Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79425 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“It gets tiring.”
“It made you a star and a very rich man.”
“You didn’t do so badly yourself,” I retorted. She’d made millions on my paychecks.
She closed one eye, regarding me through yet another lungful of vapor. “Your latest stunt could be a career-ender.”
“Jesus, Annie. You know as well as I do that the tabloids make something out of nothing.”
She reached behind her, opening the latest rag and holding it up. I averted my eyes. I had seen it, and I knew what it looked like.
“Nothing happened. We went for dinner, and Vic had a few too many. She was being playful and jumped into the fountain. I went in after her to try to stop her. But she splashed me, and I splashed her back.”
One eyebrow rose.
“She pulled me in, and the next thing I knew, I slipped and fell. She came with me.”
Annie turned the paper toward herself and looked at it.
“And you end up with her straddling you, how exactly? With your tie gripped in her hand? You know this looks like you’re about to throw down right there.”
I sighed. “We were just having fun. It was nothing.”
“Just fun. Nothing,” she repeated. Then she shook the paper. “The wife of the producer who was going to use you on the film meant to restore your reputation! Have you any sense in that goddamn head of yours? You know what this looks like. My phone has been ringing off the hook since last night. Mike is furious.”
“Vic and I have been friends forever. There’s nothing going on. You know that.”
“Tell that to her very jealous husband. Who has decided to go in another direction with his leading man.”
I groaned. I had hoped to go see him and make him realize it was just a picture, capturing a split second before Vic dunked me and laughed, then pushed me off her and stood. She had eyes for no one but Mike—and the idiot knew that. Or I thought he did. I had zero interest in her other than friendship. She had been my first friend when I’d arrived on the scene a dozen years ago.
“I’ll talk to Mike.”
She shook her head. “Too late. Decision is made. Consider yourself lucky he vented to me and didn’t rearrange that pretty face of yours.”
“Fuck.”
She studied me, taking another puff on her vape. I could tell how upset she was from the number of hits she was taking. “You’ve been acting out. This. The fight with your last costar. The stunt with the motorcycle. The bungee jumping incident. You’re drinking more.”
I shifted in my seat. She was right on all counts.
“Are you done?” she asked.
I shrugged, unsure what to say.
“This is what is going to happen,” she said, pushing off the desk and sitting. “You need to think, and I need a break from you.”
“You’re dropping me?” I asked, aghast.
“I’m saving you,” she replied. “You’re taking a sort of hiatus. Leaving LA for a while. There’s a movie being shot in Canada, and you’re going to be in it. Not the leading role, but a good sidekick. A meaty part.”
“I haven’t heard about this role.”
“I accepted on your behalf.”
I grunted as she handed me a script.
“You’re heading home. It’s being shot in Toronto and a place you’re familiar with. Richton.”
My head shot up. “Richton?”
“Yep. Your old hometown. I’ve rented you a place for the next month. You can decide whether to stay or move elsewhere. You are going to do some heavy thinking. Shoot this movie. Decide what your future holds. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get back in the game, or move on. If this isn’t the life you want anymore, Oliver, stop wasting my time. Or yours. Find what you love and do it.”
“I love being an actor.”
“You did. I’m not sure you do anymore.”
“What else would I do?”
She sat back and pursed her lips. “You have enough money you can do whatever you want. Direct. Produce. Buy a farm. Travel. Get married and have a bunch of kids. Whatever you want.”
I grimaced. “I don’t want kids.”
“Then find out what you do want.”
“Couldn’t I stay in Toronto? Richton is in the middle of nowhere. No bars, restaurants, or entertainment.”
“Exactly. You need to concentrate. Stop this excessive drinking. Get your head straight.”
Her tone changed, becoming more personal and warmer. A rare happening for Annie. “Whatever makes you happy.”
“And if I don’t do this?” I challenged.
Her all-business manager tone returned in an instant. “We’re done.”
My shoulders fell. I tried one last time.
“This will blow over, Annie. It always does.”
She stood and went over to the window. “You think?”
I joined her, gaping at the paparazzi gathered outside.
“They’re out for blood. Yours.”
“Dammit.”
“You’re going out the back while I go down there and make a statement. Get home before they crowd your gates. A car will be there tonight to pick you up. Be ready.”