Page 98 of Beautifully Scarred

I setmyself up in my office, pull up Skype, and wait for Keane.

I just wrapped a movie, and though I’m taking a small break until after the wedding, it’s time to figure out my next role.

WhenThe Regulatorreleased six years ago, my life did a one-eighty. I became a household name, so now I get to pick my projects. After all the shit that went down with Lilah, I threw myself into my work, traveling from country to country to film movie after movie. Otherwise I would have cracked and searched for her.

Thankfully, I chose my projects well and I’m rewarded now by getting offers for more serious work, rather than the romantic lead in rom-coms or the tough guy in action films.

My computer rings, dragging me from my thoughts. I click the button, and Keane’s smile pulls up on the screen.

“Hey, man.”

“Hey.” He looks to his left and gives his assistant instructions before looking back at me. “Sorry about that.”

“No worries.”

“How’s your fiancée?”

“Busy with wedding plans.”

“Sounds about right. I never understood how the wedding industry was a billion-dollar industry until I got married. Who knew you could charge so much for flour and eggs?”

“I just try to stay out of the way.”

“I still can’t believe you’re getting married.” He shakes his head.

That same line has been on repeat from my friends. I can’t blame them. A couple years ago, I only cared about work and playing hard. And playing hard meant banging any willing and available female as long as they weren’t blonde.

But after a few years, I grew tired of having women sleep with me just to say they had. That’s when Adelaide's and my friendship rekindled. Soon my playboy days were over, and I was enjoying an easy relationship with Adelaide.

“I could’ve said the same thing when you tied the knot.”

Keane chuckles. “True enough. Seriously though, I’m happy for you. You're very calm and content with Adelaide.”

“Well, she’s a calm and content kinda person.” I smile.

“All right, enough of this personal shit. Let’s get down to business.”

I shift in my seat, eager to hear who’s expressing interest in working with me. “What do you got?”

Keane shuffles a few papers on his desk. “A script came in from Dedrick Walker, but it’s shit. I’ll send it your way if you want, but I know you’ll pass on it.”

“I trust your judgment. If you think it’s shit, I will too.”

“Good enough.” He tosses the paper aside. “Dreamcast Studios is working on a reboot of theThree’s Companysitcom. Before our time. They’re planning to modernize the concept and make it a feature-length film, but that one is for streaming services, not theaters.”

“I’ll pass. Not because it’s not theaters, just because I’d like to work a dramatic role.”

“Got it. Okay, that means these three are out…” He shifts more papers and pulls up another one. The muscles in his jaw tighten, and he hesitates.

“What is it?” I lean back in my chair.

He blows out a breath and looks up from the sheet. “This one is from Freelance Studios. It fits what you said you wanted to work on next.”

Anger stabs my chest like a hot poker. “Fuck that.”

“I know how you feel and that’s why I hesitated to bring it up, but the script and role could be award-winning. I just couldn’t not tell you about it.”

“I could never work for him.” I wrap my hand around my water bottle, and it crinkles under the pressure of my grip.

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