She Gets What She Wants

by Denise N Wheatley

  She gathered her things and headed over to the wardrobe department to update Gabby on the latest chain of events. On the way there, her cell phone buzzed. She pulled it out of her pocket and almost tripped over a trail of cables when she saw a text notification from Lena.

  Devon stopped abruptly, barely able to control her trembling fingers as she opened the message.

  Sorry we couldn’t chat after the table read. Nothing’s been confirmed just yet, but wanted to let you know that Charlie LOVES your ideas! Will keep you posted as we finalize the script.

  Devon’s eyes immediately filled with happy tears. She swallowed the urge to scream and managed to maintain her composure while forwarding Lena’s text to Ryan.

  Right before she jetted off to the wardrobe department, Devon was suddenly hit with a burst of inspiration. She opened an app on her phone and began typing.

  Note to Self: Do not let today’s accomplishment go to waste. Get back to work on your teleplay! Believe that the world wants to see your story about one woman’s dating woes in today’s digital world. Working title: ONE SWIPE AWAY…

  Chapter Thirteen

  “To Devon,” Ryan said, holding a glass of champagne in the air. “Thank you for saving our script. Next up? Your promotion to staff writer.”

  “I second that!” Gabby added.

  “I third that,” Vince chimed in.

  Devon grinned euphorically while toasting her glass around the table. “Thank you so much, guys.”

  The group was sitting in the middle of Catch L.A. restaurant’s beautiful rooftop, celebrating Devon’s win over drinks and dinner. Not only had the entire cast and crew loved her suggestions, but Charlie also green-lit the script and the first episode was shot that afternoon.

  Gabby once again clinked her glass against Devon’s. “I gotta do a second toast, because I’m still blown away by the fact that you’re going to get a writing credit on this script. I’m telling you, Dev, ever since you moved out here, you’ve just been killin’ it.”

  “Indeed,” Vince said, reaching over and poking Devon’s toned bicep. “Looks like that workout plan I designed for you is paying off, too.”

  “Hey, cool out with all that, man,” Ryan said, swiping Vince’s hand away playfully. “Weren’t you just declaring your love for Gabby to me yesterday?”

  “Dude,” Vince replied, throwing Ryan a look. “Whatever happened to the bro code? That convo was supposed to be between us.”

  Ryan threw his hands in the air, his distorted expression filled with sarcasm. “Oops…”

  “Don’t worry,” Devon said to Vince, “Gabby’s been declaring her love for you since the minute you two met.”

  “Dev!” Gabby gasped, pinching her arm. “Will you please shut up?”

  “Come on now,” Ryan said, staring at Gabby, then Vince. “Isn’t it obvious you two are totally into each other?”

  “Oh, is that what we’re doing now?” Gabby asked.

  “Gab, don’t start,” Devon warned under her breath.

  “Because if we are,” Gabby continued obliviously, “why don’t we talk about how you and Devon are totally into each other?”

  “Wait, what?” Ryan asked.

  “You heard her,” Vince said. “And if you were trying to hide your feelings for Dev, then you need to step up your acting skills, playboy.”

  While Gabby and Vince cracked up laughing, Devon dug her fingernails into the palms of her hands. She peeked over at Ryan, who appeared to be just as mortified as she was as he drained his glass.

  “Welp, on that note,” Devon said, scooting away from the table, “I think we’d better call it a night.”

  “Oh, ready to go home all of a sudden?” Gabby asked, nudging Vince.

  “Yeah, what’s up with that?” Vince said. “I thought we were going to Craig’s once we leave here.”

  “You all heard the lady,” Ryan replied, pushing away from the table. “Devon had a big week and I’m sure she’s exhausted.” He stood up and offered Devon his arm. “Why don’t you two go on to Craig’s, and I’ll make sure Dev gets home safely?”

  “Mm-hmm.” Gabby folded her arms and smirked at Ryan. “Thanks, but you do know that I got Devon here safe and sound, so I’m perfectly capable of getting her—”

  Devon stood up and interrupted Gabby mid-sentence. “Yes, thank you, Ryan. I’d love a ride home. Gabby, Vince, enjoy the rest of your evening.”

  And with that, she linked arms with Ryan, and the pair left the restaurant while Gabby and Vince looked on in silent shock.

  *

  “Thank you so much for bringing me home,” Devon said to Ryan after he parked in front of her house. “I don’t know how Gab and Vince do it. I couldn’t have hung out another minute.”

  Ryan turned off the engine. “I think they’re running on the fumes of excitement and lust. But it’s cool. They’d be good together.”

  “I agree.”

  The pair gazed at one another until Devon grabbed her door handle. “Thanks again for the ride.”

  “It was my pleasure. Wait, let me get that for you.”

  Ryan ran over to the passenger side and opened the door. When Devon stepped out, he stood so close that she could smell the woodsy cologne pulsating off of his neck. A bout of tingly attraction tickled her chest. She quickly slipped past him and hurried toward the door. As she slid the key in the lock, she could feel Ryan standing right behind her.

  “Are you too tired for company?” he asked.

  Devon closed her eyes, images of that terrible night with Jason flashing through her mind. She turned around slowly.

  “I am, actually…”

  She clenched her jaws after telling the lie. Devon wanted nothing more than to let Ryan in. But at this point in her life, the stakes were too high to risk making any missteps.

  He stared at Devon, his gaze hanging longingly on hers. “I understand. I guess I’m just not ready for the night to end.”

  “There’s always tomorrow, right?”

  “Right. There is. And the day after that, and the day after that.” Ryan took a deep breath and shoved his hands inside his pockets. “I like you, Devon. You’re really cool. And unique. Definitely not like the average woman working in this industry.”

  His words caused her to almost fall back against the door. “Wow. Thank you. I uh…I like you, too.”

  An awkward silence fell over the pair. Devon interrupted the moment when she turned and opened the door. “Text me and let me know you made it home safely.”

  After several seconds, Ryan finally relented. “Will do.” He leaned in and gave her a long, lingering hug, then kissed her lightly on the cheek. “Thanks again for all your hard work. I predict you’ve got a really bright future ahead of you, Dee.”

  “I appreciate that,” she said, hoping Ryan couldn’t feel her heart thumping against his chest. “That really means a lot, coming from you.”

  “All facts.”

  He held her for several seconds before pulling away and heading toward the car, his plodding footsteps filled with reluctance. Devon stood in the doorway, waving as he climbed inside and drove off.

  She remained in that spot, staring dreamily down the driveway, well after Ryan’s car was out of sight. Eventually Devon floated inside the house, eager for Gabby to come home so she could tell her everything.

  *

  “Dev… Dev!”

  Devon felt her shoulder being shaken. She opened her eyes, then squinted. The bright sunlight flooding through her blinds. Once her vision was no longer impaired, she saw Gabby standing over her, dressed in the same clothes she’d worn last night.

  “Hey,” Devon croaked, “you just getting home?”

  “Maybe…” Gabby’s head dropped as she batted her eyelashes.

  Devon sat straight up. “What did you do? I know you didn’t spend the night with Vince.”

  Gabby fell back onto the bed. “I did,” she breathed, “and I think I’m in love.”

  Devon grabbed a pil
low and tossed it at her. “I cannot believe you! What happened after Ryan and I left? Did you two even make it to Craig’s?”

  “Oh, we definitely made it to Craig’s. And that’s what led to more drinking, which led to us grinding out on the dance floor, which is how we ended up at Vince’s Hollywood Hills condo.”

  “You are so bad! But honestly, I’m a little jealous.”

  “Why? You’re the one who ended up coming home with Ryan Roberts. Speaking of which, how’d that go? Did you invite him in for a nightcap?”

  “No, ma’am. He tried it, too. But I thought it’d be best if he didn’t.”

  “Are you serious?” Gabby asked, sitting up. “Why?”

  When Devon remained silent, she continued.

  “You’re still shaken up over what happened with Jason, aren’t you?”

  Devon stared down at her fidgeting hands. “As much as I hate to admit it, yes, I am. I wasn’t ready for the night to end. And Ryan asked to come in, but I was just too scared to let him. I don’t want a repeat of what happened back in Berman.”

  “Dev, this isn’t Berman, and Ryan isn’t Jason. Ryan’s a gentleman. He genuinely seems to like you. He’s not trying to lead you on just to reject you. So don’t punish him for Jason’s mistakes.”

  “But what about the fact that we work together? Things are going so well for me right now. The last thing I want is to ruin that over a potential relationship that may not even work out. I’m just a PA. Ryan is the star of the show. If we get involved and things go left, I’d be outta there. His job is secure.”

  Gabby threw her hands in the air. “I think you’re getting ahead of yourself, Dev. And why are you thinking so negatively? What if you two get together and things actually do work out?”

  “I don’t know…” Devon stood up and stretched, then glanced over at the clock. “It’s already after ten? I wanted to get up early and go for a jog.”

  “Look at you. I’m loving how you’ve incorporated running into your workout routine over the past couple of months. But since you missed out on it today, skinny minny, why don’t we grab breakfast instead?”

  “Only if you promise to get a workout in with me afterward.”

  “Deal. I’m dying for an egg white and spinach omelet. And hey, let’s make it a light workout. I’m still sore from last night.”

  “You’re a mess,” Devon said, laughing while heading into the bathroom. “I’m gonna hop in the shower. Meet you downstairs in thirty?”

  “You got it.” Gabby hopped up and walked toward the door. “Hey, have you checked your personal email?”

  “No. Why?”

  “Apparently the city of Berman is planning to shut down our high school and force students to commute to the neighboring town of Leland. Everybody’s in an uproar, especially considering Leland High is Berman’s longtime rival.”

  “Are you serious?” Devon screeched as she felt her heart drop. “That’s horrible! I have so many relatives and family friends who attend Berman High. Not to mention some of my best memories took place there.”

  “I know. Same here. But the good news is a planning committee has been assembled, and they’re organizing a huge fundraiser that’s set to take place next month. If enough money is raised, the school will remain open.”

  “That would be amazing. We’re going, right?”

  “Absolutely. And we’ll try and raise as much money as we can,” Gabby insisted.

  “Hold on now, sis. How are we gonna do that? We live in L.A., one of the most expensive cities in the world. We’re barely getting by.”

  “Don’t worry, we’ll think of something. But all I can think about right now is food. Can we continue this conversation over breakfast?”

  “Of course.”

  “And don’t worry. The people of Berman aren’t going to let our alma mater close down. We’re gonna come together and prove that we are stronger than that.”

  “I hope so…”

  Devon stepped inside the shower. As warm jets of water massaged her back, she closed her eyes and brainstormed ways she could contribute to the cause. But her thoughts came to a screeching halt when she realized that going back home meant seeing Lisa and Jason.

  “Ugh,” Devon grumbled, wondering whether she had it in her to face the two of them.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Devon took a long sip of iced coffee. It was late Monday afternoon, and she was tucked away in a corner booth at Drink Up Café. Shooting had continued on the season premiere of Here to Stay early that morning, and this was the first break she’d gotten all day.

  After shoving a forkful of kale salad inside her mouth, Devon picked up her phone and opened Instagram. She typed “Berman High School” in the search field and clicked on the new account that had been created for the upcoming charity event, then she scrolled the page, stopping on a photo of a large group of people huddled around a table.

  Greetings from the Berman High Charity Gala Planning Committee! the caption read. Follow our page for updates on this amazing fundraiser that’s going to keep the doors of Berman High open, and click the link in our bio to learn more about the various ways you can donate!

  Devon enlarged the picture, recognizing several alumni’s faces. As she attempted to recall their names, she noticed a woman sitting on a man’s lap at the end of the table.

  Devon pulled the phone in closer to get a better look. That’s when she realized the woman was Lisa, and she was resting comfortably on Jason’s thigh with her arms wrapped around his neck while his hands sat securely on her hips.

  “If this doesn’t look like a couple, I don’t know what does…” Devon muttered to herself.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Devon heard someone say.

  She looked up and saw Ryan standing over her.

  “Hey!” Devon said, pushing her phone off to the side. “What’s up?”

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “Of course not. Have a seat.” Ryan sat down across from Devon and placed his cup on the table. “I saw you over here when I first walked in, and you looked perfectly fine. Then by the time I got my espresso, you seemed a little irritated. What’s going on?”

  Devon rolled her eyes. “Long story.”

  “I’ve got time. I’m not due back on set for another thirty minutes. More importantly, I don’t like seeing you like this. So come on. Spill it. What’s got you this upset?”

  “Let’s just say I’m so glad I don’t live in Berman anymore. Moving away is the best thing I could’ve done for myself.”

  “No doubt. L.A. was definitely a smart move for you because you’re doing great out here. But that still doesn’t answer my question.”

  Devon sat back and crossed her arms. “Full disclosure?”

  “Full disclosure.”

  “All right. Here goes. You’re familiar with my friends from back home, Lisa and Jason, right?”

  “Yeah, I remember you mentioning them.”

  “Well, I’d been crushing on Jason for years, and Lisa would always press me to tell him how I felt. So right before I moved here, we attended our high school class reunion and Jason ended up coming home with me that night.”

  When a few rogue tears trickled down Devon’s cheek, she quickly swiped them away. Ryan reached across the table and covered her hand with his.

  “I’m sorry, Dee. I didn’t realize you were this upset. We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.”

  “No, I’m fine. It actually feels good to get it out,” she whispered, clearing her throat before continuing. “So while we were at my place, things got a little heated, and I told him how I felt. He immediately responded that we’d be better off as friends, then just left. It was so…cold. I’ve never felt so dejected and embarrassed.”

  “Wow. I’m so sorry he did that to you, Dev.”

  “Oh, that’s not even the half of it. A few days later he got back together with his ex-girlfriend and proposed. She said yes, and they started posting wedding-planning photos all ov
er Instagram.”

  “Ouch,” Ryan muttered, grimacing while shaking his head. “Did this Jason dude ever apologize to you after all this?”

  “He did eventually, but the damage was already done.”

  “I feel you on that. You must’ve seen something today that upset you.”

  Devon grabbed her cell, opened the app and slid her phone across the table. “See the couple all hugged up on the right? That’s Lisa and Jason.”

  “Wait, what?” Ryan leaned in and studied the photo. “I don’t get it. Didn’t you just say he’s engaged? And isn’t she your girl?”

  “Yes. To both questions.”

  “Man, Dee. That’s messed up. I hate seeing you so upset over two people who don’t deserve your friendship. Is there anything I can do?”

  “Just being here and letting me vent is enough,” Devon said, mustering up a slight smile. “I really appreciate it.”

  “You’re my girl. It’s the least I can do.” Ryan glanced back down at the phone. “So what charity event are they referring to in the caption?”

  “The city of Berman is threatening to close our high school, so there’s a big fundraiser taking place next month that they’re hoping will raise enough money to keep the school open. I’d like to contribute but can’t afford to donate a ton of money. So I was going to at least buy a ticket and attend the event.”

  “I think that sounds like a great idea. Any money the school receives will help the cause.”

  “I agree. But the thought of seeing Lisa and Jason just bothers me. She was supposed to be my best friend, and now I think the two of them are dating, even though she denied it. And I haven’t seen Jason since the night of our class reunion. I don’t know if I’m ready to face him just yet.”

  “Hold up. You can’t miss out on the opportunity to flaunt your greatness, Dev. You have to go to that fundraiser. You look too good and are doing too well not to throw it in their faces.”

  The moment those words were out of Ryan’s mouth, Devon felt a shift in her energy.

  “Thank you,” she told him. They stared at one another until Devon’s phone vibrated loudly, startling them both.