Hence why his decisions were clouded. That’s another reason why he’d never gotten into a serious relationship. He didn’t want to worry about anyone but himself.
“So, you declined his offer?” she asked.
He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “No.”
Chloe’s eyes widened. “No? Holly’s okay with you dating another woman?”
“I won’t be dating her. It’s all fake. You know how this industry works.”
“I do. You’ll be spotted out at dinner, holding hands, sneaking kisses and probably be seen leaving her house at six in the morning. Looks like dating to me.”
“It’s fake!” he snapped.
“Iknow that andyouknow that, will Holly be so understanding? Because if I was with someone and he was all over another woman, even though it wasfake, I’d be pissed.”
“It’s no different to acting in a movie and doing love scenes.” And how did that go? He felt like he was cheating the whole time and Holly was uncomfortable watching.
“It’s your life. If the scowl on your face is any indication, you’re not happy about it,” Chloe said.
“I don’t want to hurt Holly, she’ll understand.”
“Are you sure about that?” He mustn’t have looked sure because she said, “Don’t take the role. Not if it will hurt you both.”
He blew out a heavy breath. “It’s the role of a lifetime. It’s brilliant. How can I turn it down?”
“Easy. People’s feelings are more important than a job. Yours included,” she stated and knocked back the rest of her wine.
“I’ve waited my whole career for something like this.”
“And if you lose Holly, who knows if you’ll ever find a woman as great for you as her? Do you want to risk that for a movie?” she asked.
“The decision’s not that easy. I haven’t known Holly long.” But it felt like he’d known her forever. Never had he felt so connected to someone before.
Chloe searched his face and screwed her mouth to the side like she was thinking. “I have a script I want you to read.” And she left the kitchen.
After a few moments, she was back and tossed a file on the counter. “Read it and if you like it, it’s yours. There’s a catch though.”
He was sick of catches but picked up the script looking from it to Chloe. “What’s the catch?”
“Read it first, then I’ll tell you. I promise you won’t have to date the leading actress. I’ve got work to do in my office, find me when you’re done.” With that, she gathered her glass and wine bottle and left the room.
An hour later, Ethan bounded up the stairs and into Chloe’s office. “I want this part. Make it happen.” It was the best thing he’d ever read. A heroin addict who loses everything. His career, his family and almost his life, and the struggles of rebuilding his life back. He’d do anything to get his hands on it.
Chloe sat on the small sofa in the room and tucked her feet under her. “Do you want to know about the catch first?”
He’d forgotten about that, so engrossed with the story. “What is it?”
“The writer needs someone to fund the movie. He’s new to the business and a liability. I can’t get an interview for him with any of the big production companies and small ones can’t afford the risk.”
The excitement dropped. “Why the fuck would you show me this?” He flapped the script in his hand. “If it can’t be made?”
“It can,” she said.
He shook his head with confusion. “You just said—”
“Youcan fund it.”
Ethan scoffed, “You can’t be serious. It costs millions to make a movie like this.”
