The Last Wavewas the role I’d been waiting for, working toward for years. A respectable role in a meaningful film, and my supposed big break.
But I’ve lost it all.
Maybe for a few months. Maybe forever.
“Do you really think I need to stay here for two weeks?”
Lin’s low chuckle rasps from the phone. “What, you’re not enjoying that swanky Parisian apartment?”
“It’s amazing,” I say, glancing around. Morning sunlight streams into the bedroom, shining on creamy silk wallpaper and expensive antiques. I couldn’t ask for a better hideout.
“Maison Marteau is one step below a palace. And inParis. I mean, I’m living the dream. Right?” More of that fake enthusiasm seeps into my voice.
“But?” Lin says. She knows me too well.
I nibble on my thumbnail. “With everything falling apart back home, being here . . . I don’t know. It just feelswrong.”
Lin sighs. “You aren’t the only one who’s lying low. Everyone else is doing their best to pick up and move on with their lives.”
Except those whose livescan’tmove on. Not in the way they had before. I itch to know what’s happening in Los Angeles, but I don’t ask about rumors. I don’t ask what she’s heard.
I don’t ask about Mackenzie.
“Lin, do you think . . .” Clouds cover the sun, and the room dims. I pull the duvet up to cover myself. I’m by myself, all alone, yet I feel naked before a thousand eyes. Exposed, vulnerable, powerless. But most of all, I feel judged.
Because that’s what guilt does to you.
“Am I doing the right thing?”
A weighted pause falls between us.
After a moment, Lin answers, her tone flat. “You’re not asking about being in Paris.”
“No.”
“Brooke,” she sighs, “don’t waste time beating yourself up. These things happen.”
“Notthesethings,” I say. Although they always have.
My mother’s words whisper through my head.Hollywood makes its own rules, Brookie. If you want to get ahead, you have to get along.An actress since childhood, she raised me to follow her lead, giving guidance and tips I didn’t always understand.
Now that I understand, I don’t always agree.
Lin’s tone is moderated, steady and unyielding. “I’ve worked with a lot of actors. Talented actors. But you and I both know talent isn’t the only thing that counts in this business.”
I nod as if she can see me.
“You also need to be smart and play the game. It’s not my job to tell you what’s right or wrong, but I can tell you the risks.”
I murmur a sound of agreement. Even today, Hollywood masters hold the careers of many in their tight, iron fists. The last thing I need is to put myself in the spotlight, drawing the attention of the silver-screen elite. Wealthy and connected people. Powerful people.
The kind that could crush me like a bothersome bug.
I lean on the quilted headboard and sigh. “You’re right. And I appreciate all you’ve done for me. Honestly, this place is so nice I expect someone to show up any minute and kick me out.”
“Nah, don’t worry about that. The apartment is almost always unoccupied.”
“How does anyone own a home like this and leave it sitting empty?”
