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I scroll through the email, wondering why she chose to message me rather than include me in the email. Odd behavior from the frigid lesbian. Morgan texts back moments later with a pl
ace and time. Bored with the uneventful text, I respond with a ‘see you then’ and tuck my cell back into my pocket.
“Okay, this is why it sucks having two males in the house,” Charlie goes on.
I have no idea what they’re talking about, having been engrossed in the boring exchange of conversation with Morgan Bentley.
Kate is beside the door, saying her goodbyes. She’s due to fly back to New York City for a few days then on to London for two weeks. I hate to see her go—she’s fast become my favorite person to hang out with in LA. She’s fun, and since our incident, we get along like we’ve known each other a whole lifetime. I am going to miss her.
“Make sure you text us when you land,” I tell her, still holding her in an embrace.
“Yes, Dad.” She smiles, letting go of me.
Charlie and Lex say their goodbyes the same time the girls run into the kitchen, latching onto her leg. After what feels like forever, the driver beeps his horn again, prompting Kate to say her final goodbye. As soon as she’s out the door, I settle at the table, begging Charlie for seconds.
“So, I was thinking of apartment hunting this week,” I say casually.
“Really? Are you sure?” Charlie asks. “Don’t you think it’s too soon? Plus, there are so many bad neighborhoods in LA. I really think you should hold off.”
“C’mon guys. You know I think you’re awesome, but I don’t want to impose any longer.”
“Impose is far from it,” Lex reassures. “But if you need a pad to let off steam, I feel your pain, brother.”
Charlie pinches Lex’s arm, scolding him once again for encouraging my behavior. “Just hold off for a while. And if you really need a ‘letting-off-steam’ pad…” she air quotes, “… I’m sure Lex can hook you up with a suite downtown.”
“Okay guys, I’ll hold off for a bit. More time to have tea parties, right?” I joke.
She smiles, putting down the sippy cup in her hand, and wraps her arms around my waist to hug me. “Except the next time we play tea parties, I promise it won’t be air… instead, tequila.”
“Now you’re talking,” I laugh.
***
I think of a million ways to get out of meeting Morgan, none of which seem plausible. Presley wants to get started with this project, and has worked on some basic questions she wants to ask Morgan. Nothing too personal, just run-of-the-mill questions that will educate the reader on how Scarlett grew up to how she found herself in Hollywood.
Presley made mention of some of the tougher questions, which she wants to ask Scarlett herself. Some of which are not public knowledge, and will definitely be the focal point with the press. I’m not sure how she dug up the information, and I decide to let her handle the scandalous side.
The marketing interns are a great team, and I’ve spent the morning running through some less important projects to clear the way for this bigger project.
A little after lunch, Haden walks into my office. “Hey,” he says casually.
I look up from my laptop. “What’s up?”
“Bad news. Presley’s come down with a stomach bug.”
“Is she okay?” I ask with concern.
“She pretends to be.” He laughs sincerely. “Our son caught it off some kid he was playing with, so now it’s her turn. I’m probably next. Nothing worse than having to hold your wife’s hair back while she projectile vomits in the car.”
I cover my mouth in disgust. And the poor fella has a sweet ride too.
“So listen, I know you have that meeting this afternoon with Morgan. Presley is adamant we still move forward despite her not being there.” He removes his cell from his pocket and taps away. A few seconds later, my email pings.
“These are the questions she wanted to ask Morgan today. If you could ask them instead, that would ensure we don’t fall behind.”
My whole career has been in marketing and only that. This seems a little left of field and completely out of my element. How should I ask the questions, and what type of answers am I looking for? Do I counter question if I’m unsatisfied with an answer? Jesus, I don’t want to fuck up this important project.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Haden mentions before I speak. “You’re not sure how to ask the questions in a way we can capture and translate it into words.”
