I’m gambling everything on it being the first option.
When Josh and I get to the rehearsal venue, we set up my computer in the conference room, and then I lay out a plate of Danish before brewing fresh coffee.
“I can’t believe you bought pastries for that douche,” Josh says with a hint of disgust.
I shrug. “It’s all well and good to destroy an evil, money-hungry dickwad, but we don’t have to be barbaric about it.”
It’s not long before Liam and Angel arrive, but I don’t even have time to hug Liam before Kent strides into the room. He looks around at the others.
“Elissa, I’m disappointed. I thought this was a private invitation. I was looking forward to some quality alone time with you.”
I swear to God, I hear Liam growl.
“Please,” I say, keeping my eyes on Kent as I put a hand on Liam’s arm. “Take a seat.”
When Kent sits, I pour him coffee and offer him a Danish. He munches on the pastry and gives me an inquisitive eyebrow.
“Okay, so, I’m here. What’s this about? We need to make it quick because I still have to brief Liam and Angel on their interview tonight.” He gives us a smug smile. “Against all odds, the saga of their Epic Love continues.”
“Actually, that’s what we’re here to discuss.”
I gesture to Angel, and she steps forward. “Anthony, I know you think you’re acting in our best interests by keeping up this facade, but enough is enough. We want to use the interview tonight to break up. We can say we’ve drifted apart. at working and living together has taken its toll. Let the fans down gently.”
Kent stops chewing and stares at her. Then, he frowns. “Um . . . okay. Let me think about this for a second.” He swallows. “No. Next topic of conversation.”
Liam takes a step toward him, but I grab his arm. He jabs a finger at Kent. “We’re not your puppets, you piece of shit.”
“Yes you are,” Kent says, infuriatingly calm. “And you’ll dance until I tell you to stop or I’ll make sure you never work again. I made you and Angel stars. Me. You’d both still be doing soda commercials if I hadn’t come along.”
“And we’re super-grateful, Anthony,” Angel says, matching his snarky tone. “But we made you, too. You’ve gotten very rich by exploiting us, so forgive me if I don’t feel bad for telling you to go fuck yourself. You’re fired.”
Liam crosses his arms over his chest. “After today, we never want to see you again.”
Kent laughs. Actually laughs, like he’s having a good time. “I’m not sure how else to say this to get it through your thick heads. No, you’re not firing me. No, you’re not breaking up. No, to all of it. Capital N. Capital O. I’d write it down, but Liam wouldn’t be able to read it.”
Everyone in the room tenses, and Josh has to physically restrain Liam, who snarls at Kent, “You prick!”
I stand in front of Liam to calm him down, but really, I’d like nothing more than to watch him smash his fist into Kent’s bastard face.
Instead, I take a deep breath and plaster on a smile.
“Okay, Anthony, so, this is how it’s going to work. Either Angeliam breaks up tonight in an exclusive heartbreaking interview with Tori Bell, or we give her this.”
I press a button on my laptop, and a film clip starts. Kent isn’t the only one who can create fake news reports.
“Hollywood is reeling tonight amid allegations that high-powered Hollywood agent Anthony Kent has been demanding sexual favors from his famous clients. After revealing photos emerged of Kent in a clandestine clinch with megastar Angel Bell, a Hollywood insider has revealed that Kent is well-known for using his professional influence to manipulate young actresses into fulfilling his voracious sexual appetite.”
Pictures come up on the screen showing Anthony and Angel in what seems like an intimate embrace. One of his hands is on the back of her head, and the other is grasping her breast. The expression on Angel’s face suggests she’s not enjoying it. More photos appear, and in each one Kent appears more aggressive.
“The high-profile agent was caught cornering Miss Bell on the opening night of her Broadway debut, despite Bell’s fiancée being only yards away. The photographer who took the pictures said Kent physically intimidated the actress before pawing her roughly. After several tense minutes, he let Bell go, and she quickly escaped to take her place back on the red carpet. If these allegations turn out to be true, Kent could be blacklisted by his big-name female stars, as well as being liable for various criminal charges.”
When I turn to glance at Kent, I’m thrilled to see he’s gone as white as a sheet.
“This is bullshit,” he says. “I was helping fix her dress. Nothing more.”