AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I stopped and let out a deep, exaggerated sigh. “Oh dear, it’s always the same old accusations, isn’t it? No, I didn’t cast London because she promised to sleep with me. London and I were already friends before the casting.” I added with a wink, “And as you might have heard, she’s a talented actress. If you’ve seen the show, you know she’s absolutely brilliant in the role.”
Before anyone could ask another question, London climbed into the car, and I followed, giving the reporters a wave and a charming smile.
“That was a close one, wasn’t it?” London asked, her eyes shining with amusement.
“It was,” I agreed, settling into the comfortable leather seat. “But with a little charm and wit, I think we can handle anything the reporters throw our way.”
After dropping off London, I was halfway to my hotel when my phone rang. Considering the time difference, it surprised me to see my father’s name on the screen.
“Father? Is everything okay?”
“It’s time for you to come home.”
For a moment, I was speechless. I really hadn’t expected that.
He continued, “You’ve had your fun, and it’s out there, splashed across the internet for everyone to see.”
Bollocks.
I hadn’t considered a minor story had traveled across the ocean.
“I’ve tolerated a lot from your little hobby, but this is too far,” my father went on. “It’s time to stop all of that nonsense and come home, take your place with the family.”
I didn’t even have to think about it. “No. Sorry, father, I’m staying as I planned.”
He sighed. “I thought you might say that.”
“And yet you still called,” I said.
“I still called,” he agreed. “Because I had to tell you that you’ll be cut off if you refuse. Disinherited and cut off completely.”
THIRTY
LONDON
This was it.The moment I had been waiting for.
As I approached the theater, the excitement I felt was almost palpable. The Broadway marquee, with my name up in lights, was an indescribable feeling. I had worked so hard to get here, and to be the lead in a Broadway show was a dream come true.
And, of course, there was Spencer. Just the thought of seeing him again made my heart race.
But as I began my pre-show routine, I pushed thoughts of Spencer aside. Being in a relationship with the producer wouldn’t be an excuse for me to slack off. I needed to be at my absolute best and show everyone that I deserved to be here.
I made my way to the backstage area where the cast gathered before each performance. As I took my spot next to Timothy, I noticed that my understudy, Tomma, was also there, looking as unapproachable as ever.
Tomma and I had competed for the same parts in the past, and she had always viewed me as competition, not just professionally but personally as well. I tried to maintain a cordial relationship with everyone, but she made it difficult.
“She’s as unpleasant as ever,” Mercedes muttered, shooting a glare in Tomma’s direction. “Think your new boyfriend can do something about that?”
I elbowed her gently. “Shh, don’t even joke about that. I wouldn’t use a relationship for something like that.”
“I know you wouldn’t,” Mercedes replied with a sigh. “It was just a wishful thought.”
Darrel’s assistant called for everyone’s attention, and Darrel took the lead, reminding us of the great opening weekend and encouraging us to exceed the audience’s expectations. As we joined hands, I felt a strange awkwardness from Timothy. Normally, he would hold my hand tightly during this pre-show ritual, but today his hand was limp.
I was so preoccupied with Timothy’s strange behavior that I barely paid attention to the affirmations we all made. And as we finished, Timothy practically yanked his hand away from mine. Something was definitely wrong.
“Hey.” I reached out to him, but he stepped back. “What’s going on?”
