Chills flare across my skin, and I try to shake off the arousal. “Wow, a Karl Devon movie,” I finally say. “Did you have something to do with this?” I cross my legs, deliberately showcasing my Prada heel with a wag of my foot.
He watches the movement for a moment before a slow smile spreads across his face. “I may have had my assistant mention your name when he was having lunch with his assistant.”
“Ah, using the assistants to do your dirty work?”
He smirks a bit as he brings his water bottle to his lips. “Dirty is the only way I play.”
That statement feels like a promise of things to come. But, I know playing this game with my agent is like playing with fire.
There’s no way I can do it. Unless.
No.
Although.
Not happening.
Maybe?
Nope.
I squash the thought immediately, rising from my chair. I thank Emmett and give an excuse of having another meeting before I leave in an ungraceful rush. On the elevator ride down, I repeat in my head that I can’t have thoughts about my agent in any way, shape, or form. He’s my lifeline. He makes the movies happen for me.
Starring in a Karl Devon film is huge, and I can’t screw this up just because I have a thing for Emmett Garfield.
Karl Devon is to Hollywood as diamonds are to women. Everyone loves Karl’s movies because they’re more serious, more challenging, more rewarding. Doing a Karl movie means I can possibly be on my way to an Oscar.
I stop walking, the idea of accepting an Oscar floating through my head. Wow. Can you imagine?
I’ve heard the rumors Karl Devon’s next new role is a Christmas in July movie, and it’s all about a woman, struggling to make ends meet so she can have a better life. I’m not sure of the outcome, but it’s definitely something I’ve never done before. A more serious role. Something that showcases my acting, and not just me in a leather suit.
I hop in my car and head into town to my favorite little cafe. When I exit my car, I do a few poses for the paparazzi, and then head inside to meet my friend, Raven.
It’s cool, the owner of the place doesn’t let paparazzi inside, so it’s a natural hotspot for celebs and the like.
I spot Raven’s short black hair and horn-rimmed glasses in the corner, reading a book. She’s seriously the only one who can pull off her signature sexy librarian look. Me, I’m a chameleon, changing my look with which role I’m offered. Usually, I like to have my hair darker, more brown. Like before I was famous. Right now it’s lighter than usual and tumbling in waves almost to my ass with highlights and strings of gold flowing through my tresses. I call this the ‘Seraphina’ look. My most popular character. A badass superhero from the planet, Gyphor, in search of her long-lost race, bringing peace to the intergalactic order. Listen, it’s a huge hit with men of all ages. And I do mean, all ages. I get tons of fan mail from boys still in high school.
Ugh, sorry to put that mental image in your head, but imagine how I feel when I open those letters. I’m still in my prime too, only twenty-four, and have already amassed a lot more than any other actress my age.
“Hey,” Raven greets me. “How’d your meeting go?”
You’d think most movie stars just hang out and party in their downtime. But not me. Not usually. You can normally find me at my house, reading, writing, and watching Netflix. Raven and I even started a book club with other Hollywood stars who love to read. Our favorite is romance...of course.
“Ok, get this,” I take a seat across the table from her, “ready?”
Raven leans forward. “Are you going to tell me that Santa isn’t real?”
I laugh a little, and then smile, leaning in to whisper, “Karl Devon…”
Before I can even get the whole sentence out of my mouth Raven recites, “Oh my God,” over and over.
“It’s like all my dreams are coming true,” I tell her. “This is the role I really want.”
“That’s incredible.” She beams at me. “You need to sprinkle some of that magic on me.”
“You’re doing great on your own,” I tell her. Raven isn’t lacking in magic. Emmett has kept her busy with jobs. She has a gig on a popular TV show, and is one of the few actresses who can do both TV and movies seamlessly. She has a new movie coming out soon, and then for her, it’s right back to TV.
“Did Emmett say it was definite?” she asks.
“No, just that Karl Devon might want me.”
Raven points her black straw at me from her cocktail. “Kind of wish Emmett wanted you instead, huh?”
I press my lips together so I don’t say yes. It’s a complicated wish, though. It’s one of those types of wishes you could make and have come true but have a ton of conditions tacked onto it.