Page 22 of One Golden Summer

“I’m so glad I met you. In quieter moments, I’ve been staring out at the beach, wondering if I made the wrong decision moving here. Meeting you has completely turned it around, so thank you.”

“My absolute pleasure.” Kirsty meant it, too. “Plus, the profile you did on the town’s website has already got us some new business, so we owe you, too. Let’s talk guest list. You’ve said you’ve got friends coming. What about family? Parents? Any other siblings?”

A shadow passed over Ginger’s features. “It’s just me and Saff. My parents aren’t with us anymore. I might invite a couple of my cousins. But I reckon about 30 people on my side, then perhaps some of the locals, which I’ll look to you for.”

“Leave it with me,” Kirsty replied. “This party is going to be exactly the relaunch your new life deserves.”

Chapter 8

Saffron sat on a bar stool at her kitchen island, doodling on the backside of one of the pages of theGirl Racerscript, kicking her legs freely.

Her agent’s name flashed on her phone.

Should she answer? Ignore?

The phone stopped ringing.

Good.

It started again.

Not good.

“Hello.” Saffron attempted to sound as breezily as possible.

“Why are you ducking my calls?”

“I was on the treadmill and couldn’t answer in time.” Saffron closed her eyes, embarrassed by the obvious lie. Like an amateur, she hadn’t even faked being out of breath.

“Were you on the treadmill for twelve hours yesterday?”

“I hadn’t unpacked my phone charger until this morning.”

“Uh huh.” Pearl sounded as unconvinced as a parent holding a spliff while her teenager claimed she had no idea why it was in her room. “Have you read the script?”

“I have it in front of me right now.” At least that much was true.

“And?”

“And, what?” Saffron smacked her forehead with her free palm.

“Can I tell them you’re on board?”

“I haven’t finished reading it yet.”

“They’re not going to wait forever.” Saffron could picture Pearl’s snarl looking so much like the attack dog she claimed to be.

“I completely understand if they want someone else for the role.”

“They don’t!” Pearl released a whoosh of air. “This production can’t go on without you. Hundreds of people won’t get work because of you. Is that how you want this to play in the press?”

“Gee, thanks for that guilt trip.” Or was it a threat? Would Pearl stoop to that level? Would she seed stories about her own client acting like a spoiled brat to get Saffron back in line?

“It’s the nature of the business. Are you holding out for more money?”

“Not at all.”

“Then what’s wrong? I can’t help you if you don’t tell me.”