AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey, sweetie,” she says, her eyes glazed and blissful. “How are you?”
“I’m fine.” I pause near the windows and poke a single finger through the blinds.
“Make sure you check out my bookshelf,” she says, pointing at me. “I have some great books for dealing with stress.”
“I will.”
The paparazzi disperse as a black car parks in front of the gate. Smith steps closer to investigate.
My father wanders in from his study with a script in his hands. “While you’re here, I want you to read this again. Make any notes you want, and we’ll take it back to Bruckberg.”
I watch the driveway as the black car slowly rolls toward the house.
“No,” I say.
“No?” he parrots back. “What do you mean no?”
“Dad, I really don’t feel like working right now.”
“Life doesn’t stop just because something bad happens to you, honey.”
I scoff. That’s the great Bennett Roberts for you. All work and no play.
“I know,” I say. “I just need a few days off.”
“Bruckberg doesn’t have a few days.”
“Then, they’ll find someone else.”
“Bennett…” Cora’s sweet, sing-song voice echoes from the couch. “She’s not asking for much. Just a little time to heal.”
“Thank you,” I tell her.
“No — not thank you. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, Roxie. A lifetime.”
“I don’t know what to tell you, Dad…” I drop the curtain and step away from the window.
“You can start by telling me what the hell is wrong with you! Where are you going?”
“To answer the door.”
I walk out of the living room and into the foyer as their voices continue behind me.
“Bennett, please. You’re shouting.”
“Of course, I am! My daughter is throwing her career away!”
“Bennett…”
I pull the door open just as Smith reaches for the handle from the outside. “Hey, Smith.”
He sighs and steps inside. “What did I tell you about answering doors?”
“Honestly, can’t remember,” I joke.
“Don’t,”he says. “Don’t answer doors is what I told you.”
“I looked out the window and saw you walking up the drive.”
