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I cross my arms in front of my chest and let out a breath. Let’s get this over with.
“Heard anything from your father?”
Great. Just fucking great. He doesn’t even pretend to wine and dine me. He just goes right in for the kill.
No finesse.
No bells and whistles.
Just straight to the point.
I’m not interested in you and what you bring to the table. I simply want to get to your father through you.
“Not since you last asked.” As soon as the words leave my mouth, I realize how rude I sound, and I can’t make an enemy out of Jeffrey.
Plus, as much as I don’t always get along with my father, I also don’t want people to think we’re estranged or have familial problems. It’s nobody’s business.
“I’m sure he’s good. I’ve been busy. So has he, obviously.” A small, nervous giggle escapes my mouth.
“Oh, that’s good to know.”
I shake my head in confusion. “What’s good to know?”
He licks his lips. “That your father’s been busy.”
My head tilts to the side as I stare at his profile. “I’m not following you.”
“I’ve reached out to talk to him about a project I’m working on.”
And there it is. Just as I suspected.
Jeffrey doesn’t want to shoot the shit with me. He wants to interrogate me about my father. Story of my life and the reason I have one client.
Despite years of practice trying not to give a crap, his statement still flies through the air like an arrow, hitting me in the heart. Even knowing the drill, it still hurts.
For years, the shadow of my father has cast his larger-than-life ego over me. This is the reason I don’t work with him. I’ll never shine under his shade.
In high school, I learned very fast not to talk about him because even school-aged kids were tasked by their parents to get intel on him from me. People played at being my friend for that sole purpose. It was devastating for me as a child.
But even that wasn’t enough. Everyone who wanted to be an actor who has ever crossed paths with me has tried to use me for him. To get an in to be represented by him.
Boyfriends.
Teachers.
Coaches.
You name it. I’ve never known who is real and who isn’t.
Teagan was the only one who didn’t know.
Eventually, she found out, but by then, the ink was dry on our contract, and I could feel pride at having landed a genuine client.
Which was a good thing because she knew off the bat that I wouldn’t ever use my father’s connections to help her.
This man, however, doesn’t know that.
Seeing as I’m on his set and everything is already going to shit, I can’t say it outright.
I’ll have to play this the right way.
But how?
“Yeah. He’s been crazy busy. I’m sure he’ll get back to you soon.” I uncross my arms and lift my right hand to my head, closing my eyes as if I’m thinking. “He actually might be out of the country.”
That might buy me some time.
“Oh, yeah? That’s good to know. I really do want to talk to him. I think one of his actors would be perfect for a movie I’m producing.”
I nod at him. From the outside, I look cool and collected, but what he doesn’t see is that I’m biting my cheek. The coppery taste of blood fills my mouth as I listen to him tell me about his project.
I’m sure he hopes I find it exciting enough to call my father and sing his praises, but he doesn’t know me at all.
“That sounds wonderful.” I move to stand. “I do have to go.”
“If you speak to him—”
“Yes, of course.”
“Thank you, Mallory. And if there is anything you need while you’re here. Anything—”
I smile, but it’s forced. “Thank you.”
Before he can say another word, I scurry off, and as I make my way to the path out of here, my body moving faster than it should on the rugged terrain, I smack right into a wall.
Nope. Not a wall. A person.
Shit.
My hands lift, and I steady myself. When I’m no longer dizzy, I look up and find Paxton grinning down at me.
Double shit.
16
Paxton
@Stargossip: Seems some people have friends in high places or, in this case, family. How did I miss that Mallory Reynolds is that Mallory Reynolds? Daughter of Thomas . . . Heir to the largest talent agency in the world? Maybe that’s why Teagan hasn’t gotten the flip-flop. The movie takes place on an island, so a flip-flop is more fitting than a boot. *Shrugs*
@Iloveme: Must be nice. F*cking hate nepo babies.
@SavageTurtle: Who cares? She’s hot.
@Deathtothesystem: The bigger problem is the movie, not the staff.
Mallory doesn’t know what she’s doing, sliding up next to me. I’m in a mood I can’t seem to shake, and I can’t help but blame her. It might not be fair, but shit, so is life.
