“Bootleg Springs,” I said with a laugh. “And it’s not that. This is just… unexpected.”
“Leah, you broke up with your agent, hence fired your agency, which has left you unrepresented,” she said. “You’re hated in the media, although the show is doing phenomenally thanks to the drama. How much of that is real, by the way? Off the record.”
“It’s all fake,” I said. “I didn’t sleep with Brock Winston. And I know how to catch a freaking fish.”
“I figured. But you never know. I’ve seen a lot of crap over the years.”
“I’m sure you have,” I said. “I’m getting tired of not being able to say anything about it, though. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost posted the truth all over social media.”
“God, Leah, don’t do that,” she said. “Trust me, you do not want to go up against Verity Studios in a breach of contract suit. They’ll bury you alive.”
“My reputation is shot,” I said. “The country basically hates me.”
“Is your pride worth your life savings? That’s what we’re talking about here. They’ll ruin you. Keep your mouth shut and your fingers off those keys. Once you’re signed with Crown, they’ll get PR going on damage control. In the long run, you’ll probably be okay.”
I knew she was right, but I still didn’t like it. “Yeah, I understand.”
“Good. I took the liberty of booking you a flight out tomorrow,” she said. “It’s early, and out of Washington Dulles. You might want to drive out tonight and stay in a hotel.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I said.
“Technically, my assistant did it. But I figured I’d make it easier for you, considering you’re going it alone at the moment.”
Maybe I shouldn’t have bristled at that, but I didn’t like the idea that she thought I was helpless without Kelvin. “I do appreciate your help, but just because I don’t have an agent doesn’t mean I can’t make a flight reservation.”
“Okay, Leah Larkin has her big girl panties on,” she said, and I relaxed at the note of humor in her voice. “Noted, and good for you. On a personal note, how are you?”
“I’m okay, I think. Honestly, I haven’t watched the show since the supposed blow job incident. And I’ve been trying to ignore all the talk online.”
“Don’t read any of it,” she said. “It’ll go away eventually, and in the meantime, you’ll just torture yourself.”
“I know,” I said. “And I realize breaking up with Kelvin leaves me in a bind, but I was just done.”
“Honey, you don’t have to justify yourself to me,” she said. “I never liked Kelvin. I’m glad you’re not marrying that cheap son of a bitch.”
I laughed. Blunt honesty. “Thanks, I think?”
“I just wish my son would take a page from your book and get his head out of his ass,” she said. Her son was my age, and she was forever lamenting his bad relationship choices. “I swear, Leah, I don’t care that he’s gay, but he has worse taste in men than you. It’s too bad he’s not straight. The two of you would be great together.”
I laughed again. “Too bad. But thanks.”
“My assistant will email your flight details,” she said.
“Okay. Thanks, Evelyn.”
“You’re welcome.”
I hung up and let out a long breath. Back to L.A. I’d known that was coming. Evelyn was right, I did need new representation, and Crown Talent Agency was one of the best. I was shocked they were willing to meet with me, although Evelyn had a lot of contacts. She’d obviously pulled some strings.
A last-minute trip to L.A. wasn’t ideal, but it wasn’t the end of the world. I’d meet with the agency, make sure any legal loose ends with my contract with Kelvin were handled, and then…
And then, what? Come back to Bootleg?
It would depend on my work schedule, if there was any work to be had. Landing another agency wouldn’t guarantee they could get me any gigs—modeling, acting or otherwise. Everything was up in the air. I didn’t have a permanent place to live, or a long-term plan. I’d have to figure out everything, and I didn’t know how Bootleg Springs fit into any of it.