Fame

by Jillian Dodd

  Keatyn looks up from her paperwork and yells out of her office, “Tell me it wasn’t Shelby.”

  “It wasn’t Shelby,” I yell back. I go plop down on her pale grey suede sofa, pushing a pink pillow out of my way.

  “Why do you always throw my pillows on the floor?”

  “You sound like an old married couple,” Tyler says, dropping off my usual coffee and making a quick exit.

  “I have news,” I say, trying to contain my grin.

  “What kind of news?”

  “Your little project, Daddy’s Angel, if you could choose any actress to play the role, who would you choose?”

  “Well, that’s easy, Jennifer Edwards, but she’s done so many movies, I doubt she would consider television.”

  “What if it wasn’t television?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I was thinking. What if it was a movie serial?”

  “What’s that?”

  “Back in the day, movies were cheap. People went every weekend to see the newest black and white films. What if we tried something radical? Big screen weekly showings.”

  “Like a television mini-series, only at the movies?”

  “Yeah, we could roll it over later to pay-per-view, and then maybe get a cable network to pick it up. We’d make money at each stop.” I grin at her, letting it sink in.

  “It’s innovative. I like it. And the script, you know I love it. But to be at the movies, we couldn’t use an unknown. We’d need a big star like Jennifer.”

  “Hey, guys,” Knox says, interrupting our meeting. He drops a newspaper on Keatyn’s desk and another in my lap.

  I read the headline.

  Jennifer Edwards’ new plaything, Captive Films CEO Riley Johnson

  “You dog, you,” Knox says, throwing another pillow on the floor before sitting down next to me. “Jennifer Edwards. You’re fucking Jennifer Edwards? Tell me about it. She’s freaking hilarious. She’s got to be crazy fun in bed.”

  Keatyn covers her face with her hand. “Tell me you didn’t sleep with her.”

  “What’s with that rule, anyway?” Knox asks. “Riley can sleep with whoever he wants. Wait? Does that mean you’re going to do a movie with her? I want in on it.”

  “You what?” Keatyn and I say at that same time.

  “She’s box office gold, just like our friend here,” he says, pointing toward Keatyn. “Whatever you’re doing with her, I want in. I’ll clear my schedule. After Trinity, of course.”

  I take the lid off my coffee to cool it down.

  “Oh, Riley,” Keatyn says, covering her mouth. “You’ve got to get that coffee out of here. The smell. It’s making me sick.”

  She starts doing that dry heaving thing again.

  “What’s with you lately?”

  “I think I just have a touch of the flu,” she says.

  “Great,” Knox says, “I have to kiss you all day on set. I suppose I’ll get sick too.”

  “Riley, please?” she begs.

  “Oh, sorry. Tyler!”

  Tyler rushes in. “What?!”

  “Take this coffee out of here. It’s making Keatyn sick.”

  “Well, I never!” Tyler grabs the coffee out of my hand and marches out, slamming the door behind him.

  Knox laughs. “Never a dull moment around here. Back to the matter at hand. Jennifer Edwards.”

  “I have to think for a minute,” Keatyn says, wrapping her nose in her sleeve then talking through it. “Knox, you’re too old to play the boyfriend.”

  “Not necessarily,” I say, disagreeing. “You just have it in your head that Daddy chooses someone young. Why couldn’t he choose someone older?”

  “Hmm, maybe. Do you really think that she would do it? And, Riley, did you sleep with her?”

  “Yes, she approached me about it specifically. She’s looking for a fun project. Something outside the box.”

  “Are you gonna be the something inside her box?” Knox asks under his breath.

  “I didn’t sleep with her, okay?” I finally admit. “She spent the night. We had a lot of fun. I like her.”

  Keatyn goes, “You like her, like her?”

  “What are we? In seventh grade?” Knox laughs. “Riley, did you hold her hand? Feel her up?”

  “Shut up,” I say with a goofy grin on my face. “She makes me feel like I’m back in college. It’s fun.”

  Keatyn squints her eyes at me and I know that means she’s running all the scenarios through her head and about to make a decision. “Riley, if you can get her and Knox to both do this project, you can sleep with whoever you want. As long as it doesn’t affect her relationship with Captive.”

  “If you haven’t slept with her yet, that makes her fair game, right?” Knox asks.

  “This isn’t a competition. If you want to get in her pants, go for it. Our relationship is . . .”

  “Is what?” Keatyn asks.

  “Real.”

  “You have a relationship?”

  “I didn’t ask her to go steady, yet,” I tease, “but I’m taking off early today and we’re hanging out.”

  “Who are you going steady with?” my older brother, Dawson, asks from the doorway.

  “Dawson? What the hell are you doing here?” I get up and give him a hug. I haven’t seen him since this summer. And he was still a wreck over losing Whitney. Today, he’s smiling and looks put together.

  “That’s what I was supposed to tell you the other day!” Keatyn says, rushing over to give Dawson a hug. “How are you?” she asks him.

  “About to be better, I hope,” he replies. “I think you’re right. A new beginning is probably just the thing I need.”

  “New beginning?” I ask.

  “I hired Dawson,” Keatyn says. “He’s going to commute for a while, see how things go. Then if all goes well, he’ll relocate here permanently.”

  What Keatyn did hits me in the chest, almost bringing tears to my eyes. My brother has been through so much.

  I slap my brother on the back. “I’m glad you’re joining the team, bro. So what are you gonna do?”

  Keatyn answers before he can. “I figured all his experience working with luxury brands would allow him to get great placement for our movies.” She’s biting her lip. And I know why. We have a marketing group that does placement for us. “He’ll be our new, uh, Senior Vice President in charge of product placement.”

  Senior Vice President, a role just for him. She probably overpaid him too.

  But I don’t mind.

  “Knox, this is my brother, Dawson. I think you’ve met before over the years.”

  “Yeah, we have,” they say, shaking hands and sharing pleasantries before Knox says, “I’ve got to get going. Same time tomorrow morning. Bring the girl.”

  “Will do.”

  I sit down. Still a little shocked that my brother is here and going to work for me.

  “Tyler!” Keatyn yells. She never calls him on the intercom, she just sweetly yells his name and he drops whatever he’s doing and comes.

  “You called?”

  “Will you take Dawson on the grand tour of the offices?”

  Tyler herds Dawson out of the room. I shut the door.

  “Before you say anything . . .” she starts to say.

  “I’m not going to say anything but thank you,” I tell her.

  “Really? I’m so relieved. I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it.”

  “I offered him a job a long time ago and he turned me down. Of course, that was before. . .”

  “I know. It’s so sad. It’s been almost two years and he’s still carrying the guilt around. I thought maybe coming here might help. I way overpaid him.”

  “I wouldn’t have expected anything less. I’m touched, Keatyn. Really touched.”

  She gives me a beaming smile and then a hug. “Good. In case I haven’t told you lately, I love that we work together.”

  “I love that we work together too.”

  When she
pulls away, she’s in tears.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I thought you were going to be mad at me. Aiden told me I needed to tell you. I went behind your back, and I feel bad. I don’t want you to be mad at me.”

  I pat her back. “Why are you crying? Normally, when you want your way, you just tell me how it is. Or you pout until I cave.”

  “I don’t know. I’m just really emotional right now.”

  “Bout to get your period, I suppose. You want some chocolate?”

  She brightens up. “Chocolate sounds yummy. Also, we had his office nicely decorated. It was expensive. And we’re leasing him a house on the beach. And got him a really nice car.”

  “Wow. Rolling out the red carpet?”

  “He only agreed to give us until after the holidays to see if this would work. I want it to.”

  “And he needs it to.”

  “Yeah, he does. Oh, there’s Vanessa. I have a meeting with her before my call time.”

  I look at my watch. “And I have a meeting in five minutes.”

  When I get in my office, I take a moment to read the article.

  Jennifer Edwards’ new plaything, Captive Films CEO Riley Johnson

  Jennifer Edwards is on the prowl again.

  And this time the man in her sights is none other than Riley Johnson, CEO of Captive Films.

  Unless you’ve been out of the loop, you know who Riley is. (If not, please see this month’s Majority Magazine. And study it, we’ll wait. P.S: Page 87. Abs. Scruff. Sunglasses. Swoon.)

  You gotta give the girl credit, even though she’s leaving a lot of broken hearts in her wake, (we’re talking to you, Parker Hudson) she’s got good taste.

  According to our sources, the couple met last night at the Minds at Play event. She walked up to the CEO, introduced herself, and whispered something in his ear. Moments later, she surprised the press by loudly announcing that she would be spending the night with Mr. Johnson and they didn’t need to follow her.

  But, follow they did.

  As evidenced by these photos of the couple driving through In-N-Out Burger. And later, being whisked up to his penthouse at the swanky WestBeverly residences.

  Sources close to Miss Edwards say she’s looking for a new role.

  Looks like that role will be Riley’s new girlfriend!

  P.S. Ladies, we should all try the Jennifer Edwards’ method of picking up a man. I’m totally walking up to the next hot guy I see, introducing myself, and whispering in his ear. (Will report results later.)

  P.P.S. Knox Daniels was also at the event sans Keatyn Douglas, although rumor has it they have been filming what sources say are THE HOTTEST Trinity sex scenes to date. (Can’t wait to see the movie!)

  I set the paper down, pick up my phone, and call her.

  “Hey,” I say. “Keatyn loved our ideas. I think that calls for a celebration.”

  “I like to celebrate. And I know just the way. Come to Malibu. I’m renting a cute little place on the beach.”

  “I have a couple meetings . . .”

  “Cancel them.”

  “Uh . . .”

  “When’s the last time you just said fuck it and had some fun, Riley? Wait, don’t answer that. I’ve heard about your reputation. And we’re famous. Page six.”

  “I don’t think I’ve ever been referred to as a plaything before, but I like it.”

  “Then cancel your meetings and come play with me.”

  All of our conversations have been fun and upbeat, but when she says come play with me, there’s a sensuality to her voice. One that arouses me.

  “I’ll be there this afternoon.”

  “Perfect,” she says happily.

  Captive Films - Santa Monica

  VANESSA

  Keatyn greets me with a kiss and says, “I don’t have a ton of time, I’m sorry. My call time just got pushed up for today.”

  “That’s okay. I’ll read you the press release. Keatyn Douglas and her longtime beau Aiden Arrington, owner of Asher Vineyards and Winery, the brand best known for their charitable Moon Wish wine, were engaged in Paris after the worldwide premiere of the hit trilogy, The Keatyn Chronicles, based on their life.

  “It’s pretty simple and to the point,” she says. “I do like that you threw in the part about Moon Wish. A little extra publicity is a good thing.”

  “Do you want me to add more details about your engagement? Usually, you’re pretty private when it comes to your personal life.”

  “I know. I want to leave it the way your have it, but I’m so excited I’d like to shout it from the rooftops. It was so romantic and so perfect.”

  “Everything Aiden does is romantic, isn’t it?”

  She beams. “Yeah, pretty much. I’m really lucky.”

  “Are you feeling okay?”

  “Mostly, although the smell of that strong roasted coffee Riley drinks every morning makes me want to throw up.”

  “Morning sickness?”

  “More like morning gagging. I haven’t gotten sick yet. Did you see the article about Riley and Jennifer Edwards this morning?”

  “I did. I wanted to talk to you about that. Ariela and I were at the party last night. We had dates.”

  “And Riley saw?”

  “Yeah, he told her she could help plan your wedding and that when it was over he wanted her out of your lives.”

  “That’s harsh. But you know how guys are. They don’t really like to deal with their feelings.”

  “That’s for sure.”

  “But, Riley’s man whore ways may have just paid off.”

  “How so?”

  “The reason he and Jennifer left is because she wants the lead in Daddy’s Angel.”

  “Are you shitting me? That would be amazing!”

  “I know, right? She was who I thought of when I was writing the script.”

  “That’s so cool.”

  “I have some other news. We hired a new Senior Vice President. The two of you will be working closely together. I got Riley to okay your firm doing the publicity for Daddy’s Angel. You have done well with Riley’s PR. This is the next step. If this is a hit, you’ll get all you can handle.”

  “Really? That’s amazing. Who is the new VP?”

  “He’s right here,” Tyler says from behind me. I stand up and turn around. “Vanessa Flanning meet—”

  “Dawson Johnson,” I say, finishing his sentence.

  “You two know each other? Perfect. I can stop playing tour guide and get my work done. Dawson, I’m leaving you in Vanessa’s capable hands.”

  I stare into the eyes of the boy I met at Keatyn’s eighteenth birthday party. His dark brown eyes lock with mine, reaching inside my soul and grabbing something deep inside me and pulling it to the surface.

  I have two simultaneous desires. I want to both comfort him and screw his brains out. And I have no idea why.

  The comforting part, I mean.

  It’s obvious why I would want to screw this man.

  Dawson leans in and gives me a sweet kiss on the cheek. “The Alpha of all Alphas. How are you? You look amazing.”

  Amazing doesn’t begin to describe how scrumptious Dawson looks. He’s matured, obviously, in all the right places. His shoulders are broader. His neck is thicker. I can’t see what’s under his perfectly tailored navy pinstripe suit, but based on the way his jacket tapers in at the waist, I’m guessing it’s good. His dark, thick hair is cut short and he’s a walking advertisement on the perfect amount of scruff. He and Riley look a lot alike, but Dawson is bulkier, his face fuller, and his shoulders even broader.

  “Thank you,” I finally say, tearing my eyes away from his. “Long time no see.”

  Oh, for god’s sake, I sound like a teenager at the mall.

  Maybe because that’s what I feel like.

  “Awww!” Keatyn says. “Everyone loved the lines you said in the movie! Vanessa, do you remember what you said to Dawson at my birthday party after I introduced you?”


  “I haven’t seen the movie yet,” Dawson admits, “But I do remember. Keatyn said, This is Dawson Johnson, he’s headed to NYU this fall and plans to major in luxury marketing.” He looks deeply into my eyes again. “Do you remember what you said back?”

  “We have a lot in common, then, because I plan to major in luxury spending.”

  Dawson smiles broadly and laughs. “Then you invited me to Tommy’s office for a glass of scotch. That was fun.”

  “And here you both are now,” Keatyn claps. “Working for Captive on just that. I have to get going. Vanessa, I was wondering if you might be able to spend the day with Dawson. Talk shop. Get him up to speed on your current projects and impress him with your plans for our future, especially Daddy’s Angel.”

  “I’d appreciate that, Vanessa,” sexy Dawson agrees. “I’ve already gotten the tour of the place, but Keatyn was a little vague as to what I’d be doing on a day-to-day basis.”

  I know what I’d like to be doing with him on a day-to-day basis.

  But, somehow, I doubt that’s what Keatyn had in mind.

  Captive Films - Santa Monica

  DAWSON

  It’s be a while since I felt anything for a girl.

  Make that a woman.

  Vanessa may have been a girl when I met her, but now she’s all woman. She still has the confidence and poise I remember, but her smile is tinged with something I see in my own.

  Sadness.

  When we were teenagers, everything seemed so simple. So hopeful.

  You’re hot. Let’s hookup.

  Sadly, that’s still the only pick up line I know.

  It’s really hard to concentrate on what she’s telling me. She’s giving me an overview of projects Captive Films is working on. She’s discussing target audiences for each. All stuff I understand well.

  Except I find myself just staring at her lips.

  Lips I kissed on a night that feels like it was a lifetime ago.

  I’ve been feeling old since Whitney left but sitting here today, looking at her lips, I feel young again.

  “I’m staring at your lips,” I tell her.