“I tried for three years to find an agent or manager. Not an easy task when you’re a full-time barista trying to work your way into film. After I got my first role, I called Spencer and he ended up taking me on. It was a good fit in many ways. But as far as connecting with people, it’s not easy making friends once you’re in the business.”
She stabbed another bite of chicken. “How so?”
He seemed to reflect a bit before he answered. “When you reach a certain level of success, people often want something from you other than friendship. Sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s genuine and who’s not.”
That was pretty vague, but she could imagine what those things might be. Old friends might come around wanting money. Wannabe actors would want a part in his movie. B-listers might want to share his spotlight. She’d never considered the cost of fame.
But he didn’t seem to want to talk about it, so she changed the subject. Even though she was dreading the next topic, it was better to just get it out there. “I talked to my friend Meghan this morning and told her about our arrangement.”
His face fell.
“I know, I know. I wasn’t going to tell her, but I couldn’t keep it from her. She’d never say a word to anyone though, I promise.”
“I hope you’re right. The media can be brutal. I’m used to it, but you’re not. I’d hate for them to drag your name through the mud.”
“Meghan’s been my best friend since middle school. We’ve been together through thick and thin. We can trust her.”
“Spencer will want an NDA from Sean and Meghan.” At her questioning look he said, “A nondisclosure. He wanted one from you too, but I told him it wasn’t necessary.”
“I’d never betray your confidences.”
“I believe that. And I realize you also have a lot on the line with your book and movie.”
It was nice that he trusted her even though he hardly knew her. “I don’t mind signing it. And I’m sure Sean and Meghan wouldn’t either.”
His mouth ticked up in a grin as he gazed at her. “Which just goes to show my instincts about you are right. Spencer would appreciate that if you don’t think it’ll cause any hard feelings between you and Meghan or Sean.”
“Not at all. They’re not like that.”
She finished the chicken and moved on to the salad, which featured a tangy citrus vinaigrette. “Very nice. I might have to get the recipe for this dressing—for Sean, mind you.”
“Passed down from my great-grandmother.”
“Really?”
“No, I got it online.”
She chuckled. He was surprisingly down-to-earth. She supposed that made him alittlelike Ledger. But there was still a huge gap between the two men. Liam didn’t have to be Ledger to understand who he was though.
Speaking of... “So, I brought you a copy of my book. How long do you think it’ll take you to get through it? You could always download the audio if you prefer, but I find that reading print immerses me in the story more thoroughly. Maybe that’s just me though.”
He finished a bite and took a sip from his glass. “Yeah, about that... I have a confession to make.”
“You don’t know how to read? You’re allergic to fiction? My writing gives you hives?”
“Funny. No, my confession is”—he gave her a sheepish look—“I’ve actually already read your book.”
She blinked. “What? You lied to me!”
“No... You just assumed I hadn’t read it and I didn’t correct you.”
“Yesterday at my house when you were talking me into this whole thing, I asked if you would read my book and you said...”
He gave a dramatic shrug. “I said, ‘Done.’ And I was.”
Sneaky. She scowled at him as their gazes locked.
“I’m still open to your insights on the character. Anything you want to teach me.” He lifted a shoulder. “But if this is a deal breaker for you, I understand. I’ll let you out of our arrangement if that’s what you want. But I hope it’s not.”
