Read Online Malibu Betrayals by M.K. Meredith - Free Book Online Page B

huge. What about acting?” his dad asked.
    Gage pulled in a breath. “I love acting. It saved me, and now I want more. I want the creativity, the chance to turn my vision into reality. I’ll still act, but I see myself slowly exchanging one for the other.”
    “You’ve always been so creative. I think this is the perfect way to dig deeper, to really see one of your visions through to fruition. You know how I feel about dipping your fingers into more than one pot. Your sister and I are behind you one hundred percent. Just tell us what you need, and keep us posted.”
    “I will. I’m really excited about this. More than I have been in a long time. It is a change I need, and it’s a chance for me to really show what I’m made of.”
    Bel shook her head. “What are you talking about? You’re one of the hottest actors in Hollywood.”
    Gage flattened his hands on the table, focusing on spreading his fingers as wide as he could while he talked. “For right now, but that won’t last forever, and it doesn’t mean anything. Not really. I can be in a movie that’s total crap and it still sells. That doesn’t say anything about my talent or worth, only the current trends and celebrity crushes. Right now I’m it, but when I’m not, what do I have left?” Flexing his fingers, he dropped his hands to his thighs. “I want respect for my talent and vision, not just fame because I’ve got a certain look.”
    “Then if it’s what you want, it’s what you’ll do. I get it,” she said.
    “There’s more. I got offered a chance to co-direct and star in a new project. It has amazing potential.”
    “That sounds like good news. Why the serious face?” Bel raised her brows.
    He sighed. “Cecilia is part of the cast.”
    Both his dad and sister leaned back in their chairs. His dad was the first to speak. “Does she have a major role?”
    “No, a small one. But you know how she is.” Gage darted his gaze to his dad’s. “Sorry.”
    Bel reached her hand out and touched the top of Gage’s hand. “Does Sam factor into this?”
    DC raised a hand. “Who’s Sam?”
    “One of his friends,” she said, making air quotes around the word “friends.”
    Gage sighed. “She doesn’t actually, not this specifically, but since you brought her up, loud mouth, things on set are fine. She’s a talented writer.”
    His sister’s eyes narrowed in that analytical way of hers, and a huge smile lit her eyes. “I’m glad it’s all working out. You know we’re excited about any plans you make.”
    Remembering last night, he shifted in his seat. He wasn’t saying another word, besides they wouldn’t want to know what was on his mind right then. And as far as Cecilia was concerned, he wanted to keep her as far away from Sam as possible. There wasn’t anything to discuss, and the little there was he needed to keep a big fucking secret.
    Gage covered the bill and a few minutes later herded them out under the back covered patio and into the bright California sun where they said their goodbyes. He and Bel stood a moment just in the shadows of the awning, chatting. “Hey, there’s a young woman over there trying not to be noticed by you. A fan?”
    He glanced over and saw Dani, Martin’s assistant, turn three shades of red at being caught. He invited her over with a wave.
    “Hey, Mr. Cutler.”
    “Gage, and this is my sister, Belina.”
    Dani shook Bel’s extended hand and ducked her head. Her mass of hair, tucked up under a messenger hat, escaped in wispy tendrils, and her fitted top matched her dark-washed skinny jeans. She had a rockin’ figure, which for some would be even more enticing due to her shy demeanor, but she seemed very young. On set, she was efficient, always on hand to help out, worked hard, and never seemed to tire.
    “Are you headed to the set?” he asked.
    Dani nodded. “Yeah, but my car decided to go on strike. Could you tell Mr. Gallagher I’ll be there soon? I called him, but hearing from you will