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“Jesus,” she said.
“Nope, just me. I love your new office.”
“Yeah, well, it’s cleaner than Ben’s. That man is a pig.”
“In Hollywood, it’s called creative genius. Sometimes, you could say eccentric, but that’s just a blanket term.”
“Yeah, well, the more I learn about him, the more I feel sorry for poor Ally.”
“Speaking of Ally, she’s given me your phone number. I tried to call you, but you didn’t answer.”
“Oh, I never keep my phone on while I’m working. It kills my train of thought when it rings.”
“Yeah, I know how much sudden outbursts can make you lose focus.”
Kate made a sound of frustration. “I said I was sorry. And I think I more than made it up to you. But seriously, I’m really trying to work here. I have to use my spare time to analyze and log my data from the last research trip. And honestly, the commute back and forth to the hotel they put me up in is insane. I don’t think I’m cut out for the city.”
“You need a trailer.”
“Well, I didn’t get one, and I don’t think Ben would agree. Especially since my research isn’t his business.”
“No, but your comfort is. Why don’t I give you my spare key? You can use my trailer when you need it.”
“That’s really sweet, but I think I do enough to bother you already. I don’t want to disturb you.”
“It’s cool. I have a lot of time in front of the camera, so I won’t have much time between takes.”
“If you’re sure about it, okay.”
“Hey, it’s the least I can do. But you know, you really work too much.”
“It’s just who I am. It’s not like I have anything else to do here with my time.”
“Maybe you should come out to the Hills and see how we are away from the production. The producer, Tony Troy, is having a big party and you’d get to mingle with everyone when there’s no fear of interrupting. Besides, if they got to know you a little better, then maybe it would help them take you more seriously.”
“I’d be content to just be on their good side, and I guess it would be good if they’d listen now and then.” She took a deep breath. “Sure, I’ll go. You’re going to be there, right?”
“Yeah, I have to make an appearance and entertain Tony’s guests. It’s part of being in the spotlight. He’s throwing his money at the movie, and now I have to do my part like a good little celebrity. Everyone wants a piece of my time.” Sometimes, I felt like they all just wanted to rip me apart and devour me. It could get so demanding, but that was part of the game.
I got out my phone. “Here, I’ll send you the invite with the address.”
She picked up her phone to turn it on. “Thanks. I guess I’ll see you there.”
Chapter Twelve
Kate
After Jake went back to work, Ally found me at craft services, getting a drink. “You can go back to your round table if you want,” she said, holding a plate with enough food for three people. I figured Ben had sent her to fetch a few things. He always had her on her toes.
“Thanks, but I’m good.” I didn’t tell her that I had a key to Jake’s trailer and risk word getting around. I finished getting a frozen lemonade and went to the row of trailers, trying to remember which one was his.
As I walked down the row, Tess stepped out of hers. “Hey there. How’s it going?”
“Oh, it’s okay.” I must have been wearing my worry because Tess spotted it right away.
“Why do you look like you’ve just kicked the hornets’ nest?”
“I’m a little stressed out, I guess. I have my first big Hollywood party in the Hills, and I am just realizing that I don’t think I’ll fit in.”
“Nonsense. Of course, you will.” She looked me up and down. “What are you planning on wearing?” I figured one look at my nerdy style had her second-guessing her reassurance.
“I don’t know. Jeans and a blouse?”
She looked horrified. “Do you own a dress?”
“I only have one pencil skirt and a purple cardigan. I’m not sure it’s right for the occasion.”
Tess giggled. “Honey, I know it’s not right for the occasion, but don’t fret. You’re in good hands.” She locked her arm through mine, and we began to stroll along between the trailers. “I have a little time between my scenes, and I’ve nothing else to do.”
“Don’t you have to prepare for your shoot later?”
“No. I don’t really prepare like most actresses. I mean, I read my script, figure out my emotions, and who my character is, but I don’t agonize over it like Jake. I’d rather spend my time off away from it all. So that’s why we’re going to one of my favorite places on the set.”
