Page 104 of Unscripted with Mila

“You’d take me on?”

He chuckled. “You sound surprised.”

“Ah, sort of. I’ve been told I am high-maintenance.”

All levity left him, and I saw the sharp businessman emerge. “Your so-called agent is a snake. She has used and abused what should be a trusted agreement. From what I know, what I’ve heard today, she is out for one person—herself. She is a manipulative, narcissistic bitch, interested in only one thing. Her own agenda. Forget all the shit she has drummed into your head. Forget feeling like you owe her. She owes you so much, you could never collect it in two lifetimes. If you’re ready to make a change, if you’re willing to listen and work with me, not for me, I’ll show you what an agent can do. I can guarantee this—you say no, it’s no. You want a role? I’ll help you get it. Once I’m finished wiping her from your career, you get the power back. And you keep it. You’re the captain. I’m just the rudder keeping you on course.” He sat back, once again calm and relaxed. “For my percentage, of course.”

I had to laugh. “Of course.”

“Should I set up a meeting at my office? You can meet the team.”

I glanced at Mila, who was talking to Andi. Our eyes met and locked, and I knew she had heard him.

“I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize this movie.”

“It won’t. This will take time and planning. I’ll work with Jacob and Andi. Mila will be protected, and so will you.”

I looked back, and Mila nodded, looking anxious.

“Set it up.”

He followed my gaze with a smile. “You know,” he said quietly. “Lots of actors don’t live in LA. Canada is a great country. This little town seems ideal for a place to live and have a normal life. You can have them both.” He winked. “You might want to think about that.”

* * *

I sat on the front steps, looking around at the quiet streets. I drew in a long breath, enjoying the fresh, crisp air. I could hear the water a short distance away. It wasn’t like the ocean in California with its wildness and vast, open vistas. There was a lazy rhythm to the water, the same as there was to this little community. I had never known such peace.

Mila came out, sitting beside me. Everyone had left a short time ago, and I had wandered out here, sitting down, my head filled with so many thoughts. One, in particular, stood out, the implications of it even more prominent than the thought of what, no doubt, would be an ugly parting from MJ.

“This little town seems ideal for a place to live and have a normal life. You can have them both. You might want to think about that.”

Those words echoed in my head on repeat. Was it possible to have a life here with Mila and still have my career? I had never considered it before, but now that the idea was in my head, I couldn’t shake it.

I slid my arm around her waist, drawing her close. She rested her head on my shoulder.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Overwhelmed,” I admitted.

She lifted her head and turned into me. “What can I do?” she asked. “What do you need?”

I kissed her sweet mouth. “Right now, I have everything I need. You.”

“You must need something else.”

I smiled. “Until they figure everything out, it’s business as usual. Filming starts in a couple of days. I’m going to go and see Amber and be honest with her. Tom thought of a cover story since MJ will be expecting me to fall apart, so that’s taken care of. I’m going to concentrate on my role, enjoying my time here—and you.”

“Stay here. With me. Please.”

I kissed her again. “Yes.”

“How are you feeling about MJ?” she asked.

“Deceived, angry. Over it. I have been loyal for too long. My mom was so fond of her, it felt as if I was betraying her if I cut ties with MJ, so I always found excuses for her. Accepted her behavior. Forgave constantly because she always made me feel it was my fault. No matter what happened, it was my doing. But she lied. Constantly lied. She shook my belief in myself. She made me feel less.” I shook my head. “No more. What she has done is unforgivable. My mom would feel the same way. She would be shocked by this. Horrified at the way MJ has behaved.”

“She’ll deny it.”

“I know. But there is no other explanation. She switched the pills. I will never trust her again. I hope once this is over, her reputation is in tatters. The only thing she can manage will be a 7-Eleven store.”