At fifteen, JT Pierce was the star of a hit TV show and had the world in his hands. Every teeny-bopper magazine had his face on it; every teenage girl had his poster on her wall. But then the show went on hiatus, and JT wouldn’t lower himself to bit parts or commercials. Slowly, his star faded from view.<br><br>Seven years later, JT is Johnny Thomas, who hopes to jumpstart his career by hiring his former manager, Lou Merrin. He wants to do serious movies, a huge blockbuster or two, and claim one of those coveted Oscars for himself. But Lou cautions Johnny about the paparazzi, who can make or break a star these days, and he’s heard rumors of Johnny’s sexuality that might prevent him from landing those coveted leading roles.<br><br>Still, Johnny’s nothing if not persistent, and he swears he’ll play it straight. Until he meets Brett, a photographer who turns his life -- and his heart -- upside down. Suddenly the celebrity gossip website Z-23 seems to have exclusive pictures of Johnny, and someone close to him leaks information about an audition that was supposed to be kept quiet. When photographs surface that Johnny thought were taken in confidence, he realizes he must choose between the career path Lou offers him and the love he wants to share with Brett.

Beautiful Liar

“He has to work.” Johnny raises a hand in greeting. 


Brett sees him and nods. He looks like he’s going to say something, maybe call out to him, say goodbye, blow him a kiss, something, but his cell rings and the moment is gone. Johnny can hear the tinny jingle that Brett has set as his ring tone. “Yo,” Brett says into the phone, his voice carrying to where Johnny sits. “No, it’s not a limo. It’s….” 


Then Lou eases the behemoth into traffic and Johnny doesn’t catch the rest of what his lover says. A glance back shows Brett watching them as he talks into his phone, and he gives Johnny one last quick wave. Sitting back in his seat, Johnny sticks his arm out the window and waves wildly. The grin won’t fade from his face. 


In the front seat, Lou gives a disgruntled sigh. “Can you at least look at the script?” 


His tone sobers Johnny fast. “I read it last night,” he says, flipping through the stapled booklet beside him. 


Chapter 9