Page 77 of Catch Me
Amber’s smile widens. “Alan did it.”
I pull out my phone and sure enough there’s an email from Stan. He’s just found out about my meeting with Amber and the new deal.
“This is one step toward better pay for actors, writers, and crew by these streaming services,” Amber points out.
It’s a very good thing to celebrate, but more guffaws from across the dining area distract me. Dennis James sits at a table with three women and two men. I recognize one of the women as a popular influencer who’s requested interviews with me from my PR team.
The two men are the cohosts on his show.
My fist tightens around the fork in my hands.
I’ve watched a few more of James’ videos since that first night Scott showed me his channel. He makes a habit out of degrading women, but because he’s also interviewed D-list and C-list actors, social media influencers, and artists, he’s gained an audience.
Not for long.
“Don’t be upset with Alan when you see him,” Amber continues, obviously not noticing the rage building up inside of me. “I wanted to be the one to share the good news with you during today’s lunch. To my knowledge, the deal was just signed yesterday. The statement will go out later today.”
She leans in. “But it’s true. We’ll receive ongoing residuals instead of just the upfront residuals like other streaming deals.”
This is a major win.
“I don’t suppose you want to make this a doubly great day for me by agreeing to the contract?” She raises a perfectly arched eyebrow.
“Not a chance in hell,” I answer.
She grins, then shrugs. “Didn’t think so but I had to take a shot.”
Not long after that Amber and I finish our lunch. She rises from her seat and captures my hands.
“Good luck on the film, honestly.” Her words are sincere.
“Same to you.”
I watch Amber walk away, then I turn back to the table where Dennis James and the others are sitting. I’ve started in his direction before I’ve even realized what I’m doing.
“Andreas Knight?” one of the women at the table says as I come up beside them.
I don’t pay her any attention as I glare at Dennis.
“Wow, it’s an honor to mee?—”
“Save it, motherfucker,” I tell him through gritted teeth.
He has the fucking nerve to look shocked.
Disgust rolls through me just being this close to him. I glance over his shoulder at his co-hosts.
“All three of you disgusting pieces of human waste will be out of a fucking job soon. Is the rest of your table aware that your channel has already dried up?”
The woman who recognized me gasps. “What’s he?—”
“That was you—” Dennis James stands up, but he’s cut off by the contact my fist makes with his face.
“Fuck,” he yelps, holding the side of his face.
Though it was only a quick jab, it was enough to send him back to his seat.
He peers up at me with wide eyes. I glare at his co-hosts, daring either one of them to do something. Neither one does.
