“You’ll be expected to do things like take meeting notes, pick up lunch, edit, copy and deliver scripts—” Lena stopped abruptly when her office door flew open.
Devon turned around, and her eyes landed on the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. His dark, wavy fade, and thick, shapely eyebrows framed dazzling hazel eyes. Deep dimples softened his chiseled jawline. His lush lips broke out into a sheepish grin when he stared at Lena, revealing two rows of perfectly straight white teeth. His smooth bronze skin looked as though it’d been tanned, and his lean muscles bulged through a snug gray V-neck tee and slim-fitting jeans.
Devon sat in a frozen state of hypnosis. She could not take her eyes off of the man she now realized was Ryan Roberts, the star of Here to Stay.
“Hey, Lee, sorry to interrupt,” he said, his smooth, deep voice filled with charm.
“No, you’re not,” Lena replied, propping her hand underneath her chin. “But anyway, what can I do for you?”
Ryan opened the script that had been rolled up in his hand. “I was just reading over my lines, and I noticed that in act two, my character’s auditioning for a supporting role in some cheesy horror flick. I thought we discussed Travis’s acting career being taken more seriously.”
Lena sat back and crossed her arms. “Yes. We did.”
“So…I was wondering whether we could have my character audition for something more meaningful, like a part in a controversial indie film.”
Lena uncrossed her arms and leaned forward. “First of all, you and I are both being rude. I’m in the middle of a meeting with my new production assistant, Devon Jacobs. Devon, this is Ryan Roberts.”
Ryan looked down at Devon, then quickly approached her with his hand extended. “My apologies, Devon. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” she said, forcing herself not to squeeze his hand too tightly. When Ryan turned his attention back to Lena, she grabbed her denim jacket and covered the roll of flesh hanging over her jeans.
“So what do you think, Lee?” he asked. “Is that doable?”
“Let me talk to the producers, Ryan. They’ve got a very clear idea of how your character’s arc will play out this season. I don’t know if edgy independent films fit their vision.”
Ryan grunted loudly. “Oh, come on! How is my character ever gonna grow and develop into a serious actor if he—”
“What do you think, Devon?” Lena asked, abruptly cutting off Ryan. “You’re familiar with the show and have seen all the episodes, haven’t you?”
Devon hesitated, her eyes shifting from Ryan to Lena. “Um, yes…I have…”
“Good. So hypothetically speaking, if you were a writer on the show, and Ryan came to you asking whether you could change the nature of his audition, what would you do? And before you answer, keep in mind your decision could very well alter the trajectory of the episode, if not the entire season.”
Devon inhaled sharply. She watched as Lena tapped her fingernails against the desk. Ryan moved in so close to her that Devon could feel the heat coming off his body. She swallowed hard, her chest tightening from all the pressure.
“Well…” she began, “what uh, what if Ryan’s character did in fact go out for a horror movie audition—”
Ryan sighed loudly and grumbled under his breath, but Devon couldn’t make out what he was saying.
“Go on,” Lena said, giving her a reassuring smile. “We’re listening.”
“So maybe Ryan’s character could still audition for a horror film, but the movie would be more along the lines of Jordan Peele’s Get Out, or Alejandro Amenábar’s The Others. Those are both scary movies, but they’re unique and well-done.”
Lena stared at Devon through squinted eyes while nodding her head. Ryan’s slight grin was filled with curiosity. Their reactions encouraged her to continue.
“Ryan’s character could also audition for the lead in the movie as opposed to a supporting role. That would highlight his character’s career growth as the second season progresses. But by keeping the horror genre intact, there wouldn’t be much change in the storyline.”
Devon held her breath as she awaited their reactions. She watched while Lena opened her laptop and began pounding the keyboard. Then Ryan walked around to the front of her chair and held his hand in the air.
“Gimme a high five, girl,” he said. “I love that idea. See, Lena? Here you were about to make a big deal out of nothing, and your new PA came through and saved the day.”
“You’d better watch it before I write you out of the entire episode,” Lena snarked before turning to Devon. “So look, I actually like what you came up with. It could work. I’ll need to run it by the writers and producers, but who knows, maybe your idea will make it into the script.”
Devon gasped and covered her mouth. “Are you serious? That would be so exciting!” She looked up at Ryan, who was staring down at her.
“If your suggestion does make it into the script,” he told her, “I owe you a drink.”
This cannot be happening, Devon said to herself, suddenly feeling as though someone had kicked up the heat. “That uh…that would be great,” she told him.
“Okay, cool. Thanks again for offering that up. And, Lee, thanks for hearing me out. You already know how much I appreciate you.”
“Only when you get your way. Now let me finish up with Devon. I’ll see you later on the set.”
“Later!” He threw up a peace sign then strolled out of the office.
After he closed the door, Lena pointed at Devon. “Looks like somebody already knows how to handle herself under pressure. In this business, that’s vital.”
Before Devon could respond, she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. She quickly grabbed it and saw a group text message from Caroline.
Hey, all. Please wrap up what you’re working on and meet me in the conference room in five. Thanks, C.
“Let me guess,” Lena said, “you’re being snatched away from me already.”
“I am. Sorry. But as soon as I’m done with my next assignment, I can check back in with you.”
“Sounds good. And hey, keep offering up constructive input like that and you just may find yourself sitting in the writers room.”
Devon resisted the urge to let out a scream. “I will. Thank you again!”
She practically floated to the conference room. On the way there, her cell phone buzzed again. It was a text from Gabby.
Hey! How’s your first day going so far?
Devon sent her a quick response. Excellent! So much to catch you up on.
So happy to hear that. Dinner and drinks after work at The Grove?
It’s a date. I’ll text you when I’m done.
Devon stepped inside the conference room. The other PA’s were already there, buzzing about their day. Devon joined right in the conversation, laughing as Cameron explained how he’d embarrassed himself by tripping over a gaggle of cable wires right in front of the entire crew while walking across the sound stage.
“Okay, gang,” Caroline said, breezing through the door. “How’s everybody doing? Cameron, I heard about your accident. Do we need to send you to the hospital?”
“No, I think I’m gonna make it,” he joked, covering his face in embarrassment.
“Glad to hear it. I’ve got a few more things to go over with you all before you leave for the day, including tax and benefit info.”
As Caroline passed out folders to the group, Devon’s cell phone buzzed again. It was a text from Lena.
Great news. Your idea is in. The writers are reworking the scene right now. Good work, rookie. Make sure you hold Ryan to that drink…
“This is unreal,” Devon said, so taken aback that she didn’t realize she’d spoken aloud.
“What’s wrong, Devon?” Caroline asked.
“Oh…nothing. Sorry,” she replied, grabbing her folder and pulling out the paperwork. But she could barely focus, because now all she could think about was the script and possibly hanging
out with the Ryan Roberts.
Chapter Eight
Devon sat at the corner table in Lena’s office, banging away on her laptop as she typed up meeting notes. It was Friday afternoon, and her first week with Fingers Crossed Productions had been grueling but productive. She’d learned more in those five days than she’d thought possible. From picking up various screenwriting tips to working with the sound and lighting techs, the experience had already proven to be invaluable.
As she continued typing up notes, Devon snapped her fingers when she reached the page detailing her script suggestions. Ryan’s character would now be auditioning for the lead role in a horror movie about a vigilante serial killer determined to restore order in a post-apocalyptic town filled with zombies.
Think Dexter meets The Walking Dead, the notes read.
“Love it,” Devon said aloud while adding the description to her document.
But the script wasn’t all she was excited about. When she and Gabby went out to dinner Monday evening, Devon had been prepared to order a juicy bacon cheeseburger, truffle fries and glass of wine. But after hearing Gabby order the spinach salad and sparkling water, she changed her mind and followed suit.
Then when Gabby announced that she’d be starting a juice cleanse the next day, Devon asked if she could join her. Gabby happily spent the rest of the evening explaining all the health benefits, but she had Devon at quick weight loss. After dinner, the pair went to the grocery store and purchased fruit, vegetables and protein powder, then started the cleanse Tuesday morning.
For Devon, juicing had been far from easy. But despite the initial headaches, hunger pangs and bouts of irritability, she’d stuck with it all week and didn’t cheat one time. She still had a few more days to go, but her five-pound weight loss was all the motivation she needed to keep going.
Devon’s thoughts were interrupted when Lena burst through the door. “Hey, you’re still here?”
“I am. Just finishing up these notes. I love what you came up with for Ryan’s character’s movie audition. Dexter meets The Walking Dead. That’s so clever.”
“All thanks to you. You’re the one who got that ball rolling. When I told everyone about Ryan’s concerns with the script, they just moaned and complained. But when I shared your idea, they loved it.”
“I’m just glad I could help.”
Lena began straightening up her desk and throwing things in her bag. “Well, you’ve had quite a week. Why don’t you call it a night and finish up those notes on Monday?”
“Are you sure?” Devon asked, glancing down at her watch. It was almost six o’clock.
“Positive. Go on and enjoy your weekend.”
“Thank you, Lena,” she replied, closing her laptop. “So far, this experience has been…everything.”
“Hopefully it’ll only get better.”
“I’m sure it will. See you Monday!”
Devon gathered her things and headed toward the exit. On the way there she texted Gabby, letting her know she was going home.
I’ll stop by the store and pick up more spinach for tonight’s green juice, she typed; she was so busy staring down at her phone that she practically crashed into Ryan.
“Whoa, heads up!” he said, grabbing her shoulders.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” she uttered, lightly slapping her forehead. “I was texting Gabby and not paying attention to where I was going and…” Devon’s voice trailed off when she noticed the amused expression on Ryan’s face.
“It’s all good,” he said, giving her shoulders a slight squeeze.
Devon felt her skin tingle underneath his warm touch. Her tense muscles relaxed underneath his grip. She stared into his gaze and could’ve sworn she saw something more than concern.
Girl, please. Get over yourself, she thought, remembering that Ryan never mentioned that drink he’d promised if her script idea was accepted.
“Hey, by the way,” Ryan said, “since your script suggestion was green-lit, I owe you a drink. Are you free tomorrow night?”
Devon just stood there, blinking rapidly, certain she’d misheard him.
Ryan stared at her, cocking his head to the side. “So uh…should I take your silence as a no?”
Devon snapped out of her hypnotic state of shock. “No! No. Wait. I’m sorry, what’d you say?”
“I asked if you’re free for drinks tomorrow night,” he repeated, a little slower this time.
“Yes,” she finally managed to eke out. “I’m free.”
“Cool. Let’s meet at the Sunset Tower Hotel bar at seven. I’ll text you the address.”
“That sounds good. Thanks,” Devon replied, digging her fingernails into the palms of her hands in an attempt to contain her excitement.
“All right, see you then.” Ryan turned and headed toward his dressing room, then spun back around. “Hey, Dee? You look different. Did you change your hair or something?”
Devon ran her fingers through her curls and shook her head. Then it dawned on her. Ryan had probably noticed her weight loss.
“Nope, same style.”
“Oh, well, whatever you’re doing, keep it up. It’s working for you. See you tomorrow.” He winked at her, then walked off.
Devon just stood there, her breathing shallow, as she watched Ryan.
This isn’t happening. Is this really happening? This can’t be happening.
She continued to question the encounter until her cell phone buzzed. It was a text from Gabby.
Hey! How’s your day going?
Phenomenally, Devon typed. Can’t wait to tell you all about it. I’m heading to the grocery store now.
Awesome, thanks! I’ll try and get home as soon as I can.
Devon exited the building, wondering whether she should stop by the Beverly Center in search of a new outfit for tomorrow night.
Chapter Nine
“Listen to me, Dev. You look absolutely stunning. Look at your waist. It is completely snatched!”
Devon turned and looked in the mirror again. She put her hands on her hips and studied her image. She and Gabby had gone shopping earlier that day and picked up the fitted cream cashmere sweater and navy pencil skirt she was wearing. She’d paired the outfit with nude stilettos and rose gold jewelry. While she had to admit she looked good, she couldn’t help but feel self-conscious.
“I don’t know, Gabby. Everything’s just so…tight.”
“It’s formfitting, not tight. You’ve lost weight and it shows! Trust me, you look amazing and that outfit couldn’t be more flattering. Do you really think I’d send you out looking crazy, to go hang out with Ryan Roberts no less?”
“I guess not…”
“Of course I wouldn’t. Now get out of here before you’re late. Sunset Boulevard traffic on Saturday nights can be a nightmare, you know. And more importantly, have fun. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that Ryan’s a celebrity. He’s a cool guy and has no ego.”
“Good to know. And I won’t let thoughts of Jason throw me off my game considering he’s the last man I hung out with…”
“I’m sorry, who?” Gabby asked, her face wrinkling in disgust. “That man shouldn’t even be on your mind right now. You’re in a whole new state living a brand-new life. Don’t taint this exciting moment by bringing him up.”
“You’re right. I guess I’m still scarred and feeling insecure after the way he treated me.”
“Listen, chalk all that up as a fluke. Jason was a friend who ended up not being as good of a person as you thought he was. He’s in your rearview mirror at this point. Just keep looking ahead.”
“Thank you, Gab. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. And yes, I’d better get going so I won’t be late.”
Gabby hopped up and followed Devon outside.
“Hey, quick question,” she asked. “Have you seen Lisa’s Instagram account lately?”
Devon opened her car door and slid inside. “No, I’ve been too busy with work. Why?”
Gabby stared down at her feet. “I
was just wondering. Does she know about your meet-up with Ryan tonight?”
“Lisa hasn’t returned my last few phone calls. So no, she doesn’t. She must be so busy juggling Charles and Brandon that she’s forgotten all about me!” Devon looked up at Gabby and noticed her solemn expression. “What’s going on?”
Gabby took a deep breath. “Listen, you know I’m not a messy person. But I think you should keep your business to yourself right now. Things are going really well for you, and they’re only going to get better. So you need to watch out for haters, and people who don’t wish you well.”
“Wait, are you talking about Lisa?” Devon asked before bursting out laughing. “Come on, she’s like a sister to me! I know she wants to see me win.”
“Okay, well… Check out her Instagram when you get a chance,” Gabby replied cryptically. “But not tonight. Just focus on having a good time with Ryan. I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home.”
“Thanks!” Devon said, so elated with the night ahead that she forgot all about Gabby’s warning the minute she drove off.
*
Devon arrived at The Tower Bar with four minutes to spare. Just as she approached the two model-like hostesses manning the door, her cell phone buzzed. It was a text from Ryan.
Hey, D! Stuck in traffic & running late. Had an audition out in Malibu. Be there soon as I can.
Just as Devon wrote back letting him know she was at the bar, the stick-thin hostess wearing thick layers of nude makeup and waist-length platinum blond extensions cleared her throat.
“Good evening,” she breathed haughtily. “Do you have a reservation?”
“I uh…I’m not sure,” Devon stammered. She turned around and saw a group of impatient-looking patrons gathering behind her.
“Are you meeting someone here?” the other hostess with the shaved head and neon white teeth asked.
“I am. Ryan Roberts.”
The hostesses turned to one another, their botoxed faces contorting into subtle expressions of shock. The one with neon teeth frantically scrolled through her tablet. “Yes, Miss Jacobs. Please, follow me. I’ll show you to your seat. Mister Roberts hasn’t arrived just yet, but he called in advance to let us know he’d be late. He placed an order for the house champagne and appetizers of your choice.”
She Gets What She Wants Page 6
