I drop into the chair behind me and absently scratch the dogs’ ears. Remy calls Alexis and Erik and James start dissecting the segment.
Remy is watching me. I send him a thumbs up.
I’m remarkably okay, all things considered.
This was the release valve I didn’t know I needed.
I feel my shoulders relax.
It’s finally coming out.
He won’t be protected anymore.
My attention is diverted as Ruiz comes in the door, panting slightly.
“Are you okay?” I shoot to my feet.
He nods. “Sorry. A reporter with a telephoto climbed the wall while the team was dealing with a group on the park side. I got their memory card.”
“Thank you,” I tell him gratefully.
Chapter one hundred forty-two
Remy
I stand at the window watching Tianna’s SUV moving slowly through the throng of reporters at the back entrance.
Ruiz is cutting through them slowly but efficiently.
I barely listen as David and Erik agree on set issues and workout timelines and logistics for opening night.
We have nine months, with casting starting in a few hours.
I stiffen as the car comes to a halt, two more aggressive reporters refusing to move.
A uniformed security guard is making his way over, entirely too slowly for my taste. I'll see if Coulson can recommend another company.
Ruiz lurches the car forward an inch. The reporters don’t move.
I head for the elevator.
When I get outside, there are several people swarming the vehicle. While one bangs on the rear window, another is jumping on the hood.
Ruiz must have called the police because a marked unit pulls up with red and blues flashing. A voice over the loudspeaker, move away from the vehicle or be arrested.
They slowly move away camera’s still clicking.
Ruiz pulls up directly to the door and even though there’s no rain, he opens an umbrella blocking Tianna from view as she exits the car.
I hastily step back inside so I don’t give the cameras a payout they don’t deserve.
Chapter one hundred forty-three
Christianna
I’m sitting with Meg as we cast for dancers. I’m the tie-breaker between David and Meg.
This could get awkward.
