Page 71 of False Promises

“Why? So you can rub it in my face afterward? Thanks. Hard pass.”

“Hey. Stop. I’m here because I care about you. Explain it to me because I don’t get it. You were incredible in that scene. Nothing to be upset about.”

“Scene. Singular. I had scenes. With an S. Plural. Many of them. Some funny. Some dramatic. They cut them in the final edits. They’re not there anymore. How am I supposed to secure main roles if no one sees me in action for more than eight fucking minutes?” I crossed my arms over my chest. “Enlighten me. Because right now, I don’t see it happening.”

“It’s one role. And you were great. You’ll get more opportunities. It’s your first red carpet, and it’s huge. A moment to remember. Being propelled to stardom takes time.”

“Says the guy who got millions of dollars in his bank account the first year he got signed.”

Carter’s gaze drifted down before coming back to level with mine. “It’s like winning the lottery; it’s not an everyday occurrence. Most people work hard, and their success is earned. Not given. It wasn’t handed to me. For years, I worked hard to get where I am today. I started doing concerts when I was just a little kid. Success didn’t appear in my life out of the blue. No matter what people chose to believe. Use this experience to learn and grow. Don’t let one movie destroy all the hard work you put in. Your turn will come. I can tell. You are talented. Never believe anyone else who states the opposite.”

“You really believe it?”

He nodded. “Wanna go home or are you staying here, with your chin high, not letting those eight minutes faze you?”

“I don’t know. How can I face all these people now? I’m reduced to being an extra in that movie. It hurts.”

Carter kissed my forehead. “I’m aware. But since when do you not fight back? Where’s the woman who stands tall and reaches for her dreams?”

His words made sense. I relished the fact Carter acknowledged my dedication. And my will. With a huff, I added, “There’s this party afterward. It’s supposed to be epic. Lots of big names, directors, and producers will be attending. I’d like to go.”

Carter smiled. “That’s my girl.”

I squinted. “Your girl?”

He offered a one-shoulder shrug. “I’m proud of you. For standing up.” He didn’t comment on the slipup. “It will be all right. Keep believing in yourself, and you’ll get there.”

20

CARTER

“Do you really have to go?” Savannah asked, watching as I packed a bag a few days later. She stood in the doorway, her arms folded over her chest, her lips shaped into a sad curve. “We never spend time together anymore.”

My eyes snapped in her direction. “You’re kidding, right? Since I’ve rented this place, I practically live full-time in California. I barely see my friends anymore. All my meetings with Riley and June are done over video chat. I see Dahlia and Jack not even once a month. The majority of my time is dedicated to you. We’re like always together. You haven’t worked in weeks except for two appearances in that new series. What more do you want from me? I invited you to come to Nashville with me. More than once. You always refuse. There’s still time for you to pack your stuff and get on that plane. It leaves in two hours. Tomorrow night will be fun. You’ll see me on a scene for the very first time. You could come to spend a week with me in New York too next month. We could revisit where we first met.”

“Already told you multiple times. I prefer LA. New York is fine for a day or two but not at this time of the year. Winters are too cold, summers too suffocating. And don’t get me started on your home state.”

I moved to stand in front of her and grabbed her upper arms. “We’ll be in Tennessee for two days. How bad can it get? You will survive just fine. This event is the epitome of fancy. I swear you’ll enjoy yourself.”

Savannah shook her head. Just like Jack did when I presented him with food he never tasted before and he refused to give it a try.

I sighed. “Fine. But don’t be mad if I go. I agreed to be there a long time ago. Anyway, I do this every year. It’s a cause that’s dear to my heart.”

She averted her eyes, staying mute. This little act wouldn’t work with me. I was immune to her childish behavior.

“Do as you wish. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

Before I had a serious girlfriend, I could at least invite women to join me at events. Now that I was in a relationship, I always ended up going alone. How ironic.

Savannah hadn’t budged from her spot in the doorway as I passed her. I leaned forward and kissed her angry pout. It brought a smile to my lips. She should let go of the angry-teen persona.

With one arm around her waist, I pulled her in. She kept ignoring me. “I’ll see you in two days. In the meantime, do something fun, okay? And call me if you miss me. I’ll see you soon.”

She refused to acknowledge me, so I left with a shake of my head and a heavy heart.

* * *

With a roll of my eyes, I studied the hand I was dealt before my eyes surveyed the room. With bright blue walls, lime-green accents, and jazzberry-pink furniture, the room was an explosion of colors. With a quick scan around the table, I tried to assess my opponents’ inscrutable faces.