Page 27 of Fragile Heart

CHAPTER11

Hudson

Quinn’s doorclicks shut behind me. She started dozing on the couch before surrendering to sleep. She looked so peaceful that I couldn’t bring myself to wake her after the movie ended. So I carried her to her bed and tucked her in. That’s what a friend would do, I think.

I had fun with her tonight, just like I have the past few times we’ve hung out together. I’m getting more comfortable with her, and it’s nice to have a friend. Someone who hasn’t known me my whole life and isn’t silently judging me for all the shitty mistakes I’ve made.

I fish my phone out of my pocket and click on my agent’s contact info. He’s been emailing me to call him, but I keep putting it off. Now seems like a good time as any. He can keep me company while I walk back to my house.

“Fucking finally, man,” Max answers on the second ring.

“Yeah, I’ve been busy.”

“Right.” He doesn’t buy my bullshit, and I don’t expect him to. “Well, I’ve got something I think you’re going to like.”

“Let’s hear it, then,” I say, not holding my breath that I’ll actually like it.

“Two words.” He pauses for dramatic effect, and I wonder if he can hear my eyes rolling. “Omega. Comics.”

I freeze. “What?” I ask, checking to make sure I heard him correctly. Omega Comics is the backbone of the movie industry right now. Every movie they put out is an instant hit. Getting a part in one of their movies is a fucking dream.

“Yeah, buddy. Omega Comics wants you to come in and read for a new superhero movie.”

“Holy shit, Max. This is great.”

“I know. This could be huge for you.” Which means it would also be huge for him.

“The only issue is they want you in LA in three weeks for a day or two. So we’ll have to work with the production team on your current film to get you some time off. They may have to shift the filming schedule, but I’ll get with your assistant and coordinate it.”

“Ok. Thanks, man.”

“Of course. That’s what I’m here for.” He was likely feeling the pressure of finding me good roles. I had been pretty close to firing him, but he finally did something to turn it around. I might just keep him a little longer.

“How’s everything going in Georgia? Still can’t believe they put that studio in the middle of fucking nowhere.”

I look around the small town as I walk. It’s late, so there’s hardly anyone out right now, but I can see the lights from Main Street. This town is boring and hardly has anything to do, but being here has been the first time I’ve felt relaxed in years. I hate to admit that I kind of enjoy it.

“It’s not terrible. I’ll be glad to get back to LA, though.” Even as I say it, I question if it’s true.

“I bet. Alright, I’m going to send over the details for Omega. Everything is pretty hush-hush right now, so I don’t know much. I imagine they’ll tell you more when you meet with them.”

We wrap up our phone call as I get to my house. The first thing that pops into my mind is how I can’t wait to tell Quinn about this. I open up my messaging app to send her a text but decide it’ll be better to tell her in person so I can see her smile.

* * *

Quinn and I have opposite schedules the day after our second movie night. I have a seven a.m. call time at the studio, and she’s working the afternoon and dinner shift at the diner. I got out of the studio later than I expected anyway, so I probably would have been the one to fall asleep on her couch this time.

But then we have different schedules again the day after, and I don’t like it. So I take it upon myself to fit myself into her schedule.

After I scrub my makeup off from filming, I have my driver drop me in front of the diner. My hat is situated on my head where I like it even though I’ve found I don’t have to wear it when I’m in town. The people here are used to me now. Not a single camera has been thrown in my face, and I haven’t gotten any notifications about new stories about me.

I take a seat in Quinn’s section. I think it’s funny that she almost always has the same section. She said her manager likes to keep them consistent so the regulars know who they’re likely getting when they sit down. This has to be a small town thing. I don’t think I’ve ever been served twice by the same person in LA.

When Quinn sees me sitting in my favorite booth—yes, I apparently have a favorite fucking booth—her smile grows. I feel my cock twitch and immediately wonder what the fuck is wrong with me. All she did was smile. She delivers the waters in her hand to a family a few tables away from me before heading in my direction.

“Hey, how was your day?” she asks. I wish she could sit down, but I know she’s working.

“Good. It’d be better if I was ending it sitting on a hideous floral couch and watching the thirdX-Menmovie, but you know.” I shrug, and her mouth falls open.

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