Page 65 of We Thought We Knew It All
The formalities reminded me that I wasn’t only here for Jamie. C. Bay, my pen name, had never given a video interview. Readers knew very little about me, only that I was the long-lost daughter of Emma Bay. Tonight was my coming out party and I decided I wanted to enjoy it.
Not even Nicole could ruin this.
My life of obscurity was ending, but it needed to. My new book was being published under the name Callie McCoy, because that was who went through those events. But I wanted people to read it, I needed them to know our story. The only way for that to happen was for them to connect C. Bay and Callie McCoy. My two lives were merging and I only hoped I’d always remember which one of them I was.
Amelia left us in a dressing room that was stocked with food. She promised that hair and makeup would be there soon. An outfit hung on the back of the door in a garment bag.
A thick silence descended upon us as I filled a plate.
“Okay,” Nicole finally started. “We need to talk about some things.”
“You’re fired,” I said impulsively, shoving a cookie into my mouth.
She sputtered. “Excuse me?”
I waved a finger, asking her to wait until my mouth was empty. “It’s not about all that crap with the movie rights or even Dylan. If he makes you happy, go for it.”
“Really?”
“Yep. Dylan and I should have never been married, but he gave me my boys, so I can’t say I regret it.”
“Then why am I fired?” She twisted her low blond ponytail around her finger.
“Oh, that. I’m quitting. I’m not a writer.”
“What are you talking about? You’re fantastic.”
“But I don’t love doing it.”
“Wait, really? Your words are so passionate.”
“Because I was passionate about the stories, not the act. I’ve said everything I needed to say. Writing was more therapy to me than anything else. It’s time I just get on with my normal life.”
“But what about movie rights for the new book? You’ll need me for those.”
“No movie.”
“You said that last time.”
“Would you want the worst day of your life on screen? No movie.”
Someone came in then to help me get ready and Nicole grew quiet. It didn’t take long and when I stood up to leave, Nicole said, “I’ve enjoyed helping you tell your stories.”
My lips curved up and I walked out and toward the sound stage. Nothing could stop me today.
My heart thudded in my ears as a producer directed me to the stage. It felt like it was miles from my entrance to the desk that Riley King was now standing behind. He leaned forward and shook my sweat coated palm.
“California Bay, ladies and gentlemen.” He waved his hand toward a chair for me to sit.
A beat passed before I realized I should probably say something. “It’s great to be here, Riley.”
His palm smacked the desk. “It is wonderful to have you here. Look, I’m a huge fan. I grew up watching your mother and had the biggest crush on her. When your book came out, I devoured it. She really was an amazing woman, wasn’t she?”
“She…” I cleared my throat nervously. “She was incredible.”
“In your book, you describe her flight from Hollywood and her life after, but today you’re going to reveal something to us, correct?”
I flashed him a smile. “I am.” The nerves seemed to be swept away the longer I talked about my mom. “My mother’s real name was Allison McCoy.”
