of work. She even wondered if one day he could possibly help her become less of a control freak, although that was still very much up in the air.
The set was all abuzz about episode seven. Rob was pacing the soundstage and Whitney, normally not a fixture on the set, was wandering through the dressing rooms wishing everyone luck. This episode was more than important; it was positively essential for the success of the season. It would air in just over three weeks and audiences had to accept not only the character of David, but also the actor who played him.
Luke had to make a positive impression on millions of viewers.
No pressure.
If Luke was feeling the stress of it all, he hid it rather well. Elle had watched as he took his place on set. He was dressed to the nines in an Armani suit and scarlet-red tie. Since the role of David McKenzie was of the head of security for the casino, he would consistently be seen in such a dapper state. Luke’s normally wavy locks were smoothed back with just enough gel to make him look sophisticated without coming across as creepy. She watched him as he fixed his cuff links with ease and took direction from Rob, who continued to stalk the stage. He appeared to be ready for his close-up. Ready to be welcomed into the homes of millions of home viewers and if his demeanor was any indication, it was going to be a huge success.
Whitney glided from the dressing rooms, holding a magazine, a huge smile plastered across her face. When she reached Elle, she thrust the copy of Us Weekly into her hands.
“Great news. Turn to page thirty-five.”
Elle thumbed through the magazine and landed on the page where the editors polled their readers. This week’s poll focused on the character of Desmond.
“Desmond of Follow the Sun has been making waves during season four and rumor has it Nolan Rivera is leaving the show. Do you think Desmond deserves to win Molly’s heart?” Elle read the poll aloud.
“Eighty percent, Elle! Eighty percent of readers don’t like Nolan’s character anymore. That’s golden. Golden!”
Elle was delighted, looking at the pie chart that depicted just how out of favor Nolan’s character had become. The viewers were ready for a change, and she was ready to give them one. She hugged the magazine to her chest.
“This . . . is even better than I’d hoped.”
“Eighty percent is something to celebrate!” Whitney slid into Rob’s chair, right next to Elle.
“Well, not yet. First, they have to fall in love with him.” Her eyes drifted back to Luke, who was nodding along to Rob’s directions.
Whitney followed Elle’s stare before leaning back in her chair, placing her hands behind her head. “Somehow I don’t think that’ll be a problem.”
“God, I hope you’re right.” Elle’s bottom teeth dug into her lip.
“You’re still worried he clouded your judgment?”
Elle nodded, closing her eyes with embarrassment.
“I was there, too, remember?” Whitney insisted. “He’s a good actor, I promise. I wouldn’t have let you hire him if he wasn’t.”
“True. And the table read went fine, so that’s a start,” Elle added, trying desperately to match Whitney’s level of confidence and enthusiasm. She knew, however, it would be impossible. No one was as invested as she was in this show, and that would never change. America had to fall in love with David McKenzie and they had to want Molly to as well.
Elle watched as Gina, her hips swaying in a confident strut, strolled to Luke. She was dressed in a business suit with a skirt that rested a few inches above her knees. The tank beneath her blazer dipped into a low V, exposing a generous amount of cleavage. Normally, Gina’s cleavage would have no impact on Elle, but this time said cleavage was uncomfortably close to Luke—and she didn’t like that. Her teeth clenched and her hands balled into fists as she observed them.
Whitney leaned in close to Elle. “You have to get used to seeing them like this.”
Elle’s teeth remained clenched, but she opened her hands and placed them into her lap. “I know.”
Whitney patted Elle’s leg softly. “Chemistry is good. We want chemistry.”
“You’re right, I know. This is just . . . it’s all new territory for me, that’s all.”
“I get it. But this too shall pass.” Whitney stood and blocked Elle’s view of her two leads. “I gotta run. Good luck today and let me know how it goes.”