"There's nothing to be blindsided by." The words taste like lies, like protection.
"Really?" He scrolls through his tablet. "Because I have three different people who described your interventionwith Blaze as, and I quote, 'territorial,' 'possessive,' and my personal favorite, 'like watching a lion mark its territory but in Armani.'"
I pinch the bridge of my nose. My first instinct is to pull back, to create distance, to protect her from any potential fallout. "It wasn't like that. I wasn't even in a suit."
"That's not the point," Lucas says gently. "Perception is reality in this business, and you know that better than anyone. If something is happening?—"
"It's not," I say, cutting him off, too sharply. What I really mean is, not if it means risking her career. Not if it means potentially destroying everything she's worked for. I won't let whatever feelings I seem to have ruin what she's worked so hard for.
"Ok." He holds up his hands in surrender. "Then let me rephrase. Ifsomething were to happen, hypothetically, with an Oscar-winning actress who's currently starring in our biggest production of the year…I'd appreciate a heads-up so I can do my job. So I can protect you both."
The silence stretches between us. Lucas waits, patient as ever, while I wage an internal war with myself. Finally, I say, "There's nothing to protect. We're professionals. That's all."
Lucas stands, straightening his jacket. "Of course." He heads for the door and then pauses. "Just…remember that I'm on your side, Grant. Always have been."
Lucas is right—he's always had my back—but how can I explain something to him that I can't even explain to myself?
I reach for my phone, and my thumb hovers over Sophia's name in my recent calls.
Before I can follow through, my assistant's voice crackles through the intercom. "Mr. Hall? Geneva is here to see you."
Shit.
The door opens before I can even respond, and there she is—still impossibly tall, still making casual clothes look runway-ready.
"Grant," Geneva says, gliding into my office like it hasn't been three months since we've seen each other in person. "Don't tell me you forgot I was coming."
"Of course not," I lie, standing to give her a quick hug and peck on the cheek. "Just lost track of days. You look great."
"Liar." She drops gracefully onto my office couch and crosses those famous legs. "But I'll take the compliment. How are things?"
I fill her in on all things Hazel and the schedule for the week so we can coordinate drop-off and pick-up.
"I know I said I'd take her full-time from Thursday through Sunday, but I just found out I have this charity thing Thursday night, so any chance we can shift to Friday through Sunday?"
Project Teddy Bear Gala, which I'm supposed to attend. Where Sophia is presenting an award.
"Yeah, about that…" I settle into the chair across from her. "I'll actually be there, too. Studio obligation."
"Any chance your sister might help?" Geneva grins, knowing she will.
"Yeah, she'll be fine to watch her."
"I'll have her every other moment I'm here, I promise. Anything new with her I should know?"
I can't help smiling. "Apparently, she's going to audition for the school play."
"Really?" Geneva's perfectly shaped eyebrows shoot up.
"I guess. She's recruited help for her audition. From Sophia Ford."
"The Sophia Ford?" Geneva leans forward slightly. "Oscar-winner Sophia Ford is helping our six-year-old with her school musical audition?"
"She's producing and starring in one of our new projects," I explain, keeping my voice carefully casual. "Her house flooded the first week of production, so I offered to let her stay in the guest house while she waits for repairs. Hazel asked for her help this morning."
"That's…surprisingly sweet." Geneva tilts her head. "And very convenient for you, having her right there to help."
"It's been productive." I resist the urge to loosen my tie. "She's good with Hazel."
