Chapter 1
One
Two years before incident
HARMONY
“You want me?” I gasp, gripping my phone tighter, not caring that I may crack it. I think I may still be in shock.
“Yes, you would be perfect for a new role in Hollywood. Trust me I didn't expect to go to my goddaughter’s high school play and find you, my dear, but I did and I need you to pack your bags and fly back to LA with me… tomorrow.”
“I still have final exams and college. This is crazy. I only performed because I was the understudy for my best friend.”
“ Then it was fate. Tell you what. Talk to your parents. I will have a ticket waiting for you at the airport if you decide to take a chance and a leap of faith. As for school you would only miss a day or two then you could complete your senior year.”
“This is all so insane. Okay. I'll talk to my mom today. Thank you, Mr. Green.”
“ No, thank you, Harmony. I hope to see you tomorrow on the plane.”
He ends the call and I stand there, staring out the window over the farm for what feels like hours.
Me an actress in Hollywood? A giggle bubbles up and slips past my lips as my brother and mother walk inside.
I have tears building in my eyes, and my emotions are just going haywire.
“Harmony, honey, what's wrong?” my mom asks as she sets the bags of groceries on the counter.
Johnny drops off a measly bag of chips, then kicks his shoes off and runs upstairs to his cave.
Probably to go play video games with his friends.
Sighing, I put my phone in my pocket and help my mom.
“Soooo… Remember last night after the show, Mr. Green, Angela's godfather, stopped me to talk.”
My mom puts the bread in the freezer, then turns to face me. “Yes, he seemed very excited to meet you. Did he call?”
Nodding, I walk over to the kitchen table and plop in a chair with a grunt. My muscles are sore from all the dance numbers last night.
I'm used to going to the library or helping around the farm. Not singing and dancing for four hours.
“He wants me to drop everything and go to LA with him tomorrow. He said I wouldn't be gone long and I could continue school and graduate… But that's just crazy right?”
My mom's mouth opens and her eyes widened. “Harmony… My God… That's incredible sweetie, but this is your life. What about college? Being a vet?”
“School will always be there, and I could take maybe a gap year… I mean what if this is a once in a lifetime experience?”
Taking a seat next to me, she pats my hand.
“Well, baby girl, it seems your mind’s already made up… Now it's time to convince your father.”
Dropping my head to the table, I groan. My dad was so excited about me getting a full scholarship to Alabama State. This is going to break his heart.
But… Sometimes Hollywood comes calling and you have to answer.
ONE YEAR LATER
“Harmony, we need you on set,” Karl shouts from somewhere nearby. I ignore him and stay crouched between a trailer and snack cart.
I can’t have anyone see me like this and going to the set is the last thing on my mind right now.
I can’t believe he did this to me. Yeah, I knew dating a famous actor ten years older than me was always meant to end in heartbreak, but he was so convincing.
God, I’m an idiot. He played me. He made me fall for him, then fucked my cousin. My eyes still burn from the images of Niko and Case messing around in my trailer. Like why couldn’t they have gone to Niko’s.
It’s three time the size of mine and there’s more room to fuck, rather than being bent over my damn makeup vanity.
Shuddering at the memory, I slide down on my ass until I can use my knees to hide my face.
“Harmony!” Janet my PA screams, and I can tell by the tone she's starting to panic. I wonder if she just walked into my trailer.
I need to get out of here. Just a day off to refresh, then I will push those pesky emotions back into a box and lock it tight.
I worked hard to land this role, and I will not be sabotaged by two assholes. Case is dead to me. He can find a new place to stay here in LA, or go back to Kansas with his tail between his legs.
After all I've done for him… to repay me in this way.
I feel sick, betrayed and just fucking done.
Climbing to my feet, I check my makeup using my phone camera then send off a mass text about some bullshit bad sushi at lunch, then begin the walk to my car.
I guess I could have messaged Ethan for a ride in the golf cart, but I enjoy walking between all the buildings that have incredible sets and sometimes running into some actors I've crushed on for years.
Being an actress was never my goal in life. I had a 4.0 GPA, I was going to be a vet, I wanted to help animals, but one performance during my senior year play, which I was the understudy for by the way, changed my life forever.
My phone buzzes a few times but I don't bother checking. I have never skipped out early before, and I am always here to do my job, so they shouldn't have any issues with me leaving.
Especially since they think I'm sick. Reaching my car, I unlock the doors with my keyfob, then climb in.
Starting the engine, I listen to the purr and sigh. I have always been into cars, especially fast ones.
My father always joked that I was his Tomboy, but it's true. Sports, cars, helping around on the ranch, I loved doing it all.
Pulling out of my parking space I almost back into Janet.
Damn, where did she come from? Waving her arms I stop and wait for her to reach my driver's side window.
“Harmony, I'm so glad I caught you. Oh wow you do look flushed. I won't keep you long. I just wanted to tell you that I received a call today asking if you would be interested in this new reality show? I'll get the details and email them to you, but it sounds like a lot of fun.”
She gives me a huge smile, and she's practically jumping where she stands in excitement.
“Umm. I don't know. Don't take this the wrong way, but don't celebs do reality after their careers are either over or in the toilet?”
Reaching for my sunglasses, I slip them on and wait for her response.
She gapes for a minute, then sighs. “You're totally right. I was just so excited when they said your costar would be Maddox Daniels.”
My eyes widen and my mouth opens. Holy hell. Maddox is my all time celebrity crush. I've been a fan since he was in some Disney show with his twin brother.
“Get me the details and we can talk later. I really need to get home.”
“Yes, babe, get some rest. Production said to take the weekend. They are going to run some B roll, and do solo scenes with Niko. Feel better and let me know if you need anything. I'm only a call away.”
Giving her a nod, she backs away and let's me finally leave. My mind is a million miles away and surprisingly Case and Niko don't even make an appearance.
Maddox fucking Daniels. Damn, working with him would be a dream… I guess it wouldn't hurt to get the script and audition.