Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78024 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 390(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
“Well, it could be worse.” There’s a bit of an edge to the man’s voice that isn’t exactly disapproving, but makes it clear he isn’t happy. I’d go ahead and drop down on the couch next to her to see his reaction, but I know this Roger guy is someone important to her.
“What does that mean? I know it’s not a good situation, but I didn’t choose any of this. Take it up with my mother.”
“Trust me, I have,” Roger says with acid in his tone. “I can’t believe even Sheila would do something this reckless. She’s been different since the series got picked up.”
Quinn nods and takes a sip of coffee. “I… Don’t tell her I said this, okay? But I think it might be her new boyfriend. She’s driving a fancy car, signed the lease for the apartment without asking me, and she told me he gave her the money to hire Greg Cook. She was always worried that I’d end up with someone who would use me, but maybe that’s what’s happening to her?”
Roger grunts, unconvinced. “She’s old enough to know better than that. You know how I feel about her still being your manager. I think you’re outgrowing her and she doesn’t know how to handle being left behind.”
I think I might like this guy.
He continues. “Either way, what you need to decide now is where you see yourself in three months. The article paints you in a positive light. Maybe a little naïve. You come across as a young, inexperienced actress who got duped by a scammy production company that broke the law. I know you’re trying to avoid throwing your mother under the bus, but it doesn’t really explain why you would go along with something like this.”
“I wasn’t the one—”
“I know, Quinn, but I know because I know the dynamic between you and Sheila. To everyone else, you look like a risk.” Roger sighs. “Especially if you deny having anything to do with what happened, while continuing to visibly associate with a criminal element.”
Quinn’s lips pull into a tight line. She’s not happy.
“They’re listening right now, aren’t they?” Roger asks.
I sit down next to Quinn. “Hey, I’m Sinner.”
“Ah, the young man from the photos. Can’t say I approve, but all considered, I’m glad you were there. Good job.”
“Thanks,” I respond, thrown off by the compliment.
“I assume you’ve heard everything. Do you disagree?”
Quinn looks insulted on my behalf. “Of course he does!”
I shrug. “Eh. I want to tell you to fuck off, but I’m not an idiot. We probably aren’t good for her career. The reporter is my sister, by the way. We don’t advertise it, but if anyone really started digging they’d find out.”
“Thank you for telling me. I’d rather know so we aren’t blindsided later.”
“Do I get a say in all this?” Quinn asks. “I want to publish the article and let Mila help with keeping friendly press on the top of the news cycle. I know it means some of the inquiries might dry up, but I’m done letting what other people think steer my career, whether it’s my mother or some executive that’s never even met me.”
I expect Roger to argue, but he smiles.
“Good. It’s about time. Let me know when you’re ready to start officially transitioning away from your mother’s management. I actually don’t think this is as bad as it could be. You happen to be getting famous at the moment for playing a demon who hangs out in bars with bikers. It fits with your branding well enough that a lot of people might assume it’s a deliberate choice, and unless you really go off the deep end, you’ll be locked in for any new seasons of Saving the World. There’s no need to make a decision right away on how this works long term. Do you understand, Quinn?”
She glances at me and gives a tiny nod. “I know. I’m having dinner with Mom on Monday. I don’t know what will happen, but I need to start somewhere.”
Oh, fuck him, implying that she can always ditch us later. But he’s her agent, and someone who should be first and foremost on Quinn’s side, so it’s not bad advice.
Priest and Colt come out of the bedroom, looking sleepy but keeping quiet to not disturb Quinn’s call. I hold up my mug, offering coffee, but Priest shakes his head. Keeping his voice low, he says, “Gonna head back to my place and shower. Gonna grab some food after. I can let you know when I’m going.”
“Sounds good.”
Colt just nods with a yawn and points a thumb at Priest. “What he said.” They slip out quietly, leaving just me and Quinn. Well and our good friend Roger.
“I’ll deal with that if it comes to it,” Quinn says, standing firm.
“Okay. It’s your decision and your brand. I’ll be here to help you figure it out whichever way things go.” He glances off screen and the sound of typing comes through the speakers. “I’m going to make a few small suggestions for changes and then I’ll tell your friend’s sister to go ahead with the article. I like that you’re taking more initiative, but can you try to stay out of trouble for a bit, Quinn?”