of that.”
Blake’s soldier readily agrees.
Well, I guess that means I can’t discuss my script with Zoey. That sucks. She could be helpful since she knows the show so well. Read over what I’ve written and make suggestions. Even fix lines and typos I miss. Take dictation. My stomach tenses at the daunting task that lies ahead. Will the action hero make it as an action writer?
With this ponderous question weighing on my mind, I follow Blake to the exit door. As I’m about to split, Libby corners me.
“So glad to finally meet you. Give my best to Zoey.”
My brows shoot up, “You know her?”
“Yes. My brother Chaz is dating her brother.”
“I didn’t know that.” The truth is I don’t know much about Zoey at all.
“I’m surprised she never told you.”
I heckle. “Maybe she mentioned it once, but I must have forgotten.” That’s likely the truth too.
Blake, checking his briefcase before he leaves, chimes in. “Libby and Chaz happen to be my wife’s best friends.”
Confused, I say, “Five degrees of separation.” Part statement, part question.
Libby corrects me. “In this town, it’s more like two.”
I laugh lightly. She’s right. Given her connections, I bet she knows my fiancée. I give it a shot.
“Do you know my fiancée, Katrina Moore?” I ask after Blake and the others take off.
She snickers. “Sure. Everyone knows your fiancée. She’s America’s It Girl.”
“I mean, do you know her personally?”
She gathers up her belongings. “I have to go. I want to start writing up the focus group report while the findings are fresh in my mind.” She extends her right hand, the one that’s not holding a giant tote bag. “Really, so great to finally meet you, Brandon. And way to go on the season finale story direction. I can’t wait to see the episode.”
I shake her hand. My mother always said if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all. Libby totally avoided my question. There’s no doubt in my mind she has nothing nice to say about Katrina. Does anyone?
Five minutes later, I’m back outside. The night air is crisp and I walk briskly back to my car. Ideas for the season finale are already spinning in my head. The idea of Kurt Kussler finally acknowledging his feelings for his assistant Mel feels right to me. With all the emotional and physical obstacles my alter-ego faces, I just don’t know how he’s going to get there. I only wish my assistant Zoey could help.
Zoey
I have a terrible case of the uglies. I’m not talking a bad hair day, major zit, or bloat. I’m talking hate, jealousy, and anger. I hate Katrina. I’m jealous of her. And I’m angry with myself for feeling the way I do.
It’s seven o’clock. Brandon must be back on the Conquest Broadcasting lot watching the Kurt Kussler focus groups. After my meeting with Pops, I came home and put together a file of the people who would be attending from the network and show. Rather than reviewing it with him face to face, I texted him and told him that I was leaving it on the coffee table. He texted back with one word: Fine. While I should have been relieved, disappointment rippled through me. I was expecting him to ask me to meet with him. Wishful thinking. I’d set myself up for a letdown. An emotional slap in the face. Reality stung. He was probably too busy fucking Katrina. Finishing what they’d started in the afternoon.
That tormenting image moves to the back of my mind as I picture the focus groups. I wish I could be there and hear what viewers think about Kurt. I did a focus group once when I was a masseuse—to test out a new line of aromatherapy oils and lotions. It was a lot of fun. I got to give my opinions and I even got paid one hundred dollars. Plus, the beauty supply company gave all the participants a bagful of their expensive products.
I imagine what it would be like to be in the Kurt Kussler focus group. While I change into some comfy sweats, I play a silly game in my head: Intimate Focus Group of One.
Moderator: “What do you think about the character, Kurt Kussler?”
Me: “Oh my God. He’s so sexy. Every word that comes out of his mouth makes me swoon.”
Moderator: “Be more specific. What exactly do you like about him?”
Me: “His sultry voice. His gorgeous body. Those piercing violet eyes. The way he moves. His fearlessness. His