Page 12 of Rescued Heart

Grace held out her palms. “I probably should’ve led with how I already knew she’d dropped you, but I read everyone’s contracts. I found wiggle room. Especially for you to not have to fake date Carter…just yet.”

Riley walked over and rotated Bianca’s chair to face the mirror. Grace stayed next to Riley as if they were in a three-legged race.

Riley swirled a sponge into a shade of foundation.

Grace made a strangled noise and grabbed another color of foundation off the counter. “Tiff likes to use this to blend. Bianca’s skin has a redder undertone.” She handed it over to a scowling Riley and then squatted until she was level with Bianca. “I know it’s good to have a hero on your social media. It’s good for you as an actress, and it’s good for your viewership. That’s probably why your contract is worded for the costars to jointly promote. But what if we ditch Carter for the time being? We use the hero who actually saved you instead. Let’s milk that a little while. We’re just going to take what the media gave us and see what we can do with it. My guess is your followers will rise, which means more people will hear about the movie because they’re following you. Plus, it’ll help your reputation to be seen with a real hero too. This film’s supposed to be a romantic mystery adventure for the entire family. So its genuine audience will latch on to an everyday, hardworking hero they relate to. Not Carter, who was photographed last night doing shots and kissing three different women.”

Bianca shook her head. “Those photos could’ve been photoshopped.”

Grace twisted her lips to the side. “Could have. But that doesn’t stop people from believing what they want to believe. What if you ride this firefighter-hero wave that the media has hand delivered? Gain more followers. Both you and Carter improve your online characters. Finish filming and then…bam. You and Carter are seen together. Plant the rumors about dating then. Contract still validated. Which conveniently will be right before the movie goes live. And in my opinion, will be better timing for promoting the movie. Perfect plan, right? When it works, I was hoping…you’d let me be your official media assistant or personal assistant. We could argue over titles later.”

Bianca blinked at Grace. “My assistant? But you’re…”

“An assistant to an assistant.” Grace licked her lips. “I’m way overdue for a promotion around here, and I’m so tired of getting coffee…I mean, I’d love to get you coffee?—”

“You could get me an espresso.” Riley dabbed the mixed foundation on Bianca’s hairline.

Grace rolled her eyes. “Being a set assistant and your assistant might come in handy. I mean, yeah, you need one, especially since you currently don’t have an agent. And I think I’d be a great one if people would give me a chance.”

“Amateur.” Riley grunted. “One huge pothole in your perfect plan.”

Both Bianca and Grace stared at Riley.

Riley handed Bianca a handheld mirror. “You assume the firefighter will drop everything and be at her beck and call. Not everyone in the world jumps at the command of the Bia Pearl.”

Bianca inspected Riley’s touchup on her stitches in the mirror. “She’s right. Carter’s job depended on rumors of us together. But not Eddie’s.”

Grace held up a finger as she moved to the corner where some dresses hung on a rack.

Grace grabbed the third hanger of what was probably supposed to be a dress but looked more like a long tube top. “Except this green dress will make your eyes pop. Just go over to the firehouse. See if he’s willing to step in and play the role of a hero on your social media for a couple weeks. Boost your targeted audience. You and Carter can still promote the movie together—later. Wear this. How could your hero say no?”

Bianca wrinkled her nose. Two fake relationships instead of just one she’d never wanted in the first place. Not the direction of her restarted career she’d prayed for. “I prefer it when my portrayed character wears more fabric.”

Riley raised a brow.

Grace shook the dress on the hanger. “It covers all your important parts. At least try it on.” She pulled Bianca from the chair. “Your contract works on back-end residuals. The more the movie makes, the more you will too. People love firefighters. The hero works at Eastside. Your hair and makeup’s already done.”

Riley wiped down an eyebrow brush. “Isn’t she supposed to be filming?”

Grace lifted her chin and sent her hoop earrings swinging. “We have a little lag time in the filming schedule today. I’ll talk to Leo.”

Riley cocked her hip. “And ask him what? His coffee order? You can’t request a director to stop filming.”

Grace’s shoulders sank. She didn’t meet Bianca’s eyes.

Both Grace and Riley had a point, but Bianca did need a way to check off all the boxes on her contract—like getting people to the theater, growing the movie’s social media sites, and creating a must-see atmosphere about the film—or she wouldn’t get paid enough to have agreed to the indie-produced film. They hadn’t offered her a typical union contract with plenty of guaranteed cash. Instead, she’d agreed to a small weekly contract with a much heavier royalty percentage. “First off, thanks, Riley.” She gestured to her forehead. “This looks spot on.”

Bianca touched Grace’s arm. “Second, we can try out you being my assistant, especially for my media stuff, because honestly, I hate it.”

Grace pressed the dress to her chest. “You’ll give me a chance?”

She didn’t exactly have anyone else lining up to support her.

Bianca held up her finger. “Let me finish this scene, and then we’ll both talk to Leo. He’ll have an idea of whether or not the producers will agree to your revised plan.”

Grace bobbed her head. “Then you’ll go get your firefighter?”

Bianca laced her fingers together. The exact person she was trying to get out of her mind.

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