by A. L. Brooks
They sat opposite him and Jenny gave him her biggest smile.
“So, your meeting request said something about wanting to talk through some ideas around changes to Catwalk?” He looked between the two of them. “I don’t have a lot of time, and obviously the project’s pretty set now, but hit me with what you’ve got.”
Jenny took comfort from the fact that his body language was pretty open. She placed her laptop on his desk and opened the presentation file. Then she cleared her throat and spoke. She took him through the thought process that had led her to his office this morning, glossing over the fact she thought his project was a sexist pile of crap. Instead, she focused on what she thought the better benefits would be, both for the fundraising potential and for the publicity it would garner for C&V. She and Olivia had both decided Derek was more likely to listen to that than a feminist rant.
To his credit, apart from raising his eyebrows a couple times, Derek didn’t interrupt or speak until Jenny had delivered her concluding spiel. He meshed his fingers together, his hands resting lightly on the edge of his desk. “And this is all your idea, yes?” He looked at Jenny.
“It is, yes.” She was proud her voice didn’t wobble.
“And you’re here because…” He aimed this at Olivia.
Jenny held her breath. Would this be the moment Olivia revealed her true colors and betrayed Jenny?
“When Jenny told me her idea, I knew it was a brilliant variation on the project that should see the light of day,” Olivia said firmly. “I’ve been her research assistant for the work she’s done on this, and I’m here because you may have had questions about certain elements that were more my focus than hers. But I’m here mostly because I believe in this project idea a hundred percent, and I think C&V could pull off something amazing if they went with her idea.”
Jenny didn’t dare look at her; her chest swelled with gratitude and appreciation for Olivia’s strong words.
“Hm,” was all Derek said. Then he sat back and waved toward Jenny’s laptop. “Send me that file, would you?”
Jenny just held back her squeal. “Sure.” She clicked a few keys and emailed the zipped file over to him.
“Anything else?” Derek’s expression was unreadable, but a small nerve twitched just above his right eye.
Jenny and Olivia stood as if by some unspoken command. “No.” Jenny picked up her laptop. “Thanks for your time.”
Derek didn’t look at her as she spoke.
She followed Olivia out of his office, and they strode down the hallway, not speaking.
Olivia led them not to their desks but across the floor to the emergency stairwell in the far corner. She waited until the heavy door shut behind them, then glanced up the stairs toward the next floor; many staff members used the stairs to walk between the two floors C&V occupied, but it seemed there was currently no one in sight.
Then Olivia surprised the crap out of Jenny—she grabbed Jenny’s arms and shook her. “Oh my God, you were amazing!” Her voice bubbled over with laughter and enthusiasm.
Jenny burst out laughing. The relief at having made it through the meeting without fucking anything up mingled with the fantastic sensation of being so appreciated by Olivia. “I was, wasn’t I?”
“You were.” Olivia’s voice turned serious. “You were cool, professional, clear. Did you see that twitch in his face at the end?”
“Yeah, I did. Do you think he was angry?”
“Yes—angry he hadn’t thought of this idea himself, I’d bet. You absolutely nailed it in there. Well done.” Olivia’s eyes shone with pride.
A lump formed in Jenny’s throat. “Thank you. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Olivia swallowed visibly. “You’re welcome. It was my pleasure.”
“What do you think happens now?” Jenny stared at Olivia. “I mean, he didn’t say he’d get back to us or anything but…”
“He will,” Olivia said firmly. “Just you wait and see.”
“What the hell is this?” Chrissy’s voice was almost a snarl.
Jenny looked up from unpacking her bag and threw her friend a confused look. “What’s what?”
It was Monday morning, just before nine, and Jenny wasn’t quite firing on all cylinders yet. The lunch at Tamara and Roz’s had been a long one and had involved watching the Steelers defeat the Dolphins. That had meant a little more alcohol than usual had been consumed, and there was a tight knot in the middle of her forehead the painkillers hadn’t been able to touch.
“Project Catwalk is being changed.” Chrissy looked over the top of her screen at Jenny. “We’ve had an email from Derek.” She stood and walked over, her face like thunder. “It says something about his production team coming up with a brilliant new suggestion and we’re running with it.”
Jenny swallowed. I am so not ready for this conversation right now.
At that moment, Maxwell and Olivia appeared, laughing together as they walked toward the desks.
“I suppose you had something to do with this?” Chrissy snapped, her hands on her hips as she glared at Olivia.
Olivia stopped abruptly. “With what?”
“Looks like Catwalk 2.0 is going live.” Jenny was unable to keep a smile off her face as Olivia’s eyebrows rose. “Derek’s just emailed, apparently.”
“Oh my God.” Olivia gaped at Jenny. “Oh my God!” She rushed over and, without warning, pulled Jenny into a hug.
Arms holding her tightly. Strong arms wrapped around her that felt so, so good. Jenny bit back a groan. Olivia’s body, pressed lightly up against hers, was warm. The feel of it sent arousal coursing through her. Jeez, this early on a Monday with a hangover, I cannot handle this as well.
Olivia stepped back, her face flushed. “Sorry, I—”
“It’s okay.” Jenny’s voice was a rough croak. Trying desperately to remember how to breathe, she turned to Chrissy, whose face was a shade of angry magenta that made Jenny wince. She cleared her throat and stood up a little straighter. “The change to Catwalk is a suggestion I made to Derek on Friday. Olivia helped me with some of the research.” She made sure to look at both Chrissy and Maxwell. “We didn’t include either of you because we were scared Derek would hate the idea. We didn’t want either of you to be caught up in the fallout if that was the case.”
It wasn’t a total lie, but it certainly wasn’t the truth. Yes, she and Olivia had briefly considered bringing both Chrissy and Maxwell into their plans, but they’d soon decided against it. Mainly because of the lingering awkwardness between Olivia and Chrissy. Jenny knew Olivia didn’t trust Chrissy, and she knew Chrissy didn’t like Olivia. Why make them work on something like Catwalk 2.0 when it needed everyone pulling together to make it happen? So, of course, if Chrissy wasn’t included, then Maxwell had to be out too.
Chrissy’s eyes softened a little, but not by much. “I could have helped.” Her voice was almost a whine. “You know I would have helped you.”
“I know. But I was worried he’d fire me, to be honest. I didn’t want that to happen to you.” Okay, a little embellishment, but anything to talk Chrissy down off her ledge.
Chrissy’s face had almost returned to its normal, pale color. “Okay.” She sounded a little dubious. “So, what is this fantastic new idea of yours, huh?” The sarcasm in her tone was impossible to miss.
Jenny frowned. Yeah, I need to have a private talk with you sometime soon.
To her surprise, Olivia jumped in. She outlined Jenny’s concept, making sure she addressed both Chrissy and Maxwell, and made it very obvious she was highly impressed by what Jenny had come up with.
Heat threatened to steal across Jenny’s cheeks as Maxwell looked at her in admiration.
“Well, I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the original idea,” Chrissy said sullenly. “But I guess your idea is just as good.”
Jenny caught Olivia’s eye.
“Well done,” Olivia mouthed, her gaze lingering on Jenny’s face.
Heat crawled up her neck and into her face, and Jenny turned away to her own desk before—she hoped—Olivia noticed.
The door to Derek’s office opened, and he stuck his head out. “Meeting! Now!” he called. “Room B.” Then he strode off down the hallway.
After a moment of silence, the four of them hurried to pick up their laptops and follow him.
Once they were all seated around the table, he shot Jenny a look that was half annoyed, half ruefully impressed. “So we have a new version of Catwalk to put together. While it is a little late in the day, the execs loved it, so here we go.”
Jenny went hot and cold at hearing him say “the execs loved it.” I wonder if he sold it to them as his own idea? Yeah, he probably did. She tried not to let that thought sour her mood. At least the project was changing, and that was the main thing. She’d be able to work on it with some pride.
“The two biggest issues,” Derek was saying, “are these. One, Jason Bentley is out. His agent made it perfectly clear his client will not, I quote, ‘parade up and down a runway like an overdressed poodle.’”
Jenny resisted the urge to snort. Bentley was the latest star quarterback to grace the NFL, and the guy was a douche. They were better off without him and his ego.
“So, we’re on the hunt for someone to replace him,” Derek continued. “Doesn’t have to be A-list, like him. I’m happy to take another B, given we’ve already got four As in there. Second, we need a decent host now. Someone who can talk up the fashion side of things and give it some style. We’d originally only booked someone to do a basic voiceover, but with all the extra attention this’ll get, it needs to be someone people can connect with. We’re reaching out to a few people we have in mind, but if you think of anyone, let me know. Same with the Bentley replacement.” He glanced at Jenny. “We’ve got a reputation as an ideas team now, so let’s live up to it.”
Olivia raised her hand. “I think I might know just the person for the host role.”
Chapter 19
Olivia ran through her speech in her mind as the elevator ascended to Katherine’s apartment. If her mother-in-law had been surprised at Olivia’s request to see her—on a weekday and without Broderick—she’d hidden it well on the phone.
The doors opened on the fourteenth floor, and Olivia stepped out. She took a deep breath, then rang the doorbell.
Katherine answered moments later. “This is a lovely surprise! Come in. We’ll talk in the kitchen. I have snacks!” She winked at Olivia.
Olivia followed Katherine to the large kitchen down the hallway. They sat at a small, informal dining table near the window and munched on petite crostini and blini, all handmade by Katherine, while they engaged in small talk.
“So, what brings you here on a Wednesday evening?” Katherine’s eyes narrowed in curiosity. “Everything okay with Broderick?”
“Oh yes.” Olivia gave her a big smile. “He’s fine. We’re fine. This is actually about work.”
“Work?”
Olivia took a deep breath. “The TV production company I work for is currently putting together a big charity event that will be broadcast live near to Christmas. One of the segments we’re doing is a fashion show.”
At this, Katherine’s eyebrows rose and she leaned in.
“We need someone who can host the segment.” Olivia kept her tone even, not wanting her hopes to run away with her. “Someone who knows about fashion, and who would be comfortable in front of a camera and an audience. I thought of you.”
“Me?” Katherine pressed a hand to her chest. Her wedding and engagement rings glittered in the lights from the ceiling. She’d never taken them off, even after Broderick Sr. had died, and Olivia couldn’t imagine she ever would. “But…but I’ve been away from television for a long time now.”
“Yes, that’s true. But your name hasn’t been forgotten. How many times do current fashion commentators get compared to you? How many times does your name come up in magazine articles, and newspaper features? Your name carries a certain, shall we say, cachet? It would be a big coup for us to have you on board with this.”
You will also cost us significantly less and be easier to work with than some of the divas other people have been suggesting.
“My goodness!” Katherine sat back, her hands gripping the edge of the table. “Do be a dear and pour me a glass of wine, would you? There’s a bottle open in the refrigerator.”
Smirking, Olivia stood and carried out Katherine’s wishes. She poured herself a glass of water while she was up, then pretended she needed the bathroom, just to give Katherine some space to think. When she returned to the kitchen a few minutes later, there was a bright smile on her mother-in-law’s face.
“Tell me all about this show,” Katherine said. “And what you want from me.”
“Your mother-in-law is Katherine Sinclair?” Derek rubbed his hands together. “My wife is a huge fan of hers! And she’s agreed to do this?”
“She has.” Olivia grinned. She’d emailed Derek as soon as she’d got home from visiting Katherine the night before to tell him the news, but she’d had no idea he’d be this pleased.
“Good work.” Derek nodded. “Very good.”
She walked back to her desk with a bounce in her step.
“What?” Jenny stared at her.
“Derek loved my nomination for host. The fact that she’s my mother-in-law definitely helped.” Olivia pretended to buff her nails on her shirt.
“She said yes?”
“She sure did.”
“Awesome.”
“Yes, it is rather good.”
Jenny snorted. “You and your understatements.” She rolled forward on her chair. “Here, have an M&M to celebrate.”
Chuckling, Olivia stepped forward to accept her reward. “Why, thank you.”
They looked at each other, both of them lingering in the moment.
This happened more and more these days, and Olivia couldn’t seem to stop herself. She knew she should. She knew it was dangerous, but it felt so good she didn’t want to lose it.
Chrissy walked up with a stack of paperwork in her hand. “What are you two smiling at?” Her sour mood hadn’t seemed to alter one little bit since Monday.
Jenny beamed. “Olivia just got us a kickass host for Catwalk.”
Olivia snorted loudly. “I don’t think anyone has ever called my mother-in-law kickass before.”
Jenny laughed.
“Great,” Chrissy said without warmth.
“Hey, you got a minute?” Jenny asked Chrissy. “Wanna go out for some coffee? Like, real coffee?” She waggled her eyebrows.
It seemed Chrissy had to laugh, in spite of her mood. “Okay, sure. But you’re buying.”
“Of course.” Jenny threw Olivia a thumbs-up behind Chrissy’s back.
Ah, she’s going to try to tame the beast. Hm, good luck with that.
“So, you’re obviously not happy.” Jenny decided she may as well get right down to it. She realized she’d been doing that a lot lately. Her confidence—or bravery—had increased hugely since she’d worked with Olivia on the new version of Catwalk. She’d seen bold Olivia in action and found it easy to dig within herself and find some of that same boldness to set free. It felt really good.
Chrissy shifted in her seat. “No, I guess I’m not.” Her face reddened again.
Uh-oh, here we go.
“But seriously, what do you expect?” Chrissy folded her arms and glared at Jenny across the tiny table. “You and Olivia are all best friends now, and you’re Derek’s new favorite, and—”
“Whoa! What are you talking about?” Jenny’s mind spun; Chrissy sounded like she was thirteen years old. “Olivia and I are just working together on this new
version of Catwalk. We’re not best friends. That’s ridiculous.” She held up a hand when Chrissy made to interrupt. “And no way am I Derek’s favorite. In fact, he told me this morning that I was a pain in the ass for coming up with this idea and forcing us into so many changes. I mean, yeah, he was smiling as he said it, but still.”
Chrissy’s shoulders relaxed a little.
“Look.” Jenny leaned forward. “You’ve been pretty grumpy these last few days. I know we’re becoming friends, but I don’t know you that well, so is there something else? Something more than the work situation making you mad?”
“No, it’s just…” Chrissy sat back. “It’s gonna sound stupid.”
“Try me.”
“I don’t want to be left behind. I want this job, and I know we all do, but I…” She blew out a breath that made her bangs flutter upward. “I see how close you and Olivia have become recently and it worries me. She’s so manipulative, Jenny. I’ve told you all the things she’s done and you don’t seem to care.” Her bottom lip wobbled. “So, I’m worried that now she’s switched targets. She’s not after you anymore. She’s after me. And you’re going to help her in trying to get rid of me.”
“I… What?” Jenny jerked her head in shock; bile rose in her throat. “You’re right, that is stupid. You don’t get me at all if you think I’d do something like that.”
She made to stand but Chrissy grabbed her arm. “I’m sorry! Jenny, I…”
To Jenny’s horror, Chrissy burst into tears.
Oh, crap.
Jenny sat back down again and shuffled her chair around the table to tentatively lay an arm over Chrissy’s shoulders. “What the hell is going on? Why are you so paranoid about her? Olivia’s been great to work with.” I’m obviously not going to share that she doesn’t trust you either. Jesus, how did I end up in the middle of this mess? “And seriously, she’s done nothing that makes me think she’s ‘after’ either of us. I believe her when she says she had nothing to do with that Excelsior presentation. I think Derek fed you some bad intel there.”