Fucking Viola. What the fuck? They can’t do this. I filed a restraining order against her.
Wardrobe calls my name and I decide to use the fire that’s raging through my veins to make damn sure Viola doesn’t stand in the way of this show being a hit. If all else fails, I will go to Harvey and tell him it’s her or me. And hopefully if it comes down to it it’ll be me.
For the commercial they have me dressed in a tight black t shirt, snug fitting jeans and black boots. They have Jace in a similar outfit, but his clothes are looser fitting and he is wearing a white V-neck tee and a denim jacket to camouflage his gut. Gwen matches me in a black dress and boots and Viola is dressed to match Jace wearing a yellow dress and cropped denim jacket. They have us take a seat at the judge’s panel on set. I have never been more thankful, they have us in box seats sitting on the sides of the stage.
Viola is hosting the show and thankfully that means our interaction will be limited. But as soon as this shit is over, I am calling my team. I want the psycho gone.
The way the show is going to work for the first half of the season is I will be working with a couple of contestants. We will start with two to three per mentor. When the show reaches eliminations there will no longer be teams, and it will come down to viewers’ choice as to who stays and who goes. There is one save card, but the judges have to agree as a whole who will be saved. We only get one save. This should be interesting.
The tech guys start messing around with the lighting and the theme song for the show plays over the sound system. The lyrics are:
Southern Nights
Southern Lights
Music City dreams
Nashville Star
You’re on your way
What I wasn’t expecting were the contestants to be joining us. A group of them make their way onto center stage. I spot Peyton in the crowd instantly. Her wild curls and red boots are all the confirmation I need to know it’s her. She is chattering with J.J. Reese. I know her talking to him shouldn’t bother me, but I find myself biting my tongue to keep from yelling out for him to get away from her.
I have no right to be jealous, but she’s always been mine in my heart.
The director takes out his bullhorn and settles everyone down. You can feel their excitement buzzing through the air. I try not to run my fingers through my hair; it’s always been a habit of mine. I glance at Peyton one last time and for a brief second, she smiles at me. At least I think it was directed at me, but it could have been directed at Gwen, she is sitting right next to me. Or maybe it was just a smile because she is happy to be here. Fuck why am I sitting here analyzing every little move she makes?
The contestants are lined up and of course they stand Peyton next to J.J. they are the two most attractive people out there. Viola joins them on the stage, and I hope she stays the fuck away from Peyton.
After the shoot we are all invited to lunch so everyone can get acquainted. I do my best to avoid sitting near Viola or Peyton. I’m afraid of what will come out of my mouth. But I can’t stop myself from watching her, she lights up the whole room. “See something you like, Jameson,” Viola whispers, taking a seat beside of me.
“Can we not do this?”
“Do what?”
“Pretend that we’re friends. I told you stay the fuck away from me. Why are you even here?”
“We need to talk. I know I screwed up, but I just I think about you all the time, and I don’t want to tell you what I need to say in a room full of strangers. Can we go somewhere and talk?”
“If you don’t want me to call the cops on your ass again, stay away from me.” I walk away and see Mr. Grant chatting with one of the cameramen.
“You do know I have a restraining order against Viola, right?” I ask him, not giving a shit that I’m interrupting his conversation.
“Yes, I was made aware of that, but I’m hoping you can put aside your differences and get along for the show.”
“Not gonna happen. Fire her, now.”
“Can’t do that, she signed a contract and so did you.”
“Then rescind the offer. I can’t work with that crazy bitch. She broke into my LA home days ago and trashed it.” I glare at him. This guy is a dick. I never should have agreed to this shit. The minute I saw her name on the casting sheet I should have walked away.
His jaw clenches. “You can’t tell me who I can and can’t have on my show, Mr. Lewis. Think of the ratings when America finds out that two of your ex-girlfriends are your costars. We are going to become very rich together. Very rich.”
I shrug. “Don’t really give a shit, but you either get rid of her, or I’ll have this show so fucked up in lawsuits filming will never happen.” He keeps his cool demeanor as if he thinks he’s intimidating me. “I’m not saying another word about this again, if she’s back here tomorrow, I’ll call and report her for breaking the restraining order. And the next day after that. Your move now.”
“Listen to me, asshole. I can make or break your career. Viola stays until she becomes a liability. And if I were you, I’d find a new lawyer. That restraining order has been tossed out.”
I walk out, leaving him with his jaw clenched in anger, and give Viola the finger as I catch her looking at me.