AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Nobody’s getting in.
And I’m not going out.
There’s nothing interesting to watch on TV. A slow kind of news day. They’re running some fluff piece about a girl who was miraculously reunited with her lost dog. It was heartwarming, actually, seeing her hug her beloved pet with happy tears in her eyes.
Don’t even think about it, Mei-Lee says when she pops up from around the corner.
What?
We’re not getting a dog.
I roll my eyes.But look how cute that one is.
Sure, they’re cute when they’re little, but they’re also a lot of work. You keep me more than a little busy. I don’t want to take care of a dog, too.
You make me sound inept.
Mei-Lee gives me a look.If the shoe fits.
My phone rings again. Irritation licks at the back of my neck. This has gone well past the point of ridiculous. Why is the universe dead set on making my life a living hell? I’m tired of letting my stalker walk all over me.
“What do you want?” I snap into the receiver. “If I ever get my hands on you, you’re going to rue the day you ever decided to mess with me.”
A low, deep chuckle reaches my ear. “Having a bad day, are we?” Walton asks.
“How did you get this number?”
“I have my ways.”
“Fuck off.”
“Don’t hang up, Stride. You’re going to want to hear what I have to say.”
“I doubt that.”
“I hear your production’s hit a bit of a snag.”
My blood runs cold. It’s not like it’s a big secret or anything. There have already been several articles published reporting the news. Hell, it was splashed across the front page ofIMDb Pro just last week, painting the entire project as a shitshow from start to finish. Now I’m starting to wonder if Walton had something to do with it. The man has always thrived on other people’s misery.
“That’s none of your concern,” I hiss.
“Are you sure you don’t need a little… financial assistance?”
“Seriously? You’re trying to offer me a deal?”
“I’m nothing if not a man of opportunity.”
“I don’t need your money, Walton. I have plenty of my own.”
“Not for long.”
“What did you just say?”
“Oh, please. I know you’re not an idiot, Stride. With the way things are going, do you seriously think you’ll ever make movies in this town again?”
I snort. “That’s the benefit of owning my own studio, asshole. I get to make whatever movies I want. I don’t need anyone’s permission.”
“True, but the same can’t be said about funding. You can’t do anything without the backing of your investors. Investors who are slowly becoming wary of your name and brand. My sources tell me you lost over half of them, correct?”
