The Publicist Book One and Two

by Christina George

  “But, you’re the only relative Allan had contact with, right? So there should be no question.”

  “It’s complicated, Kate. He gets royalty checks from his publisher. He owned this apartment. Lots of pieces. Lots of accounting.”

  “Let me take you to dinner. I think you need to give this a rest for now.”

  Kate replaced the lid on the banker’s box Nick had been organizing.

  “I need to plan his funeral,” he said. “I’m really going to miss him.”

  “So am I. Come on, let’s talk about this over dinner.”

  Kate took Nick to Eataly. It was bright and lively, perfect to help lighten Nick’s mood, even if only slightly. They grabbed a table in the seafood section.

  Kate ordered a merlot. Nick ordered organic tea. Suddenly, Kate felt like some heathen. Here she was with the guru of health, ordering wine.

  “Red wine is really good for you,” Nick said, as if reading her mind. “People often wonder what they should eat around me.”

  He smiled. It was the first time she’d seen him smile in two days.

  “It’s okay. I won’t judge.”

  Kate smiled back. She liked Nick. She wished they’d met under better circumstances.

  …

  After dinner, Kate walked with Nick back to his hotel, which was right across the street from Bryant Park.

  “Kate, there’s a bar in the hotel. Can I buy you a nightcap?”

  “Sure,” she smiled, “I just need to send a quick message to someone.”

  Nick’s curiosity was piqued. “You have someone waiting for you?”

  “No,” Kate lied, “just an editor who wanted to do a late call about a book launch we have on January third, but we can do this in the morning.”

  “Look, I don’t want to keep you from—”

  “It’s fine,” she interrupted, texting Mac. Running late. I’ll see you in the morning. She didn’t wait for his reply. She wanted to see him, but she didn’t have the heart to leave Nick.

  …

  When Kate got home later that night, she called Mac.

  “I want to see you,” he said.

  “Mac, it’s late. Really, it’s fine.”

  “Kate, you just lost a dear friend. I don’t have to stay the night. I just want to see you.”

  Reluctantly, she agreed and Mac clicked off.

  When he arrived, she fell into his arms. He held her and let her cry. They sat on the couch and she told Mac about Allan, things Mac never knew. Kate pulled out some pictures taken at the Bronx Zoo on one of the rare times when she was able to get him out of his apartment.

  “I’m so sorry, Katie.” Mac brushed a lock of hair from her check.

  She sighed, “I am, too.”

  Mac’s lips touched her and he kissed her softly. Her lips tasted salty and sweet to him. He had thought of her the entire time he’d been away. Thinking of her, wanting her. His kiss grew more intense, and Kate threw her arms around his neck.

  “Make love to me,” she whispered.

  He carried her to her room and made love to her all night.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Something wasn’t right. Kate couldn’t put her finger on what exactly it was, but she knew something was off. She sat opposite Mac at the large conference table usually reserved for their sales meetings and watched a smiling image of Michael Singer on the screen. He was updating Mac about the book.

  “It’s progressing nicely. I think you’ll be pleased.” Michael finished the sentence with a smile. It nearly made Kate’s stomach turn.

  “Great, Michael. Glad to hear it. I’ll need an updated draft as soon as you can send it. We have a few pending endorsements we want to confirm, and they’d like to see more of the book.”

  Michael nodded, “Let me tweak a few things. You’ll have it in a day.”

  “Fair enough. Kate, is there anything else you need to discuss with Michael?”

  Kate forced herself back into the conversation. “N-No, we’re good.”

  Mac frowned, “Great, then we’re set. Let’s plan to check in again next week. I’ll have my assistant set it up.”

  “Cheers,” Michael said and clicked off. The screen went black.

  “Katie, what’s up with you today? Is it the Singer thing again?”

  Kate stacked her papers and tucked them into her folder. She hesitated before she spoke.

  “Yes, the guy makes my skin crawl. I don’t trust him.”

  Mac chuckled softly, “Katie, he’s a new age guru; they’re all a bit iffy if you ask me.”

  “It’s more than that, Mac. I think if MD is going to be investing so much in this guy, we should dig into his past and make sure there are no skeletons in his closet that could come up and taint this release.”

  It wasn’t uncommon for a publishing house to check into an author’s background, although generally it was a quickly run search online, nothing too deep.

  “He was checked out for The Promise, and he came up clean.” He paused for a moment. “But, if it’ll help, I’ll have my assistant run another check.”

  Kate nodded. She knew that Mac was partially humoring her.

  “I appreciate it, Mac. I promise if it turns out to be nothing, whatever mixed feelings I have about Michael will have no bearing on the campaign. If I can pretend to like Isla, I can pretend to like anyone.”

  Mac stood up. “Speaking of the devil, isn’t she coming into the office?”

  Kate rolled her eyes. “Yes, I promised to take her to lunch to discuss the publicity. She’s mad as hell about the timing of the book. This should be fun.”

  “You’ll do fine, Katie. I’d go with you, but I’m buried from being away.”

  “It’s not even your book, Mac.”

  Kate opened the door and headed out of the conference room.

  “I know, but I love watching crazy in action.” His laugh carried down the hall.

  …

  “Vhere is Kate?”

  Kate could hear Isla’s screeching voice all the way to her office. She peered out her door and saw Isla, a cloud of deep blue chiffon wafting around her. Isla was short and slightly heavyset; she had deep-set dark brown eyes and black hair, which Kate was convinced she dyed. No one could be Isla’s age and not have a shred of grey. Then again, she wasn’t really sure how old Isla was. No one knew exactly. Sort of like that singer—she couldn’t think of her name. All Kate could do was watch her author waft down the hall towards her. Her face looked stern and unhappy.

  Kate took a deep breath. “Well,” she thought, “here we go.”

  Isla was upon her now, reaching her hands out. Kate responded but Isla shook her head.

  “No, I need to check your aura first.”

  Kate wanted to crawl under a rock. Everyone was watching, and Isla moved her hands in circle eights.

  “Hmmmmm,” she said and closed her eyes.

  “Isla, I really—”

  “Shhh, do not disturb me while I’m doing my work.”

  Kate spotted Mac, who popped out of his office and mimicked Isla. It was all she could do to keep from laughing. Every head in every cubicle was raised, and most were laughing as silently as they could. Others just watched in dismay.

  Isla opened her eyes.

  “You are good now. You had some odd things in your aura. Like a debris field. I removed them; you are fine now.”

  “Come into my office, would you?” Kate wanted to get her out of the hall as fast as she could.

  “Please, have a seat, Isla. It’s good to see you.” Kate regretted the statement as soon as it was out of her mouth.

  Isla huffed, “It is not good to be here. I should be on a vacation. Instead, I am worried about my book, which apparently isn’t good enough to release in January when all other big books are launched. It is very unfair.”

  Kate wanted to kick her.

  “Isla, I have already apologized, but I do not set the release dates. Now, let’s discuss your promotion.”

  �
�I would like the Today Show. I want to be interviewed by Katie Couric.”

  “We have a commitment from Good Morning America for you, and Katie has been off the Today Show for years.”

  “But doesn’t she do all those specials—investigations and such?”

  “You’re thinking of Diane Sawyer.”

  Isla nodded, “Yes, I like her. Let’s have her interview me, then.”

  Kate felt like she was batting a thousand.

  “She’s no longer with Good Morning America; she now does the evening news.”

  “Then I vant the evening news,” Isla insisted, pushing her chin out. Kate wanted to slap her.

  “This is an interview. You’ll get much more time on a morning show, and the longer you’re on the air, the more people will buy your book.”

  Now Kate was singing her song.

  Isla smiled for the first time since she arrived. “I want a bestseller.”

  Kate looked down at her notes, ignoring her.

  “We also have Entertainment Tonight and—”

  “Did you hear me?”

  Kate tried counting to ten, but only got as far as five.

  “No one can predict a bestseller.”

  “I can. And I know I will be a bestseller.”

  Kate feigned a smile. “Great. Now let me continue updating you.”

  “I want to discuss my next book,” she demanded.

  “We don’t have another book planned for you.”

  “I will discuss this with my editor. I have another book idea. I can bring people back from the dead.”

  Kate looked up from the update sheet she had fixed on to keep from knocking some sense into this author.

  “Excuse me?”

  “People doubt me, but it is true. I can bring people back from the dead.”

  “So, eh, whom have you resurrected?”

  “It’s not that easy. The process takes time. No one yet. I’m working on it now.”

  “Great. When you finally do, let us know and maybe your editor will be interested.”

  “Maybe? I think she will love this idea. I want to speak to her. Where is Rebecca? Where is my editor?”

  “She’s not here this week. But email her and let her know your idea.”

  “I want to speak with her.”

  “She’s having a baby. She’s on maternity leave. Just email her. She checks it daily.”

  Isla huffed, “I am hungry. Let’s go eat.”

  Kate was certain this would be the longest lunch in history.

  …

  When she returned, she found Mac in his office.

  “I think we should cancel this book,” she said dropping herself into a chair.

  “Was lunch that bad?” he smiled.

  “No, Mac. She’s certifiable. I don’t know how she got lucky and held it together as long as she did to solve these murders, but trust me, she’s crazy.”

  “It’ll be fine, and I know Rebecca won’t pull the book.”

  “Mac, she said she can bring people back from the dead.”

  “What?”

  “She was telling me her latest book idea; she wants to write about this.”

  “See if she can bring back Elvis.”

  “Be serious.”

  Mac laughed, “I am, Katie. Tell her to bring back Elvis. Or better yet, let’s fuck with the entire royal family and have her bring back Princess Diana. I’d love to sign her for her memoirs.”

  “Jesus, Mac. I’m worried about this one.”

  Mac leaned over his desk.

  “Katie, what’s up with you? You’re nervous about Michael, now Isla. Is everything okay?”

  “Not since MD started signing a bunch of freaks to write books. Yes, I’m fine. I just worry if she’ll say this on camera.”

  “Maybe warn the producers?”

  “No, they’ll kill the interviews. I’m sure. It was hard enough to get everyone to move them with the shifting release date. I think I’ll talk with Rebecca and have her speak with Isla. She listens to Rebecca. She just thinks I’m some hack who will make her famous.”

  Mac smiled sympathetically. “Don’t they all?”

  She nodded.

  “Hey, how about dinner tonight?”

  Kate stood up to leave.

  “How about tomorrow? I can’t tonight. I have to help Nick plan Allan’s funeral.”

  …

  It was nearly five p.m. when Kate finally reached Isla’s editor. Rebecca was a sweet young editor, fairly new to MD and excited about this launch.

  “I’m so sorry to leave you saddled with her. I know how unpleasant she can be,” Rebecca said.

  “It’s fine, really. Another couple of weeks and she’ll be out of my hair.”

  “I’ll speak with her. I’ll tell her that if she breathes a word about this idea, it could kill a potential deal.”

  Kate breathed a sigh of relief.

  “That’ll be great. Thank you. I’m still a little nervous about putting her on national TV. She’s a loose cannon.”

  “I know, but if we pull any of it, Edward will kill us.”

  “If Isla acts like a lunatic on the air, it’ll kill the book.”

  “I’ll speak with her; it’ll be fine.”

  Kate clicked off but wasn’t sure it would be at all okay. Just then, she heard the Lulu’s voice say, “She’s right in here,” smiling as she led Nicholas into her office.

  “Nick, you’re early. Thanks, Lulu.”

  Lulu winked as she left Kate’s office.

  “Yeah, I, just, well…” Nick looked nervous. “I needed to see you.”

  Kate’s heart skipped a beat. She’d been so focused on Allan’s death, which helped her ignore the fact that having Nicholas in her life was very confusing.

  “Let me just send one email, and then we can go.”

  “This place is amazing. Someday, I’d love a tour.”

  Kate hesitated. Mac was still around and likely would be for a while. She really didn’t want the two of them to meet, but knowing Lulu, word had likely already spread through the office that Kate had a date.

  “How about now?” she said finally. “Just give me a minute.”

  Just then, Mac walked in carrying a folder.

  “Katie, here’s the folder I promised you. Oh, hello. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Mac, MacDermott Ellis, Kate’s…co-worker.”

  Nicholas stood up; they were both the same height.

  “Nicholas Lavigne, Allan’s nephew.”

  Mac eyed him suspiciously, and a twinge of jealousy curled in his stomach. Nicholas was movie star handsome and single. Mac fought the urge to make up some mandatory meeting that would require Kate’s immediate participation.

  “I’m sorry to hear about your uncle. He was a great author.”

  “He was a lot more than that. He was a great man.”

  “Of course,” Mac said quickly, “I didn’t mean…”

  Nick waved his hand.

  “It’s okay. I’m a little on edge. The funeral has been set for Thursday. Christmas is Saturday. It seems like a horrible time.”

  “Indeed,” Mac said, “it’s a very hard time. So, how long have you known Kate?”

  Kate tried to distract him.

  “I’ll take that folder, Mac.”

  He handed it to her. It was empty.

  “Mac, I hate to be rude, but I promised Nick a tour, and then we need to go.”

  He nodded, “Sure, Nick, it was nice to meet you.”

  He nodded in Nick’s direction, and although Mac tried to sound authentic, Kate knew he didn’t mean a word of it.

  …

  Mac stood in front of the window of his apartment, watching the masses below and fighting off the urge to call or text her. She had every right, and the man just lost his uncle. Kate and Nick certainly had that loss in common. That was probably all it was. Still. There was something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on. This was getting entirely too personal for Mac’s taste. But, he was powerless
to stop it, or rather, he just didn’t want to. Mac was used to living dangerously. He negotiated with himself that he could walk away whenever he wanted, although he knew it was a lie. He craved Kate with every fiber in his body. Her voice. Her smile. Her touch.

  “Fuck,” he muttered to no one and poured himself another drink.

  Chapter Thirty-Nine

  “Kate, I have to tell you, it’s meant the world to me to have you here.”

  Nick had walked her back to her apartment. The night air was freezing, but they were both bundled up and the restaurant wasn’t far. He reached for her gloved hand and held it gently.

  “I’m just sorry this happened. We both loved your uncle. It’s such a sad thing.”

  Nick nodded, “It is. It’s also awkward.”

  Kate turned to him. “How so?”

  “You’ve been so helpful with the funeral and…” Nick hesitated, considering his next words carefully. “I really like you, Kate.”

  Nick looked deep into her eyes. Kate felt rooted in the sidewalk. Nick leaned into her and pressed his lips to hers. His kiss was tender and sexy. It fit him entirely well. The kiss lasted longer than she’d expected. His tongue pushed against her lips, gently caressing them. She could feel his body pressing against her. Slowly he pulled away. For a moment, she felt a core of desire swirl inside her.

  “Goodnight, Kate,” he whispered and then walked off.

  Chapter Forty

  “What do you mean she’s not coming to New York?” Mac was getting impatient. “I came back from my trip to see Saundra, and now she’s not coming in. What the hell?”

  Saundra’s assistant was firm, but polite.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Ellis, but Saundra had a personal issue come up. She promised to be in next week. I’ve had her flights moved.”

  Mac sighed, “She’d better. Her book launches the second week in January. Remind her of that. I need her here.”

  “She’ll be there. I will send her updated itinerary as soon as I have it.”

  Mac dropped the phone. He was so pissed off. He had planned meetings for Saundra and a photo shoot that Kate had coordinated. All of it had to be moved.