Page 33 of Don't Quit the Day Job

I stare at him in shock, wondering if I just heard what I think I heard. Does Max like me? Is he as attracted to me as I am to him? Is this his way of saying that?

He bursts out laughing then, and I frown as he pulls back and runs his fingers through his hair. "You really do need to stop watching so many movies." He smirks. "That was way too easy."

"What?" I blink at him. "That was an act?"

"Yes, darling," he says. "I guess you're not the only actor in this car after all."

"You're such a jackass," I mumble under my breath and look out of the window. I'm mortified that I thought for a second that he was being genuine and sincere. I'm absolutely cringing inside that I thought he was interested in me.

I need to get a life.

I've only known this man a day and I already know that it's not going to take long for him to drive me crazy. I already know that I cannot stay in his employ for too long because the simple fact of the matter is, Max Spector is the most handsome man I've ever met in my life, while also being the most annoying.

I don't know if I will be able to survive working with him day in and day out for a significant amount of time. However, as I think about my empty studio apartment—the lack of furniture and my empty fridge—I know I need to get as many paychecks as possible because I don't want to starve or live on a blowup mattress forever.

I have to change my mindset. I'll stay at this job for the money and the work experience. Everything I learn will help me to become a better actress. I just need to think of it as real-life research for a role. As long as I compartmentalize the emotions Max brings out in me, I’ll be okay.

At least that was what I hope.

Chapter Eleven

Max

My apartment feels empty when I finally arrive home. I’m hungry but I don’t feel like cooking. I head to the fridge to see if I have any leftovers worth heating up. It’s been a long day and I’m glad to finally be able to relax.

The sight of moldy cheese greets me as I open the fridge and I release a small sigh. I’m about to order a pizza when my phone starts ringing. For a moment, I’m hopeful that Lila is calling me for some reason, but I don’t even think she has my number. I see Marie’s number on the screen and smile as I answer.

“Hey, little sis. How are you trying to bother me this evening?”

“Is that any way to talk to your favorite sister?”

“How much?” I chuckle as I open an empty cupboard door.

“How much what?” she asks innocently.

“How much money do you want that Dad won’t give you?”

“I don’t want any money, my darling brother.” She sounds like she’s shocked I would even ask. “Plus, Dad would give me money if I needed it.”

"So if you don't need money from me, what is it you need, darling sister?" I ask her, running my fingers through my hair.

Marie is only my half-sister, but I love her more than life itself. I never thought that I would ever enjoy having a little sister, but she keeps me in check and I love that she seems to have no fear when communicating with me. She's quite possibly the only person in my life that tells me exactly what she's thinking when she's thinking it and doesn't hold back.

"So I was wondering just how much you love me," she says softly and I frown.

"Marie, what is it you want?"

"I told you I don't want anything. Well, not anything with a monetary value."

"Do you want me to charter a plane for you to Europe?"

"No. Why would I want that?"

"I don't know. Maybe you and your friends want to go party or something."

"If I asked you to charter me a plane to Europe, would you do it?"

"No," I say, chuckling. "But you're acting like you're asking for something major."

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