Page 69 of One Kind Hand

He might actually hit me. Austin had to do something to throw some water on this.

“I’m not trying to get rid of you,” he said. “I just think you’re overreacting to everything today.”

When Cody’s eyes flared, Austin actually glanced around for an exit.

“Overreacting to the fact that I’ve done my job for you and you’re not grateful. You were late today for a role I got for you. You want to cancel an important interview I got for you.” Cody’s voice had risen and a few people still working nearby sent them glances. “Then you tell me to leave Vermont. What’s next?”

“Dude.” Austin put up both his hands, making a calm down motion. “I’m grateful for everything you do for me. You know that.” He dared to take a step closer to Cody. “You and I both know how you saved me—and my sisters—when you slid me your business card all those years ago. I will always be in your debt.” Encouraged when Cody’s face softened a little. “How about if I call Charlie and tell her I’ll be a little later than I expected? I’ll do the podcast thing.”

“You will?”

“Yeah. You’re right. Interviews are good promo and if this Katie Shaw is as popular as you say she is, then it’s a no-brainer to do it. I’m sorry I was so flippant about it. I can always stand to gather more fans, right?”

“And Katie Shaw’s demographic is slightly younger than those who normally watch your movies. It’ll expand your reach.” Cody sounded more like himself, spouting good business practices.

“Of course.”

Cody tugged on the sleeves of his suit coat, a calming gesture Austin had seen him do many times. “Okay.” He rolled his neck and cleared his throat. “I have a call scheduled with Chad’s agent in thirty minutes. I couldn’t get a hold of her earlier. I’m going back to the suite for that call.” He pointed a finger at Austin. “You promise you’re going to do that podcast interview, right?”

“You have my word.”

“Do I also have your word that you won’t be late for tomorrow’s filming?”

“Swear on my soul, I’ll be here bright and early.”

Cody grunted and walked away, his phone to his ear.

Austin blew out a breath. He didn’t like going several rounds with Cody. They were more than agent and client. They had been from the beginning. Cody was only ten years older than Austin and they’d carved their way through this Hollywood stuff together. He couldn’t picture himself being managed as well by anyone else.

Tapping his phone, he called the hotel and asked someone to bring a selection of chocolates and wine to Cody’s suite. That ought to smooth over any residual pissed off vibes Cody still had. Hopefully Melanie could further turn Cody’s mood around.

Austin made his way to his rented sports car in the studio’s parking lot. He should swap that baby out for something more suited for Vermont. The slap of cold air that hit him before he climbed into the sports car told him snow might be a possibility any day now. He was no stranger to snow, having grown up in New York, but he mostly relied on private drivers to get him around the city. When securing a car for Vermont, he’d told Cody to go for fun. He should have said function. Easy enough to rectify before he had to go to Maplehaven.

Less than an hour later, he drove back to the hotel in a sleek black SUV with silver detailing that gave it an upscale look. Hopefully Charlie would consider it an improvement over the sports car.

When he reached his room, barking on the other side of the door told him Berto had been returned. Inside his suite, Austin sat on the couch and called Charlie as he let Berto climb all over him. “Yeah, I missed you too, buddy.” He scratched the Chihuahua’s small head.

“Hey, Mr. Movie Star.” Charlie’s voice filled his ear and he nearly sighed over hearing her.

Man, I’m totally gone over this woman.

“How much trouble did you get into with Cody?” she asked.

“A fair amount,” he admitted. “So much I had to promise to do a podcast interview I forgot he scheduled for tonight.”

“So you’re not coming?” Her disappointment got him right in the chest, but he liked that she was as gone as he was.

“I’m still coming. Just later if that’s okay.”

“Oh, sure.” She sifted out a breath. In relief perhaps? “That’s fine. The plans I’ve made are not time dependent.”

“There are plans?”

“Of course. What am I, a cavewoman? I know how dates work.”

He laughed. “I’ll try to wrap up the interview quickly.”

“Because you’re dying to see me?”