“Jake,” a voice squealed from behind me. At first, I thought it was a crazy fan who’d snuck onto the lot and was about to attack me, but then, I realized that crazy voice came from someone so much worse. It was Portia, my fan club president. The biggest pain in the ass fan I had. But I had to grin and bear it.
Unfortunately, it was too late to run and hide. She’d caught me, and I had to wonder how she managed to get on the lot. “Portia,” I said, spinning around with a winning smile. “Funny seeing you here.” Especially since she wasn’t supposed to have a lot pass. I’d specifically asked that she didn’t, but she was good about getting what she wanted. So, of course, there was one hanging around her neck, dangling from a lanyard. It didn’t help that she was my agent’s niece, and when she told him she was my biggest fan, he made her head Angel in charge of the Jake Storm fan club.
Portia had her dyed blonde hair slicked down, and her face was so tan it matched my loafers. “It is so good to see you, Jake. I’m so excited for the new movie, and all the girls in the club are already stocking up on merch.”
“That’s great,” I said, wondering if any of that profit would see the charity I’d designated. She let out another squeal.
“So, do you like my shirt?”
She stuck her chest out, and it was strange seeing my name across the woman’s tits. The shirt had been carefully cut and tied so that when I looked down, all I got was a big shot of her cleavage and my name stretched out around her boobs. “Like it? I had it specially made.”
“It’s nice. I look fabulous on you. And thanks for your support.” I had to grin and make like she was my best friend, and all the while, I wanted to rip my hair out.
“Oh, it’s all my pleasure, Jake.” She wiggled her hips and cozied up to my side. I took a step back, but it didn’t deter her. “And guess what I’m hearing. Now, I hope this is not a rumor, but I thought you should know that there is already buzz about the Oscars.” She waved her hands, rattling her “I love Jake” bracelets and showing off a dangerously manicured set of claws. They were bright red to match her big painted mouth.
It was hard having to deal with people like Portia, especially when it was in my best interest to entertain her enthusiasm, but I could barely stand to be around her.
I thought I should clarify and hopefully squash the rumors. “Well, we haven’t even started filming yet, Portia, so I’d take it with a grain of salt.” I figured that she had been the one to start the Oscar talk, and it probably hadn’t gone any farther than the online fan community, which she led.
But she wasn’t one to be negative when it came to me and my talent. “Oh, don’t be humble, Jake. Although that’s what we all love about you.” She gave me a wink. “There are so many people behind you, and we all think that you’re deserving, Jake. You’re the absolute best. You definitely get the Oscar in our hearts.”
What did that even mean?
I glanced over at Kate, wondering what she must think, but her blank expression made her hard to read. She had to know I wasn’t interested in the attention from the woman.
Portia was giving me a headache as she babbled on. “I’m sure you’ll get other awards. Any idea who you’ll bring with you to the red carpet?”
I had no idea, and the one and only time I was invited, I’d brought my housekeeper, winning the hearts of millions. “I haven’t given it much thought,” I said, staring at Kate. She looked away, and I shrugged to finish the response. “I guess I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. You know I love to stay focused on my work.”
“The girls just love your housekeeper,” Portia said. “That was such a sweet gesture. She looked amazing.”
“Well, it was her birthday, and it was only MTV. I thought I’d make a statement.”
“Maybe you could do a raffle on the website and bring one of the Angels?” She gave me a wink, and I had a feeling if I did try and bring a fan, she’d make sure she won the honor.
I glanced over to see Kate was bored. I had to find a way to get rid of Portia.
Chapter Eight
Kate
The woman was positively obnoxious and seemed so desperate for Jake’s attention. She was petite, and even though I was certain her hair color came from a bottle, she was blonde and perky and made sure she shoved her tits in Jake’s face.