Breaking Stars - J. Sterling Page 0,87
you. So I think staying quiet is a mistake. If it were me, I’d want to defend myself. I wouldn’t want anyone thinking those things about me, especially when they aren’t anywhere close to the truth. I think you need to figure out what you want to say, but you should absolutely talk about this. But do it how you want. Post a blog on your website, an open letter to your fans, a post on social media, something.”
The more she talked, the more animated she became. Her eyes lit up as she said, “Yeah, you be the one in complete control. You tell the public what you want to, how you want to, and only what you want to share in your words. We can guess at what everyone’s questions will be, and we can figure out how to answer them without spilling any secrets about Tatum or Hanford. You can do this,” she insisted, then added, “and I’ll help you.”
Quinn’s idea had merit, and as I rolled it around in my head, I found myself perking up. “I like this plan. This feels right. I think I’ll ask my mom what she thinks too. You know, just to get a second opinion.”
“You need a new agent, Paige,” Quinn noted abruptly.
Nodding, I added her suggestion to the growing mental list of things I needed to accomplish since getting back. “I know.”
“And a new publicist as well.”
“Probably.”
“And please tell me you’ll put Colin in his place. Or let me do it. Violently,” she said darkly as she cracked her knuckles.
Laughing, I said, “I’ll do my best.”
“One thing at a time, I guess.”
Quinn tried to reassure me, but I knew these things needed to happen now or I’d never do them. If I didn’t act now, my will for so much change would fade. Days would turn into weeks, and I’d grow complacent and accepting again—two things I never wanted to be again when it came to my career and my life.
“There is something I’m sort of dying to do right now. And it’s a bit crazy, but—”
“I’m in,” Quinn said before even hearing my idea, and I laughed. “What is it?”
“I want to cut my hair.”
Her head tilted to the side as she assessed my current style. “Are we talking like new long layers, or chop it all?”
I grinned. “Chop it all off.”
“Like a pixie cut?” Her eyes widened in horror, and I cringed.
“Not that short, no. I’m thinking maybe shoulder length with layers.”
Quinn jumped up and tugged at my hand. “Oh my God. Let’s go right now before you change your mind.”
It might seem stupid to someone not in the entertainment industry, but when so many things in your life felt like they weren’t within your control, you fought to change the things that were. I’d wanted to cut my hair for years, but the long length was always tied into studio contracts and movie roles I’d signed on to play, even though it never made any sense to me with the invention of hair extensions and clip-ins.
I wasn’t currently committed to a project, so I was free to do whatever I wanted with my own hair. And I wanted something new, something daring, something bold. Honestly, losing any inches off my long locks was a pretty bold move for me.
And I couldn’t wait.
Get the Girl
Tatum
Heeding Celeste’s advice, I closed the shop early and headed for home. I needed to have a heart-to-heart with my mother and if I didn’t do it now, I might chicken out completely.
When did you turn into such a pussy, Montgomery?
I took my time walking home, trying to sort out my mind and my heart. It wasn’t clarity that I needed on the two issues that were nothing but clear to me—my future and Paige—it was permission. Realizing how much I needed my mother to be okay with my plans, I walked home with new resolve.
When I stepped through the door, the smell of fresh-baked bread hit me immediately, and my stomach rumbled as my mom greeted me.
“You’re home early,” she said, wiping the flour from her hands on a towel.
Not sure if I was ready for this, I forced a smile. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Her expression turned curious as she waved a hand toward the kitchen table. I moved to sit as she placed a plate of the fresh, hot bread in the center, butter melting off the top. Removing her apron, she tossed it on the counter before