THE RULES OF FAME

Chapter 5 - Gamble

Peyton Bell

She left, and I couldn't cope with the emptiness that she left behind. We might have been young, but I was pretty sure that we were the real deal. I never crossed a line with her because she was too precious for me to even suggest doing something that would compromise her dreams or her future.

And now it is all gone...

I walked back to the studio, and Eddie looked at me. He was managing the consoles while I had my conversation with Nessa. "Is everything alright?" he asked, and I shook my head.

"Can you take over? I don't think I can handle anything else," I said, and he gave me a weird look. I tried to leave the recording area, but he stopped me by grabbing my wrist.

"Peyton?" Eddie said with concern, and I didn't want him to see the tears that were threatening to slip out of my eyes.

"I just need a minute," I said, and he released me.

"What did Nessa want?" he asked, and I looked his way,

"She left," I said, and he pinched the bridge of his nose. He already knew that Nessa was the one for me, or so I believed; now, like a cloud of smoke, she was just gone.

Thankfully, Leon and Eddie took me under their wing, and even when I tended to go out partying from time to time with the artist we were recording, they never allowed me to get into trouble. Leon, especially, kept a close eye on me, always warning me about the risks of getting myself numb with alcohol and drugs. "More prominent careers have gone to the drain, with less partying than what you have been doing," Leon warned me, and I almost choked on his words.

I have worked so hard, and our studio was one of the most booked places in New York. Eddie has been a great business partner, who allowed me to finish my degree in Music Production in record time.

I had been called a music prodigy; record labels and artists fought to get time with Eddie and me... Especially after the release of Shanty's last record. That record solidified our reputation as a studio.

Leon's record was a massive hit, but it was our first, and many people thought that it was just a lucky blip. When Shanty's record hit the markets, and it became a worldwide sensation, the industry started taking us seriously. Then we released the record for a new Boy Band, called BBoys, and they became a sensation... people started questioning our capabilities, and started calling us the producers with Mida´s touch.

I drowned myself in work; it was the only thing I could do to bear the pain. Nessa never called, and that told me everything I needed to know. She didn't miss me, she didn't want me around, and I should start accepting that fact.

One year of hard work paid off. I was able to save enough money to buy a little cabin outside the city, and a penthouse right at the heart of it. Life has been good, especially when Mom married Don. I suddenly felt as if I didn't have to take care of her. Mom has suffered so much that she deserves every bit of happiness she's got coming her way.

Time stood still, and suddenly, almost four years had gone by; most of my days were filled with work, and occasionally going out to a club, getting drunk, or even having some fun with girls. It was all fun until the press released some nasty photos of me, highly intoxicated, holding a hooker's hand. Then things turned chaotic and borderline crazy. Mom started worrying about me. Leon called me to offer his support, while Eddie was fuming.

It was then that they understood that I hadn't healed and that I still missed Nessa. Eddie also found it suitable to have a PR manager for me, because I have become a public figure.

I didn't see the need, but eventually agreed, because it was that or facing the consequences of being stupid and reckless. I didn't hear their advice, and I got myself into a very messy situation, especially when the press found out the hooker was barely sixteen.

I swear, I didn't touch her; she was the one holding my hand, but the way the pictures were taken, and the way the press wrote about them, got me in plenty of trouble, that Thomas, my brother-in-law, eventually had to clean up.

"Alright, you need to keep a low profile... and we need to give this time to simmer, then we will announce your new relationship," Marcy, a PR agent Eddie has hired, said, and I lifted my eyebrows. I had no idea what she was talking about.

"We need t clean your image up in the media..." she pressed, and I sighed.

"What is the big deal? I am a 23-year-old guy who just wants to have fun! There is nothing wrong with that... and I have already proven that I didn't have s*x with the girl!" I said, frustrated,

"Pey, listen to Marcy... she knows what she is doing," Eddie sighed, and I rolled my eyes. I just remember having two drinks that night, not enough to get me hammered like how I looked in the pictures. Also, the brief memories I have about that night were a woman holding my hand, and then releasing it when I climbed into my black SUV. My driver testified that I went home alone, that and the surveillance video were enough evidence to clear my name, but one thing I am learning the hard way is that the industry never forgets. The media will always bring this back when talking about me.

"Alright, I'll keep a low profile..." I agreed, and she nodded.

"Good, one or two weeks, and then we will find bigger news to give the media, so they can finally forget about that awful night," Marcy said, and I sighed.

"What do you have in mind?" I asked, and she sighed.

"You know, Shanty has been dealing with awful publicity after her divorce. She is in a different PR mess, but she needs the same thing you need..." Marcy smiled. "A sentimental partner," she announced with a wide smile, and my chin almost hit the floor.

"No, you've got to be shitting me..." I said, and she sighed.

"Listen, Peyton... once you are in a very PR-arranged, public relationship with a mega star, people will forget about your scandal, and about Shanty's..." She sighed. "It is a win-win situation for everyone involved..." Marcy pressed, and I took a deep breath.

"Explain exactly what all of this entails," I said,

"Well, getting photographed holding hands, maybe making a couple of public appearances, attending together the award shows of the season..." Marcy said,

"She will be aware that all of it is for show, and that no feelings should be attached." Marcy pointed out, and I sighed.

"Eddie? Do you think this is the right move?" I asked,

"I think it is what you need to get over this scandal, and clear your name..." he said, and I sighed.

I have been away from Nessa for four years, and even when I was angry about the way things happened, I could never be angry with her, because deep down I still loved her.

"I don't know, I don't want Nessa to see me with other women," I mumbled, and Eddie sighed.

"Peyton... she hasn't called you in four years..." Eddie said, and I shook my head,

"I am willing to lie low," I said, "And I'll think about the other thing," I mumbled,

"I have already agreed," Marcy said, and I looked at Eddie.

"Let her do her job," Eddie said, and I huffed.

"Alright," I sighed.

Two weeks later, I was being photographed walking into a hotel to have a cozy dinner with Shanty... The news became viral, and people seemed to forget about my little scandal. Now the big question was: Did Nessa see it?

I hope not, because that would send the message that I have moved on, and maybe will push her to move on from me as well. It was a big gamble I had to take, a gamble I feel I have already lost.