Page 133 of Out of the Gold

So what that I laid bare my soul to her? I’m still me. Better, in fact. By letting my thoughts out, I exposed them for the stupidity they are.

So what that we had explosive chemistry, unlike anything I’ve felt before? Another woman will take her place. All I have to do is snap my fingers and a line will form.

My stomach calms down. My pulse returns to normal. I need to get back on the horse. Take this “role of a lifetime” and make it my bitch. Dare the Academy Awardsnotto give it to me. In the mirror, I watch as the cleft in my chin rises.

I can do this.

I will do this.

Determined, I return to the conference room. Six eyes follow me as I return to my seat. Sam asks, “Any additional thoughts?”

I keep my mind blank. “No. I’m good.”

He smiles, obviously calculating the zeros on his upcoming check.

I pick up a pen.

---