Silver took a sip from her smoothie and shuddered. She’d put on five pounds when she’d been with the Morgans. The glories of apple pie and a full breakfast had receded to a distant, delicious memory as her team fussed around to make sure she lost the weight.
Ayla tapped her pen against her lips. “It would be better if we could confirm this happened, because it does sound slightly made up.”
Silver finished her smoothie. “At this point I almost don’t care whether I get the part or not since they’re making it so hard.”
“I think it’s because they really want to get it right,” Ayla said earnestly. “I’ve talked to Inola Black Fox, one of the writers, quite a lot over the past months, and she’s super sincere.”
“I get it. I read the script. That’s why I want the part. But if I’m not right for it, I wish they’d just let me know.” Silver lay back on the couch and flung out her arms. She had another audition for a TV show in two hours, and because of the L.A. traffic she would need to get herself made up, dressed up, and ready to leave soon. She didn’t really want the part, but her father had insisted she consider it as a backup plan if she didn’t get the independent film.
“I think they are a bit ... wary,” Ayla said carefully. “This isn’t your usual kind of project.”
“I know.” Silver sat up, faced the fantastic view over the Pacific Ocean, and sighed.
“What do you know?” Her father came into the room, cell phone in hand, and a big smile on his face.
“Nothing, apparently.” She smiled back at him. “What’s up?”
He held up his phone. “We need to go in ten.” He studied her workout clothes. “You don’t look quite ready yet.”
“Maybe I’ve decided to go like this. The series is about a school, isn’t it?”
“I’d prefer it if you dressed nicely, Silver,” he said briskly. “You don’t know how many paparazzi will be at that studio entrance. You don’t want to be on any worst-dressed lists, or look like you don’t care about your fans, or that you’re going through a crisis, do you?”
“No, Dad, of course I don’t.” She pasted on a smile. “I’ll go and get changed. Where’s Mom?”
“Out with Spring at an audition.” He paused. “Why, do you need her for something?”
“No, I just...” Silver didn’t even bother finishing the sentence because he was already beginning to sound concerned. “I haven’t seen her today, and I didn’t get a chance to wish Spring luck. Why don’t you talk to Ayla while I get dressed? She can fill you in on my new schedule.”
* * *
In the chauffeured car, her dad glanced over at her. “You look great.”
“Thanks.” She smoothed her pink pencil skirt.
“Another couple of pounds off, and you’ll be in perfect condition.”
“Perfect condition for what? A pedigree dog show?” She looked out of the darkened window at the streets of L.A. “You don’t need to come with me, you know.”
“I like coming. It gives me a chance to meet the crew and the producers and get a sense of whether it’s going to be a good vehicle for you.” He studied her carefully. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Silver looked back out of the window at a young couple with their arms around each other. “If you hadn’t ended up managing my career, Dad, what would you have done?”
Silence greeted her question and eventually she turned to look at him.
“I haven’t really thought about it.” He chuckled. “Everything happened so fast. Your mom took you to your first baby commercial tryout, and that was that.”
“But there must have been something,” Silver persisted. She wasn’t sure why. “No one wakes up and decides they want this crazy life.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay?” He sat back and studied her. “If this is about the indie movie you want to be involved with? I’ve talked with your mom and Ayla and I’m not going to stand in your way if you want to do it.”
“But that’s the point, Dad.” Silver sat forward, her hands clasped together. “It’s not up to you what projects I decide to take on anyway. I’m turning twenty-six next week. I’ve earned the right to make my own decisions.”
He went to speak, and she kept on talking.
“I want you to step back. I want you to spend more time with Mom doing the things that you like to do together.”