Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“Yes. He’s always been lovely around me, and my daughter thinks the world of him.” Jessica sounds tired, but then it’s late at night in Australia where she’s working on the biggest project of her life. “I’m surprised. I assumed when I heard the rumors that they were about women. Well, I’ll have to think about how to handle this. You’ve thrown me a curveball, Anika.”
I ignore the annoyance I hear. It can’t be for me since I’m merely the messenger. I’ve done my job, and now I have to lob the ridiculously hot potato back at her. It’s going to be a hard couple of days for Jessica. “Like I said, I was hoping for a different outcome, but I’m glad you sent me in. I don’t know what’s been going on fully around here, but it’s definitely bad, and we can spare Patrick from having to put up with it.”
“Anika, what would you do in my position?”
She’s been my mentor for years, so it’s not surprising she’s asking. Jessica loves a teachable moment. “I would fire Joe immediately. You have an eyewitness, so there’s no need for further investigation about this incident. I would ask Patrick if he wants to file criminal charges against Joe, and I would release a statement to the press that we stand behind our cast and crew and always work to create a safe environment for them. Pinnacle Entertainment Group will not stand by and allow this kind of behavior. It’s the only thing to do.”
“Yes, I thought that was what you would say. There are nuances to the situation,” she replies.
I should have known she would go here. It’s inevitable. And honestly, it’s smart. She has a company to think of. She has to get her ducks in a row. “So what I’m hearing is you want to talk to lawyers before you do anything.”
“Such a smart girl,” she murmurs. “Yes, I need to discuss this with legal. I have to remind you that you’re still under contract.”
So I’m to stay in position and not give away the game. Though I’m sure it doesn’t feel like a game to Patrick. I feel comfortable that Luca isn’t going to talk. “I’m not calling the press or anything. I trust you, Jessica. You’ll do what’s best for Patrick. If it helps, the assistant director is more than capable of finishing the project. I don’t think there has to be a single day of shooting lost.”
“That’s good to know,” she replies and sounds more energetic now. “All right, Anika. Give me some time to sort through this. What are you shooting today?”
“We’ve got a couple of one-on-one dates. We filmed the other three earlier in the week, and then the last king’s choice ceremony here in the city,” I tell her. I’ve already started packing. Luca had watched me this morning as he lounged on the bed. Lazy king. He’d fallen asleep with me the night before, and I bet Hans hates us both. I’m not sure if he slept on the stairs or went back to the room, but he was looking perfectly pressed when he’d knocked this morning and informed the king he was supposed to be on set for his “date” in an hour and production wanted to talk to him.
It’s getting too normal to wave good-bye to my man as he goes off on a date with one of my friends.
Luca had kissed me senseless and left after telling me he wished we were filming our date today. We did that earlier in the week. He’s already had one-on-ones with everyone before the last ceremony due to time constraints and where they were shooting. Our date had been to a Broadway show, and that was the night they would let us film with the cast. It had been magical. And if he’d cut me the night before, it would never have been shown.
Like Tiara Kate’s time with him on a harbor tour.
It’s going to be a long day since I won’t see him until the elimination tonight.
“So you pack up after shooting ends this evening and head to Ralavia,” she muses. “Well, the timing could be better, but there’s nothing for it. I thank you for your work and for your discretion. They tell me you’re doing surprisingly well at this.”
I feel a blush cover my skin. “Yeah, it’s not because I’m trying. I think I’m terrible at being on camera.”
“I believe they call you adorably awkward,” she replies. “You test quite well.”
“I’ve been tested?” I sigh. “Of course I have. You’re using focus groups on this project?”
It’s something Jessica often does while a project is ongoing. She claims it helps the editors. What it helps them decide is who is going to be the bad guy. Or in this case girl. We’ll get slotted into stereotypes. If it has to happen, the adorable weirdo is not terrible.