Damage Control (The Hollywood Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page A

Nothing more. I’d like for you to set the record straight.”
    The corner of Lauren’s mouth twitched at her choice of words, and even Grace felt her tense features relax into a smile.
    “No pun intended,” she added. “What do you think we should do? Give a press conference, stating that I’m straight?”
    Lauren firmly shook her head. “That would only drag attention to that gossip rag that most people don’t even know exists. Besides, the more you swear you’re not gay, the more it’ll look like you’re either in denial or outright lying.”
    “But I’m not!”
    “That doesn’t matter,” Lauren said. “We both know that perception is everything in this business.”
    Grace slumped against the back of the leather chair. “So you want me to just do nothing? I can’t afford any negative publicity right now. My new movie is premiering in two months, and I need it to do well at the box office, especially after my last movie didn’t gross as much as the studio had hoped.”
    “What’s the new movie about?” Lauren asked, appearing genuinely interested. “Some love story set in Georgia, right?”
    “Yes. I’m playing a widow from small-town Georgia. Her husband died in a farming accident, and she stopped believing that life has anything good in store for her.” Grace realized that the Southern accent that she’d worked on for months was back full force, and she tried to shake it off. “By the end of the movie, she finds her faith again and a good man to love.”
    Lauren tapped her chin. “Hmm. I have to admit that doesn’t sound like the kind of movie that would benefit from having the media out its lead actress.”
    “No,” Grace said, gritting her teeth. “It sure doesn’t. So, what can we do to stop this madness?”
    “In my experience, one of two things will happen. One,” Lauren raised her index finger, “some starlet is caught driving under the influence or something else happens in Tinseltown that draws the paparazzi’s attention. They’ll simply forget about you. Or, two…” Lauren lifted her middle finger as well.
    “I don’t think I’m going to like option number two,” Grace murmured.
    “Two,” Lauren said, “if it’s a slow news week or something else happens that gives those gay rumors any ammunition…”
    Grace shook her head. “Nothing like that will happen; I can assure you.”
    “Okay, then let’s hope for option number one.” Lauren looked as if she’d prepare for option two nonetheless. She sent Grace a warning glance. “From now on, refer all media inquiries to me. If you do address the press, keep it short and simple. Remember that you can’t be caught lying or dodging questions, or your credibility will be shot.”
    Grace nodded tersely.
    “Lay low for a while and stay out of the headlines,” Lauren continued in the same stern tone. “No parties, no drinking, no warm embraces with other actresses that could be construed as something more.”
    It irked Grace that Lauren thought she was one of the fun-loving party girls. Come on. What do you care what she thinks? But she couldn’t change her nature. She cared what people thought of her, always had and probably always would. Her livelihood depended on people liking her. “I’m not into any of that anyway.”
    “Embraces with other actresses?” Lauren asked, a tiny smile lurking at the corner of her mouth.
    Against her will, Grace had to smile as well. She felt herself relax a little. “Drinking and partying. I don’t mind the embraces—in a strictly platonic way, of course.”
    “Of course,” Lauren said, now completely serious again.
    “So that’s it?”
    Lauren nodded. “Yes. That’s our plan of action. Letting the fire die down by not pouring more fuel into it. It also wouldn’t hurt for you to be seen out and about with that handsome husband of yours, as long as it doesn’t seem like you’re putting on a show for the press.”
    That would be much harder to do. Her interactions with