Page 24 of Faking It

Yeah, she definitely didn’t know who I was.

“I’m an actor,” I replied, and her face brightened.

“Seriously?” she pointed to her chest. “Me, too!”

I was about to ask about her movie roles when her expression settled. “Well, make that ‘aspiring actress.” I just started taking acting classes.”

Without even thinking, I blurted, “Give me your details. I could make some calls when you’re ready.” I might not be the A-list star Dad wanted me to be—at least, not yet—but I know people. I could get her a foot in the door.

She pouts, the expression making her look so adorable. “Is this for real, or are you messing with me?”

“Messing around is for kids. I’m an adult.” Although, at twenty-one years old, Mom still referred to me as her baby.

“Okay. I don’t have a business card on me. My bag is back there,” she said, jerking her thumb to a door behind her. “I’m Ana Kent, by the way. You can find me on Instagram.”

“And I’m Gid—James Carter,” I replied, sticking out my hand. It wasn’t the name I’d preferred using to introduce myself, but James Carter was my brand. Dad went to great lengths to ensure that.

It took me a short beat to notice she didn’t grasp my offered hand. Another moment passed before I glanced up to meet her eyes and saw the fear there—

“Jesus Christ, Gideon!” a screech comes from behind me, yanking me from my reverie. “Are those ears only for decoration purposes, or what?”

I turn, noticing that I’m out of the building and heading toward the parking lot. How long did I zone out?

Jared jogs up to me, panting. “I’ve been calling your ass since you crossed that fricking lobby. You know I don’t run.” He glances down at his damp-looking shirt. “Look what you made me do.”

“What is it, Jared?”

I wouldn’t put it past Aunt Cheryl to send him to fire me. She’s probably still pissed at me for wasting her afternoon.

“Our Aunt made a huge mistake,” he huffs, still gripping his side. “We need to change her mind.”

“Not that I don’t agree, but what’s in it for you?” I query.

“Is that a trick question? Don’t you know how long I’ve been waiting for a promotion? She won’t give it to me unless I do something spectacular. I’ve been watching that girl perform all day. SheisMila. That role belongs to her. Let’s not forget how you two gelled in that reading. Imagine that chemistry on the big screen. Hiring her would be spectacular, I guarantee.”

There’s no arguing with Jared when he’s right as rain. I nod. “How are we going to handle this? Aunt Cheryl has an issue with Anna and how reliable she might be. What can we do to change her mind?”

“I don’t know. Yet,” Jared emphasizes the last word with a determined lift of his index finger. “You and me, we’re going to figure this out.”

My cell phone vibrates as I nod again. It’s Dad. No surprise, he’s checking if I actually obeyed him. I wave goodbye to Jared as I press the answer button. “You can tell your lawyer not to bother coming for my house title, Dad. I did the reading. Aunt Cheryl is pleased.”

“You think this is funny, huh?”

“I’m not laughing,” I reply in the driest tone I can muster.

“That’s not why I’m calling, anyway. Did you see the invitation to Michael’s party next week? His manager sent a digital copy to your email.”

Saw it, tossed it in my trash. “What about it?”

“You need to attend,” he insists firmly.

“Why? Michael and I are no longer friends.”

Correction: we’ve never been friends. My dad forced me to hang out with a guy who seemed like a teddy bear to the people who don’t know him, but deep down, he was wilder and more dangerous than me. When I cut ties with the industry, I cut ties with him, too. An action I don’t regret. A decision I should’ve made before it almost ruined my life.

“Your little estrangement should cease to exist, especially with him being nominated for that Oscar,” Dad replies. “Being seen in his company could elevate your career again. The endgame, remember?”

No, Dad. That’s your endgame. Not mine. Out loud, I say. “Sorry, no can do.”

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