“I agree. We can keep it PG-13. I’m mentoring a kid in fencing now, helping her land a scholarship. New leaf and all.” I meet Todd’s gaze steadily. “Running around the Hollywood circuit with Reese a few times is hardly front-page news in Colorado Springs.”
“We’ll need ground rules and an ironclad NDAs,” Todd insists.
“Works for us.” Gerladine’s planner opens with a snap. “Jaxon’s party next weekend—your first big appearance since theLove and Loathingpremiere. Every major outlet will be there, along with half the industry.”
“The perfect opportunity to announce my new executive producer credit,” Reese smiles.
“And brag about your intensive combat training,” I add.
Heather nods. “We’ll outfit you in something sleeveless to show off your freshly toned arms.”
Geraldine continues, “The Diamond Essence shampoo campaign is in a few weeks. We can arrange for some candid shots of you two practicing sword techniques in between takes, it’ll look completely natural and unplanned. The media will love the narrative: a dedicated actress honing her combat skills even during commercial shoots.”
Todd continues, “There’s the Hastings Gala in December.”
“The family fundraiser for athletic programs,” I explain when Reese shoots me a curious glance.
“What kind of people will be there?” Geraldine jumps in.
“Our sports connections run deep—Formula 1 drivers to Olympic medalists regularly attend. Plus, there’s an impressive lineup of team owners from every major sport you can think of,” I say.
“Excellent.” Geraldine nods. “Being seen with these elite athletes will show the industry you’ve evolved to take up space in these new circles.”
I’ve brought people around my family before. Entourages, groups, the kind of crowd that makes everything feel like a performance. But bringing Reese feels different.
I’m getting ahead of myself.
Still.
The image of her among the only other people who know me as well as she does is starting to linger.
“And it’ll highlight Dante’s philanthropy and willingness to help,” Todd adds pointedly.
The room dissolves into logistics—press coverage, costume leaks, and appearances.
Under the table, my foot finds Reese’s. The contact ignites a galaxy along my vertebrae. When she softens, I silently speak to her.
Good work.
Thank you.She fights with a smile, and I catalog the subtle twitch at the corner of her mouth.
I don’t know what this thing between us is, but I’ve bought myself time to figure it out.
“Areyou going to be alright with this?” Reese asks, her fingers tracing the edge of the conference table. “The committee watching, the press…I know it’s a lot. If you’re uncomfortable, we can call it.”
The sky outside grows dusky. We’ve been here for hours.
“It’s fine, Reese.”
“Are you sure?”
“I promise.” I stand and sit beside her, something I’ve wanted to do for hours. “I like helping people I care about.”
She smiles, but slumps forward. “I appreciate that, but none of this really matters if Amara doesn’t sign on.”
“Trust me, Mari wants to work with you. Your reputation precedes you.”
“If you say so.” She wraps her hair around her index finger, pursing her lips like she’s figuring out how to ask another favor of me.
