She Gets What She Wants

by Denise N Wheatley

  Devon grabbed her phone and saw a text message notification from Lisa.

  Hey, girl! I’m out with Brandon and saw your missed call. Didn’t get a chance to listen to the voicemail. I’ll call you back later!

  “Really, Lisa?” Devon said aloud while typing her reply.

  You need to call me ASAP! I’ve got some crazy news about Jason.

  Devon sent the message, then closed her eyes and massaged her pulsating temples. For a brief second, she thought about texting Jason and asking what the hell he was thinking.

  Stop it, she told herself before pouring another glass of wine. After taking two long sips, she pulled up her article on the African art festival.

  The minute Devon began typing, that invigorating feeling she’d had while viewing her L.A. dream board was immediately replaced by heavy, oppressive dread. Her fingers felt like lead as she forced herself to fill the blank screen with words.

  The highlight of this year’s festival is undoubtedly the return of Berman’s hometown artistic hero, Amaré. His work is recognizable all over the world, and Mayor Townsend spoke of how honored he is to have Amaré debut his new line of sculptures right here at the fair.

  Devon clenched her jaws, resisting the urge to shut her computer down and go to bed. She pulled up Amaré’s website in search of information on his latest exhibit. Just when she clicked on a photo of the work, her cell phone buzzed again.

  Finally, she thought, ready to vent her frustrations about Jason to Lisa. But when Devon looked down at the screen, a notification popped up from a number that she didn’t recognize. The one thing that she did recognize, however, was the Los Angeles area code. She quickly sat up and grabbed the phone.

  Hey, Devie! the message read. It’s your high school alum and sorority sister, Gabby. Are you still interested in moving to LA? I’m living out here now and working as a wardrobe stylist on a fairly new TV show, and they’re looking for production assistants. I know writing is your dream, but a PA position would be a great start. Let me know what you think. If you’re interested, let’s talk. Luv and miss ya!

  Devon’s eyes widened as she reread the message over and over again. She’d been wondering why Gabby hadn’t attended their high school reunion. Now she knew. Gabby had moved on to balmier pastures.

  On the fourth read Devon looked up at the ceiling and mouthed the words thank you, then typed her reply.

  Hey, Gabster! It’s so good to hear from you! YES, I’m absolutely still interested in moving to LA. Writing is the goal, but a PA position would be the perfect start. Let me know when you’re available to talk. Luv and miss you, too!

  Sparks of excitement buzzed through Devon’s head. She sent the message, then opened the internet and pulled up information on moving companies.

  “Palm trees, Hollywood, sunny skies, aye!” she sang, bouncing around in her chair.

  A few minutes later, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Gabby.

  Awesome! I’m so excited! The show is a great scripted sitcom and the cast and crew are amazing. I think it has the potential to do really well. But we need more talented, dependable people working behind the scenes, so when I heard they were hiring PA’s I immediately thought of you. Are you available to talk tomorrow evening?

  Yes I am! Devon typed frantically. Call me anytime. Can’t wait to find out more!

  Cool! Chat tomorrow!

  Devon took a screenshot of her exchange with Gabby and texted it to Lisa, then closed out her article on the art festival.

  “It’s quitting time!” she declared while searching the web for resignation letter templates, knowing she was totally jumping the gun, yet not giving one damn about it.

  *

  Devon flew out of The Berman Post office and charged through the parking lot. As an unspoken rule, employees parked their cars based on seniority. Needless to say, hers was sitting way in the back.

  She felt her cell phone buzz in her pocket and panicked. Devon was rushing to get home and settled in before her six o’clock call with Gabby. Since it was only a little after five, she was hoping that wasn’t her calling early. She glanced down at her phone and saw a group text from her editor.

  “Oh no,” Devon moaned, climbing inside her car and pulling out of the lot. Nothing her boss could want was important enough to get her back in the office and risk missing Gabby’s call.

  When she stopped at a red light, Devon opened his message.

  Whoever took my stapler out of my office needs to return it immediately!

  “You have got to be kidding me,” she said, laughing while weaving through traffic. Her phone buzzed again. This time it was Lisa calling.

  “Hey!” Devon said after tapping the speakerphone button.

  “Hi! I wanted to wish you luck before your chat with Gabby. Are you ready?”

  “I am. At least I think I am. I’m trying to get home early so I can make some tea and run through my list of questions.”

  “Girl, you’ll be fine. I hope you had a decent day at work and your coworkers didn’t set you off.”

  “Surprisingly, I did have a good day,” Devon told her. “You know I got stuck with all that extra work after my coworkers quit. But I came up with some interesting pitches that were approved by the editor. I’m writing about organic pest control solutions for the Handy Household Tips column, the town’s pothole issue for the What Can Berman Do Better? column, and the benefits of drinking coffee for the Healthy Tips and Tricks column.”

  “Wow! Gabby’s text must’ve given you a nice little burst of motivation last night.”

  “It did, actually, because I also turned in a draft of my arts festival article today.”

  “I’m so proud of you, Dev. Especially considering…you know…”

  Devon let out a deep sigh before turning down her block. “Thanks, girl. And speaking of he-who-shall-not-be-named, he had the audacity to text me today.”

  “Really? What’d he say?”

  “That he’ll be back in town this weekend and was wondering if we could get together and talk.”

  “Good. I can’t wait to hear what he has to say for himself.”

  Devon snorted loudly. “Please. You’ll be waiting. I have no intention of speaking to him. I didn’t even bother to respond to his message.”

  “Aww come on, Dev. You all have been friends for way too long for all that. Why don’t you just hear him out?”

  “Absolutely not,” Devon said, parking her car and quickly grabbing her things. “I honestly can’t see myself ever being friends with him again. But listen, I’m home, so let me go get myself together for this call.”

  “Okay, good luck!”

  “Thank you!”

  Devon hurried up to her apartment and pulled out the list of questions she’d typed up for Gabby. She read through them while peeling off her snug black blazer. When she wiggled out of her ill-fitting slacks, her stomach and thighs felt as though they’d been freed from solitary confinement.

  She threw on a fluffy bathrobe and headed into the kitchen to brew a cup of chai tea. By the time she sat down at her desk, it was almost six o’clock. A few minutes later, her phone rang.

  “Hello, Devon speaking,” she said, cringing at her formality.

  “Hey, it’s Gab!”

  “Hi! It’s so good to hear your voice! How are you?”

  “I’m great. Busy, but great. How’s life in Berman treating you?”

  “Ugh,” Devon groaned. “Let’s just say I’m single, still writing for the newspaper, and looking for a change of scenery. So your text couldn’t have come at a better time. How do you like living in L.A.?”

  “I love it out here, Dev. The sunshine, the beaches, the creative energy…there’s just nothing like it.”

  “I can only imagine. How’d you end up moving out there?”

  “Last year I’d been hired by an L.A.-based production company to style the actors for a film that was being shot in Zionsville, which is a really cute little suburb right outside of Indian
apolis. Of course I jumped at the chance, and during the shoot I really connected with the company executives. One thing led to another, and by the time the shoot was over, they offered me a full-time job. They didn’t have to ask me twice!”

  “I bet! Wow. That all sounds like a dream come true.”

  “It really was. The show we’re working on now is a really funny sitcom called Here to Stay. Season one’s viewership was great, and they’re hoping season two will do even better. So when I heard they were looking to hire dependable, hardworking production assistants, I immediately thought of you.”

  A bolt of excitement shot right through Devon. “I really appreciate that, Gabby. You know I’ve always wanted to move to Hollywood and work in the television industry. This sounds like the perfect opportunity for me.”

  Devon logged onto the internet and pulled up the sitcom’s website. Here To Stay’s premise revolved around six diverse, extremely good-looking twenty-somethings from all walks of life who’d landed in L.A. to pursue their dreams.

  “I’m on the show’s site now,” she told Gabby, her legs bouncing frantically as she smiled from ear-to-ear, “and it looks fantastic. You’re really living the life, Gab. I’ve been wanting this for years, but it just seemed so impossible.”

  “Well, it isn’t. I’m proof of that. But how do you feel about leaving your family and friends behind, and parting ways with The Berman Post?”

  “I can always visit and FaceTime with my family and friends. As for the newspaper, I’m currently working on an article about pest control, so, enough said.”

  Gabby burst out laughing. “Yeah, let’s work on getting you outta there. But here’s the thing. The production company is looking to hire three PA’s immediately. And when I say immediately, I mean like yesterday.”

  “Okay,” Devon said slowly, wondering how fast she could get through the interviewing process considering she’d have to fly back and forth, probably more than once. “Will they take into consideration I’m all the way in Indiana?”

  “Unfortunately, no, not when it comes to your start date. And no pressure, but we’ve got a ton of qualified candidates already based in L.A. who’d kill for this opportunity.”

  Devon felt as though she’d just been punched in the chest.

  “But,” Gabby continued, “because I have such a good relationship with the execs and they value my opinion, I was able to pull a couple of strings for you.”

  “Really?” Devon exclaimed, so excited that she jumped up out of her chair. “What kind of strings?”

  “The kind that’ll allow you to conduct your interviews via videoconference so that you won’t have to fly all the way out here. The execs will make sure that you get face time with everyone you’ll be working with during that one call. And if they like you, they’ll make you an offer, and you’ll be on your way to Hollywood, girl!”

  “Oh, Gabby,” Devon breathed, her weakening knees causing her to fall back into her chair. “This is unreal. I mean, seriously, I can’t believe that this is actually happening.”

  “Well, believe it. And more importantly, start preparing. The name of the company is Fingers Crossed Productions. Read up on everything that you can get your hands on about it, including the partners, the staff, how they got started, all that good stuff.”

  “Fingers Crossed Productions,” Devon repeated while furiously taking notes.

  “And once you’re done researching the production company, learn all that you can about the show, the network and its parent company. You never know, Here to Stay could get canceled tomorrow. If it does, you’ll already have an idea of where else you could take your talent, in-house.”

  “Good point. Got it.”

  “And it goes without saying that you should read up on the cast members, crew, and studio. You never know what questions may be thrown at you during the interviews, so you want to be prepared for anything.”

  “Absolutely. This is so awesome, Gabby. Thank you for everything.”

  “No problem. I know your work ethic and talent, so you’d be a huge asset. Plus I’d love to have one of my girls out in L.A. with me.”

  “I can’t wait!” Devon squealed.

  “You’ll receive a call tomorrow from the production company’s executive assistant. I’m guessing that your interview will probably take place sometime within the next couple of days. And I’m warning you now. If you’re hired, they’ll expect you to be in LA and working on set within the next two weeks. So wrap your head around that and start getting ready.”

  Devon suddenly began to panic. It was all moving so fast. Where would she live? How quickly could she ship her car? What would she do about her apartment lease, and moving all of her stuff? She’d barely been able to move out of her mother’s house without having a nervous breakdown.

  “And hey,” Gabby continued, “don’t forget, I had to do all this myself not too long ago. I know it may seem hard, but it’s not. I got your back. I’ll email you an information packet that contains pretty much everything you need to know.”

  Devon held her hand to her chest and exhaled. “Thank you so much, Gab. That’d be wonderful.”

  “Oh, and when you move out here, you can stay with me for as long as you want. I live in a really cute two-bedroom guesthouse that’s on the grounds of an amazing house in Beverly Hills.”

  Devon froze, certain that she’d misheard Gabby. “Wait…you live in Beverly Hills?”

  “Yes. Can you believe that? I lucked up when our director’s sister’s forty-five-year-old son got married and finally moved out. She hooked me up on the rent, too, so with your PA salary, you’ll be fine.”

  “This cannot be happening,” Devon whispered, her eyes filling with tears. “I’ve got to be dreaming. And if I am, please don’t wake me up and make me face the reality of my current life.”

  “Nope, it’s not a dream. This is your real life, and hopefully it’s about to take a turn for the better. All you have to do is knock it out the park during your interviews, then get out here and start living your best life!”

  “Amen! I promise I’ll do you proud.”

  “I know you will. I’d better let you go so you can get to work. You’ve got a lot to cover in a short amount of time. And be on the lookout for my email.”

  “I will. Thank you again!”

  Devon hung up the phone and allowed herself a few minutes to sit there and cry tears of pure happiness. Once she got past the shock and awe of it all, she turned to her computer and pulled up everything she could find on the duties of a production assistant.

  Chapter Five

  “I cannot believe that you’re leaving me!” Lisa whined to Devon.

  “Well, believe it, girlfriend. I’m moving to Hollywood!”

  The two friends were sitting at The Fremont Hotel’s rooftop bar, celebrating Devon’s new job.

  “All right then, if you’re gonna be like that,” Lisa said with a smirk, “let’s make a toast. To your future as Fingers Crossed Productions’ newest and best production assistant. May it be bright, sweet and uber successful. You deserve it all, Dev. Words can’t express how happy I am for you.”

  Devon grabbed her napkin and dabbed the corners of her eyes. “Please don’t make me ruin my makeup,” she insisted. “But seriously, thank you. Your support and friendship mean the world to me.”

  “Back at ya, chica. Cheers!”

  Devon clinked her glass against Lisa’s and took a sip of champagne. “I still can’t believe I got through that crazy interview process. Gabby told me it would be intense, but I had no idea it’d be that rigorous.”

  “Yeah, that whole day was insane. How many people did you end up talking to? Like, ten?”

  “Yes! It felt like I was at a virtual speed-dating event. I spoke with practically everyone in the company, and each interview lasted about fifteen to twenty minutes. Then I talked to Scott, the owner of the company, for about forty-five minutes. Surprisingly that one was the easiest. We hit it off immediately.”
/>   “Hence you receiving a job offer the very next morning,” Lisa chimed in.

  “Exactly. Can you believe I’m moving to LA at the end of the week and starting my new job on Monday?”

  “I don’t think it’s really sunken in just yet. But you’ve been dreaming about this for years, Dev. It’s your destiny. I’m gonna miss you like crazy, but I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you. Too bad everybody isn’t…” Devon said before emitting a heavy sigh. She grabbed a fried shrimp, smothered it in cocktail sauce and popped the whole thing inside her mouth.

  “What do you mean?”

  “You know my editor-in-chief at the paper was livid when I resigned. But he eventually got over himself and admitted this is a great opportunity for me.”

  “Are you going to finish all those articles you’ve been assigned before you go, or dump them off on the staff like those two defectors did?” Lisa asked.

  “I’m going to finish them. I don’t like burning bridges, plus I don’t want bad karma chasing me down.”

  “I can’t imagine you’d ever have to move back here and work for The Berman Post again.”

  Devon’s expression grew sullen as she stared down at the bubbles shooting through her glass. “Working for the paper would be the least of my concerns if I ended up moving back.”

  Lisa placed her hand on Devon’s arm. “I know. And I’m so sorry. Have you heard from Jason?”

  Devon took several sips of champagne. “He’s reached out, but I haven’t responded. I just can’t. I thought we really connected the night of the reunion. And look at us now. He’s engaged, again, and I’m humiliated. And hurt. Which is why this move couldn’t have come at a better time.” She sniffed and sat up straight in her chair. “But I’m not about to let thoughts of all that ruin my night. I’ve got a move to L.A. to celebrate. And I’m giving all the credit to that digital vision board I created. I truly believe I manifested this opportunity for myself, Lisa.”