Page 14 of Star Pupil

She sounded more concerned about herself than the possible ramifications for her daughter, trying to use her as leverage like that.

“Mom,” Avery sighed. “It doesn’t matter if I do another movie again or not. I can always go to college instead.”

“This won’t touch you, Avery,” Hank reassured her, his tone brooking no argument. “You’ll be better off with a real agent instead of your mom anyway. She’s fallen into the trap of thinking she can suddenly manage or give expert advice on your career just because she’s picked up a little knowledge in the time she’s spent here with you.”

“Very little knowledge,” I corrected.

“Considering she thought it would be wise to cross you, that’s putting it mildly,” Hank agreed before continuing. “I’ve seen it happen many times over the years, but the reality of it is that she doesn’t have a professional network of casting directors or agents. She hasn’t spent years cultivating personal and professional relationships with directors, actors, and producers. She doesn’t have access to casting opportunities that a real agent does. The bottom line is, she should have spent this time building an amazing team for you so she could be what any child needs most in life, a wonderful parent.”

“That right there is exactly why I still think of you as my father, Hank. You were only married to my mom for four years, but it was long enough for me to know you’re an amazing man and a great father.” I cleared my throat, feeling a little emotional. “It’s just too damn bad that Avery got stuck with her mom.”

“Right back at you, son. Let me know if you need anything else.” He disconnected, and I shoved my phone back in my pocket.

“I’m not going to sit here and listen to this—this—“

I interrupted Avery’s mom’s sputtering, opening the door and waving an arm outside. “Nobody’s stopping you from leaving.”

“Are you going to let him treat me this way, Avery?”

“I love you, Mom.” Avery moved forward to give her mom a hug, and my heart stopped. I was just about ready to rip her away from her mom when she stepped back. “But I can’t keep living like this. With you telling me what to do and who to do it with. With you spending the money I’ve earned like it’s yours. Not listening to me when I tell you I want to go to college. Refusing to understand how much Griffin means to me. If you aren’t willing to make some big changes around here, then I think it’s better if you go back home.”

I detested her mom, but, in that moment, I hoped she’d listen to what Avery was saying and do what needed to be done to make her daughter happy. I was willing to put up with her if that’s what Avery needed. Sadly, her mom couldn’t say the same. In fact, she didn’t bother saying anything else before she walked out the door.

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