Point Of View 2 [*Do not read until you've read the same chapter of ATW]

Chapters 164 & 165 On The Loose, Florida

That's a no-brainer.  Richard had orchestrated this. This whole mess wasn't accidental. It was calculated. Deliberate.

"It would DEFINETELY be something Richard would do for publicity!" I snap and begin walking again, spotting the black tinted window SUV. "Listen, I have to go. I'll tell Nate but this isn't going to be pretty. Nor is it fucking fair to him." 

I hang up on Leslie and don't need to say anything. Jonah and Casey have both already caught on to what is going on. I call the Four Seasons with no luck on a room. Then call again to speak to the manager with no luck. Leslie was right. It's booked solid. Nate is going to fucking kill me.

I call Richard but can't exactly tell him how I really feel.  Nervously, I ask why the change of plans. and he flat out tells me it would be good for publicity! Not only that, but Mila's management team agrees! There is absolutely nothing I can do to change his mind and Richard pretty much hangs up on me like I'm a waste of his time.

Nate and Mila are already in the vehicle so we pile in quietly while I try to come up with how to approach Nate on this news. I stare out the window,  and can't help but nervously bounce my knee. Casey and Jonah stay quiet as well, occasionally exchanging glances.

Nate knows something is up halfway through the drive, unbuckles and climbs into the rear of the SUV to squeeze between me and Evan.

"What is it?" Nate asks. "James?"

"No. Nothing like that. Fucking Richard got to Leslie." I drop my eyes away from the window and on to my best friend.

"What do you mean?" 

"This stupid music video, Nate." I pinch tension between my eyes. "The footage and shit."

"What about it??"

"He talked Leslie into cancelling Mila's hotel room so she has no choice but to stay with you. And now.... it's fucking booked with not one room to spare. I've called. TWICE."

"You're not serious, are you? Trish.." His voice drops. "Please tell me you're not serious."

"He went so far as to convince HER management team of the idea. And with you both being under contract...not only do you have to abide by it, she does too. And you KNOW Mila isn't gonna go around breaking the rules. You may be fine with breaking contracts but she won't be. Not in the height of her career." I hiss. "They had her hightail out of it the second they heard about your DUI. She won't participate in any negative drama that could mess with her reputation."

"Trish. I can't do this."

"I'm sorry playboy." I drop my head to Nate's shoulder. "I tried to talk to him."

 We glance over at Mila who is texting on her phone. Her management is telling her what's going on. Mila then calls someone, starts talking up a storm in Italian before hanging up on the person.

"We uh.. we stay at the Four Seasons Hotel? Presidential Suite? You and Me?" Mila looks back at Nate, still holding her phone. He nods a yes but frowns, making Mila realize this was not what was supposed to happen.

*****

Within minutes, we pull up to the high-end hotel and drive around the back to the discreet entrance designed for celebrities and their entourage.

We slip through the private entrance. No check-in. No waiting. Everything is already prepared. The bellhops move with practiced efficiency, guiding everyone to their rooms quickly. Jonah and Casey are escorted to the room they will share. 

Then, a staff member turns to me. I follow as he leads me away from the others. Away from Nate. Away from Evan. I have never stayed alone.

The realization hits like a shifting floor beneath me, and my anxiety creeps in.