something I’d said right after I told her I took the job. “Remember our plan, Anna. I need to be the one to break it to the guys, or else they’re gonna be whiny little prisses about me doing something outside of the band. They’d probably try and compare it to Kellan almost taking that solo gig last month, but it’s nothing like that. For one, this is acting, not music, so it doesn’t count…but those asses won’t see it that way, so until it’s said and done, I need you to respect the sacred pact of husband and wife, the My secrets die with you bond, and not say a word. Not even to Kiera.” I’d said that with a stern finger raised to her face. I couldn’t risk her sisterly bond trumping our marriage bond. I needed her to support me on this, even if she didn’t understand why.
Anna had rolled her eyes at me, but agreed. “Whatever, Griffin. I don’t see how they’d be upset with you doing a commercial, but if you really don’t want me to say anything, then I won’t.” Then she’d given me a fond smile and kissed my nose. “Have a safe flight and a great trip…and say hi to your parents for me.”
A tidal wave of remorse had washed over me after she’d sweetly wished me well. I’d almost told her right then and there that I was a crap-filled lying douche, and filming a commercial wasn’t really why I was flying to L.A. But I was so close to getting what I wanted; I just had to be strong for a little while longer. The look on her face had actually helped me contain the truth. She was so wonderful, so trusting. I couldn’t stomach breaking that trust by confessing what I was really doing. The words just wouldn’t come out. I knew I’d have to tell her one day, but today wasn’t that day. I’d deal with the consequences of my actions later, once the action had paid off for me. For us.
I’d rented a limo for my stay in Los Angeles, and the driver was waiting for me at the airport when I touched down. I had him take me to a five-star hotel near the studios, where I had a room waiting. I could have stayed with my parents like I’d told Anna, but it was too risky. My family would talk to Matt’s family, who would in turn talk to Matt, and if he found out what I was really doing here, I’d never hear the end of it.
My driver rang me early the next morning to take me to the set. Really early the next morning. My eyeballs stung as the air hit them, and I nearly told the fucker to come back at a decent hour. But then I remembered what was happening today and I sprang to my feet. Today was the day I became a TV star.
I practically skipped to the car I was so excited, and even though it was a ridiculously early hour, I texted Anna once we started moving. Almost showtime.
Her response was fast; she was probably up early with Onnika. It’s not even eight in the morning yet…you must be dying.
Yeah, kind of. I was so excited though that I didn’t care how early it was. I responded to her text with a winky face. She could interpret that any way she wanted to.
When we got to the gate of the studio, my heart started pounding with excitement; this was so fucking awesome. It would have been even better if Anna was here to share it with me, but there would be another time for her to come check it out, I was positive of that. The driver had my credentials, and we easily passed through the gate. Harold was waiting in the parking lot with a golf cart when we pulled up. He smiled as he waited for the driver to open my door. Once I was out of the car, he extended a hand to me. “Mr. Hancock, it is so good to see you again. How was your flight?”
“Groovy,” I said, looking around as I shook his hand. “So…where do we go first?”
“Glad you asked. I’ll give you a brief tour of the set, then it will be on to hair and makeup. After that, I’ll introduce you to the rest of the cast and we’ll do a read-through. If all goes well, filming will start tomorrow.”
As we got in the cart, Harold gave me a sidelong glance. “Did you get a chance to memorize the script?”