“Talk to me. First the Ivy and now this. What’s going on in that gorgeous head of yours?”
“It’s nothing, I just . . . It’s really easy for all of this to go to someone’s head. In some ways, it’s almost unavoidable. I’d just hate for that to happen . . .”
“It’s not going to change my feelings for you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“That’s not it.” She shook her head vehemently. “I just think it’s important to avoid all of the craziness, stay on the perimeter. The Ivy, Twitter, Facebook fans, dodging the paparazzi—it’s all very Hollywood.”
“And you think I’m too Hollywood?”
“I’m not sure yet,” she answered honestly.
“I’ve been a struggling actor for eight years. And now, I’m on the biggest show on television. Do you understand what a thrill that is for me? How it’s changed my life?”
Elle nodded, attempting to put herself in Luke’s shoes. He’d worked for years to achieve this—of course he was allowed to celebrate his newly earned success. She just didn’t want it to consume him. She’d seen it happen so many times before. When Gina first auditioned for the role of Molly, she was one of the sweetest actresses Elle had met during the casting process. But now . . .
“Of course,” she conceded, “I’m sorry. I really am happy for you.”
“Try to relax. Everything has a way of working itself out.”
She could only hope Luke was right. But her thoughts weighed heavily in her gut. As much as she loved spending time with him, having him in her life and exploring their sexual relationship, she worried they were on two very different paths. The path Luke was on led to fame, fortune, and women fawning at his feet while photographers sold pictures of him and said women to the highest bidder. The path she was on was pointed in the exact opposite direction. Only time would tell if those paths would merge or eventually split in two.
Elle, there’s a call for you on line one.”
Elle snapped her swollen eyes from her computer, wiping them with a tissue. She was in the process of writing Nolan’s last lines on the show. It was an emotional scene. After all, she was, for all intents and purposes, saying good-bye to the character of Desmond to make way for David. She’d accepted this inevitable event on her show, but knowing what Desmond represented made her especially vulnerable to carrying it out.
“Elle Riley.”
“Elle, Sebastian Crane.”
Elle inhaled deeply at the squeaky voice of Gina’s loathsome agent. Sebastian Crane was a hotshot agent who represented several big television stars. Infamous for his Napoleon complex, Sebastian had no problem hoisting his ego around town on behalf of his clients. Sebastian Crane represented everything Elle despised about the industry. He was ostentatious, pushy, and greedy as hell.
“Sebastian, what a pleasure.” Elle did her best to hide her displeasure at receiving his call. “What can I do for you?” Elle hated the facade she was forced to hide behind when dealing with Hollywood players like Sebastian. But she’d learned it was a necessary evil for the sake of her career and the show she loved so much.
“We need to discuss Gina and her future on your show.”
Elle’s gut dropped, anxiety flooding her abdomen. First Nolan, now Gina?
“I don’t understand.”
“She’s feeling a little frustrated, Elle. A little neglected. Catch my drift?”
“Umm, not at all. What seems to be the problem?” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. In what way could Gina possibly be neglected?
“Her screen time. It’s down twenty percent since last season. My assistant ran the numbers.”
“We’ve only shot the first twelve episodes. I assure you she’ll have plenty of screen time.”
Irritation spread through every cell of her body. If Gina was feeling frustrated, why didn’t she talk to Elle directly rather than sending her guard dog?
“I certainly hope so. If not, we may have a problem.”
“Slow down, Sebastian. The thing is, we’ve introduced a new character.”
“I understand that—”
“I don’t think you do. There are three main characters right now. But by the end of the season, Nolan will be gone. It’ll all work out fine. Tell your client to relax.”
“We won’t relax until after contract negotiations.”
No he did not! He did not just threaten me.
Elle took a deep breath, popped open her candy stash drawer, and pulled out a bag of Twizzlers. She took a bite, closed her eyes, and prepared to let Sebastian’s idle threat remain just that—idle.