“As it was, she was quite persuasive in her desire to seduce him.”
“And I assume that this, like the scene I witnessed earlier, was in front of the cast and crew.”
He nodded.
“She’s married.”
“I know.”
“It could bring about a scandal that I doubt Keely would appreciate.”
“I know that, too.” He sat back in his chair and sighed. “Believe me. It’s not the type of scandal my father would be too happy to hear about either. He is rather fond of Benjamin. I can imagine how upset he’ll be when he learns that she left him behind in Bali, but if he were to get wind that she’s been openly flirting...and with a Hollywood actor...Oh, yeah. He’s not going to be happy. Not one bit.”
“And what if Ricky is involved with someone? That will only add to the scandal.”
“Maybe I should have a little talk with Susie; see what she knows about Ricky’s intentions. If he flirts with Britney, she’ll gladly fall into his lap. And if it turns out that he’s just toying with her and this ends up breaking her marriage, she’ll be devastated.”
Pursing my lips in distaste, I nodded.
“I know there’s no love lost between you two, but she is my sister, and I do care what happens to her.”
I looked at him, surprised by his implied assessment of my feelings about Britney. “I know that, Matthew. I care about what happens to her as well. Yes, my memories of my time here at Barry Park are marred by a few of her childish shenanigans, but I do think of her as a big sister, and I don’t wish her any ill.”
“I’ll see if I can find Susie and chat with her a little bit about all this,” he said. “Maybe she knows what he’s up to. You know, is he in a relationship? Is he dating anyone? Just how much of a player is he?”
“Good idea.”
He looked past me. “And we might have the chance to hear the answer to all these questions a little sooner than anticipated.”
I glanced back to see Susie entering the library.
“There you are, Matthew,” she said.
“What can I do for you, Susie?”He stood and went to her.
“I don’t want to play the diva, but the room I’ve been assigned barely gets any sunlight at all. It’s dark and it’s dim, not to mention the navy-blue walls. Would it be possible to have a room on the sunny side of this magnificent home of yours.”
He patted her shoulder. “I’ll see what I can do. I believe I heard someone complaining about too much sun in their room. We could make the switch.”
“That’d be great. Thanks.” She turned to leave.
“Um, while I have you here,” he said. “I just wanted to ask you a little something.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I was just a little curious...how well do you know Ricky?”
She shrugged. “This is our second movie. We work well together, we get along well and...He’s a cool guy to hang out with; funny, charming, engaging.”
“And you hang out often with him?”
She hesitated and eyed him curiously. “Well, as often as needed. We are playing brother and sister, after all.”
“Right.”
“I mean, we’re not dating or anything, if that’s what you’re asking. We’re really just friends.”
“I see.”
