Page 70 of One Golden Summer

“And do what? Even though I have money, I can’t not work. I’d go mad. I’m an actor. I just need to accept that and—”

“No. I don’t believe it’s as simple as that. You’re a creative, but there are other outlets.”

Saffron pinched her eyes shut.

“Don’t shut off. Listen to me.” Kirsty cupped both of Saffron’s cheeks. “Maybe you need to take a sabbatical. Open up a gallery here. You said last night you have an eye for art. I wholeheartedly agree. Your drawings are brilliant. Switching it up might just be the solution to your problem. And, I happen to know a shop right across from me is up for rent.”

“An art gallery!” Saffron winced from her own shriek. “Having an eye for tossing some cushions on a sofa and being able to doodle on scrap paper doesn’t qualify me to open a gallery.” She took a deep breath. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but I’m well aware I need to stay in my own lane. The acting one.”

“That’s the safe way. Come on. You’re Saffron Oliver. You’ve jumped out of planes!” Kirsty bounced up and down on the mattress.

“In movies, which I hate to break it to you, are all make believe. Besides, my stunt double does all the crazy shizzle.”

“Just walking onto a movie set takes nerve. Don’t sell yourself short in the confidence category.” Kirsty gave alevel with meexpression. “What are you really afraid of?”

“The same thing as every other sucker walking on this planet. Falling flat on my face.” Saffron slapped one hand hard into her other, the sound stinging her ears. “Mostly trust, though.”

“In general…?” Kirsty waved for Saffron to fill in the blank.

“In my abilities. In me. In you. In every part of my life.”

Kirsty’s expression softened and she took Saffron’s hand, threading their fingers together. “You can trust me.”

Saffron swept some hairs out of Kirsty’s eyes. “I do believe that.”

They kissed. A long and lingering lip lock, neither of them making a move to end it.

Right when Saffron started to explore Kirsty’s supple skin with her mouth, a buzzing sound ripped them apart. Saffron stared at her phone, wanting to take a hammer to it.

“You don’t have to look at it.”

“Wouldn’t that be nice.” Saffron still had her eyes on the device that kept her tethered to the life she wanted to leave in her past to focus on the present. “But Ginger said she might pop by this morning and it’d be rude to ignore my sister.” She swept it into her hand, groaning when the text appeared on her home screen. Saffron bolted off the bed, pacing to the large window overlooking the sea, then flipped around and strode to the other side of the room.

“I know what that signifies.” Kirsty pointed to Saffron. “It’s from your agent.”

“Bingo!” Saffron ground a fist into her palm.

“This only reinforces my belief you need a break from making movies. One text sends you over a cliff.” Kirsty sat up in bed, tugging the covers to keep her hidden. “What does she want?”

“A meeting in London.” Saffron raked a hand through her hair. “Apparently I can’t miss it. Something about there being a clause in my contract with Pearl.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow afternoon, but I think I need to go today to meet with my lawyer about this clause I’ve never heard of.” Saffron spun around, heading back towards the water, away from Kirsty’s disappointment.

“But the party’s only a few days away.”

“I know.” Saffron made her way back to Kirsty and sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ll only be gone one night. Two at the most. I won’t miss Ginger’s party. Not after pulling a no-show for her wedding.”

“Why’s this meeting so important?”

“It’s about theGirl Racerfranchise.” Saffron gestured la-di-da.

“Will Echo Black be there?”

“Yes. Not only is she my co-star, but one of the producers.”

Kirsty started to get out of bed.