I sat up in bed and felt Tank place a hand against my bare back. “I’m being interviewed today?”
“Of course—I told you this would happen quickly. By attaching your wagon to Julian West’s train, this is now a story. And it’s a big one for the entertainment industry. They know that there are all sorts of little Julian West junkies out there crying for news about what film he’ll direct next. Since that movie is based on your book, you’re a natural part of that story, so it’s a win for you and a win for Wenn. The AP is doing the interview, so expect it to go everywhere by week’s end.”
“Are they going to photograph me today?”
“Do you honestly think I wouldn’t have complete control over that? That I’d give you over to the wolves so easily? Wenn will supply the publicity shots, which will be taken tomorrow afternoon. Aura has agreed to shoot you again. Bernie and I will style you. Then we’ll supply the AP with the shots they need. You just need to show up and be prepared to bring it for Aura, whom we already know will do well by you.”
Tank got out of bed, found his boxer shorts, put them on, and then shot me a look while he mouthed the words, “I’ll make coffee.”
I blew him a kiss. “What else do I need to be prepared for?”
“For your life to completely change by the end of the week.”
“No pressure there.”
“As if you haven’t heard it before. I’ve been kind and have prepared you for the pressure. I’ve been honest with you about everything that’s ahead of you. Now, it’s happening. I’ve already spoken with Iris. She told me that you are ahead of schedule, and that your book will be finished this week. She had nothing but praise for you. She said that you’ve been nothing but professional.”
“So has she—unlike Marco.”
“Agreed. Now, there’s something else you need to be prepared for.”
“What’s that?”
“Every winter, Wenn Publishing has this big, showy party where it debuts its spring books and authors. They hold it at the Garden Court at the Frick, and I have to say that it’s sublime. Since your book will be released in a few months, you’ll be among the authors Wenn will recognize. You’ll be going to that party.”
“You can’t be serious. Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
“Because I needed you to focus on your book, which you’ve done. There was no need to apply more pressure onto you. Not that this is much pressure. It’s just a party, Lisa—not the guillotine. All you need to do is show up with Tank on your arm, mix with the crowds, be prepared to be photographed a few hundred times, and answer several dozen questions.”
“From whom?”
“Key members of the press will be there who will want to talk with you. But this event is more than that. Patrons of the arts are coming. Members of society also have been invited, mostly because this is Wenn. And Wenn means Alex, whom they adore. Where Alex goes, a fair deal of the book goes.”
“I can’t believe you’re throwing all of this at me today. Are you coming?”
“Of course I am. Not that you’ll need me. Well, maybe you’ll need me a little. Doesn’t matter. Soon, you’ll be a pro at all of this. And I can guarantee that you’ll have a fine time at the party. Because of the billboard and the ad in the Times, people have already been asking if you’ll be there. When the AP story hits, even more will ask if you’ll be present. So, you know, you’re going.”
“Will Iris be there?”
“Naturally. She’s your editor.”
There was no use fighting her about this, so I resigned myself to it.
“When is this party?”
“Two weeks—give or take.”
“I assume you’ll send me an email and let me know the exact date?”
“Let me jot that down.”
“You’re so helpful. Promise me this,” I said.
“I never make promises.”
“What does that even mean?”
“I don’t make promises because I’m old enough to know that sometimes they can’t be kept.”
“Fine. Then at least consider this.”
“Why do I suddenly feel cornered? Why do I feel as if you’re setting me up?”
“You mean like you just set me up?”
She sighed. “What do you want me to consider?”
“That when this week is over, all of us—you, Iris, Jennifer, Alex, Tank and I—will go out to dinner.”
“You expect me to eat?”
“Seriously?”
“You better have a good reason for that.”
“I do have one. I’d like to celebrate the completion of my book with my friends. I’d like Iris to be there so I can thank her publicly for all of her hard work. I think she needs to be recognized for what she’s pulled off under a fair amount of pressure. And I’d like to be with everyone again, just like most of us were over the holidays. I miss being with Jennifer and Alex. Are those reasons good enough for you?”
She hesitated. “All right—you deserve a little soiree before the bigger soiree. You’ve worked hard, you’ve been through hell, you’ve handled a ridiculous situation better than I ever imagined, and what you’re about to face today won’t be easy either. While dinner never would be my first choice, I will admit that those reasons at least give your dinner a point.”
I shook my head. “Great. So, I’ll take care of it.”
“The hell you will. Given your love of zombies, you’d probably take us to someplace like Brushstroke in Tribeca, with its plates filled with raw or—worse!—live food squirming on a plate, frightened for its life as knives and forks hover over it. You’re so cruel, Lisa—you really are.”
“Oh, I am not.”
“Just let me take care of the details. I’ll gather the herd. I’ll find someplace suitable and we’ll shoot for this Saturday night. By then, your book will be finished, your photo shoot will be in the can, and the AP story on West and you will have been out a day or two. Then, we can shop for the Wenn Publishing party. By the time you attend that, you’ll be the rising star that division needs. Everyone will recognize you.”
“I could care less about that. But if you’re going to handle dinner, don’t you dare take us to some salad bar,” I said.
“Cut me some slack, Ward. When it comes to choosing pretty much anything, I never fail. In fact—if nothing else—I nail.”
* * *
And after one hellish week, which culminated on a Friday with a story that hit thousands of newspapers and blogs due to the AP’s massive reach, my life did change. Blackwell called me the new ‘It’ girl. I told her not to get ahead of herself.
“My book could still flop,” I said to her on the phone when she called.
“Not a chance,” she shot back. “Not with this kind of publicity. Have you read the story?”
“I read it.”
“Are you pleased?”
I admitted that I was.
“Have you seen the pre-orders on Amazon?”
“There are pre-orders on Amazon?”
“From which cave must I pull you out of? In what world do you live?”
“Oh, I don’t know—the world of work. The world of finishing a book. The world of photo shoots and interviews, and now a party on the horizon that I need to gear myself up for”
“Oh, my dear. Do I have news for you.”
“What news?”
“Since that article hit today, you have many, many more interviews now ahead of you. Entertainment Weekly. The Hollywood Reporter. Variety. People magazine. The New York Times. The L.A. Times. And that’s just a few when it comes to print. As for television, you’re looking at CNN, Entertainment Tonight, and if we’re very lucky, it looks as if Charlie Rose is interested. And there are scores of others, all important. You’re on the verge of a massive breakout. But I already told you that would happen. After all, you’re a best-seller again.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Seriously, Ward?”
“Just
answer my question.”
“Because of today’s AP story, you’re back into the top 100 of Amazon with a pre-order for your book. Want to guess how high?”
“I have no idea.”
“Are you even in control of your career?”
“I think you are. How high?”
“You’re at number three.”
“In the whole store?”
“Why would I waste my time telling you that if you weren’t?”
“I can’t believe it.”
“That book already was a number-one best-seller when Wenn took it over and then pulled it down. It will go to the top spot again. And then it will hit all of the lists when it’s released. You’ll see. We’ve had it all mapped out.”
“You make it sound so easy. As if you could do it for anyone.”
“And that’s where you sell yourself short. We’ll hit each of the lists because you’ve written a strong book. ARC copies were sent out yesterday for review purposes. When we release the book in two months, we will be well armed for success.”
“Success that I need to share with people in person. I’ve only talked briefly with Jennifer this week because I’ve been so busy. She’s been staying with Alex because she thinks I need my space, when really I just want to see her. And talk with her. Not on the phone, but face-to-face. It’s been two weeks! What do you have planned for tomorrow night?”
She told me.
“Oh, that’s not bad.”
“Not bad? It will be fabulous. We’ve eaten there before.”
“Does everyone know?”
“Do you seriously think that they don’t know?”
“And all will be coming? Including Iris?”
“Yes, including Iris. Eight sharp at JoJo tomorrow evening.”
JoJo was just off Lexington on Sixty-Fourth Street in a narrow townhouse that was frequented by locals and only rarely by tourists. “What will I wear?”
“The Prada dress I’m sending over to you this afternoon as a congratulations for all of your hard work.”
“You did that for me?”
“Of course I did that for you. And for myself. I don’t exactly want to be sitting next to someone who’s decked out in some unwanted, marked down piece of shit from Century 21.”
“Actually, if you spend a few hours sifting through the racks, you can find a real bargain—”
“That word again!”
“Well, it’s true. You can. You liked one of the suits I bought from them.”
“A fluke.”
“A find.”
“Whatever. Since your runaway boobs have yet to come running back, I just hope the damned thing fits. If it doesn’t, I need you to call me straight away, and we’ll figure out something else for you to wear. Bernie isn’t going to style you tonight—it’s just dinner, so why would he?—but I’ve done my best with a proper dress. Go with a soft flip for your hair—so it just curls up from your shoulders, like you usually do—and wear just a touch of makeup. You have beautiful skin, so you don’t need much. If you want, you could go with a bold lip because you have thin lips—draw just slightly outside the lines. You’ve seen how Bernie does it for you. If you do that, you should be fine. But if you show up looking like a wreck, I’ll have your ass. Why? Because Bernie and I have taught you how to do it right. So, I’m warning you. Don’t screw it up.”
CHAPTER TEN
Later that evening, when Tank and I arrived at JoJo, Cutter stepped out of the limousine and checked the street. Only when he felt it was safe, did he motion for us to exit the car and step onto the sidewalk.
Tank was dressed in a black suit and a gold tie with a black overcoat. He looked beyond handsome. I was wearing the sleek, champagne-colored Prada dress Blackwell had sent to me—which fit perfectly—and the cashmere coat she’d given to me a few weeks before because at that point, I was too poor to own a proper coat of my own. I’d also borrowed a pair of Jennifer’s Jimmy Choos, and was wearing the jewelry Tank had given me at Christmas.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked as we moved away from the limo.
“Absolutely. I can’t want to see Jennifer and Alex. It feels like it’s been forever. I wanted to have lunch with Jennifer this week, but there was no time. I’m dying to see her. We were texting up a storm this afternoon about what we were going to wear tonight, and I might have asked if I could wear a pair of her shoes, which I think she’s immune to at this pint. I’m always stealing her shoes.”
“I wonder how Blackwell and Iris will get along.”
We walked toward the restaurant’s entrance. “What do you mean?”
“Just a feeling I have.”
“What kind of feeling?”
“They’re different, but at their core, they’re two strong-willed women.” He shrugged. “I don’t know—I’ve never seen them in a social situation outside of Wenn before, but I have a feeling that this evening will be memorable because of them. Neither ever wants to give up the last word.”
“I’m sure they’ll be on their best behavior. Tonight’s a celebration.”
He kissed me on the cheek. “Indeed, it is. Let’s hope certain people behave, because you deserve this.”
He opened the door, and we went inside where the woman at the front desk gave me a look of recognition. “Lisa Ward,” she said.
That took me aback. How did she know who I was? The article had just come out yesterday. “Yes,” I said. “We’re having dinner—”
“Of course,” she said, offering to take our coats. “We’re so pleased to have you here. It’s an honor, really. I’m eager to read your book when it comes out.”
She actually knows who I am? What the hell?
“Your guests are waiting for you inside. Please, follow me and I’ll show you to your table. We saved the best table and the best seats for you. The first round of drinks is on the house. It’s our pleasure. If anyone interrupts you, please let us know. We’ll make certain that you’re left alone.”
“And so it begins,” Tank said, his hand against my back.
As for me, I didn’t know exactly what had just begun—but it was something. And as nice as the woman was, it felt surreal as hell.
* * *
Our table was in the back of the house. As we went through the curtains that separated the two dining rooms, I saw my friends turn to us, and I gave them a little wave along with a big smile. Jennifer got to her feet at once and came over to give me a hug.
“It’s been too long,” she said.
“My zombie peeps have been keeping me busy. I’m now including Blackwell among them.”
“I’m so proud of you. You’re everywhere. The AP story was fantastic. This has been your dream since we were kids, and here it is, smack in front of you.”
“Actually, ‘smack’ is the right word.”
“You’ll adjust.”
“I’m beginning to wonder.”
“You have no idea how much I’ve missed you,” she said. “It’s only been two weeks, but it feels as if it’s been months.”
“I was going through withdrawals.”
“Twin Separation Anxiety Disorder.”
“You’ve had it, too?”
She pulled away from me with a wink. “I did, but now I’m cured.”
“With the exception of when Alex and you were on the island, I don’t think we’ve ever spent that much time apart.”
“Let’s not do it again anytime soon.”
“I want to talk to you about Singapore.”
“Later. Tonight is all about you.”
I looked behind her and saw Alex, who was dashing as always. Six-foot-two, gleaming dark hair raked away from a chiseled face peppered with stubble, full lips, and eyes that were the color of the sea. They were his best feature—blue-green and framed by thick lashes. He was wearing a navy blue suit with a white button-front shirt opened at the throat.
I gave him a hug, kissed him on the cheek, and in his ear, whispered, “Thank you for everything.”
/> “There’s no need to thank me.”
“I think we both know differently. So, please—let me thank you for all of it.”
“You’re very gracious, Lisa.”
“What I am is grateful.”
“That’s some dress,” Jennifer said.
“Barbara sent it over for me.”
“It’s perfect.”
I lifted my foot. “And how about these heels?”
“They look oddly familiar…”
“Thanks for letting me borrow them.”
“What’s mine is yours.” She looked over at Tank. “And don’t you look handsome.”
“Lisa makes me look good.”
“Nicely said,” Alex said. “I’m stealing that line.”
Tank shrugged. “What’s mine is yours.”
We laughed at that before Blackwell cleared her throat. “Are you finished fawning over each other? It’s getting embarrassing. Take your seats, for God’s sake. Lisa and Tank—you’re next to me.”
“You’re so bossy,” Jennifer said.
“What I am, my dear, is the law.”
I put my hand on Iris’ shoulder and welcomed her before Blackwell interrupted again. “Lisa,” she said. “The dress—divoon.”
“I love it. Thank you so much.”
She was seated opposite Iris and was facing the room, as Tank and I would. I took my seat next to Barbara, and Tank sat next to me. We were well paired—Jennifer was opposite me, and Tank was opposite Alex.
“I don’t know about any of you, but I’m dying for a drink,” Iris said. “I’ve been thinking about having a martini all day.”
Blackwell raised an eyebrow at her. “Really, Iris? Already embracing the cliché? So soon in the evening? Is that it?”
Iris, who had dressed beautifully for dinner in a fitted black dress that accentuated a lovely figure I never would have known she possessed given the way she usually dressed, leaned forward in her chair and leveled Blackwell with a look. I’d never seen her with makeup on before, or with her unruly red hair pulled away from her face in a tight chignon. I thought she looked elegant—and formidable.
Unleash Me, Vol. 2 (Unleash Me, Annihilate Me Series) Page 7
