Southern Comforts by Joann Ross Read Free Book Online Page A

potential subjects.
    â€œRoxanne has already agreed to give you coauthor credit.”
    â€œWhich still means she’d get fifty percent of a book I wrote.” Fifty percent less Mary Lou’s agency percentage of both their earnings, Chelsea amended, growing more and more uncomfortable with this entire situation.
    â€œActually, Roxanne suggested an eighty-twenty split. With you getting the larger share.”
    â€œI don’t get it.” Chelsea blinked. Her fingernails drummed a rapid staccato on the wooden arms of the cream suede chair as she tried to figure out Roxanne Scarbrough’s angle. From what she’d witnessed in the greenroom, generosity was not the woman’s strong point. “What’s the catch?”
    Mary Lou frowned. “You and I have a seven-year relationship.” There was an unfamiliar edge to her usually smoothly modulated drawl. “Surely you aren’t implying I’d suggest anything that wouldn’t prove beneficial to your career?”
    Chelsea winced inwardly. Terrific career move, insulting your agent. “I’m sorry. Of course I’d never imply any such thing.”
    Her recent restlessness made it impossible for her to think while sitting still. She stood up and began to pace, her short pleated skirt swirling around her thighs.
    â€œIt’s just that I can’t figure out why Roxanne would want me to work with her on her autobiography.”
    â€œThat’s simple. Thanks to the Melanie Tyler interview, you’re currently the hottest young writer in town. She also read your Vanity Fair article and decided that you’re very good at what you do.”
    â€œI suppose I should be flattered,” Chelsea said reluctantly, pausing in front of the Ming vase. It really was lovely.
    â€œThis isn’t about flattery. It’s about money. As I told Roxanne, you’re got a helluva career ahead of you. It certainly wouldn’t hurt her to hitch her already successful wagon to your rising star.”
    â€œEven if I were a reincarnation of Truman Capote, why would she be willing to give up such a large portion of potential earnings?”
    â€œThat’s simple.” Mary Lou folded her hands on the topof her glossy desk. Her smile reminded Chelsea of a Cheshire cat. “She has this idea—and by the way, I agree—that the book, like her consultant agreement with the Mega-Mart stores, will serve as a marketing tool for all her other projects.”
    Eventually making her far more profit than royalties from her autobiography would ever earn, Chelsea considered.
    â€œThat makes sense.”
    â€œAlthough she’s extremely talented, Roxanne’s true genius has always been marketing,” Mary Lou agreed.
    In spite of herself, Chelsea was tempted. It certainly would gain her a great deal of international exposure, since Roxanne Scarbrough was a household name all over the world. But still, the idea of working with the unpleasant woman was less than appealing.
    On the other hand, eighty percent of a guaranteed bestseller was nothing to sneeze at.
    â€œHer last three books stayed at the top of the Times list for six months,” Mary Lou said.
    â€œThe offer is tempting,” Chelsea admitted reluctantly.
    â€œIt could catapult you into superstar ranks. Then, of course, there would be the additional audience you’d pick up. An audience that would provide a built-in market for your novel. When you get it finished.”
    â€œHopefully in this lifetime,” Chelsea muttered. Heaven help her, she could feel herself being drawn to the bait. Which wasn’t all that surprising, since she could probably name five writers off the top of her head who’d push a rival beneath a crosstown bus for the opportunity she was being offered. But still…working with Roxanne Scarbrough?
    As much as she liked and respected Mary Lou, Chelsea reminded herself that the agent could be devious. Especially