Page 69 of Game Changer

Chapter29

Buckie

I’m about to kiss Zara when my phone alerts me to a notification. I pull it out of my pocket and open the Instagram post I’ve been tagged in.

“Wow they worked fast.” Turning the phone so that she can see, I turn up the volume and the video replays what happened outside.

“She didn’t come out of all this very well, did she? I don’t understand her end game though. Why did she think trashing your life would get her a step up in her career?”

“I’ve no idea. I just hope all this shit she’s pulled doesn’t put the movie in jeopardy. That’s not fair on anyone else that worked on it. My main concern is you though. I couldn’t care less about my career. The moment she messed with your life was the moment all her credibility and standing in this industry died. I can’t say I’m surprised that she acted the way she did. She’s a spoiled brat and has been ruined by years of manipulation and overindulgence by her parents. I don’t know how she’ll get anyone to work with her now, but I don’t care. She’s made her bed now she can lie in it.”

She purses her lips and I know she wants to say something but can’t.

“What’s eating you Zar?”

“Is it always going to be like this Buckie? Are you going to be linked to every actress you work with?”

“You want to know what you’re getting into before you fully commit to me. I get it. This can’t have been easy on you. You know if I could turn back the clock, I would never have pushed you into a relationship with me. If I’d known what doubts this would have caused you about us, I’d have listened to you.”

Her features soften. “Buckie that’s not what I meant. If we all had the gift of hindsight, we’d never take risks. It was extremely risky of me opening that club. I think my decision had more to do with seeing how far I could push the council into letting me open it. Even if I’d known what would happen, I don’t think it would have changed my mind. You took a risk leaving the UK and moving here and it paid off for you. I think what I’m saying is that you need a better PR team behind you to stop this type of thing happening again. Shelly is an amazing agent, but her hands are tied by having to work within the remit of the agency. From what I can see they aren’t all that concerned with your wellbeing. It’s all about making as much money from you as possible.” She lifts her hand and studies her ring, the sunlight catching on the cuts of the diamonds.

“That suits you.”

“I know.” She walks to the balcony door and throws it open, allowing the sea breeze to waft in, ballooning the sheer curtains at either side. “Do you have to sell this place?” She turns back to face me.

“No. It’s not as though I need to unlock the money from it. Why do you like it?”

“What’s not to like? I was thinking it could be a hub for us both. For you when you have to come back for work. Which you will have to do, there’s no doubt about that. And maybe me if I ever decide to take your advice and go global.”

“Hmm, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. With the right place here you could make a killing. You already have the beginnings of a great brand. Having something here and in the UK will attract high end guests and they can sure spend the big bucks. Especially for the promise of exclusivity.”

“See I knew you’d come in handy for something.” She laughs.

“On a serious note though, this thing with Annalise is going to take a while to calm down. I think it would be best to head home as soon as possible. God saying home like that feels… nice. I’ve felt so lost since I came here, lonely even. You don’t make very many friends in this business. Acquaintances yes, but not friends. Shelly has been the one constant the whole time I’ve been here.”

“Has Shelly told you her plans?”

“What plans?”

“She’s looking at setting up her own agency. I think you should go with her.”

“I kind of thought she might. She hates working for that dragon Margot. To be honest Shelly’s the only reason I’m still with them.”

Zara is right. They take and take and only give the bare minimum back. I can imagine Margot’s brain has been working overtime at all the shit Annalise has done to me. She’ll be trying to work out how she can spin it to get more exposure for her business.

“When do you want to head back then? I didn’t actually plan how long I was going to be here. I kind of upped and left.”

“Well there’s something I need to show you before we go back. And I hope you don’t think I was being too presumptuous about this.”

“Should I be scared?”

“No I think you’ll like this.” I open the link on my phone and show her it.

“A castle for sale. Are you think of buying it?”

“I didn’t forget what you said at the premiere when we were talking about Ella living in a castle. Remember I told you to be careful what you wished for?”

Her eyes widen and a look of utter shock crosses her face. “You bought this?”

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