She didn’t care. She looked to Kate. “Yours too.”
Kate frowned with confusion.
“I was waiting to tell you. I have great news,” Sally said. “The studio execs saw the taping of the gameshow and want to extend it into a series. They’ve already signed on for a full season. You and Kate as co-hosts, with a variety of celebrity guests. AllTerraFormativefans, of course. The internet loves you. The studio too.” She extended her arms out when neither Kate nor I moved, like we missed the memo. “You’ve lucked out. Congratulations!”
“I’m not doing a bloody gameshow,” I growled.
The punchline of the Intrepid Trio was relegated to B-list gigs. They wouldn’t be happy until I was decked out in absurd costumes and spewing ridiculous puns. I was nothing but a laughingstock.
I looked to Kate. Could I do this for her? If this was what she wanted? I couldn’t live another day in this toxic environment. I felt myself longing for home and comfort more than ever. I needed a bloody drink. Or to just get away. This was a bad idea and all the pressure built behind my eyes.
I needed to take Kate away from here and bring her to the Vicarage so we could hide from all of this.
Kate had gone pale. “I’m a writer. I-I don’t want to be on TV,” she said.
I slumped into the chair, relieved.
“This isn’t who we are,” I said.
Sally ignored me. “Kate. I know this seems overwhelming but you’re charming. People love you. This could catapult your career. I know you didn’t come here to use Charles. I obviously don’t believe those silly rumors either but when the universe throws an opportunity like this in your lap you pivot. You seize the day.” Kate remained quiet as Sally spoke, wheels spinning behind the director’s eyes. “Think of how fun it would be; the people you could meet. I saw the pictures of you in that gown last night. That could be your life.”
A little frown formed between Kate’s eyes, and her head shook softly from side to side. “I just want to be a writer.”
“We would be there for comedic relief and you know it,” I jumped in. “I already did my time in that role. I’m not doing it again. And Kate is awriter.”
Sally smiled patiently. “We can accommodate that.” She flicked her hand to the side. “I mean, maybe you can write some of the jokes and stuff? The trivia! Oh, you’d be so great at that! We’ll figure it out.”
The other shoe dropped.
“What about the agent?” My voice was a growl.
“What?” Sally looked to me like she’d forgotten I was there.
“You told her there was a literary agent interested in her writing.”
Color rose up the director’s neck. “I mean, yeah. I will check in with her.”
“You said it was a him,” I said.
Kate had gone completely still, with her fingers clasped tight in her lap.
“Was there every really an agent?” I asked, already knowing the answer.
“It’s just business. You know how these things work, Charles.” She held my gaze pointedly.
“I won’t let Kate be used and manipulated. She doesn’t deserve this.”
Sally crossed her arms and tilted her head. “Like you haven’t done anything to get what you wanted?” Sally looked pointedly from me to Kate.
“Don’t,” I warned. She was implying that I had anything to do with Kate being here. Kate had been invited on her own merit. But Sally would lie, cheat, and steal to get whatever she needed from us.
“Sometimes you have to do things to get the ball rolling. You of all people understand that.”
Kate looked between us. Something dawned on her features, and she stood up abruptly.
“Kate. Wait,” I said, reaching for her.
Kate stumbled back to the door. “I need to get some air.”
