I stop short. “Why? When he spends ninety percent of his time shooting in Atlanta? We’re far more accessible, and we’ve dealt with these studios plenty of times before.”
“I’ll remind his assistant of that next time we speak.”
“Great. And Mathias?”
“Possibly has a new client for you, but I couldn’t get much more out of him than that.” I look up. Rob can find snow in the Sahara. Whoever Triton Entertainment thinks they have, they think that person is worth big bucks. Just what I need to put me above The Dick.
“Thank you.” Rob heads for the door and I grab a pen, writing in an addendum to a clause. He backtracks and stands in front of me, head down.
“Also, Meyers wants to know if you’re still going to the event at the Intercontinental tomorrow?”
“Does Blake Shelton sing country music?” I answer, not looking up from my writing.
“I know that and you know that, but Meyers—”
“Rob,” I warn. Normally, I’d enjoy the joke, and probably add a follow up, but with me angling for this job, I can’t chance it. Meyers isn’t my biggest fan at this point. No need to poke the bear.
Even if it is true.
I stare at Rob, the pieces not adding up. “Why exactly is Meyers so interested? I RSVP’d for that weeks ago. We’re confirmed to meet with the heads of several record labels that night. Everything is set.”
My assistant looks uncomfortable. “I think it’s because you left early that one time. He’s got the idea stuck in his head that you’re not invested enough in the business.” Rob looks away.
I pause, pen mid-air above a clause. That one fucking time was several months ago and I prefer not to remember the worst day of my life. It was the last time I let anything to do with my heart get in the way of my job.
Of course he thinks I’m not engaging in the business.
“Tell him I’ll be there and he’ll be glad I am in the end.”
Rob nods and starts to go, but then turns back. “How was the date, by the way?” he asks.
“Thank you, Rob.” I dismiss him, feeling my cheeks flush.
He shoots me a sympathetic smile. “That good, huh? Want me to cancel Mixer Man tonight?”
The last thing I needed was for my dates to get new nicknames before they even made their terrible appearance. But really, I should cancel. If Meyers thinks I’m not interested in the business, I’m in more trouble than I originally thought. Cancel, I think. Cancel, it’ll be better for your career.
Live a little—it’s Cash’s words that come back to me, sending a shiver down my spine. Maybe I’m spending too much time at Altitude, and my brain isn’t thinking clearly. And as soon as those words come, I remember his promise that I’ll beg and then thank him for it. The thought alone has me turned on.
I need this date. Otherwise, I’m liable to do everything Cash asks. I’ve let work eat my life for far too long.
“Confirm what’s on the calendar, Robert.”
“Yes, ma’am.” And just as he’s leaving, “Right away, ma’am.”
Rob finally leaves grinning, and I get through the rest of the contract and a handful of emails before my cell phone buzzes. I answer without even looking at the caller ID. Big shot lawyer on call twenty-four seven, that’s me.
“Savannah Sunday.”
“Good morning to you, too.” Cassie’s all too familiar chipper tone comes down the phone.
It’s been easy to fall back into our old ways. Cassie was MIA overseas for almost two years, and we seem to constantly be making up for lost time. Brunch, phone calls, texting—if it wasn’t for her new boyfriend, we’d probably still be having sleepovers and staying up way too late with wine, popcorn, and boy talk. It’s great to have her back.
I relax in my chair, slipping off my heels. “Morning, Cassie.”
“I saw the date last night. So spill. Good, bad, fantastic? Did you take him home?”
“I’m surprised your man even let you look at my date.” It comes out harsher than I mean it to. Sometimes I’m just jealous of my best friend’s good fortune. She totally deserves it. All of it. And then some. I just wish it could be as easy for the rest of us. I was stupid enough to think it might be—and I completely missed some crucial details.
“You’re avoiding the subject,” she says, sympathy in her voice. I was hoping she’d forget how I called her out on that same tactic when she started seeing Ryder. The girl is relentless. “So it was that good?”
“Let’s just say we won’t be picking out our china patterns any time soon.”
“So that’s a maybe on the second date?” There’s Cassie for you, always looking on the bright side.
I sigh, letting her cheerful attitude about love buoy my enthusiasm. “Let me clarify, we’re not picking out china patterns ever.”
“Okay. So he didn’t work. But that’s okay! There’re—”