A Safe Space (Someone Else's Fairytale Book 4) by E.M. Tippetts Read Free Book Online

wish I had some lower profile job. A few national commercials or a cartoon or a supporting role in something. This situation is just… It’s beyond stressful.”
    “It’s a funny business we’re in, isn’t it?” he says. “Your only real option right now is a role most actresses would kill for.”
    “I could use some advice.”
    “All right. From a business vantage point, I say stick with this show because the network put real money into promoting you and you don’t want to leave them in the red. I would, however, push back if they try to make you into just a sex object. This was a show with real substance, and you don’t want it to turn into one that just has you stripping off every week in America’s living rooms. I suggest we get you an interview and photo shoot with a top-end publication in which you decide the degree you want to go with this whole angle. I would suggest you not pose in a dominatrix outfit.”
    “Oh, well, there goes that idea.”
    “But I’d suggest you do something a little spicier than the norm for you.” He steeples his fingers again. “I’m thinking something that actually looks mature. You in a well-tailored outfit with some cleavage, form-fitting to show your figure, but no wet hair and tongue hanging out.”
    “Yeah…I’m good with that.”
    “As for any life experience you need, get drunk and hook up with a friend or something.”
    “I’m underage. I can’t drink.”
    “I was kidding.” He smiles. “Work through it with your coach.”
    “I can’t afford my coach.”
    “We can talk Sasha into some delayed payment. Clues is going forward. That money is coming. $70,000 per episode will take care of your money woes pretty fast.”
    “Okay…” I should feel comforted and reassured by this, but I’m still rattled. Even if I dress up with cleavage on display and form-fitting clothes, I have no idea how to work this angle at all, and I do not want to try to get my coach to take me on credit. I feel like I owe enough people as it is.

    Later that afternoon, when I enter the gym to burn off some nervous energy, Devon is standing in the hall that leads to the women’s changing rooms. I pause. He’s talking to some redhead with very, very fake breasts. I know a bad boob job when I see it, and her chest looks like two balloons about to pop.
    “I’m sorry if I gave the wrong impression,” he tells her smoothly. “But I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
    “I’m talking about a second date, not a relationship,” she fires back. “Don’t get a swelled head.”
    Good for you , I think.
    It doesn’t faze him. “Fair enough. I’m too busy these days. I’m sorry.”
    “Or in other words, you got what you wanted and you’re done.”
    “Look, I am really sorry if there was some miscommunication here, but I’ve got work to do and I need to get back to it.”
    This guy can change personality like a chameleon changes color. One second, he’s an arrogant twit, and the next, he’s mature and merely uninterested. Not a scammer; just a nice guy not looking for commitment.
    The redhead isn’t stupid though. She slaps him across the face hard enough to make me wince.
    He snaps his head to the side then folds his arms. “Does that make you feel better?”
    “It does, yeah.”
    “Yeah, well it’s called battery. I’m sorry we misunderstood each other, but lay another hand on me and I will report you.”
    “Whatever.” The redhead rolls her eyes and turns to leave, which means her gaze falls on me.
    I’m standing here like an idiot, watching this whole exchange.
    Her gaze is poison darts. “Excuse you.”
    “Lizzie,” says Devon. “Hey. You all right?”
    “This your girlfriend?” the redhead wants to know.
    I do not want to be in the middle of this, but perhaps it’s what I deserve. Maybe it’ll snap me out of my stupid crush on Devon.
    “She’s a friend,” he replies with way more vehemence than makes sense. “You really think I’d stand