Page 4 of Seeking Stars
"Okay, then I'll tell you something I haven't told you before. You started late. You had no formal training. You knew nobody. If that random director hadn't cast you in the only good movie he ever made, no one would know you. You're hot right now and we definitely don't want to lose that, or you will be that actor that was very popular for three movies and then was gone. They'll make aWhere Are They Nowepisode of you. Part of my job is to make sure that that doesn't happen."
Liam crossed his arms. He hid his tightening fists behind them. "It's been twelve movies and more interviews, promos, press tours, and networking events than I can count. I'm always doing more than one thing at a time— a main project, a promo of some sort, and starting something else. When we signed four years ago, you said you wanted to represent me because I have talent, not just good looks. That it'd help me build a strong career."
"What does that have to do with anything? That is still very much true. It's also true that that's not enough in Hollywood. Whatever your talent or muscle mass are, if you disappear from the collective minds, I won't be able to book you in anything."
Liam uncrossed his arms only so that he could rub his face in frustration, both hands scratching against his unshaven skin.
"Look," Coulton said this time, his tone significantly less boisterous. "All I'm trying to do is make you into a big name. One that people will remember and that directors fight over. Someone who is going to be making movies into his fifties and beyond. That's what you want, right?"
Air boiled in Liam's lungs. Again he had to ask himself why he did all of it— the acting, the promos, the traveling— and why it still felt like Coulton had it wrong. Why Liam couldn't tell his agent what he really wanted. What he needed. The answer lived somewhere inside him, chained to his breast bone, but Liam could put no words to it.
The fight deflated in his chest, leaving him in a deep sigh. His shoulders dropped under the weight of his doubt.
"Yes, that's what you want," Coulton answered for Liam. "So let me do my job."
Liam forced out a long, calming breath. "Okay, yeah. Okay. I'll take the month. How far can I go? Do you promise no PR calls?"
"I promise no PR calls."
Something in how he said it made Liam suspicious. "No PR calls, but…?"
"But you won't be alone."
***
Ana set her features in a confident and friendly look, and stepped into the tall, glass building in which TCA's offices resided. She introduced herself at the information desk, following the instructions she'd received. Not five minutes later, a neatly dressed woman welcomed her and, with quick steps, guided Ana to the elevators and up.
With the number 23 button alight on the chrome panel, Ana's stomach dropped under the pull of gravity. She focused on the changing numbers indicating the quick pace at which they climbed floors; reciting each new digit in her mind helped her keep her eyes away from the mirrors around her. She didn't want to check her looks again— she had done enough of that at the hotel and she liked the result: fitted pinstripe navy blazer over a rock band shirt, dark forest green skinny pantsuit, and bold, dark red lips hit the note just right.
You got it, you got it, you got it.
The elevator's doors opened and the woman ushered Ana forward and to someone else. The doors closed again behind her.
"Hi Ms. Lira, my name is Alexis, I’m Magda's assistant."
The assistant to the assistant. It meant high stakes.
"Hi, Alexis. It's nice to meet you."
The attractive woman didn't offer her hand. Her eyes surveyed Ana top to bottom. "I love your suit! So modern and refreshing." She offered a small smile, before turning around and walking away. Unsure of the sincerity in Alexis' comment, Ana followed, a single twist in her stomach. Alexis continued, "You will be called into the meeting soon. You can wait over here," she indicated with a light hand, pointing at a stylish sitting area. "Magda will come get you."
With a quick turn, she faced Ana and clasped her hands in front of her. Uncertain, Ana opted for sitting on the leather couch, looking up expectantly at Alexis.
"We have a variety of teas and coffees to offer. What would you prefer?"
"Coffee, black. Thanks," she added.
"What kind of coffee?"
"Whichever is strong and caffeinated and doesn't taste overburnt."
The smallest of wrinkles marred Alexis's nose. Subtle, but not so subtle that Ana didn’t notice. Ana straightened her back tall.
"You got it," Alexis said with a practiced smile. She lifted her wrist and peeked at her smart watch. "I have to answer this. I'll take your coffee to you once you're in the boardroom. I will check in on you as soon as I have a moment. Get comfortable!"
Alexis walked away, lifting a hand to her headset. "Good morning, this is Mr. Coulton's office. You're speaking with Alexis. How may I help you?"
She disappeared around a corner.
