Page 84 of Who We Are

The way he’s talking to me makes me want to do whatever he wants. Today he loves me. Dad doesn’t love me often, but if I do what he wants, maybe he’ll stay that way for a longer period.

“Kiss him on the lips?” I swallow back the bile in my throat.

Kissing Mr. Lambert made me puke afterward. That is why I have to drink some of Mom’s vodka. It makes it easier.

Dad tilts his head to the side as he fixes my hair and lowers my top, showing more cleavage. “There, you look much better.”

My eyes land on my breasts, which are getting bigger, and I fear I will pop out of the tight shirt.

“Aggie, this is different. You’re growing up, and somedaySophie Knows It Allwill end. It’s time for us to search for new roles, make sure you don’t end up like every other child star—jobless at twenty.” Dad kisses my cheek. “You understand, darling?”

“Of course, Dad. You and Mom depend on me to continue supporting the house.” I pull down my tight denim skirt that barely covers my ass. I’m almost five-nine, and they fail to notice I need bigger clothes. “What do you want me to do?”

“Whatever he wants, darling. He might have to touch you. He likes to play with pretty girls like you.” Dad adjusts my skirt back to where it was. “He’s allowed to kiss you and caress you wherever he wants. Just be a good girl and do as he says and everything will work out. You’ll see.”

He holds my face with his hands, but his eyes aren’t tender. They have that furious bitterness to them. “Take it as practice for any future auditions or scenes for when you’re a grown up. Your face and your body are what’ll keep that career going. We have to let them taste it before they buy it.”

I swallow when he touches the handle of the door that reads Carl Winston.

“Carl, it’s great to see you.” The heavy man sits behind a huge desk. He moves his gaze from his computer and removes his glasses to look at me.

Dad hugs me closer to him. “She’s a beauty, isn’t she?”

Carl runs his beady eyes over my body hungrily. “Indeed, if I’d have known, I would’ve arranged for a different place and a longer length of time.”

The man rises from his chair, holding a white envelope that he hands to my father. “The NDA is there. Minors are a delicate matter. The script will arrive tomorrow at your house. I hope the check covers what we discussed.”

My father snatches the envelope and, in a rush, pulls the papers and reads through them, then holds up the check. $20,000.

“This isn’t the amount we discussed, Carl,” Dad sneers.

“The movie contract is for two hundred. That check is for the next two hours. Pick her up on time. I have a meeting right after with Gabe Colt, and I want her gone by then. I don’t want witnesses.”

Dad seems to accept that as he shakes Carl’s extended hand. “I believe we have everything covered. Enjoy, you’re the first.”

I hold my stomach and the tears as the memories of that first time finally push through the shadows of my memory. Nausea hits the back of my throat as I realize I’ll never be able to run away from my past. I move my bracelets and stare at the number, trace them slowly and remind myself that tomorrow is changing to two-zero-three-zero.

The driver stops the car, steps out, and opens my door. “We’re here.”

Where is here?

I’ve no idea where he’s dropping me off. We’re in front of a fancy skyscraper made out of steel and glass. This reminds me of the times my father would send me with the driver to whoever I had to visit. Where is the vodka this time?

Don’t let anyone get near you. Stay strong.

I check the streets and sigh with relief. This isn’t far from the bar. I can walk back.

His gray eyes stare at me. “I was told to drive you here.”

I nod. The debate between leaving without a word versus at least saying thank you doesn’t take long. I turn my head slightly toward the back and look at Matt’s parents. My face heats up with shame as they both stare at me.

“Thank you for everything.” Soon they’ll know, and I doubt I’ll be welcome again.

Then I give a general scan and say, “Good night.”

“Appreciate the ride, sir.” I get out of the car and pull out my phone to find the map app.

“Joe, the concierge, will open the door for you.” The guy taps my arm. I lift my gaze, and I can see the concern in his steely eyes.

---