Page 113 of Undone By The Mountain Daddies

“So, you really should consider putting out a press release soon. Don’t leave it too long. You can’t hide on Rodeo Drive forever.” Jules’s voice brings me back into the present.

“I’m not hiding. I’m shopping.” I unhook a shirt from the rack and make a point of looking at it closely, assessing the fabric, pretending to think about whether it would go well with other items in my closet.

I catch Jules staring at me long and hard, two lines between her brows. “No, you’re not. Until just now, you haven’t picked up a single item of clothing in the half hour we’ve been shopping. What’s going on?”

I don’t need new clothes as much as I need Eli, Cash and Knox. I’d rather be in bed, taking clothes off. Not buying more.

“I really like them, Jules.”

Jules turns her body around to face me. “You’re actually thinking about quitting the industry, aren’t you?” she says, keeping her voice low.

I shrug. “I’m leaning more toward leaving than staying,” I admit. “Trouble is, leaving is such a big fucking commitment. I’m putting all my eggs in one basket. And you know what happened the last time I did that.”

Jules nods, her diamond drop earrings wiggling. “Yeah. I understand that.” She throws the clothes over her arm and reaches out to grab my hand. “Listen to your heart, girl. It’ll tell you everything you need to know—not just about men, but how you want to live your life.”

Every time I put my heart in the driver’s seat, I think about them.

I think about dancing with Henry in the living room. There was a sense of fulfillment in my heart, as if it were overflowing with happiness. I really can’t say acting has ever made me feel that way.

But it’s risky on so many levels. Holden raised my spirits, but it’s nothing compared to the roller coaster ride I’ve been on with these men. They raise me through the roof, into outer space, where there’s no limit on how high you can fly. I feel invincible when I’m with them, like the sky’s the limit.

Which means if I fall, it will literally kill me.

I can take the safe option where I save my career and rekindle things with Holden, or I can head back to the mountains and hope for the best.

“Look,” says Jules. “There’s a pre-production meeting for the movie later. You weren’t invited because I assured your dialect coach you were very busy learning your lines. But I think you should go and join in on the table read.”

“You’re kidding…”

“No,” says Jules. “I’m serious as a heart attack. The public announcement can wait. I want you to get into character, act, and see how you feel. If you hate everything about it, then maybe this life isn’t for you anymore. But I need you to be sure, Sienna.” Jules squeezes my hand. “As your friend, I don’t want you to ever regret your decision.”

Chapter 30

Sienna

“Arms up.”

I do as I’m told, allowing the costume designer to get under my armpits. It tickles, but I don’t think laughing is a great idea right now.

She seems pissed—as if I’ve personally offended her in some way.

I’m guessing it’s because of all the meetings I’ve missed so far. And, instead of saying something about it, she’s just being super passive-aggressive.

Or maybe the reason she’s speaking to me in clipped sentences and avoiding eye contact, is because I’m an embarrassment to everyone in production for being caught with my pants down.

“Arms down.”

I watch as the woman straightens my skirts. I’m wearing a slip dress and ballet flats. My character is a lovesick florist, still hung up on Holden’s character from the first movie. He left. She was heartbroken. She keeps a sprig of lavender in her pocket now, wherever she goes, because he gave her a lavender plant when they first met.

I head into a conference room, and every single fucking head turns my way.

Own it, Sienna.

Their opinions don’t matter to you.

Flip the narrative.

I raise my chin, forcing myself to keep my back straight. I haven’t gone to a million reformer classes to look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame.