Seasoned with Grace by Nigeria Lockley Page B

girl. “Ethan, do you know how many times I’ve had alcohol poisoning or ingested too many pills?”
    Ethan shrugged his shoulders. “I lost count after my first two years of working with you.”
    â€œAll they’re going to do is pump my stomach, hook me up to an IV, and get on my nerves. I’ve already thrown up multiple times. I’m good.”
    Ethan brushed one of her stray strands of hair out her eyes and turned Grace’s face toward his by gently nudging her chin.
    Staring directly into his eyes, Grace felt naked. She squirmed on the edge of the step, prepping herself for the sermon that was bound to follow his direct stare and his gentle stroking of her hair.
    â€œWhat in the world happened here?” Ethan asked in an accusatory tone, pointing to the mess that was still on her living room floor.
    â€œI’ve got a little history with Javier Roberts—”
    â€œI know that story already, Grace. He discovered you and photographed you exclusively for about five years, more or less.”
    â€œThere are things about our relationship that neither you nor anyone else in this world knows about.”
    Ethan sighed and clutched his forehead. “Is this going to be a problem when it comes to filming? I hope not. I can call Javier and smooth things over, hopefully.” Ethan walked to the window and planted his feet shoulder width apart and continued speaking to Grace with his back to her. “This is a big deal, Grace. Javier fought for you to have this role. Right now he’s the only person in the western hemisphere who is willing to take a risk on you. He said that only you could portray the soul of this character. Do you think you can do it?”
    Grace rocked back and forth on the steps. Of course she could bring this character to life—this character was her—but she didn’t want to. She’d lived enough of her pain in the public’s eye on Front Street, Broad Street, and Main Street. This film was where she drew the line.
    â€œDid you hear me?”
    â€œNo. I cannot do this role. I can’t.” She rose to her feet, using the banister to support her still weak legs.
    â€œYou can.” Ethan turned to face her. “You can.” He repeated these words until they were face-to-face again. “Javier believes in you, and so do I. Let me get back to the office and try to smooth things out, since you missed an important preproduction meeting and screen test.”
    Grace grabbed Ethan’s arms. “Please don’t leave me here alone, Ethan.”
    â€œOne of us has to do damage control. Stay here. Get yourself together, and I’ll see you in the morning.” He kissed her on the cheek and patted her hand softly before departing, leaving Grace alone with her guts on the floor.

Chapter 15
    â€œArnie, I did not call for a doctor. Don’t let him up here,” Grace said, holding her forehead.
    â€œHe says his name is Dr. Sternberg, and Mr. Summerville sent him here.”
    Grace rolled her eyes. “You know, I’m not in the mood for this,” she grumbled half to herself.
    â€œListen, Ms. King,” Arnie said in a whisper as he leaned in close to the intercom’s camera. His forehead glistened like a full moon in the camera shot, and his earnest emerald-green eyes demanded Grace’s full attention. “I don’t know what the deal is with this doctor, but he’s on his cell, telling his secretary to get Summerville on the phone, because he’s getting paid regardless. Just let him up. What’s the worst that could happen?”
    â€œGo ahead and send him up.”
    Grace changed out of her pink cotton nightgown and into a pair of turquoise yoga pants and a black racerback tank in an attempt to make it look like she was returning to normalcy. Her fridge was still pretty naked, except for the leftovers of the magical soup Candace had whipped up the night before. Grace was pretty