Ideally, Brian would approve and let me help sell the shit out of her ideas to every studio in Hollywood. He is the luckiest agent I’ve ever met. He has a few well-placed contacts that have allowed him to coast and succeed brilliantly. It’s looking more and more like it could have been a fluke with Edie since he continues to push her to write more sci-fi and hasn’t been able to sell any of her other original ideas.
“So, could you ask Brian if you could help with Edie?” Stella asks. She knows that’s exactly what I want to do, but it’s a delicate dance.
And now, with the possibility of a merger, virtual knives will be out. People panic when career stability is a threat. Once Lance announces the intention of The Manhattan Group, the first question will be about layoffs.
“That would be the ideal solution.” I finish my drink and wave the server over for the check. “Which is why I must leave now. I have a date with my bed, a dozen scripts, and leftover pizza.”
Jess hugs me and heads out to finish up some work she’s on deadline for as well, but Stella and Brandon decide to hang back for one more drink.
“You two be safe,” I say. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
“I’ll make sure she gets home safe,” Brandon says. I laugh because his reply is filled with innuendo that makes Stella shift awkwardly in her seat. I wave goodbye, and as I’m heading to my car, my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.
UNKNOWN
Can you meet me at Firefly at 8pm?
ME
Who is this?
UNKNOWN
Wyatt. I got your number from Sophia.
Why is he asking me to meet him at a restaurant—and a nice one at that? Is he asking me to dinner?
UNKNOWN
I’m not asking you on a date.
UNKNOWN
Official business.
UNKNOWN
Working dinner.
Does he mean Sophia? She already seemed suspicious when I didn’t immediately tell her I knew her brother.
ME
Is that fair?
UNKNOWN
You’re worried about fair in this town?
Good point. If it were anyone else, I would gladly meet up for some info that could help me gain an advantage.
ME
Ok. See you soon.
thirteen
. . .
