Page 5 of Out of the Gold

I lick my dry lips. “I appreciate the offer, Daddy, I really do, but”—I rack my brain for a positive spin—“I’m sure you’ll be filming when I’m back on the television show.” There. He can’t argue with that.

“Honey, I’m an executive producer. We can work around your schedule, no problem.”

Rats. Ahead, several people surround Chase, slapping him on the back. Guess the costume is a hit. I should get there. Which means I need to end this conversation.

Gulping the Italian air, I screw up my courage and say, “Daddy, I’m excited for you and the band. I think your movie is going to be amazing. But I don’t think I’d be a good fit.”

He interrupts, “That’s not true—”

Judith motions for me to join them on the set. I don’t want to admit this, especially to my dad, but time’s up. “Actually, I can’t do it for you. Everyone would think I got the job due to nepotism, and you know how hard I’ve been working. I have to make it by myself, and if I took your offer, I’d be going backward. I earned my job onLadies of the Abbeyby my hard work in school”—despite what the press release said—“and because of that, I’m here onDoctor Manipul8.”

“I guess I can understand,” he grumbles.

“I will gladly walk the red carpet with you at the premiere. I will be your biggest cheerleader. I promise! But I can’t take the job.”

Judith waves at me again. I walk briskly toward her.

“I can understand your logic. Your mother said you wouldn’t take it either.”

I chuckle at how disgruntled he sounds. “Wise woman.” I’m close to the set. “Oh, and, Daddy, please don’t say anything to me about the movie at all. I want to experience it with the rest of the moviegoers, okay?”

He sighs. “Sure thing, Princess. My lips are sealed.”

I smile. “Thanks. Now, I have to get on set. I love you. Give Mom a big kiss from me.”

I disconnect the call, put my phone on silent, and toss Daddy’s movie out of my head. Now, I’m all aboutDoctor Manipul8.

Even if that means Chase.

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