Page 43 of False Promises

Before I could hold it in, a loud yawn escaped my mouth.

“Are you for real? Carter, you allow me thirteen minutes, and you’re not even paying attention.” She balled her hands and murdered me with her gaze.

“Sorry, I was just distracted…by things.”

“Things?”

“Yes. Things. You know, thoughts that most people process with their brains. Anyway, I’m listening now.” I straightened my back and looked at my phone. “Six minutes left. Either you talk about what matters or I’m leaving. Stop showing me data, and tell me what other PR plans you have for me that don’t involve tipping vultures or my dating life.”

The publicist huffed an upset breath, looking defeated.

“What I was saying is that”—she exhaled again and swallowed—“if you would agree to show up to a few planned dates with Savannah Prince, we could use that little stunt to our advantage.” I arched a brow as a warning she was treading a dangerous path. One I already disagreed to take. Carla returned to full-business mode. “Carter, listen. Fundraisers, movie premieres, and other formalities. Nothing extreme. Just to create a buzz. It’ll give you free publicity when your new album comes out. You don’t need me to remind you how exposure is good for you. Good or bad, it gets people talking. The more they talk, the more they wanna know all about you, and the more albums and tickets to your next tour they buy. It’s marketing 101, a win-win situation for all parties involved.” She nodded, looking satisfied by the little speech she’d just delivered.

I blinked, not sure I heard her right.

“Let’s recap. You want me to be seen out and about with Savannah to sell more albums and concert tickets?” I offered her a dubious stare. “How is my love life a stepping stone to my career? Anyway, you know how much I hate having those damn paparazzi following me. Or my face plastered on every gossip trash out there. I really don’t see the appeal. And I already told you I’m not doing it.” I sighed. This was such a bad idea. Carla spoke nonsense. Nothing she said added up. Why would I agree to this drivel?

As if she could read my mind, she broke my train of thought once again.

“Exposure, Carter. They do it all the time in Lala land. Maybe it’s about time we Nashville people do the same.”

“Nah, Nashville is nothing like LA. We don’t have picture hunters waiting for us outside our homes or following us every time we’re running errands. It’s a different reality. Here, people can be.”

“Still, it wouldn’t hurt to take some of their ways of doing things. They’re the best at this game.”

I sighed. “No. Sorry, but this is not the way I roll. No games. Maybe you should call Riley back to get a reality check. I’m a regular guy and don’t need the attention. I’m not a fame seeker. Truth? I despise it most of the time.”

“Carter, you yourself said you wanted to get out of your comfort zone.”

“So? Doesn’t mean I want the press following my ass.”

Carla moved to her feet, rounded her desk, and sat on the edge facing me. “Your label convinced you to trust me because they want to increase your street notoriety, project you differently. A grown-up version of the boy you were when you first started in the business. It’s time to try something new. Like you mentioned, Carter, your name is a brand. And we need to surf on it. And pairing you with an actress on the rise is a great way to do so. She’ll attract younger fans. People love celebrities in steady relationships.”

“I’m no celebrity.”

“Yeah, yeah, keep feeding yourself that bullshit.” She paused and stared at me for a long moment.

I grabbed my phone. “Our time is up.” I rose to my feet, ready to get out of there.

Carla watched me with a frown. “Think about everything I said. We can schedule another meeting if you change your mind. Trust me, I have your best interests at heart.”

“Carla, you’re wasting your time.” With three strides, I reached the door.

“We’ll see” were the last words I heard before closing the glass panel behind me.

12

SAVANNAH

When I left the studio, I had five notifications on my phone screen. Two from my agent, one from an unknown number that I deleted without even looking at it, scared it could be another one of my mother’s attempts to reach out to me, and two from Carter.

My lips stretched into a smile at the sight of the last two.

We’d been seeing each other for almost four months now, and things were going great. I could tell he was starting to get attached. Every other week, he’d fly to Los Angeles to spend the weekend together.

I climbed into my car, put on my sunglasses, and ignored the wave from the security guard when I exited the parking lot. Last month, I got a small recurring role on a sitcom. My contract stated a total of six episodes, but my agent confirmed that if the producer and the public liked me enough, it could be extended, and I could be added to the regular cast next season. It wasn’t a super dramatic role showcasing my full range as an actress, but it was getting my name out there.

Stuck in a traffic jam on the highway, I fixed my lipstick while I dialed Carter.