“Yeah, I do. Now leave before I have you removed.”
“Never in my life have I been so disrespected!” she whined like a five-year-old who didn’t get a lollipop.
“Yeah, well”—I shrugged as I walked over to my door and opened it for her to leave—“there’s a first time for everything.”
55Shay
I sat in Raine’s recliner with baby Jameson in my arms, staring at the television screen. Recently, things had started to look up for me. I’d applied for a job at a university to teach screenwriting as an adjunct professor, and I’d been called back for a second interview. If it weren’t for Karla, I would’ve never considered teaching, but it turned out I had a passion for educating people on the written word. Sure, it wasn’t Hollywood, but it felt like a huge opportunity for me to receive.
I wanted to celebrate the news with Landon, but he was off in New York City doing promo with Sarah for their upcoming film. Raine and Hank invited me over for some morning cocktails—and I think, secretly, so I could hold Jameson and allow them to get a break.
I didn’t mind at all—Jameson was a little saint.
The television was turned on toGood Morning America, and we all excitedly sat planted around the screen, waiting to watch Landon’s interview.
When he appeared on the screen, my heart began racing faster just from the sight of him. He looked so handsome sitting on the stage.
“Yes, filming this movie has been a thrill for me,” Landon expressed. “Working with Sarah was a dream come true,” he exclaimed, and I laughed at the comment. He made me well aware of the bullshit lies he had to say on camera thanks to the production company.
I could see how he turned up his acting persona when he was on camera. He stood a little taller and smiled wider, but those eyes? They were still his, and I could see the real Landon whenever I looked into them.
“Yes,” Sarah agreed, placing her hand against his knee.
“That bitch,” Raine blurted out.
I couldn’t agree more.
Landon patted her hand playfully and removed it from his leg and went on with the conversation as if Sarah wasn’t a factor at all.
That’s my boy.
“So it seems you two enjoy working together,” the interviewer observed. “This is the second time you’ve worked together after all, right?”
“Yes—” Landon started to answer, but Sarah cut him off.
“It’s been beyond amazing, and I’m excited to share with you that we are going to be working together on another film this year calledEaston. It’s a beautiful film about two lovers who went through the biggest of storms with one another,” Sarah said, making my mouth drop open.
She went on and on about the screenplay, spoiling the whole plot without a care in the world. The whole plot ofmyscript.
What in the world? How did she know about my story? She’d spoiled the whole thing with a smile on her face on national television, and I saw the shock that sat in Landon’s eyes.
“What just happened? It looks like Landon’s about to have a panic attack. He normally has a better poker face,” Raine remarked. She turned to see me and raised an eyebrow after seeing my expression. “Seriously. What’s going on?”
“That’s my story,” I choked out.
“Wait, what? That’s your plot?” Hank asked, stunned.
“Yes. I’ve been working on that for the longest time. It’s my best piece yet. And Sarah Sims just spoiled it to the world.”
“Holy shit,” Raine breathed out. “What a bitch!”
The only way Sarah could’ve known anything about my script was if Landon told her, and I couldn’t figure out why he’d do that. Why would he take something so important to me and ruin it? That script was my baby, my star, and he handed it over to another woman. A woman who fired me.
I left Raine’s house and hurried home. I tore my place apart, searching for my words. Searching for my manuscript that should’ve been sitting in the stack with the others. But it was gone.
* * *
“I can explain,” Landon said as he stood at my apartment door a day later. I didn’t even know why I opened the door for him. I figured he’d find his way to me after the interview took place, but I couldn’t for the life of me imagine what kind of excuse he was going to try to feed me.