“Dude, you're gonna blow up. All of Vivienne's people are superstars. You've heard of Jacob Flores? Or Leona Douglas?”
“Of course I have. One is a rock star, and the other is a big-time movie star,” Star responded.
“Well, Vivienne Presley was their manager when they started out. And that's just two of the many she's managed over the years.”
“What?” Star said in shock. “They've been around for over fifteen years. And she doesn't look a day over twenty. Are you sure?”
“I don't know,” he hummed. “Maybe she's a witch, or she found the fountain of youth. But enough about her. You better not forget me when you become famous.”
“Hey, none of that shit. We're back in each other's lives for good. Besides, I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. If I become a big shot, I owe it all to you.”
Tanner smiled. “Thanks for saying that, but no, you don't. You owe it to yourself for taking the chance and coming here on my word alone. Now do your shit and make me proud.”
“Yes, Dad,” Star said, and then they both chuckled.
“Hey, I still have a few months left before that happens.” Tanner patted his stomach, and Star winced, feeling a headache watching his friend's action, but he wasn't sure why he was suddenly uncomfortable.
“Star, are you okay?” He looked up when he heard Fiona's voice. He'd been so deep in thought Star hadn't realized he made it to his dressing room.
He had a slight headache but brushed it off. “Yeah, I'm good. I need to get changed for the next set.”
“Okay.” Fiona nodded and went to get the outfit he needed. “By the way, your cell phone's been vibrating on and off for the past twenty minutes. I didn't answer it because...” She shrugged, telling him she needed his permission to answer his personal phone like she did his business one.
Abandon gave him a company phone that was handled and managed by Fiona, who was not only his assistant but his social media manager. Grabbing his phone, Star's brows furrowed when he saw he had four missed calls from a number he didn’t recognize. Curious, Star called the number, but no one answered. Shrugging, Star hung up and was about to put his cell phone down when it vibrated, and Vivienne's name popped up on the screen.
“Hey, Vivienne, what's up?” he answered just as Fiona tapped him on the shoulder and pointed to the burgundy suit with gold flames going down the sleeves. Star could tell the suit was very expensive, just from how detailed the stitching was.
“Are you done with the photoshoot?”
“Almost.” He looked at the door when it opened, and the make-up artist, Asaad, came in.
“DuShane wants me to touch up your make-up for the next set,” Asaad told him and set his bag down, and Star nodded, settling into a seat and holding still for him.
“Want to hear some good news?” Vivienne said, pulling his attention away from Asaad.
“You know I do.”
“You got the part of Christen Travers for theMy One-Night Standseries.”
“What?” Star said in shock, sitting up in his chair, surprising Asaad, who was not very pleased. Star gave him an apologetic look, sat back, and continued speaking with Vivienne. “Wait, that's not the part I auditioned for.” Star didn't care what part he got; he was just curious. He couldn't believe he got one of the major roles in the show, and it would be a multi-season show, so if he didn't fuck up, he had a job for a couple of years.
“No, but you read a scene with Anubis, and he thought you were perfect for the part.”
“Oh, my fuck.” Star was grinning from ear to ear. “I can't believe I got the role.”
“Don't jump for joy yet. Filming won't start for a couple more months. And since this will be a series going straight to After Life, many things, like your contract, need to happen before then.”
“I know. But I'm still happy. Hey, do you remember our deal? If I get the lead, you waive my fee for six months?”
“Of course, and I’m a woman of my word.” She chuckled, and Star smiled.
“Feel like hanging out tonight? I want to celebrate,” Star said.
“You have the right idea.” Vivienne sniggered. “And it just so happens I got invited to a masquerade party. Are you game?”
“I am, but I don't have a costume.”
“That's no problem,” Vivienne told him. “I'll pick you up from the photoshoot, and we can get your costume.”
