Page 3 of Lost Memories (Secrets of Mackinac Island 1)

Back outside, Courtney glared at Elise. She snapped a piece of gum between her teeth and said, “I really wish you would have let me handle that.”

“I thought you said they were basically already on board,” Elise returned. She paced the sidewalk and collected her hands at the base of her back.

“Things change, Elise!” Courtney said. “You know that better than anyone.”

“I know I do. I just—ah! I wanted this so much,” Elise returned.

Courtney gave a light shrug. “It’s not like I think you should take idiot Rex’s advice, but he’s right. You are a unique talent. Just because it didn’t work out today, doesn’t mean the next one won’t be a hit.”

Elise wanted to scream. She had worked on that script through the end of her marriage, her children’s departure from home, all the way to now. She was exhausted.

“I don’t know where I’ll get the energy to come up with a single word,” she told Courtney. “Let alone a whole story.”

“Hollywood is dying for more stories about women like you,” Courtney said. “Just come up with something. You have my number when you do.” She then cut across the sidewalk, sauntering back toward her car.

Elise remained in the steaming August sunshine, sweat billowing down her back. She had never felt lower in her life.

---