Take Two by Whitney Gracia Williams Read Free Book Online

you.”
    “What? What does that even mean?”
    “It means that I’ve known you for six long years , and after I saw y ou at your wedding… I knew it would be selfish of me or anyone else to expect you back in less than eight weeks.”
    “You want me to go away for five more weeks?”
    He smiled. “Yes. A nd stay away, starting Monday. Go relax, see a therapist, whatever you need to do. ”
    “Who’s going to write the weekend suggestions? Who’s going to write the—”
    “We’ll keep your name in the byline, but I’m going to let Phil cover for you.”
    “Phil? Sci-fi Phil ?”
    “The very same.”
    “Look, I’m sorry about my latest reviews b ut not having a job for five weeks isn’t going to solve anythi ng for me . Please—”
    “Melody, you’ll still draw yo ur salary. You need to reflect you know, like a normal person. What ha ppened to the honeymoon if you don’t mind me asking?”
    “ Sean let me keep it. ”
    “Is it an open ticket?”
    “Yes.”
    “So why are you in New York?”
    “I don’t know… ”
    “Well, I hope you won’t be in New Y ork next week. And si nce I sti ll have you on my team for a couple more day s , ” he handed me a pink envelope, “ I want you to accompany the rest of the group to a launch party Friday . It ’s for Selena Ross’ new perfume . ”
    “Sir, you know I don’t do —”
    “That wasn’t a request. The town ca r will pick you up at nine sharp. The theme is A Night at the Oscars , ” he waved his hand across the air.
    “Mr. Maxwell, it’s May. T he Oscars were in February . ”
    “Nine sharp Melody ,” he shooed me out of his office.

 
Chapter 8
    Matt
     
    Was Melody Carter really blushing? Or was she just embarrassed for me? Wh y am I still thinking about this ?
    I slipped on my shades and stepped out of the car.
    “ Matt Sterling! Matt Sterling! Are you and Selena working on a pre-nup? Is she pregnant? Ar e you secretly gay? How long do you think you two will last? When is the wedding?” the paparazzi shout ed as I walked towards Trump SoHo .
    “ Matt ! Turn and look at us will ya? Have you met her parent s ? How’s the sex? Do you have plans for the honeymoon ? Do you think she’s having an affair with Bradley Co oper ? Where’s Selena right now? Are you sleeping with Emma Stone? Take off your shirt!”
    I took off my shades once I entered th e building. I followed my small entourage to the elevators and waited until the doors closed.
    “I thought I said I wante d to keep this location private Joan! ” I snapped.
    “I’m sorry sir. I didn’t notify anyone but Miss Ross.”
    Ugh, Selena!
    “ Well, next time just give me a heads up if Selena is notified of anything .”
    “Yes sir,” she looked upset .
    The doors opened and we wa ite d for a man to unlock the door o f a penthouse suite. Security entered the room first.
    Once they gave the all-clear, m y stylist sear ched for an electrical outlet and Joan inst ructed for me to sit by the window.
    “The interviewer was specifically told not to ask any questions about Miss Ross. I told her to stick to questions regarding your films and philanthropy,” Joan said. “Would you like some water bef ore I let her in ?”
    “A glass of wine.”
    Joan disappeared into the kitchen and returned with a glass of red wine . She brushed a lint roller across my shoulders and snapped her fingers at the stylist.
    “He doesn’t like his hair this way when he wears open collars ,” she said. “Can you add a little bit more volume up top?”
    The stylist rushed over and played in my hair. She and Joan went back and forth a couple of times before deciding it was perfect.
    “You can let he r in,” Joan nodded at security.
    A red-haired woman came in and smiled warmly at Joan and I. “Good afternoon, I’m Miss Turner. It’s a pleasure to meet you , Mr. Sterling.”
    “Pleasure’s all mine Miss Turner,” I reached out and shook her hand.
    “As you know, I’m with Instyle magazi ne,”