If Olivia thought yesterday had been a nightmare, today was shaping up to be a full-blown catastrophe.
She stood backstage in a dimly lit hallway, arms crossed, watching as Liam leaned against the wall, casually scrolling through his phone as if he wasn't about to be live on national television in less than five minutes.
Ethan had briefed her thoroughly this morning. Keep Liam in check. Make sure he doesn't say anything offensive. Don't let him flirt with the interviewer. And above all, do not let him walk out if he gets annoyed.
Simple instructions. But then again, nothing was simple when it came to Liam Hayes.
"Alright, Mr. Hayes, we're ready for you," a producer called.
Liam didn't even glance up from his phone. "Cool."
Olivia clenched her fists. This man is impossible.
She stepped forward, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "Can you at least pretend to care?"
Liam smirked, finally putting his phone away. "I do care, sweetheart. I care about wrapping this up as quickly as possible so I can go back to doing something actually interesting."
Olivia exhaled sharply. "Well, at least try to behave."
Liam tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm… no promises."
Before she could say anything else, the producer ushered him onto the set.
Olivia stayed behind the cameras, watching nervously as the interview began. The set was bright, polished, and professional, everything Liam wasn't. The host, a woman in her mid-forties with sleek brown hair and an eager smile, greeted him warmly.
"Liam Hayes! It's such a pleasure to have you here."
Liam leaned back in his seat, flashing his signature lazy grin. "The pleasure's all yours, darling."
Olivia's stomach dropped. Oh, no.
The host let out a polite laugh, clearly taken aback. "Well, let's jump right in. You've been in the spotlight since you were sixteen, but lately, there have been rumors that you're taking a break from acting. Any truth to that?"
Liam tilted his head. "Depends. If by 'taking a break,' you mean 'enjoying my life instead of working nonstop,' then yeah, sure."
The host blinked, caught off guard by his bluntness. "So, no upcoming projects?"
Liam shrugged. "I'll take whatever interests me. But, you know, Hollywood can be exhausting. So many expectations, so much drama." He shot her a wink. "Kinda like this interview."
Olivia's eyes widened. Did he just insult the interview?
The host let out another awkward laugh. "Well, speaking of drama, you've been making headlines for your, um… active social life. Would you say the rumors about your playboy reputation are exaggerated?"
Liam grinned. "Not at all."
Olivia wanted to slam her head against the nearest wall.
The host hesitated before pressing on. "So you are a playboy?"
Liam spread his arms. "I enjoy good company. Is that a crime?"
"Of course not, but some say it's affecting your career. Studios might hesitate to cast someone who's always making headlines for partying rather than acting."
Liam's smile didn't falter, but there was a flicker of irritation in his eyes. "Ah, yes. The classic 'Hollywood expects you to be perfect' speech. Look, I'm an actor. My job is to entertain, not live like a monk. If people have a problem with that, they can..."
Oh no. Olivia knew exactly where this was going. She acted fast, stepping forward and catching his eye from behind the camera.
She subtly shook her head. Don't. Do. It.
For a brief second, Liam actually seemed to hesitate. Then, with a sigh, he leaned back in his chair.
"They can… respectfully mind their business."
Olivia let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding.
The host, clearly sensing she wasn't going to get a scandalous soundbite, quickly shifted gears. "Well, let's talk about something lighter. I hear you have a new personal assistant."
Olivia stiffened.
Liam's grin returned full force. "Oh, yeah. Olivia. She's… something else."
Olivia's stomach dropped. Don't you dare.
The host perked up. "Oh? Do tell."
Liam tapped his fingers against the chair. "Let's just say, we didn't exactly start on the right foot."
The host leaned forward eagerly. "Why? What happened?"
Liam's gaze flicked toward Olivia, his smirk deepening.
"She spilled coffee on me."
The host gasped dramatically. "No!"
"Oh, yes. My poor, expensive jacket… completely ruined."
The host laughed. "Sounds like you two have an interesting dynamic."
Liam chuckled. "That's one way to put it."
Olivia groaned internally. Now people are going to think I'm some clumsy disaster following him around.
The host wrapped up the interview a few minutes later, thanking Liam for his time. He stood, stretched, and strolled off set like he hadn't just spent twenty minutes casually dodging PR disasters.
As soon as he reached Olivia, he grinned. "See? That wasn't so bad."
She crossed her arms. "You almost told the press to go to hell."
He shrugged. "Key word: almost."
Olivia exhaled sharply. "You're impossible."
Liam chuckled. "And yet, you're still here."
Before she could come up with a comeback, Ethan joined them, looking like he'd aged ten years. "Liam, I swear to God..."
"Relax, old man," Liam said, clapping him on the back. "I was charming."
Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's not the word I'd use."
Liam just laughed. "Come on, sweetheart," he said, turning to Olivia. "Let's get out of here."
She scowled. "Stop calling me that."
He smirked. "Make me."
Olivia rolled her eyes, resisting the urge to strangle him.
Day two of this job, and she was already questioning her life choices.