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“Jackson…”
“What? You’re saying if you don’t get one role then that’s the end of your career. Autumn, that’s not an industry ending it. That’s you giving it up.”
She blows out a breath. “I didn’t say that. But this black cloud isn’t going anywhere. I could go on hundreds of auditions, and the outcome could be the same. Then I’ll be the sad sack who refuses to accept that I’m a washed-up actor.”
“Or you’re like one of the many actors that have found success after a lull or scandal. Or maybe your career shifts to behind the camera. Or some other aspect. What if all this going on right now leads to an opportunity you never thought of? Or what if you get a second audition? What if you get the role of Camilla? Or another role? Your what ifs don’t have to be negative. Your what ifs could be everything you want.”
She gives me a small smile, but the worry is still in her eyes. “That’s the thing…it’s all too much. I feel it all and it’s weighing down on me. At least if I fail, I can blame it on the scandal and not on the fact that I’m not good enough to make it. But if I make it then fail, it just proves I’m not good enough. I went from teen star to Christmas queen and never got past that. Maybe it’ll be better if I stop now. Disappear. Become one of those ‘where are they now’ actors.”
I release her hand and gently pull her into me until our foreheads are touching.
“Wildcat, your doubts are killing me. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. See how strong you are. How capable. I might not know how Hollywood works, but I believe in you. I believe that no matter what life throws at you, you’re going to succeed. Giving up isn’t in your nature. I’ve seen it through this scandal. The way you handled that douche in the airport and anyone else who’s come at you. You’ve held your head up high. Hollywood might try to kick your ass, and maybe they’ll knock you down, but you’re Rocky in this story. You’re going to get back up. You’ll fight back. You’ll win. I know it with everything inside me.”
Tears pool in her eyes. “Kiss me. I need to taste those words. I need them to fill me.”
I kiss her. Softly, slowly. Letting her savor every word. And when she pulls back, her whiskey eyes are mostly clear of doubts.
I softly move my thumb over her cheek. “There’s my wildcat.”
“Let’s do this,” she says and we get out of the car. The door to the studio is open so we let ourselves in. The room is open and large with professional photos hanging on exposed brick walls. There are also several televisions on the walls with various videos silently playing.
A man emerges from the back of the studio, a large smile on his face as he approaches us. “Autumn, it’s nice to meet you. Tom Flynn.”
He holds out his hand for her to shake. They exchange pleasantries then his gaze moves to me and his expression freezes.
“Holy shit. Noah?”
My stomach clenches at the sound of my first name and what that means. The man is younger than me, probably a kid when he knew me. His name and face aren’t familiar, but I stopped learning them all. Only the bad cases stick in my mind.
“I’m Noah Jackson.”
The man puts his hands on top of his head, his expression full of shock and awe. “I can’t believe it.”
Autumn looks between us. “You two know each other?”
“He saved my life,” Tom says and my stomach twists even more, my suspicions confirmed.
“You serve together?” Autumn asks.
“No,” I say. “What city?” My gaze never leaving Tom’s.
“Houston.”
I was in Houston a couple different times, including when I aged out. Considering his age, that’s probably when I met him. Tom now has his hands on his hips, shaking his head. “I can’t believe it. I always wanted to run into you again. To thank you. Jesus, I’m doing my best not to hug the shit out of you.”
I must have made some sort of face because he laughs. “Now I’ve made it awkward. Don’t worry. We’ll work up to the hug.”
Autumn is looking between us, clearly confused and curious. “How did he save your life?”
I love how she asks him and not me. She can probably tell I’m not doing well with words right this second.
“I was in a foster home, and they were more in it for the money instead of taking care of the kids. We weren’t exactly treated well. Noah came in, he took one look at me, and he knew. Two days later I was out of there and those assholes never fostered again.”
She looks at me, an astonished expression on her face. “Oh my gosh.”
Tom continues, “I was put with a different family, and they adopted me. And they’re great. Really great.”
I nod, it suddenly feels like a vice has clamped around my heart. “I’m glad to hear that.”
