Page 54 of Filthy Rich

For some reason, that bums me out, and I can’t help glancing at my phone. Not that I’m expecting anything. There’ve been no messages all day. Not even my mother’s calling.

“What’s up?” Bea peers closer to my face.

“Nothing.” I slide my phone into my pocket.

“My stupid brother hasn’t texted you all day, has he?”

I shrug. “He’s busy. I’m sure they’re trying to find a replacement for the great disappointment.”

She snorts. “I sure hope so, but how long does a text take?” She grabs my hand. “It’s not the nineteen fifties. You should message him.”

Duh.

I whip out my phone.

Find anyone to replace P yet?

What does P stand for?

Poopy?

Pathetic?

Pimple Popper?

I chuckle.

“Oh, good. He’s doing something right at least,” Bea mutters. “I told him if he makes you cry, I’m going to castrate him.”

That makes me stumble. “You’re sure violent—it feels strange from someone so small.”

“You have to be very clear with Jake. Vague threats do nothing, and I always go a level or two higher than I really mean, to make sure he knows I’m serious.”

“You go nuclear,” I say.

Bea kicks a rock, and it skitters a dozen sidewalk squares down. “Look, there’s a lot of angry shoved into this tiny package. You can thank my parents for that one.” Her head whips up. “Not Dave and Seren. My bio parents.”

“I figured,” I say.

Jake texts again, even though I hadn’t replied yet.

Putrefic? Presumptuous?

Patrice is already the worst name that starts with P. Speaking of, did you find a new actress to take over for her yet? Or are you still looking?

Morgan said you refused the offer they made to you. I thought you might reconsider. You’re sure?

Yeah, that’s not for me.

I get it. We did just find someone, though. May Markson. Have you seen Just Three Neighbors? It’s a great show. I really like her in it. I think you will, too.

Bea and I are thinking of grabbing dinner. You busy?

I’m glad you have Bea—I’m busy. Something just came up. I’ll text you later with my filming schedule tomorrow once they confirm May can start right away.

“Whoa.” Bea’s reading over my shoulder. “So they hired the cutest actress I’ve ever seen, someone he likes too, and now he’s busy?”

I hate that she’s seeing the same thing I am.

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