“I don’t think so.I think you’re great.”
And maybe it was the mention of Bobby’s name, but I was suddenly aware of Julian’s hand on my arm, and something spiny twisted through me.
“Since we’re on the topic,” Julian said, “I wanted to mention something.When you come to L.A., maybe—maybe play down the boyfriend bit.”Whatever he saw on my face made him rush to add, “I’m not saying lie.But you’re a hot commodity, Dash.You’re young.You’re attractive.You’re smart.And you’re going to find that a lot of powerful people are going to want to have—well, they’re going to want tohope, you know?They want to believe it’s at least a possibility.”
“But Idohave a boyfriend.”I slid my arm out from under Julian’s touch.“Bobby.”
“I know.And you can do whatever you want; that was free advice, so take it for what it’s worth.”
“Okay.”
“I know tonight’s not the night to talk business.But I’m going to kick myself if I don’t make one last pitch.”He flattened his hands on the table.“Dash, I’m a huge fan of yours.Personally and professionally.I mean, this isn’t standard operating procedure.You get that, right?It’s not like we fly out to meet someone every time we’re interested in a property.But you’re different.You’re special.And that’s why I’m here: because I believe in you, and I believe in this idea, and I want to make it happen.Whatever I can do to make it happen, you tell me; I’m all yours.What do I have to do to make this—” And he gestured between us.“—happen?”
That spiny thing twisted inside me again, but I said, “You don’t have to make a pitch or sell me or anything.I ran the offer by some people I trust, and I’m interested.I’m excited about the premise.The show sounds amazing.And the terms are good, although I want to talk some more about contingent bonuses for key milestones, like series pickup and season renewals.”
Julian glowed.“Really?”
Somehow, in spite of the day I’d had, I smiled.“Really.”
“Dash, that’s incredible.That’s the best news I’ve had in weeks.”He turned around to flag down the server.“We have to celebrate.”
And then I remembered.
The dinner.
I took out my phone.
“Everything okay?”Julian asked.
I had two missed messages from Bobby and a missed call.I wasn’t sure how I’d missed them, but there they were.
Are you okay?said the first one.
And the second:Dash, I’m worried.Please call me.
Bobby picked up on the first ring.“Where are you?Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said.“Bobby, I’m so sorry.I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
He didn’t say anything for what felt like a long time.And then he said, “I thought something had happened.”
“No, I—” I almost said,I forgot, but I managed not to.“I’ll be right there, and I promise I can explain.”
The silence was longer this time.And then Bobby said, “They won’t hold our table.”
“I’ll call Talmage.I’ll explain.”
“No,” Bobby said.“I’ll see you at home.”
And then he clicked off.
Chapter 21
When I pulled into the drive, Hemlock House was dark.
No lights glowed in the windows, and under the thick clouds, the night was so deep that the house itself was barely more than a shadowy bulk at the top of the hill.I parked in the coach house and went inside.
Darkened hall.
