Page 54 of Unscripted with Mila

I stared at her. No one had ever said anything that profound to me. No one knew, saw, or cared about my private pain. In fact, they did everything they could to cover it up. The image they created of me was as false as the parts I played. All a mirage. Believed by the world to be true.

Except to her. Mila.

I felt raw sitting across from her. It was as if she had laid my soul bare. Her simple, honest words rang in my head, and I didn’t know how to respond to them.

The conference room door opened, and MJ walked in. “Nicky boy, you’re wanted on set. Playtime is over.” She glanced at Mila. “So, you’re the author?” She rubbed her lips. “Interesting.”

I rose to my feet, the need to protect and shield Mila from MJ tangible. I glared at her. “What are you doing here?”

“We have a conversation to finish.”

I shook my head. “I’m done with you today. I need to concentrate on my scenes.”

She crossed her arms. “I say when we’re done. We can talk tonight since I don’t want to disrupt your acting.” She spat the word as though it left a bad taste in her mouth.

“I’m busy.”

“Doing what?”

Mila stood. “Nicholas kindly agreed to have dinner with me to finish his character discussion. I have another deadline to attend to, so I can’t remain on set to answer any more questions.”

“Is that right?” MJ drawled. “Dinner—how cozy.”

Mila laughed, the sound light. “Hardly cozy with the crew I have around tonight. But I can spare a little time for the star.”

MJ blinked. I hid my smile, reassessing my earlier opinion. Mila could act if needed. At least, I hoped she was acting.

Andi came in, and Mila smiled at her. “I’m almost ready to go.”

Andi and MJ introduced themselves. It was chilly to say the least. They sized each other up and found the other’s deficiencies. Andi was at least cordial. MJ was…well, MJ.

She tossed a script at me. “I want you to read this between takes. You’re up for an audition before you leave for Canada.” She sniffed, her words dripping with derision. “It’s a real film. Meaty and gritty. You are far more suited to that sort of role than fluff.”

Then she walked out.

I met Mila’s eyes. “Sorry.”

To my surprise, she laughed. “Wow. Judged and found lacking by the devil herself.”

I wanted to kiss her. Wrap my arms around her and hold her, but I held back.

Andi glanced at the script. “I read that book. Heavy stuff.”

“Yeah, not interested. MJ has other ideas. I have yet another fight on my hands.” I ran a hand through my hair.

“If you ever decide to stop fighting, call me. I have some names for you,” Andi offered.

“You won’t take me on?” I teased.

“I do authors, not actors. But I know some good, honest agents and managers who will work with you. Not against you.”

“I’m sort of locked in.”

She smirked. “I employ a lawyer who can find a loophole in the most ironclad of contracts. If you’re interested, let me know.” She glanced at Mila as she left. “I’ll meet you outside in twenty.”

“You really aren’t staying?” I asked.

“Maybe tomorrow. We have a bunch of things to work through,” she said sadly. “I want to see you work your magic.”