As I start to put the phone away, it buzzes. Another message from my manager.
Stan:
She’ll be there soon.
I don’t have time to type back to ask him what the hell he’s talking about before high-pitched laughter rents through the air. A glance toward the door shows Victor entering arm-in-arm with Amber Jones.
“I’m so glad you could squeeze me in,” she tells him before looking my way. Her eyes widen as if she wasn’t expecting to see me, which I know instantly is bullshit. Her expression, along with the text I just read from Stan, is a classic setup.
“Andreas, I didn’t know you were here,” Amber says. “How amazing to see you.” She moves closer and rises on her tiptoes to air kiss my cheeks.
I step back. “Amber, good to see you.”
“Did Stan tell you I would be here?”
There it is.Her microexpression gives her away before she’s able to cover it up. While Amber isn’t managed directly by Stan like I am, she is under his management company.
“He might’ve let it slip,” I answer coolly.
“Are you working on your role forLate Nights?” She blinks those large, brown eyes that interviewers and movie critics alike can never refrain from commenting on. Apparently, she has the perfect girl-next-door look.
She whips her brunette hair over her shoulder and bats her lashes again.
“Something like that,” I reply.
“Well, I’m nowhere near Victor’s level of expertise.” She looks over at Victor and lightly runs her fingers over his shoulder.
Victor, who’s at least forty years older than Amber and I, actually blushes. You would think a man with as much experience in Hollywood and who’s the literal go-to for the best actors in the business would know when a woman is intentionally playing him up.
I suppose every man has his weakness.
For some, it’s women in general.
For others, it’s one particular woman.
Victor has a soft spot for beautiful women. And most men aren’t immune to Amber when she puts the innocent persona on.
She and I worked together for three years on a television show. And yes, dated for a while.
The busy state of both of our careers combined with our youth ensured that it wouldn’t last long.
Though it’s been years, Stan and Amber are now trying to revive it for publicity since we both have starring roles coming up.
“But I wouldn’t mind watching for a bit in case you need to have an actual audience response.” Amber gives me a coy smile.
I eye the script that sits on the wooden chair behind Amber.
“That would be gr?—”
“Not needed,” I interject. Leave it to Victor and I’ll be here for the next three hours performing the entire film for Amber’s single viewing.
No thanks.
“I was just wrapping up. Filming begins on Monday. I’ve got it where I want it,” I tell her. Then I turn to Victor.
“Victor, I’ll have my assistant give you a call to schedule my next session. Thanks again. Amber, always good to see you.” I give her my signature smile before heading out.
“Andreas, wait,” she calls behind me.
