Page 3 of False Start
“I’m ok, thank you. I was just heading inside.”
Shit. Denny would still be waiting, and the last thing I wanted was to give him an excuse to expect more from the negotiations. Being late to a meeting would make him feel entitled to compensation. A shudder tightened my shoulders, and I took a deliberate step back from my rescuer.
“Actually, I’m late for a meeting. Thank you again for your assistance, but I really need to get inside.”
His brow tightened, jaw working like he was chewing on an opinion.
The problem was, I was an opinion magnet when it came to men. Instead of giving him a chance to speak, I brushed past him, reaching for the door. His hand landed on the handle before I got there, and I braced for an insult. A snide remark about owing him for his time.
“Can I know your name?”
The implied request for permission gave me pause. He wasn’t demanding it; he was asking for the right to know. Who the hell was this guy?
“Georgia.” Not Gia. Not the persona I used to keep myself sane in the outside world. Even my mom called me Gia, not that that was saying much, but I couldn’t overthink the reveal, because through the glass door, Denny Hayes had caught sight of me, and the feeling of his eyes sliding over me was worse than cold, dirty dish water. Reaching deep, I shook off Georgia and became Gia as I left my giant savior at the door and walked into my personal nightmare.
All for the sake of a role.
No wonder they called it a deal with the devil.
Gia
The restaurant feltlike a film set as I strode toward the man who could make or break my career on a whim.
A sea of black tables, polished to a high shine stretched across the floor with blood red chairs tucked in tight. Ringing the room were booths with plush red leather seating for those wanting a little more privacy for their dining experience. Some tables were occupied by well-dressed men and women in business attire, murmuring over glasses of wine and tiny entrées.
I imagined the diners as extras, people strategically placed to fill out the main character’s world. The air felt charged, the scents of garlic and tomato mingling with a low-level buzz to create the perfect set for the hero to embark on their journey.
Deep breaths, Starlet, this role is yours.
My favorite podcast, Successfully You, taught me to manifest my goals. “Belief in your achievement is half the battle. Don’t talk in terms of I want, or I wish; tell yourself you already have it. Be who you want to become.” Athena Colwell, the podcast host’s voice, drifted through my mind, and I steeled my spine againstthe fear of failure, and history repeating, as Denny Hayes rose from a booth at the back of the room and beckoned me closer.
“Gia, so good to see you again.”
His veiled reference to our last meeting hung between us as he pulled me into a hug, dropping a kiss on my cheek that left me feeling like a slug had crawled over my body. Instead of letting the memories overcome me like they had outside, I smiled politely as I dropped into the booth across from him and dug my nails into my knees to keep from swiping away the slimy feel of his fish lips from my skin. We were in public. He couldn’t do anything in broad daylight with this many witnesses. History would not repeat itself.
Then he slid into the booth beside me.
Don’t panic.
I shuffled as far into the corner of the bench as I could, twisting my body to establish space between us.
“This is more cozy, isn’t it?” he asked with a pleasant smile. He slid his hand across the gap between us, his fingers brushing against my knee.
“Lydia mentioned you were casting a recurring role for this season ofShifting Sands. Thank you for considering me. I’d love to hear about the character,” I said, covering a wince as my nail broke the skin on my thigh. The uncomfortable sensation of blood under my nail grounded me as he reached across the table for his tablet.
“Nikkita is an independent contractor who is recruited by Draven to infiltrate Thane’s inner circle. She has martial arts training and is an accomplished seductress. There is the potential for a romantic arc and a regular role reprisal if viewers respond favorably to her character’s addition to the show.”
“That sounds amazing.” It did. This role had the diversity to showcase my acting range and, if I did well, had the potential to establish my name in the industry.
“It’s a highly sought-after role. You’re not the only girl auditioning for this part, but you might be my favorite.” Denny’s eyes slid over me, full of innuendo. I could tip the casting in my favor if I was willing to give him what he wanted. I had been here before, and the thought of having to live through it again made me want to scream. My talent should speak for itself. I shouldn’t have to offer every part of myself unless it was on camera. For a role.
“Sorry I’m late.” The voice was vaguely familiar, and it wasn’t until I felt a rush of fresh air that I realized someone was addressing our table, and Denny had retreated from me.
“Can I help you?” Denny asked, standing to address a familiar blond giant of a man. It was obvious the move had been intended as a challenge, but the height difference left Denny Hayes looking like a Chihuahua fronting up against a Great Dane.
“Weston Naylor. Pleased to meet you, man. I’m just here to support my girl. Sorry, babe. Parking is a nightmare around here.” It was the man from outside. His hazel eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned close, but didn’t touch me.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice a low rumble. A waft of something warm and spicy hit my nose, and I breathed deeply, letting his scent ground me as I dipped my head in a barely there nod.
