Powerful (The Driven World) - Kathleen Kelly Page 0,50
mother in the eye. “Well, two can play at that game.”
“Athena, what does that mean?”
I start walking backward. “It means, Mom, that maybe it’s time I left here, too.”
Twirling back around with a new sense of direction, I pull out my cell and dial my publisher as I head for home.
“Hello? Athena? You do know it’s Sunday?”
“Yes, I know. Were you asleep?”
“Ahh, yes, but that’s okay. Have you finished the new book?”
“Yes, Raquel, I have. Well, sort of.”
“That’s a no.”
“It’s almost done, okay?”
“Why are you ringing me?”
“Is the offer to come to New York and do that book signing still available?”
“The book signing that’s set for next weekend?” she asks with attitude.
“I get it, it’s late notice, but I’m coming. So, you might as well try to get me in.”
I hear her rustling papers. “It’s too late to do a preorder for your books.”
Breathing hard as I’m practically running, I say, “I don’t give a fuck. Let’s just give them away. I’ll stay the whole fucking day. I will pose for photos, I’ll talk to whomever you want.”
Raquel makes a clicking noise. “Will you have a sit down with a studio exec on Monday or Tuesday.”
“Tuesday works. If that’s what you want me to do, yes.”
“What are you doing? Jogging?”
“Something like that.”
“Well, fuck me, Athena, if exercise makes you want to leave that town of yours, I’m all for it. When will you be here?”
“I’m leaving now.”
“What?”
“I’m packing a bag, and I’m leaving now. I’ll ring you when I land in New York.”
“Wait! You’re going to be here all week?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
Not that I have a plan, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing.
“Okay, I have a sit down with one of the guys from Multi-Media to pitch a book for a screenplay. How about we get you in on that meeting, too?”
“Fine, whatever. See you soon.”
I hang up and increase my speed for home. It’s been just over three years, but I think it’s about time I left this town.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Kris
The drive to Wiscasset Speedway takes about half an hour, but with Sophia sitting next to me, it feels like an eternity. We’re still in the car, but I can see the end in sight. I wanted to talk to Athena this morning, but with time constraints, it wasn’t possible. After last night and her reaction to Sophia, I need her to know there’s no other woman for me. Unfortunately, today I’m filming for my upcoming movie, Powerful. It’s only promotional shots of me in a car and maybe some with Sophia, but it’s important that I be there on time and act like a professional. Andy Westin is the man who gave me my big break in Hollywood, and I owe him a debt of gratitude. The real filming begins in a month.
“I can’t believe you told the world we were through!” thunders Sophia for the hundredth time.
“I’m sorry, you left, and I didn’t have a cover story ready. Come on, Sophia, I’ve apologized for this.”
“It wasn’t part of the deal. I was supposed to be the one to break it to the world, not you.”
“I know.”
Sophia growls at me in frustration. “Don’t you dare yell at me! Now, I look weak while you look like a stud.”
Bringing the car to a screeching halt, Sophia gets out, slams the door, and walks toward Andy Westin. It’s amazing to watch, she’s a hell of an actor. The frown turns into a smile, and I watch as she shakes Andy’s hand, gestures in my direction with a laugh, and then moves on, no doubt telling him it’s a lover’s quarrel.
I get out of the car and wave at Andy. His son, Colton, moves to stand with him, both looking concerned. Colton is wearing a driver’s suit. These are fire retardant, so he must have already been doing laps, or maybe he’s just prepared, but knowing him, he will have checked out the surface of the track.
“Hey, Andy, Colton.” I shake each man’s hand.
“Trouble in paradise?” asks Andy.
“We’ve decided to call it quits, and I promised Sophia she could tell the world, but shit happens.”
Andy looks surprised, and Colton laughs.
“So, the picture of you kissing another woman in today’s paper had nothing to do with it?” asks Colton with a wolfish grin.
“Photo?”
Colton bends and picks up a paper from the table. Athena was right, someone was watching. The picture is of us at the bridal table with Sophia looking down on us with disdain.
“In my defense, we had