CHAPTER TWO
Billie’s phone buzzed insistently for the fourth time that day and it was only noon. There was no name displayed on the screen but she knew who it was and she simply was not prepared to deal with that conversation in her current mental and emotional state. Hitting the decline button, she sent the call to voicemail just as her agent’s assistant called Billie’s name.
“You can go in now.”
Putting her phone on silent mode, Billie straightened her shoulders and took a deep breath, thinking positive thoughts. The audition earlier in the morning had gone well, better even than Billie had hoped for. She had a strong feeling she’d been called here to meet with her agent because she’d been cast in the role.
Ina Jackson sat behind her modern chrome and glass desk, looking as chic as her office in a cream and black dress with high-heeled Louboutins. Her light brown hair had been artfully highlighted and then styled into a sleek chignon that showed off her strong bone structure. She screamed style right down to her perfectly plucked eyebrows. This was Hollywood after all, full of beautiful people. Even the guy who bagged Billie’s groceries looked like a blond Adonis.
Ina beckoned to her. “Come in. Have a seat. I have a lunch meeting in thirty minutes at The Ivy.”
The Ivy was the place to see and be seen. Known as a hangout for celebrities, there were always a few paparazzi staked out ready to take a few photos for the tabloids.
Clasping her hands together, Ina leaned forward in her chair. “So let’s talk honestly. The producers thought your reading went very well. I’m not surprised. You’re a good actress, which is why I represent you.”
Adrenaline surged and Billie had to steel herself to stay still. This could be it. The break she’d been waiting for. “Thank you. I think it went well too. The part just felt so natural to me.”
Ina ran her manicured nail over the surface of the desk. “However, they have a few concerns and I have to admit that I share them as well.”
Billie’s heart dropped to her feet. What the hell? Calling on her acting ability, she remained outwardly cool, crossing her legs and wearing a small smile. “Concerns? Such as?”
“Have you given any thought to my suggestion from last year about having a boob job? Plus it looks like you’ve spent too much time in the sun without sunscreen. You have freckles on your nose, shoulders, and arms. You need some intensive skin treatments. Just say the word and I can have you in a private, discreet clinic tomorrow morning. They can do the surgery and the skin peel all at the same time. You stay there a few days and then recover at home.”
Ina had broached this subject with Billie before and received a chilly reception. Billie had as many issues and insecurities as the next person but she’d long made peace with her breasts.
“I don’t want a boob job. I didn’t want one last year and I don’t want one now. My boobs are fine. They’re better than fine. They’re great. I may not be a D-cup but I haven’t had any complaints.”
Not that Billie had dated lately. In fact, her social calendar had been sparse in the last year. It was hard to keep a boyfriend around with Tyler as her best friend. Men didn’t like to compete and never seemed to understand that she was just a friend to the movie star. They always assumed she was sleeping with him.
Scratch that. Everyone assumed she was sleeping with him.
Ina checked her phone before turning her attention back to Billie. “You’ve had one now. The producers thought your reading was good but they’re concerned you don’t look glamorous enough.”
“The role is for a waitress,” Billie replied, exasperation in her tone. “How glamorous do they want her to be? Just how big do her boobs need to be?”
“It’s their show and they want boobs.”
Billie wasn’t enjoying the way Ina was looking at her, like there was something wrong with her and not this fucked-up town.
“I’m not getting a boob job.”
Ina heaved a sigh. “You’re not understanding what I’m saying. This isn’t a gentle suggestion like last year. If you want to work in this town, you have to play the game, Billie. Frankly, no one gives a shit that you’re a good actress. We have thousands of those in Hollywood. You have to be willing to do what needs to be done.”
“Is this what you think too? You think I should do it?”
Billie had a real phobia about doctors and hospitals. Nothing good ever seemed to happen in a hospital, at least when she was there. And she didn’t give a rat’s butt that it was a private clinic. It was the same thing and it probably had that smell. Antiseptic and illness. It was always the same and she wanted no part of it. If her life hung in the balance, she’d have the surgery but this was elective. If other women wanted to do it, that was awesome, wonderful, fantastic. No judgment here. But her? Not going to happen. She had to psych herself up for a week just to have her yearly physical.
“I think if you want to work, you need to have it done.” Ina threw up her hands. “And since you’re not willing to use your relationship with Tyler Gaylord to get ahead–”
“Stop,” Billie commanded, her anger rising. “Stop right there. He’s my friend and doesn’t deserve to be used.”
Ina stood and gathered up her purse and phone. “Think about what I’ve said. The part is yours if you want it but only if you have the surgery. Billie, you’re a good actress but you have to think about your appearance. It’s what will put you over the top of other good actresses with mediocre looks. Honestly, I don’t think I can get you any roles if you’re not willing to do this so you need to think hard and make the right decision. Now I need to go or I’m going to be late.”
Billie just wanted her agent to say what she fucking meant.
“Are you saying you’re not going to represent me if I don’t have the boob job?”
Ina smiled sadly. “I think that you and I have come to the end of our professional relationship. You’re a sweet person and I wish you all the best. I really do, Billie. But this business might just be a little too shark-infested for you. Maybe it’s time for you to go back home to your family and get married, have a few kids. Be like everyone else. Where do you come from? I don’t think you ever said.”
It was like taking a punch to the solar plexus. In one fell swoop she’d lost a role and her agent. To add insult to injury, Ina wanted to shuffle her out of town. Billie stood on shaky legs and put her purse strap over her shoulder. She’d walk out of here with as much dignity as she could muster. No way would Billie allow Ina to know how much this moment hurt.
“Nowhere. I don’t come from anywhere.”
It wasn’t the whole truth but certainly there was nothing there to go back to. The only home she’d truly known was with Tyler, and even he didn’t know where she came from. And if she had anything to say about it, it would stay that way. The past was best left where it was.