even seen her outside of work was that one night you already know about. This has nothing to do with me. Nothing.”
“Do you know how ridiculous this makes me feel? My God, Luke, I thought I was falling for you.”
Luke closed his eyes and shook his head, crossing his arms in front of him. “Don’t say that. Don’t talk about us in the past tense. We’re not over. This is just Gina having a tantrum, that’s all.”
“And why should I believe you? You’re an actor, and a really good one. How do I know you’re not playing me?”
“Because you know me. Think about this rationally, please. I didn’t do anything but fall in love with you. I want nothing to do with Gina and never have. Don’t throw us away because you bought a magazine.”
Luke attempted to join her on the other side of the desk, but she hustled to the other side of the room, her guard fully up.
“I didn’t buy it. It was waiting for me when I got in this morning.”
“Don’t you get it? She’s trying to mess with you . . . with me, with us. Gina left that for you, she wants you to get pissed off. She wants revenge.”
“That’s ridiculous. I’m her boss! And I have nothing to do with her and Nolan.”
“Whitney’s your best friend, and Whitney slept with Nolan. She wants revenge and she’ll drag us all down to get it.”
Luke’s argument made sense, and part of her wanted to believe him, to succumb to his reason. But she couldn’t risk it—she couldn’t risk being a pawn in their game.
“I can’t listen to this. I have to go.” Elle grabbed the magazine and stormed from the office, pushing the door to the side as she charged toward the hallway leading to the soundstage and dressing rooms.
“The table read starts in half an hour,” Luke called out after her, but she blocked him from her mind. She’d had enough of Gina’s horrible behavior and was ready to confront her, no matter the cost. She could hear Luke’s footsteps behind her, but she didn’t care. She could confront them together and end this once and for all.
Gina, dressed in a low-cut blouse and miniskirt, greeted Elle with a bright smile, a smile Elle hadn’t seen from the actress in months.
“Good morning, Elle. How are you on this fine day?”
“Shut your mouth.” Elle’s nostrils flared as she stood before the actress, holding the magazine in front of her. “Care to explain this?”
The corner of Gina’s lips curved up in satisfaction. “I don’t understand. Did you not like my interview? It’s great publicity for the show.”
“Cut the bullshit, Gina. You left this on my desk.”
“Um, no. I just got in, so I have no idea how you got your copy. But I also have nothing to hide. Luke and I agreed to do this to promote the show. Geez, if anything you should be happy.”
“Love after heartbreak, huh?” Elle was seething as she glared at the actress.
“I know, right? What a great title. I bet it’ll sell millions of copies.” Gina placed her hands on her hips, a pompous smile still perched on her face. “Look, I’m sorry you had to find out this way, but I’d assumed you knew. I thought Luke gave you a heads-up. Anyway, just know we’ll have to do some photo ops, and should probably go to the Globes together.”
Elle’s lip curled in anger as she contemplated a response.
“Are you deranged?” Luke snapped from behind Elle. “I’m not doing that!”
Gina scrunched her lips together and tilted her head to the side before walking to Luke’s side, placing her hands on his arm. “Luke, seriously, you don’t have to pretend anymore. It’s all out in the open.”
Luke pulled away from Gina, focusing on Elle. “She’s lying, Elle. You have to believe me. This is all some sick, twisted game. I never agreed to this.”
“Oh, please.” Gina sneered, her fake smile erased from her face. “You could have told her. God knows you had plenty of opportunities. I gave this interview weeks ago. Don’t blame me because you’re a chickenshit.”
“What are you talking about? I told my agent I wasn’t interested in pretending with you. But you did it anyway! You’re sick, you know that?” Luke’s cheeks were scarlet and his chest was heaving up and down as he snarled at the actress.
“I’m not taking the fall so you can keep nailing the boss, Luke. Tell the truth.”