Total pages in book: 100
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95609 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 319(@300wpm)
“That feels cynical.” Even as I say the words, I know I’m being naïve. This is why I like to work on the fictional side of the entertainment industry. It’s all characters, and the actors don’t have to risk their hearts or their mental health.
“Or he could find the love of his life here,” Joe says, a plea in his tone. “You never know what can happen when you put people together. There will be some excellent opportunities to get to know the king. Why can’t two people fall in love here? They fall in love at work all the time. All I’m saying is I need you, Anika. The people of Ralavia need you. It’s one night and then you’re out, and you will have helped a whole nation.”
Or they could do it with twelve contestants. I want to say that, but I doubt it will move the man.
He’s figured out exactly the path to take with me, and I realize how dangerous this man could be if he doesn’t want to do the right thing. He’s charming and smooth and didn’t take no from me. He has me right where he wants me, and I can’t wriggle out of the trap. “All right. One night. I’ll blend into the background. Maybe I can be that girl who smiles and looks relieved that I didn’t get picked because I didn’t feel the connection either.”
Joe opens the door, and I realize Christy and the makeup guy have been waiting right outside. They hadn’t been making alternate plans in case he failed. They know he’ll get what he wants.
“Tears would be so much better,” Joe replies as they all move back in. “If you could look crestfallen, maybe have a couple of tears clinging to your cheeks, that would be perfect.”
“Don’t sob.” Christy is rummaging through the rows of clothes they have set up. For the most part the contestants will wear their own clothes, but a good selection is kept in case production doesn’t like a contestant’s fashion sense. “It looks terrible on camera. Unless you’re going to flip a table. That makes for great TV.”
Joe shakes his head. “Absolutely not on the first night, though I think we’ve got at least one girl who will cause some serious drama tonight.”
“All of the makeup is waterproof.” Makeup guy finally gets the second lash on my lid and stares down at me. “There’s plenty of makeup remover in the mansion. Takes a while to get it off, so whatever your skin care routine before bed is, add a half an hour. You’re as good as you’re going to get.”
“But I’m not going to be in the mansion,” I say, worried I’m going to have the makeup clinging to me for the next year. “Should we tone this down?”
“You look perfect,” Joe insists. “You look like you could be the queen of a small, impoverished European country.”
That makes me laugh. He’s a charming man. I view him as something of a fatherly figure, but I would bet a lot of women fall for his humor and his ability to figure out a person quickly. When fame hadn’t worked, he’d gone straight for my heartstrings. They are always there, waiting to be plucked. Waiting to get me in trouble.
If it helps feed a nation, I suppose I can make it through one whole cocktail party and pretend to be upset I’m not picked out of a group of random women.
There’s a brief knock and then Patrick is walking through. He’s got a headset on and a clipboard in his hands. “Mr. Helms, we’re ready for you. I’ve got a missing PA, but we’ll work it out. I’ll fire her as soon as I… What the hell are you doing here, Fox?”
I’m just making the boss love everything about me today. “I got sidetracked.”
His face flushes, and it’s obvious he’s ready to do that firing right here and now.
“Anika is doing me a very large favor, Patrick,” Joe says, putting a hand on Patrick’s shoulder. I notice the way Patrick stiffens but doesn’t move away. “We’ve lost a contestant, and she’s going to take her place. It’s one night. The king will reject her and she’ll be back on your team in the morning.”
“I want to work with the horses,” I say because it slips out. See. Nerves make me say stupid things.
Patrick shifts away from Joe, straightening his shoulders and making for the door. “There won’t be any horses tomorrow, but I’m sure I can find something suitable for you. Like I said, we’re ready to start. The talent is dressed and awaiting their carriage rides. I’ve got craft services set up at the end of the block since it’s going to be a night shoot and I doubt anyone will be able to stop for a real dinner.”