CHAPTER SEVEN
Tyler had spent the last several hours replaying the conversation with Billie over and over in his mind. When push came to shove she was far more important to him than a role in a movie – no matter how desperately he wanted it. While he didn’t think there would be another game-changing part like that for him he also knew he’d never find a better friend than Billie. He was disappointed that she’d said no but her happiness and well-being was his top priority. He couldn’t help it that he thought she’d be better off letting him help her instead of struggling for money and roles as if she didn’t have any connections in Hollywood.
So now he was nursing a full-bodied Cabernet while trying to come up with ideas that might sway Billie’s decision. If she wouldn’t take anything for herself would she change her mind if he vowed to make a huge donation to the local children’s hospital? They were both involved there personally, making appearances and reading to the kids.
Or perhaps he should simply leave her alone and think of another way to get the role. If Weller knew who Tyler truly was he might come around.
And pigs might sprout wings and fly over the Hollywood sign while TMZ reports it live.
Tyler wanted this role in spite of Ron Weller, not because of it. The man was definitely not an actor’s director, worrying more about schedules and budgets than he did the creative process of filmmaking.
“You should really lock your door. Just anyone could come in.”
Billie’s soft voice pulled him from his reverie and he sat up from where he was sprawled on the couch and placed his wine glass on the coffee table.
“If we were married you could remind me to lock the door every night before we turned in.”
Rolling her eyes, she sat down on the cushion next to his. “That’s something to look forward to. Lock the door. Turn down the thermostat. Put out the cat.”
This was the Billie he knew and loved. “We don’t have a cat.”
She curled up comfortably, her feet tucked underneath her bottom. “I guess we could get one, although I have allergies.”
“Maybe a dog,” he suggested, keeping the conversation light on purpose. Hope had once again flared to life inside of him but he didn’t want to push and scare her off. “I had a dog when I was a kid.”
“You never told me that.”
He hadn’t, but why was a long, drawn-out conversation that he didn’t want to get in to. His past was one of the reasons he’d wanted this role so badly.
“His name was Scout and he was the best dog ever.”
“Scout’s a good name for a dog.”
They simply sat there for awhile not saying anything but the silence spoke volumes for them. There was a tension that hadn’t been there before. A question hanging in the air like a blinking neon sign that neither could ignore. Billie was the first to give in and speak.
“I may have changed my mind about your earlier offer.”
She had Tyler’s complete and undivided attention.
Caution. Proceed slowly.
“That’s good news but it sounds like you still have a few reservations. Want to talk about them?”
He held his breath waiting for her reply.
“No contract,” she stated firmly. “We agree to the details and shake hands like the friends we are. I won’t have a contract in my marriage.”
“Agreed,” he said quickly. If all her demands were like this it was going to be easy.
“You have to promise you won’t embarrass me in the press.”
Stiffening, Tyler couldn’t help but feel offended. “Do you honestly think I would do anything to hurt you, babe? Really?”
Billie shook her head. “Not on purpose, but sometimes your partying can get out of hand. And the women. There are always women, Ty, and there are always paps when the women are around. I don’t want my name dragged through the mud because you were out with a couple of fans dancing the night away. You’ll need to be discreet.”
There wouldn’t be any females once they were married but he was getting the idea that Billie wouldn’t believe him even if he wrote it in his own blood. Actions were always more important to her. He’d simply have to show her that he knew how to behave. He’d promised her to be a good husband and he would be.
“Agreed. I would never do that to you. You have my word. Anything else?”
Shifting on the cushions, Billie chewed on her thumbnail. “We only get married if we absolutely have to.”
“I’m not following. What do you mean only if we have to?”
“Being engaged might be enough. If you get the part we can just tell everyone we’re putting off the wedding until after the shoot.”
Tyler didn’t want to scare her any more than she probably was already was but she needed to go into this with her eyes open. “Babe, I was actually thinking we would get married this fall. That would give us time to put together a kickass wedding but not so fast that people would think I knocked you up.”
Apparently that thought hadn’t occurred to her and her eyes flew wide. “Pregnant? Do you think some people will think I’m expecting?”
“Only if we hurry into the marriage. Besides, I’m not going to rob you of a great wedding, Billie. I remember what you said about wanting a fairy tale wedding and I’m going to give it to you.”
Tyler was ready to fight with her on this. They weren’t going to slink away to Vegas or something even worse like they were ashamed.
“I do not remember ever saying that but I guess a fairy tale wedding is appropriate for a make-believe marriage. But still…if you get the part before the wedding, we could postpone it.”
He could argue with her about needing her for film promotion when it was released and then awards season but he’d already won a major battle tonight. That was a fight for another day.
“Okay, is there anything else? So far you haven’t mentioned anything that’s a deal breaker for me.”
Tyler watched as Billie’s hands wrung together, turning the knuckles white.
“Fifty…thousand.”
It took him a moment to realize she was talking about money because she so rarely would speak with him about anything financial.
“That’s it?”
The question came out before he could stop it. Frankly when he’d mentioned giving her compensation for doing this he’d thought of a much larger number.
Like one million. Or two.
It was her turn to look offended. “I’m not a gold digger, Tyler. This isn’t about the money for me.”
Daring to touch her, he reached out and placed his hand over hers, prying the fingers apart. At the rate she was going she was going to rip all ten of them out one by one. Her hands were cold but what was that old saying? Cold hands, warm heart?
“That number is actually far too low, babe. It would be an insult to the time and effort you’ll be putting in on my behalf. Make no mistake, I know that I am the one benefitting the most from this and I want to make this more equal.”
“I’m not asking for any more.”
She never asked for anything and it was the number one issue they argued about. She never let him do shit for her. That was the first thing that was going to change when he got his ring on her finger. She was going to learn to accept a little help now and then.
“I know that but fair is fair.”
He didn’t like that she wouldn’t look him in the eye. It wasn’t like her at all and it made him slightly suspicious. In fact, she’d never even borrowed gas money from him so her naming a price had him worrying. Was she alright?
“Babe,” he began cautiously. “Are you okay? Do you need anything? Are you…sick?”
Frowning, she finally turned to look at him. “No, why?”
“If you need money for an operation or–”
“Stop right there.” She held up her hands. “I swear that I am healthy. I just need the money. Is it important as to why?”
No and yes.
No, Tyler didn’t care what she did with it but since she barely spent any money at all it was surprising to hear that she needed fifty grand. Maybe she wanted a new car? He’d never let her spend her own money on a new vehicle. It would be his engagement present to her.
Yes, it had him concerned though. Had she picked up a gambling habit? He knew she didn’t drink or take drugs.
“How you spend the money is your business, babe.”
And something I’ll figure out eventually.
She was twisting her fingers together again. “I’d like to have it as soon as possible, if that’s okay with you.”
Now he was in full-blown worried mode. She was avoiding his gaze and biting her lip. A sure sign she was keeping something from him.
“You know you can trust me with anything,” he said gently, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close so they were cuddled together on the sofa. “There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you, babe. Anything. Night or day.”
Looking up at him with a pleading gaze, she exhaled shakily. “If you really mean that, then the thing I want you to do for me is to let this go. Don’t ask me again why I want the money. It’s…personal.”
When Billie asked him like that there wasn’t any way he was going to refuse her request.
“Then I won’t,” he replied, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “But I just want you to know that I’m here for you. No matter what. Even if you need something completely crazy like a husband.”
A smile tugged at her lips. “That would be crazy. I need one of those like I need a hole in the head.”
“We can start with fiancé and work from there.” He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, something he’d done a million times before, but today it felt different. More like a promise than the comforting gesture it was meant to be. “I’ll take care of you, Wilhemina. Please trust me.”
Billie might be doing him a favor but he’d make sure she never regretted helping him. They’d have lots of fun, traveling and making movies together. Being married didn’t have to change their friendship. It simply meant that they could spend more time with each other. This wasn’t about love and passion and that’s what made it so fantastic. This was simple, straightforward while those other emotions were complex and messy.
The best thing about Billie was that he wasn’t in love with her.