Using her real name gave Riley pause. She still wasn’t sure how she felt about changing it to Riley. That had been Rita’s idea when she’d signed her. Ruby Faye, she’d explained, would get typecast in hillbilly and country yokel parts. She might have a decent career as a bit character actress but would never hit the big-time.
None of that was important right now, though. This was about Briggs. And Riley already felt fiercely loyal to him.
Finally, Riley said, “I don’t need to get your permission to hang out with people. In fact, you work for me. Remember?”
“Honey, honey. Come on. Work with me. I’m trying to help you,” Rita said. She put an arm around Riley. “Think about your image. You’re selling a certain idea of you. I’m trying to protect that.”
A thousand counterarguments came to Riley, but before she could get any of them out, Rita played the hole card she always laid down.
“For example, think about what would happen if that picture of you came out. That’s the sort of thing I’m trying to protect you from.”
No! That’s the kind of thing you’re blackmailing me with.
Riley fought hard to keep her anger in check. Rita struck her as the type who would sabotage someone else out of spite.
And that was the reason she was stuck with her. All those thoughts about firing her and getting a new agent were just fantasies.
Rita didn’t push it further, but the implication of what she’d just said was clear: she would release the picture she had. It was something she’d always hang over Riley’s head.
She owned her now. Always would.
“Now,” Rita said, with a gentler tone and a touch to match as she rested a hand on Riley’s shoulder, “all I’m saying is, think about your image. Remember the goal: cultivation. We’re cultivating a certain perception of you. You’re Hollywood’s new youngit girlwho has a naughty streak.”
If you only knew, Riley thought.
“On to pleasant topics. Which dress did you pick?”
Riley walked to the small closet, folded back the door, and revealed the gown she’d chosen for the party tonight.
“Perfect! New but that retro charm that links you to Marilyn and Jayne but also says you are your own woman. I love it.”
Riley thought it was worth noting that Marilyn and Jayne both died rather young, but there was no arguing with Rita when she had something in mind.
“Now, tonight, you’re going to attend with Rowan Keene.”
“What?”
Rita’s eyes were sparkling and her grin was more than a bit suggestive. “A date. With Rowan Keene.”
“You’re saying that as if I should be happy.”
The agent spread her hands. “Oh, I don’t know. He’s only the hottest up- and-coming male star right now!”
“I thought he was… working on some things right now.”
Rita laughed. “You mean rehab. There’s no reason to dance around it, darling.”
“There’s no judgement. I know how it goes,” Riley pointed out. “But is he in a healthy space right now?”
Rita shrugged. “He said he was cured after a few days and voluntarily checked himself out. It was more of a resort he was staying at, anyway, so he’s probably still drunk.”
“And he’s going to this party tonight?”
“Party makes it sound like… cheap. Ordinary. This is a high-profile benefit. Raising money for… sick kids… or some shit like that. Anyway, everyone who is anyone will be there. And lots of press, as well as influencers. It’s a great place to generate some headlines for you and Rowan. His agent agrees.”
Riley thought it all over for a moment. Her first concern was what if Briggs saw them together? Would he be hurt?
Of course, there was no reason why he should be. They’d had one friendly lunch. And yeah, they’d exchanged numbers, but it wasn’t like they’d been talking or texting all day. In fact, she’d only been brave enough to send him one text, and it took hours for a reply.