Rogue Beast (The Rourkes #12) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,76
forever.”
Her eyes widen. “Why would you say that?”
“Uh, because I don’t want to say goodbye.”
“Me either.”
“Good.”
“Fine,” she says, rolling to her back. “It just sounded like you were implying something.”
“You’re so touchy lately.” I’m about to ask if she has PMS, but then think better of it. I’ve had my head ripped off for that question before. Instead I tuck her close. She burrows into my chest and sighs.
Harper
So Living Gold was cancelled yesterday. I’ve mourned, cried my eyes out, bitched to Josie and Garrett, and now I’m trying to be fine with it. It’s been twenty-four hours, and my agent is putting out feelers for my next gig. I’m not just upset because it ended after one season, it’s because I fear what this means for my future with Garrett. I should get in touch with Claire about directing, though it doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll be local. Most work is still in LA. I can’t seem to muster enthusiasm for anything. I’m not myself—restless, agitated, nothing appeals, whether it’s food or books or TV. I’m about to jump out of my skin.
Garrett’s stopping by tonight. He was here last night, too, to comfort me about the show’s demise.
The moment he arrives, I know something’s up. He’s pumped full of energy and bounds inside, hugging me and kissing me soundly on the mouth.
“What’s going on?” Maybe he found a house he liked. After his two commercials, he can afford it.
“Guess,” he says, bouncing a bit.
“Did you buy a house?”
One corner of his mouth lifts. “No, sweetheart, I’d want your input on that.”
My heart squeezes, my throat tight. He makes it sound like we have a definite future together. I’d like that. “Did you book another commercial?”
“Better. My agent got me a part in a prequel to Journey to the Galaxy.” He rubs his hands together. “Someone dropped out, and he got me in. Can you believe it? I’m going to play Drake’s dad in a flashback. Me, part of the Journey to the Galaxy franchise!”
My lips part, momentarily speechless. That is a major movie franchise. After only two months of acting lessons and two commercials. I know the industry isn’t fair, I know beautiful people have an advantage, but I’m still…stunned.
His eyes sparkle with happiness. “Say something.”
“What about your job?”
“I’ll only be away for six weeks. I leave this Sunday, and I’ll be back in time for Christmas.” He smiles widely. “My brothers are willing to pitch in during my absence. They’re psyched for me. We’re all big fans of Journey to the Galaxy.”
“Congratulations,” I force out.
He gets serious. “Are you mad?”
My mind boggles with everything I’m feeling. He’s leaving. He’s surpassing me. I just lost my job and feel shitty all the time, and he’s on top of the world. Every fear and worry I’ve suppressed bubbles to the surface.
I keep my tone even. “It’s hard to get over how easy it is for you to get gigs. I paid my dues. You didn’t.”
“Who knows, maybe this is the end of the road for me. I don’t pretend to have your skills. You’re a true artist. But I’m willing to work hard to get there.”
I tell myself to swallow the bitterness, but what comes out is exactly how I feel. “That all sounds great, but the fact is, all of this industry work was so damn easy for you. And it’s because of me. You never would’ve had an ‘in’ if I hadn’t gotten you in the spotlight. My grandmother warned me you’d use me and surpass me. Hell, it’s not like it’s never happened before, so what did I expect, right? Why should I be blindsided once again by the person I thought loved me stepping over me on his way to better things?” At his silence, I throw my hands up. “See, it’s true! You have nothing to say to that.”
He clenches his jaw. “I can’t believe you think that about me. I am not like your user exes.”
I cock my head. “I’m sorry, did you get a modeling gig before the press went nuts over us walking the red carpet together?”
“I could’ve done that without you.”
“But you never did. You were industry adjacent. You knew people in it—your mom modeling, Josie acting—but it’s not until you met me that you went for it. And that’s because my spotlight shone on you. Now I’m out of work, and it’s all you, you, you.” My voice cracks.