“And neither will she.” She points at me, her voice rising high enough to get Rob to stand. “This is our child, not hers, and I won’t let the harlot who stole you away from me be a part of our baby’s life.”
Josh groans and has to let go of my hand to run it through his hair. “She’s not a harlot, she’s my wife.”
“You cheated on me with her. That makes her a harlot in my book.”
“Well your book is skewed, Jules. We were broken up long before I went on the show,” he fires back, but it does nothing to curb her anger.
“I’ll make you pay, Josh.”
“I have no doubt, Jules. I have no doubt.”
Josh motions for us to leave so he doesn’t have to listen to her anymore. Once inside the car he doesn’t say anything as we drive back to our house. Pulling into the driveway, he hits the garage door opener that he put on his visor earlier.
“We’re home,” I say, trying to ease the tension.
“Yep. Come on, wife, we have a lot of rooms to christen. And I think we should start in the pool.”
He doesn’t give me a chance to protest. By the time we get through the mudroom clothes are already being shed.
There’s one day until I have to get on set and I’m already dreading it. I wish I hadn’t signed onto the movie, but it was done a year ago, long before I met Joey. The only saving grace is that we’re shooting on the lot and that means I’ll be home each night with her. Breakfast, too, unless it’s an early shoot.
Much to my dismay, I’m meeting Barry for coffee this morning. I asked Joey if she wanted to come, but she opted to lounge by the pool and bask in the sun. To say she loves our house would be an understatement. I know I fucking love it and am pretty sure Joey’s sentiment is right up there with mine.
The coffee shop is buzzing when I walk in and it takes me a minute to spot Barry. I don’t usually conduct business in public, but considering my agent and I aren’t on speaking terms right now this was better than inviting Barry over to our house. He’s already asked Joey and me to do another reality show, but she’s declined and I respect her decision for that.
“Morning, Josh.”
“Barry.” I pull my chair out and sit down across from him. It’s only a matter of seconds before a waitress is taking my order.
“How’s married life?”
“It’s pretty damn awesome.”
He chuckles as if there is something funny about being married. I should Google him and see how many times he’s been married or if he’s a perpetual bachelor. A quick glance at his hand shows no ring, or ring line, so I’m guessing he thinks he’s a playboy. Barry’s an old man with a rounded belly and balding head, but with a fat checkbook. He’s every starving actress’s knight in shining armor.
“Given any thought to my proposal?”
I take a sip of my coffee, letting the hot liquid heat my already warm body. I don’t know why I don’t switch to iced coffee. It seems smarter to drink when living in California.
“Joey’s not on board.”
“We can film you.”
“Seems pointless, don’t you think? Who the hell is going to want to watch a show about me?”
Barry leans forward. “You and Jules. I’ve already spoken to her and she’s ready to sign on the dotted line. I’m sure if you tell Joey that you’re going to do a show with Jules, she’ll jump on board.”
“Or she’ll cut my dick off. Don’t underestimate Joey, Barry. It won’t bode well for you.”
He laughs once again and sits back in his chair. “Money talks in Hollywood. The sooner she realizes that, the better we’ll all be. Besides, you’re the only couple still together from the original three and the fans are chomping at the bit to see what you’re up to.”
“They can watch TMZ or buy People magazine. The paparazzi are following us everywhere these days.”
We stop talking when the waitress appears to refill our mugs. I tell her that I’d like a blueberry muffin when she gets a chance and Barry tells her he’s fine.
“Of course they’re following you. Everyone is waiting to see if you fuck it all up and leave your wife for Jules Maxwell.” This time Barry isn’t trying to hide the volume of his voice. A quick survey around the coffee shop tells me that no one is listening to us.
“And why would I do that?”