Payback Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Boy, did you fuck up.”
    “I know.”
    “Wow.” She kept shaking her head in disbelief. “You claim you want Caden to by your book and star in your movie, but why are you really here?”
    I winced. That was the one question I didn’t want to answer; at least not answer truthfully.  “There’s no ulterior motive.  I’ve written a book, and once I get the money to back it, I’ll write the screenplay. I wrote the book with Caden in mind.”
    “Bullshit. You’re still in love with Caden and you’re hoping this wins him back.”
    “Honestly, I think it’s too late for that.”
    Ona nodded. “I’d have to agree.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Because Caden once mentioned that he preferred to keep his women at an arm’s length. He said that he had issues with trust. Now I know why.”
    I straightened up with excitement. “When?  Where?”
    “ When was only a few months ago, and where is none of your business. I like you a lot, Marie, but if Caden wanted to hook up with you, he’d have done it by now.”
    “Ona, please. Please. I need to let him know that I am so very sorry for what happened. I want him to know that a day doesn’t go by that I don’t know how much I screwed it all up. I’m trying to make it up to him by writing this book for him. By letting him have a chance to star in the movie. It’s perfect for him.”
    “ You did screw it up. I doubt you’ll get him to give you the time of day. Why not just go back to Los Angeles and get someone else to play the lead?”
    “Because I don’t have any backing , and right now the people in power are afraid to touch me.  Caden still has lots of investments in the industry and carries a big stick.  No one wants to back me if it means that Caden Kelly might be pissed off.  If he doesn’t buy the book then I can still get a backer if I get Caden to star in the project. Without him, it will probably take years for me to get someone to take on the project.”
    “Well then, it will just have to take years.”
    I shook my head. “I don’t have years. I’m out of money. As of this morning, I have $91.92 in my account and a quarter tank of gasoline. I don’t even have enough money to pay for my rent next week or enough to get home. I’ve got to find a job.”
    “You should try the ski resort or one of the hotels. They’re the only ones who might be hiring, although they probably have hired all their seasonal staff.”
    The next Saturday I was standing in line at the coffee shop waiting my turn to order at the counter. A middle-aged man dressed in black Lee Jeans and a cotton, red flannel western shirt was ordering a double latte and some food to go with it.  Doug Grindle and Shelly Pearce, the manager and barista for the coffee shop, both greeted him.
    “Max! How’s the feed business?  You guys staying busy?” Shelly asked.
    “We’re doing okay, not as well as last year, but we had a good day yesterday,” Max responded.  He had that wizened look of a cowboy that had grown up hard in Montana. The pointed boots on his feet were a solid leather that had been well worn and scuffed. Even the Stetson on his head had the appropriate sweat stain and obligatory crease that made it dip just right over his forehead. “Mr. Hollywood showed up and bought three loads of grain. I wondered if he needed that much, but Jeff says the guy knows what he’s doing.  I delivered one of the loads yesterday, and the place looks damn good. For a celebrity, he works real hard. Of course, each time he comes into the lot he causes a stir.  All the women come out of the woodwork just to drool over him.  I don’t see why they think he’s so good lookin’.”
    It was then that Doug saw me and immediately put a nervous finger to his lips to get Max to shut up. The conversation came to an abrupt end , and Shelly asked me what I wanted to eat. I gave my order, but then I followed Max out the door.
    “Max!”  I yelled , as he sauntered towards his truck with