A Safe Space (Someone Else's Fairytale Book 4) by E.M. Tippetts

other alone?”
    “Like the way you and Kyra mock each other?”
    He hunches his shoulders like I just jabbed him in the stomach. “Okay, if Kyra weren’t in a relationship, maybe. Maybe that’d be flirtation, but it’s not.” His sour expression tells me that I’ve missed something, but he changes the subject. “You’re used to being the best at what you do, aren’t you? Like, when you were a teenager, you were the most experienced actress and singer you’d ever met?”
    “I’m still a teenager.”
    “So are you scared of having to fake it?”
    “I don’t know.”
    “Nobody’s gonna see anything you don’t want them to see if that’s what you’re afraid of.”
    I chew that over a moment. “I guess that’s exactly what I’m afraid of. They’ll see that I can’t act.”
    He shrugs. “Obviously you can.”
    “And I really don’t want to kiss Kevin.”
    “Well, when you want practice kissing someone repulsive to you, you know where to find me. You can practice your game face.”
    I shake my head.
    “I was kidding,” he says.
    I back away from his car. “Listen, thanks. I’ll figure this out.”
    He straightens up and grabs the empty boxes and discarded popsicle sticks. “If Kyra ever brings Pie Pops into this gym again, I am canceling her membership. Word is, these things are going to come three to a box soon.”
    “So you’d leave me alone to deal with her and them?”
    “Yes.”
    “Okay. I think I understand how it is.”
    “Good.”
    With mock solemnity, we say our goodbyes, and I make my escape. When I glance back, I see that he is watching after me.

 
    “S O,” I SAY , sitting in Delia’s office with Julian next to me, “I’ve got five songs here I’d be willing to record, but do I have a record deal and/or any shot at getting these songs?”
    “Maybe not all of them,” she admits. “But we should try.”
    “This one’s my first choice,” I say, pointing to the song that Devon said was his favorite— Waiting To Get Over You . “I really want this one.” Kyra didn’t like it, so I know I’m being irrational.
    “Oh, well, you should be able to get that one,” says Delia. “I don’t think there’s any competition there.”
    Great , I think. Everyone in the business knows it’s not a great song, and I’m going on the opinion of a random personal trainer . I bite my lip.
    “As for getting you a record deal, of course we can get you a deal. It’s just that I’ve been trying to get you the best deal possible.”
    I nod.
    “And, sweetie, I’m sorry, but the best I can do is a hundred-thousand-dollar advance from a little boutique label willing to take a gamble. It’s owned by two women who I guess would mortgage their houses to get you on board.”
    No , I think. The last thing I need is more people overinvesting in me. I don’t want to be responsible for anyone losing her house. “Then accept a lower advance.”
    “Lizzie,” says Julian.
    I hold up a hand. “Please. I’m stressed out enough as it is with how much the network’s put into Clues . I don’t know if I can sustain a music career if I’m not singing as Veronica Pryce. I’m willing to try, I will work as hard as you need, but I’m not going to risk people’s homes over it.”
    “Your home is at risk,” Julian points out.
    “Not right at the moment. My building is underwater,” I admit. “But the rent it takes in does cover the mortgage payments.”
    “Sweetie, we’d really like to get you out of that whole situation,” says Delia.
    “Fine, but not by putting other people in the same boat. Accept a lower advance, way lower if you have to. I want them to have a publicity budget for me.”
    Julian and Delia exchange a look. “All right, dear,” she says. “I see your point.” It’s nicer than saying, “You’re the boss and I have to do whatever you say whether I agree with it or not.”
    “So I’ve got a record deal?”
    “Yes, I’ll get the paperwork done.”
    “I guess