In the beginning, Chelsea was going to keep the movie deal and have a big blow out. But, I needed a real good reason for her to be mad with Jonah, and well losing a movie deal is one of them

* * *

Later in the evening, I lay my head down on the couch, and try to get some sleep. My head spins with uncertainty.

I said some very mean things to Jonah. It’s me who should be begging for forgiveness.

I just wish he would have told me, why wouldn’t he?

I close my eyes, fearful of my meeting with my agent tomorrow.

* * *

The next day, bright and early I travel to my agent’s office. Nerves are on high alert. I repeat, my nerves are a jumbled mess.

“Ah, Chelsea. Have a seat, please,” Carol says as I enter her office.

The walls are plastered with famous movie posters, and sitting in two chairs beside her desk are Les and Gary.

My nerves kick into overdrive.

Another lady sits beside Carol, and she sizes me up with her gray eyes.

“Chelsea, this is Tori Adams, your publicist.”

I shake her hand and then have a seat across from everyone.

Right behind Carol is a movie poster of A Streetcar Named Desire, and my emotions mix with my nerves and I sit dormant waiting for someone to speak.

“So, I’ve already contacted the press, and my team is working on hiding the story,” Tori says in a shrill voice.

“Hide the story?” I ask.

“Chelsea, are you married? Why didn’t you tell us?” Gary asks, appearing like I stole his favorite kitten.

“It’s complicated. It was a drunken night in Vegas…” I can’t even continue my sentence before Les cuts in, “Oh, so is there an annulment in the works? Or are you and he together?”

I shake my head. “Well, I’m not really sure. I was too drunk, I didn’t even remember…” Again I’m cut off.

“But, you’re a couple now? This is all so confusing, and not very good for business,” Tori spits out.

I don’t like her very much.

“If I can offer my two cents,” Carol starts. “I think we should play up the marriage thing. High school sweethearts, in love. It really gives off the wholesome image we’re going for.”

“High school sweethearts?” I ask.

“Yeah, we did some digging. Jonah and you attended the same high school before you moved to Texas, but you already know that,” Les says.

“And besides, we’ve already given you the stage name of Chelsea Sinder, but it’s so early in the game Chelsea Marshall has a much better ring,” Carol says.

“Oooh, people can wonder if she’s related to Penny Marshall,” Gary says.

“Now that’s a great idea,” Les says.

“Them being drunk in Vegas doesn’t bother anyone?” Tori snarls.

“The only people who knew they were drunk are sitting in this room.”

My mind has drifted, listening to these people who don’t know or care about me decide my fate. I glance at the movie poster. Marlon Brando’s grip on Vivien Leigh.

“I still think we handle the annulment, and they break up,” Tori says.

His grip on her. My mind drifts to a darkened theater, late at night. Jonah leaning so close.

“If they stay married, we can even get a baby after the movie releases. What do you think?” Les asks.

The smell of Jonah’s cologne wafting through my nose. Wanting to kiss him. Wishing and praying he would lean closer.

“I can put the paperwork in for the name change now,” Carol says.

Wandering still, us making love over and over. Wanting him for so long.

“Wait,” I say, jumping from my seat. “Don’t I get a say in all of this?”

All eyes are on me, and they all are shocked. Like maybe I’m the first person to ever interrupt.

“I’m the publicist, and I still say they break up.” She moves closer to me. She plays with my hair. “I mean, are you happy with a guy who didn’t tell you?”

I shake my head. “I won’t have my life dictated like this. Whether I want to stay with Jonah or not should be my choice.”

“We know, dear. We’re just urging you to break up,” Tori says.

“Enough.” I can’t believe these people.

“Chelsea, why don’t we all take a step back.” Carol closes her eyes and raises her hands, putting her fingers in a meditation Ohm pose. “Breathe.”

“No. If I want to stay with Jonah or not, it’s my decision.”

Gary and Les exchange a look of shock with each other.

“Carol, are you kidding? I’m the publicist. I say they break up,” Tori says, circling the room with her Blackberry in hand.

“Listen, if I have to break up with him, then I quit.”

Everyone’s jaws drop.

“Ok, I voted for the marriage. We can even do an official wedding in New York, maybe in the Gardens?” Gary gushes.

I shake my head. “I haven’t decided that either. I know Jonah and I need to talk whenever we’re ready.” I lift my chin. “But, whatever we decide, it’s our decision.” I move toward the door. “And whatever we decide, I’ll let you know.” I place my hand on the doorknob, after slinging my bag over my shoulder. “And, if that’s not good enough for you...then fire me.” I open the door and step over the threshold. Leaning my head back in the door, catching everyone’s eyes as big as quarters, I say one last thing, “Oh, and Carol, fire that bitch, I want a new publicist.”

I slam the door.

I may have just cost me my whole career, but I don’t care. That felt too good.