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It still amazed Lara Soler that this was her life, that part of her job as a talent agent involved attending parties like this one at one of Malibu’s most sought-after properties. She carried her glass of white wine out to the massive deck, the glass walls surrounding it nearly invisible, like there was nothing between her and the sand and the waves.
The sun was sinking in the sky, leaving behind a dramatic canvas of pinks and purples. The roar of the waves almost drowned out the lo-fi beats coming from the surround sound speakers dotted throughout the house.
Even though she’d spent three years shadowing Kerri Talbert, one of the best agents in the business, and learning as much as she could from her, Lara was still having a year of firsts, because she was doing all of these things, going to red carpet events and pressers, as an agent, not as Kerri’s personal assistant.
She’d attended the official wrap party last weekend, but this was an informal version, thrown by one of the lead actresses, and she’d decided to host a more laid-back version in her home without all the higher-ups. This was meant to be a relaxed evening with the entire cast and whomever they wanted to invite. Most brought a friend or a partner, but Hayden Dent had surprised Lara by asking her to come with her tonight.
Hayden Dent was one of the last people Kerri signed before retiring to Colorado, and she was the same age as Lara. They were both thirty-two and although Hayden was still waiting for her breakout role, she was finding her feet in this business, securing another solid side character with this TV series.
Lara took a sip of wine as she watched the pinks deepen into magenta as the last of the daylight disappeared, and she inhaled a deep breath, loving the salty, fresh scent of the ocean, wishing she made more time to go to the beach.
She’d been working like crazy these last six months, knowing that Kerri’s former clients, now her clients, expected a lot from her. None of them knew that Kerri was going to retire, and Kerri had given those actors and actresses her word that Lara was going to look after them.
Lara still struggled to see how Kerri could have had so much trust in her. Yes, they’d spent three years working together, but Lara had been her personal assistant, and even though Lara always went above and beyond, that didn’t translate into becoming a top agent. She’d get there in time. She was sure of that much. But what would she do in the meantime?
Lara had already lost two of Kerri’s former clients in the last three months, neither of them willing to give her any more time to get them the roles they thought they deserved.
She tried not to let Kerri hear how stressed out she was anytime Kerri called, because Lara didn’t want to let her down. She had so much respect for Kerri, personally and professionally, and Lara didn’t want Kerri to worry about her or to think that she’d made the wrong decision by recommending Lara.
“Hey.”
Lara turned to see Hayden standing beside her, her golden blond hair lifting in the light breeze. Lara hadn’t even heard her approach. “Hey.”
“You were miles away,” Hayden said softly. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” Lara took another drink. Hayden knew what was going on with her. They’d become more friends than agent and client in the last few weeks, both of them confessing their fears and doubts about their futures in this business.
Hayden was at a critical point in her career. She spent the last five years taking just about any job she could get, but unfortunately in this business, with each passing year, Hayden’s chances of landing a big role were reducing. There would always be another young actress coming up, who might not have Hayden’s experience, but they had youth on their side, and like it or not, that counted for a lot more than it should.
“You know,” Hayden said, “I was thinking about you when I was listening to a few veteran actors when I went inside to get a drink, and they were reminiscing about how much Hollywood has changed since they started.”
“Yeah?”
“You’ve been so supportive of me, even though I was Kerri’s find. You’ve kept me from walking away more times than I can count now, and we’ve only known each other six months. Seriously, I’m really grateful that you’re my agent and my friend. I don’t want to get all mushy and ruin the party vibe, but I want to make sure you know that.”
Lara nodded, a wry smile coming to her lips. “If only I could get you that breakout part.”
Hayden gave Lara’s forearm a squeeze. “I know you’re working your ass off to do that, so I’m not worried. It’ll happen when it’s meant to happen. But listening to those guys, it got me thinking… You’re really doing business in Kerri’s shadow. I mean, I’m sure you’re glad that she gave you this opportunity to take over some of her clients, but I wonder if it might be time to find a few clients that you discovered, who you really believe in.”
Lara blew out a breath. “I’ve been so busy trying to hold onto Kerri’s clients that I haven’t even had time to think about finding my own.”
“I think you should start looking into it. I feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, and I’m worried about you. You’re like the kid who’ll do anything to impress their parents. Kerri’s happy in Colorado. She’s not coming back, and you need to carve out your own space in this business.”
“I know.” Lara turned and leaned back against the railing, facing towards the house, the hum of laughter drifting out from the busy living area. “I think you’re right, but I also think I need to spend a few more months getting comfortable and learning all the ins and outs, the things that I need to find out for myself.”
“I hope it’s worth it,” Hayden said as she took one last look out over the ocean before mirroring Lara. “Sometimes I wonder.” She took a sip of her cocktail. “My career obviously. I know it’ll be worth it for you. You’re on the right track. But lately, I’m back to wondering if this is all worth it.”
“Only you know the answer to that.”
Hayden smiled. “You know, you’ve got this wise, old soul vibe about you,” she said as she searched her eyes. “I forget sometimes that we’re the same age.”
Lara opened her mouth but forgot what she was going to say when her eyes landed on Charlotte Dixon, weaving her way through the crowded living room, hugging and chatting to people every few steps.
Hayden chuckled beside her. “Surely, that makes it all worth it. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Charlotte Dixon.”
“Yeah.” Lara couldn’t take her eyes off her. That woman was the definition of beautiful. Tonight, she was wearing a perfectly tailored black suit with a white button-up blouse underneath, the sleeves of her blazer rolled up to her elbows, her blonde hair straight, falling a few inches below her shoulders.
