“My sister is out doing errands. She left you something on the counter.”
Anxiously, I walked over and sighed in relief at the Alka-Seltzer and Tylenol waiting for me. I mixed the tablets with water, downed them, then swallowed the painkillers. I poured a cup of coffee and returned to the table.
“Why are you here?”
Everett guffawed—a bit too loudly for my liking. “Did you not think I’d know what happened yesterday, Liam?”
I laid my head on the table. “How?” I knew Shelby wouldn’t rat me out. She hid all sorts of shit I pulled from her brother.
“The magazine called, you idiot. And the studio let me know you went AWOL.” He lifted his eyebrow. “Without notice or security. Not a wise move, given your history.”
“Right.” Of course those bastards would tattle to Everett.
“I handled it.”
At his grunt, I cracked open an eye. “She was a bloody idiot, Ev. The whole thing was dodgy. We were at sixes and sevens right from the start. Really, I had no choice. My integrity was at stake.”
He glared at me, and I grinned. I loved confusing him with my “English-speak,” as he called it, so at times, I laid it on thick. He was never totally sure what I was saying. He snorted and took a deep drink of his coffee.
“Sure, Liam. I’ll be sure to tell the studio, who set up these interviews, that piece of information.” He fixed me with a stern glance. “They already called. You have to make this up. That’s three of their interviews you walked out on.”
I nodded in defeat. “How?”
“A charity benefit. You will attend. You will be charming. And you will stay for the whole thing and sign autographs until your hand drops off.” He glared at me. “And you won’t complain once.”
Instantly, my stomach clenched with nerves. “Did you call Carly? Is she available?”
Everett nodded. “Yes. And Mark. I’ll be there as well.”
I let out a deep breath. “Okay.”
Everett went back to typing, and I leaned my head back, the medicine Shelby left for me beginning to work.
She always knew what I needed. So did Everett. I was lucky to have them.
Unlike my old management team, Everett kept things simple. He ran my career and provided me with his presence as added security most of the time, along with Mark. Nobody got near me with those two men flanking me. He used Cassidy Hawkins for PR work, though he handled most of it himself. Lily Simons was my stylist, something Ev and Cassidy had insisted on when they came on board. Apparently, my choice of torn T-shirts and jeans wasn’t the best look most of the time. Ev had been my manager now for about eighteen months, and I couldn’t be happier. My old manager had put so many people on the payroll, it was ridiculous, and we had argued over it constantly. He’d felt the more people I had around me, the higher my profile. The only thing I found higher was the cost. And my blood pressure. I didn’t like all the people running errands, hanging around the house, and doing stupid things for me. Or more often than not, as I discovered, for my ex-manager.
When I decided to make a change, it was Everett Carter I turned to. We had gotten to be friends, and I liked him. I liked his style of no bullshit and simplicity. Everett stepped in, cleaned house, and made my life easier—better. He discussed everything with me and made sure I knew what was happening at all times. Anything he didn’t think I should be bothered with, he handled, and I trusted him enough to know it was for the best. Hiring him had been the best professional decision I had ever made.
Until I hired Shelby.
She was way more than a housekeeper to me, though. Yes, she kept the house in order. But more importantly, she kept me in order. Living under the same roof for the past six months, we’d become close, and I would consider her my best friend. She was certainly my confidant and without a doubt, knew me better than anyone else—even her brother. She knew my moods, my likes and dislikes, and she catered to them. She also never hesitated to put me in my place when needed. Her gentle teasing and laughter often drew me out of a bad mood, and her no-nonsense approach to the life I led was refreshing. It was her opinion I listened to regarding scripts, her thoughts and counsel I sought when making a decision. And it was her comfort I needed when having a difficult time. With my family still back in England, she and Everett had become my adopted family here, and I would be lost without either of them.
I heard the sound of the door opening from the garage, and I smiled. Shelby was home. I knew if I asked, she’d make me something to eat. I needed something greasy and filling to help chase off the last of the whiskey hangover.