“Really? They never said anything.”
I let the conversation flow around me, swirling my drink in my glass, exhaustion overtaking me more and more with each sip.
When I spent the next half hour struggling to stay awake, I finished my drink and gathered my coat and bag. “I’ll have to call it a night.”
Grayson got up with me. “I should go too. It’s getting late.”
I hugged George after we promised to stay in touch and then waved to everyone else in the group.
“We’ll have our chat tomorrow,” Mae called out, looking cozy cuddled up to George.
I guessed she would take full advantage now that she didn’t have to worry about getting too close to George anymore.
Grayson walked me to the elevators before leaning down and kissing me on the cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
The touch of his lips lingered long after he’d left.
Eleven
Iwas on my way to the set, tying on my apron, pretending I wasn’t rushing because I was supposed to be there five minutes ago, when Pascal stepped into my path. “Rayna, can you come into my office before we start filming?”
My movements stilled, untied apron forgotten. “I’m running late, but let’s catch up during the first break.”
“I already told them to go ahead without you.” He looked at me like I just told him I ran over his poodle. “This can’t wait.”
I silently followed him to his office, the straps of my apron flapping behind me. His legs were shorter than mine, but his aggressive walk propelled him forward faster than I’d anticipated. I almost had to run to keep up.
He led me into his office and closed the door with an ominous click behind me. Nervously standing in the middle of the room, I took in the shelves heavy with documents and books.
I remembered George mentioning that he’d been in the industry for over two decades. And he’d worked for the same production company that whole time, working his way up to executive producer and most recently CEO. He didn’t usually get involved in the day-to-day running of a show.
ButShake That Cakewas his creation, and he tried to make time for it. However, calling a contestant into his office was highly unusual. And couldn’t mean anything good.
He nodded to the seat in front of his desk and sat down on the other side. “Take a seat.”
I walked to the chair with shaky legs, hoping I would make it without fainting. Not even the toughest parts of the competition had made me feel this lightheaded and nervous.
“I have an impeccable reputation. Every project gets as much attention as possible. Every decision is made after weighing all the options. And I hold my staff and talent to the same standards as I would myself.”
Okay, this was going to be bad. No way would he start off banging on about his stellar reputation if he wasn’t planning on dropping the guillotine on my head. He didn’t wait for an answer but continued, his beady eyes focused on my cleavage.
“It has come to my attention that you are involved with one of our lawyers.” I made a choked noise and opened my mouth to defend myself, but he held up his hand. “Do us both a favor and don’t deny it when we both know it’s true. We’re not going to debate the truth of that statement.”
My mouth snapped shut again, and I ground my teeth. He sure liked to hear himself talk. This had Wynona written all over it.
He leaned back, his eyes never wavering from my body, folding his arms over his sizeable midsection. “You signed a contract that clearly stated that we do not allow romantic relations between staff and the talent and between the talent and talent. Today will be your last day.”
My body locked, my throat dried up, and my hands tightened on my thighs. “But I can explain—”
“We’re too far into the show to replace you, so you will be eliminated today. I trust that you will handle this with the utmost professionalism. If I hear from anyone that you caused even a little bit of drama, I’m going to get our lawyers involved.”
He’d probably sic Grayson on me to make sure I knew where I stood. “I understand. But I want you to know that Grayson and I are only friends.”
“You met with him nearly every night, and I know of at least one occasion that he spent the night.”
It was also the only occasion, but there was no point arguing about any of this. He’d made up his mind, and I was out.
I got up, having heard enough. Getting kicked off this way was a shock, but not a surprise. I knew I’d been playing with fire meeting up with Grayson so much. But I couldn’t help myself, not even at the cost of my dreams.
