I heard a few people mutter and was relieved to see them all returning to their morning routines.
Stephanie, the gem that she was in situations like this, diverted my attention from the paparazzi by filling me in on her job. Not only had her campaign designs for Pulse been a huge hit, she’d also been tapped to design the ads for a new perfume and a new clothing boutique. She practically glowed telling me all about it.
“Cassie told me if I keep going at this pace I’ll have her job in six months.”
I laughed. “Try to remember us little people when you’re skyrocketing to the top.”
“Stop it. What about you? How’s everything at the show?”
“So far, so good. Julian’s a trip.” I tapped my nails on the counter. “I think he’s paranoid though. He seems to believe Sam and Robbie are out to replace him with some guy from London. I can’t see why he would think that. Sam is very focused on improving the show and Robbie is one of the most talented producers I’ve come across.”
“Paranoia runs deep with those on-air people. You know how I feel about their constant neediness and always having to be reassured that they’re the best and nobody else compares and blah, blah, blah. I’ve said it before. You’re a saint to put up with that crap day in and day out. I’m surprised you don’t keep a bottle of wine at your desk just in case.”
“Maybe I should.”
“So, do you think you’ll stay there once your contract is up? I mean, you were pretty adamant about only wanting it to be for three months but that seems a little weird to me. You can’t not work. You’ll go insane from the boredom.” She paid for the coffee and we walked back out onto the sidewalk.
I did a quick scan of my surroundings to make sure no other photographers jumped out at me. A few people still stared a little too long.
“I don’t know. I like doing the whole television thing but I’m starting to get burned out, you know? I never thought I’d be doing this for as long as I have.”
“Six years isn’t that long.”
“Oh no? Working in TV news can be soul sucking, trust me.”
“What else do you want to do?”
“I haven’t a clue.” I shrugged.
“What does Alastair have to say about that? He did make you move here and take that job.”
I stopped short and gave her a look. “First of all, he didn’t make me move here. I wanted to. Second, I took the job because I thought it would be a great stepping stone for my career.”
“Okay, okay. PMS.” She put her hands up in retreat. “I suppose it’s convenient that he has dual citizenship if he wants to relocate and work out of the New York office though, right?”
“I don’t know if he’ll do that. It’s not really something we’ve ever talked about.”
“Keep the option open,” she said, pushing through the revolving doors. “What are you doing tonight? Come over and hang out until Alastair gets back from London. I’ll be home alone.”
“Um, sure. I don’t know what time he’s coming back though.” Or if he is.
“Then leave him a love note and tell him you’re at my place, naked and tied up on the couch.”
I lifted an eyebrow. “So you either want him to think he’s walking into an orgy or I’ve been kidnapped?”
Stephanie laughed good and loud as we waltzed through the lobby toward the elevators. “I suppose I should have worded that better. What time do you go off the air again?”
“Six. Unless I royally screw up and they throw up bars and tone in the first segment.”
“You’ll be amazing,” she smiled. “Come by the townhouse whenever. I’ll order Chinese.”
More magical words had never been spoken. I could already picture myself diving into a carton of egg rolls and shrimp lo mein. At some point I should really get back into my jogging routine. To say I’d been lazy since moving here was an understatement. Then again, I’ve more than made up for the lack of jogging with bedroom activities.
“I’ll be there with bells on,” I said as the doors swished open.
“Fabulous. Oh, and call your mother,” she yelled over her shoulder walking out of the elevator.
* * *
“Lia.” Meredith burst through the door breathless and flushed. “Julian is on his way. He wants more time for the interview.”
“We’re stacked pretty heavy,” I smiled, amused at her blatant fear of the man. If she wanted a career in television she’d have to shore up her intimidation factor and face these people with more confidence. “Tell him no.”
She paled and ran out. Seconds later Julian strolled in.
“Lia,” he smiled. “Love, I need an extra five minutes.”
“Five?” He must be drunk.
“Yes, five. We only have three in the segment. It was originally longer and I don’t see any scenario that will enable me to accomplish my interview in a responsible, informative manner that doesn’t include an additional five minutes.”
“So, you want to subject the viewing public to eight minutes of you and Brent Garrison?” I rolled my eyes. “No offense but neither one of you are that interesting. Besides, he’s only here to promote himself and his real estate accomplishments.”
“I’ve already looked at the next segment. There are stories in there you can bump or kill or whatever,” he said, ignoring my remarks. To humor him, I scrolled through the rundown as he continued to butter me up with flowery language and pearly white smiles. He even worked in a brief shoulder massage. There were a couple of stories I could shuffle and one I could bump to next week. I managed to finagle them without destroying the program’s flow.
“I can give you an extra two but that’s it. Don’t waste the time.”
Julian grinned triumphantly. “You’re an angel.” He rubbed his hands together and left with just as much zeal as when he entered. Leaning back in my chair, I sighed. Meredith appeared at my door, looking unsure of herself.
“Come on in,” I grinned.
“You handle him so well. I wouldn’t know what to say because he’s always talking so fast and moving from one topic to another.”
“He’s all bluster. I’ve learned over the years to let them spout off whatever they feel is so important to say and then tell them what’s actually going to happen. Being straightforward and firm with them will get you far. It all comes with time.”
Meredith flopped onto the chair in front of my desk. Conservatively dressed in a tan pencil skirt and dark blue blouse, she looked the part of a hopeful network employee; her dark hair was pulled back in a low ponytail, stylish glasses rested on her nose and her gorgeous mocha complexion glowed. She didn’t wear much make up, just a little gloss on her lips and a touch of mascara to bring out her round, dark brown eyes. She was unassumingly pretty with a shy, quiet way about her.
“Did the files I dropped off on Monday help with preparing for Mr. Garrison’s interview?”
“Absolutely. I really appreciate it.”
“Oh, good. I’ve done some additional research on him if you need to fill the extra time Julian requested.”
“I’m think I’m all set, unless there’s something else about him I need to know.”
“Well,” she looked down, “he’s gorgeous.” The blush that stained her cheeks was vibrant.
“I