Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57423 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 287(@200wpm)___ 230(@250wpm)___ 191(@300wpm)
Channing Lloyd. She was a gorgeous forty-four-year-old. Two decades before she’d been Hollywood’s it girl, and she’d had an amazing career. Three Oscar wins. She was Ally’s idol. Ally had been thrilled she was playing her daughter.
“I remember her as Bria Knight’s wannabe little sister,” another voice said. Reid Wilson. He was playing her brother. The one who tormented her. “Does she count as a nepo baby if it’s her sister who was in the business?”
“Oh, I assure you it wasn’t her sister who got her this job,” Bryce said with a lofty chuckle. “This reeks of her stepfather. Gavin is giving in to Diane, I’m sure. That woman’s soul died a little when the older one walked away. She’s just got to have a kid in the business. She lives for it.”
“Ally,” West said quietly.
She was not going to cry. They didn’t get a second of her tears. Did they think she hadn’t heard every word of that before?
She’d hoped to be accepted. The humiliation she felt was absolutely real, but she couldn’t let herself wallow in it. Not now.
She had to do this, and she had to do it alone. She forced a smile on her face. “Thanks for escorting me, West. You can wait out here. I’ll be done in a couple of hours.”
His expression went blank, and she wondered if she’d hurt him. She hadn’t meant to, but she needed every inch of her armor now. She pulled it around her like a warm cloak even though she knew it was cold and steely and kept even the warmth in her life out.
But that was acting. Head high, she turned the corner. “Hello, fellow Crownes. I’m so happy to be here.”
The fake goodwill game was on.
* * * *
It had taken everything West had to not go into that room and deal with the situation. Even two hours later, he was still shocked at what he’d heard.
But then he remembered the look on Ally’s face as she’d told him to wait here like a good employee and walked in like nothing had happened. He could hear them talking and laughing and acting like no one had insulted and belittled her and they were all one big family.
Did she even care that those people had been talking shit on her? He’d felt humiliated for her, but she’d simply shrugged it off and gone about her day.
It would be good to remember who she was. The last couple of days had brought a nice peace between them. He’d actually enjoyed the time they’d spent together, and he’d started to wonder if maybe they shouldn’t explore the chemistry between them.
She might be pleasant to be around when she wanted to be, but it was good to be reminded that all she cared about was her career, and it didn’t matter what mud she had to slog through for it.
The doors came open, and Ally walked out surrounded by her “friends.”
A handsome, familiar-looking young man gave her a wink as he walked by. “I’ll see you later, sis. Maybe we can grab dinner or something next week.”
Ally smiled. “I would love that. I’ll have to bring my bodyguard, though.”
West was absolutely certain he’d seen the guy on some TV show, but he couldn’t remember his name.
The actor gave him a once-over that let West know he didn’t find him impressive. “Well, I’m sure he can hang out somewhere close by. Hopefully you’ll be able to dump him soon. I’m sure the police will catch this…is it a stalker?”
Ally’s smile didn’t waver. “He’s merely a nice layer of security.”
“Of course. I’m sure he’s good for the press, too. I always like to have an entourage. Makes one look important,” the asshole said, and then strode away.
“Yes, we all love a bodyguard.” Channing Lloyd was a name he did know. The legendary actress looked chic in her silk blouse, slacks, and stilettos that made her tower over Allyson. “Such a nice accessory, and this one is quite attractive.”
“He’s good at his job,” Ally replied. “I haven’t even gotten killed yet. I’ll see you in a couple of days. Can’t wait to get to work.” She turned his way. “I’m going to run to the bathroom and then I’ll be ready to go.”
She walked by him, resettling her bag on her shoulder.
Channing looked him up and down like he was a treat she might be able to order. “If you ever want a serious client, give me a call.”
Yeah, he bet he knew what she would be serious about.
He said nothing as the woman walked away.
“Wow, if I needed a steely-gazed cop, I would cast you immediately.”
The hallway had cleared out, and only a curly-haired man in a T-shirt and jeans was left. He wore glasses and had a messenger bag over his slender shoulders. He held out a hand. “I’m Jay Clarke. I’m Ally’s director. You must be the head of her security.”