“So, you want me to get in touch with Dylan Knox to see if there’s any chance he’ll do an interview with you?”
“To discuss the legendary impact that Artistry made—and could still make,” I emphasize. “Ask him to consider it. We can talk about whatever he wants. Maybe there’s something he wants to say. And you know that I’m a journalist he can trust.”
She takes a moment to consider my proposition. “Look, Harper, I know that we managed to get Audrey Abbot on board, but this is a different kettle of fish. She had a play in the works. Dylan Knox doesn’t have anything to promote.”
“Yet.”
She rolls her eyes, but I can tell she’s coming round to the idea. “You are a force to be reckoned with, Harper Jenkins. Do you ever let yourself have a social life?”
“Probably as much as you do.”
“How’s that handsome boyfriend of yours that I met at the charity ball?”
“We broke up.”
“Oh no! Why?”
“Creative differences.”
She gives me a knowing smile. “All right. I’ll let you know if I have time to reach out to Dylan Knox today. I can’t promise that he’ll listen to me—it’s not like we work together anymore. I’m not his agent.”
“Last night, I reread that interview he did forExpressionwith Jonathan Cliff. He was so passionate about acting, and you know what? He wasn’t bad. The movie was bad. The script was bad. He did well with what he had.”
“That’s what I told him.”
“Maybe this is a good time for you two to reconnect in a professional capacity,” I encourage, sensing an opening and goingwith it. “A second wind for Dylan Knox—a potential reunion tour and perhaps even a brand-new movie role or two? ‘If at first you don’t succeed’ and all that.”
I see the wheels turning in her head. “I suppose I might be able to get him a couple of auditions. Artistry have been in the press again recently.”
“Everyone loves a comeback,” I remind her eagerly.
“Don’t they just.” She checks her phone. “Shit, I have to go. I’ll be in touch—and I’m guessing I’ll see you tonight?”
I look at her blankly. “Tonight?”
“The British Silver Screen Awards. I would assume you’re going?”
“Oh! Right, yes, of course. That’s tonight. See you there.”
She nods and pushes the door into her building.
“SHIT!” I cry out once she’s out of sight, shocking the commuters passing by.
I completely forgot about the British Silver Screen Awards and didn’t bring a change of outfit to the office. Checking the time, I weigh up whether I can head back home, grab a dress and some shoes, and make it to the office for the editorial meeting.
It’s impossible.
Well, Cosmo will relish the opportunity to tell me off, which is his favorite thing to do. And he only needs Ryan present in those meetings anyway; it’s not like any of my features will be brought up. Starting off toward the tube, I find a new spring in my step, getting that familiar rush of adrenaline that comes when I know I might just land a big scoop.
It’s already been a busy morning and it looks to be a hectic day ahead.
Just what I needed. I’ll be much too distracted to think about Ryan at all.
Later, Ryan tries to talk to me, but I don’t have time, and that’s the honest truth.
“Hey, maybe we could go for lunch today?” he suggests when he catches me outside finishing up a phone call.
“Afraid I can’t,” I say, stepping round him to go back to the office. “I got here too late to take lunch. I’ll be eating at my desk.”
