Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Am not,” Hannah says with a frown. “I mean it depends on the definition.”
“Nope.” Riley takes her hand. “We’re not talking about this. Good night, everyone. See you in the morning.”
They walk off, and I think Hannah’s started to cry.
“Hey, you could be nicer…” I stop because I’m talking to Shelby and that’s like talking to a brick wall.
Shelby frowns my way. “I thought I was being nice. I told her she was all trustworthy and shit. I said I like some of you. You’re not all boring.”
I groan because I am not arguing with her tonight. “You know what, keep doing you. I’m sure it works out great.”
I’m done for the night. I kick off my shoes and look over and Luca is still talking to the producers, though Joe seems to have left the scene.
I’m tired and still anxious from thinking we’ve been found out. The accusation opens a pit in my stomach, but I also know that when he shows up this evening, I’ll welcome him.
And be very, very quiet, though with the dramatic exit of the contestant formerly known as Tiara Kate, I’m by myself in the west wing, a long way from the room Riley and Hannah share, and even further from Ashley F and Shelby.
“Anika, could I speak to you for a moment?”
I turn and one of the many producers who are all over this production is standing a few feet from me. I don’t know his name because they kind of all look alike. They’re all thirty-something dudes in suits that cost more than I make in a year. They’re the guys who got the job because their dads or uncles are the executive producers or studio heads. One of these guys I recognize as Jessica’s great nephew.
“Yeah,” I reply, though all I want to do is run up to my room and wait for Luca because we need to talk.
After he does that thing with his tongue. I’m a little stressed.
He glances over as though trying to make sure no one is listening in. He gestures for me to follow as he walks over to a far corner, away from where the crew is cleaning and resetting the ceremony space.
“My aunt wanted me to talk to you,” he says.
Ah, now I know who I’m talking to. Thad Wallace, Jessica’s third and current husband’s brother’s youngest son. It’s a lot, but knowing the hierarchy is a PA’s best friend. “I haven’t been able to talk to her. I can’t exactly ask the director to break sequester.”
“She doesn’t want you to. She’s seen the dailies and is thrilled with how the project is going,” he says quietly, his hand in his pocket. “You’re doing great, Anika. You’re the perfect counterpoint to Shelby.”
“I would think that would be Hannah.”
“Oh, no. Hannah’s got innocent-girl vibes, but you’re like the girl everyone wants as her friend,” he explains. “It’s going to be a great finale. We’ll tease the hell out of it that Reg chooses Shelby, and the whole world will be relieved when he picks you.”
“He’s picking me? Uh, I thought we didn’t talk about stuff like this.” Now I’m the one making sure no one’s listening in.
He waves that off. “You’re in the business, not one of these wide-eyed know-nothings. You know how this works. Anyway, she said she had a project for you and wants an update in the morning. She’s insistent. She’s checking out Helms, isn’t she? She’s going to give him the new franchise?”
If she hasn’t told him, I can’t. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He sighs as though he knows he’s hit a brick wall. “I think you do, but you’re one of those rules followers, aren’t you?”
“Your aunt is the one who set the rules, so yes, I’m going to follow them,” I reply. “Is she coming to the set?”
He pulls out a tiny cell phone. “She’s in Sydney negotiating with one of the studios there. She wants to hit the ground running as soon as Helms is done with this project. If I’m right, he’s going to hand everything over to us and the editors and take his place at the head of the biggest production Pinnacle has ever backed. Is that going to be a problem? I don’t know what my aunt is doing, but I get the feeling you have some say in it. Which is weird because you’re nobody. At least you were until this show. I guess now you’re going to be the queen of Ralavia.”
“That hasn’t been determined yet.” I take the cell and slip it into the bodice of my dress since no one thought I needed pockets. “So she’s going to call me?”
“Before the shoot starts in the morning,” Thad affirms.
At least I’ll be able to give Jessica what she wants. Harper has tried to get Joe to hit on her, and he didn’t go for it. He’s been perfectly professional with me and all the other contestants. He kind of treats us like his kid sisters or daughters. Joe is seemingly kind and thoughtful.