“What do you mean? You’re the man who has it all.”
Now he’d let the proverbial cat out of the bag. “Having it all, as you say, comes with a price. Like no freedom, running from the paparazzi, and having all kinds of people clamoring for your attention. It gets tiring. Then there’s someone like you. Who’s trying to make it in the world and seems to hit one brick wall against the other.”
“Ah, come on. I just had a little car trouble.”
Now she’s comforting me. He wasn’t being quite the stand-up guy he’d wanted to show her. “Nevertheless, I’m going to insist you let me bring you to work tomorrow.”
Felicity shook her head. “You’ve done enough for me today. I can have Shantae pick me up.”
“Still, I’d like you to let me know how you make out with the mechanic.”
“I will.” She squeezed his arm.
And his heartstrings tightened—just a little.
Thursday night arrived. Felicity prepared for her usual time to meet her best friend Margo Spinelli, at their favorite restaurant, The Ivy. Felicity told her she had important news to share. Although Margo at first said she’d been too busy at her design studio, Felicity convinced her it’d been urgent. The Ivy was LA’s spot for the stars. She and Margo enjoyed stargazing on their weekly get-togethers.
Felicity spotted Margo and maneuvered her way in the crowded restaurant, between burnished wood chairs and tables glancing at the wall-to-wall coverings of Hollywood memorabilia along the way.
Felicity sat at Margo’s table, eyed her cold glass of white wine, and ordered one for herself.
“You won’t believe this. I met Maxwell Marx at the ER the night of Jenny’s accident, and he’s helping me with my new show proposal. He’s even offered to play a minor role and pitch it to a big network executive with me.”
“Wow.” Margo’s eyes widened. “Great news. What a major hook-up.” Margo leaned in. “But, do tell, how did this transpire?”
The server delivered Felicity her drink. She took a generous sip of the cold, oaky Chardonnay and sighed. “I met up with Max at the hospital, and while poor Felicity was getting her leg operation, I shamelessly pitched my new show idea to him. A few days later he called me for lunch.” Felicity had managed to drink down her drink in between words and quickly flagged the waiter for another round. Margo followed suit.
“Oh, and Margo, he is every bit as generous as he is handsome. Even better looking in person than on the screen. So tall, stocky built, and those gorgeous dimples when he smiles—I could barely eat my meal. All along, I could swear he seemed interested in me. I mean on a personal basis. I know it must be my imagination. Or wishful thinking. But he even said he wanted to take me out to dinner when we sealed the deal. When! Even claimed it would be a slam-dunk. He told me I could call him anytime while I prepare my presentation.” The wine buzz hit Felicity. Damn. She should have eaten lunch. She squeezed a lemon in her water and downed half the glass.
“I can’t believe it. How ironic. You met your idol! It must be in your stars.” Margo seemed to ponder on what she wanted to say. “I mean, we do live in LA. You were bound to cross his path, eventually. You should play it cool. Definitely don’t flirt. And that’s coming from me.” Margo raised her brow in warning. “You don’t want to mix business and pleasure. Especially if the network will only take the show with his backing. Not that your show isn’t worth it in every way, but we know how this business is.”
“First of all, I want full control. If I feel for one second his friend Doug is going to sign me only because of Max, I simply won’t do it.”
Margo rolled her eyes. “Come on, don’t be silly. It’s all who you know in this town. If Max is willing to back you, take it. Besides, you need a better job. The people at Applaud! have taken advantage of you long enough.”
“I don’t intend to leave Teen View behind. I’m under contract anyway. But I can delegate to others where needed and supervise the production. I need to move on for Jenny’s and my sake. I desperately need to get more money. The apartment we live in is horrendous.” Felicity shook her head still in disbelief about the entire opportunity with Max and a new potential studio gig. “Still, I can’t believe I’m going to collaborate with the one and only Max Maxwell. It’s like a dream.” Felicity giggled. “With my dream man.”
Margo paused and seemed to contemplate her friend’s words. “I don’t think he’ll get involved with you, personally. I don’t want to burst your bubble, but everyone knows Maxwell Marx is a ladies’ man. Don’t be naïve.” Margo sipped her drink.
“He’s an entrepreneur. I realize it’s just business for him. Don’t worry. I don’t have any dreams of grandeur. But having the connection to Max is a lucky break.” Secretly, Felicity had hopes to get more involved with Max. How could she not?
“You always had a determined streak in you.” Margo winked. Her long black curls bobbed in front of her heart shaped face. “And it’s never failed you yet.”
“It’s the only way to succeed.” Felicity toasted her water to Margo. “But I intend to do this on my own. I mean, I may have the contact with the network through Max, but I intend to be the show runner.”
“I get it. Just don’t read into things with him. I don’t want to see you get hurt again. Like with Brad.”
The cheating bastard. “Let’s not go there. Brad is so over. And, I think I know how to conduct myself professionally.” Felicity leaned in and couldn’t resist saying, “Still, I can tell when a guy digs me.”
Margo shook her head and waved her finger as though scolding a child. “Felicity, you forget. I’m your best friend and I’ve listened to you moon over Max for years. Years. Now that you’re actually interacting with him you really need to get a grip. If he’s at all interested, on a personal basis, you know the rules, let him make the moves.”
“I never listened to the rules and haven’t done so badly in the men department. Well, then there’s Brad.” She always said she’d never move in with a guy, but broke down and moved in with the creep, later having regretted it. “All that matters to me is my career and getting Jenny and I set up in a better place to live. Besides, you’re one to talk, Miss Pick ‘Em Up Whenever She Wants. Since when did you follow the rules?” Felicity challenged.
“I don’t need to. I love ‘em and leave ‘em. Whoever said I wanted to keep any of them around? More than one night, anyway.” Margo laughed at her own comment. “But you’re the type who likes having a guy in your life.”
“I wish I could be more like you and not have a care in the world when it comes to men. But I’m not. I can’t buy into casual dating. It doesn’t work for me. Yet, I don’t think I’m ready for another relationship. Not now.” Deep down she knew she lied to herself. Even though every time she loved someone, they abandoned her. Her parents. Not that they had any control over what happened. And then Brad entered her life. She’d like to find a guy she could rely on. Someone like Max who seemed so self-assured, so capable, and able to possibly stand in as a role model for Jenny. “You know, it’s strange. For years, I’ve idolized Max and now we’re interacting. It’s crazy.”
“I don’t think you’re listening. He is not relationship material. And if he’s not the player the tabloids would have us believe, he still isn’t the type to take up with . . .”
“With what Margo?”
“I dunno. He has his Hollywood image to maintain. You are a regular person. Guys like him usually show up with a model, an actress or something. Don’t get overly hung up on the idea of being with him. That’s all. I don’t think he’s right for you.”
Felicity knew Margo had a point. But she didn’t want to believe it.
Max shook his tumbler. The clicking of the ice in the now empty glass gave him a satisfying ping. He needed another Scotch. The Park Ave in downtown LA bristled with the typical Friday nigh
t crowd. Max liked the place, known for great burgers and craft beers. The dark hardwood floors and bar top shipped in from Scotland gave him the feeling he was in a real guy’s guy place.
Doug from Sharpen walked in and caught his eye just as Max’s second scotch arrived. Breathless from apparent rushing, Doug slid into the booth opposite of Max. “Sorry I’m late. It was unusually busy at the studio.” The waitress came to the table and took Doug’s drink order.
“So, Max, how’s the movie making world?”
“Good. Great actually. I’m scheduled to start shooting in Australia for the Jack Forth role soon and then will be touring a few countries in Africa.”
Doug nodded. “So, what’s up buddy? I can tell when you’ve got something up your sleeve.”
Max presented Felicity’s show idea.
Doug nodded and seemed to contemplate the proposal. “I don’t know, Max. I’m interested enough to see her research and plans. But, to take the risk on an unknown at the height of the season . . . I have some misgivings.”
“Come on, Doug. You know me. I wouldn’t push this if I didn’t personally believe in it.”
“The stockholders are coming down hard on us. We’re rolling around into the last two quarters of the year. I can’t risk prime time on a show, which might tank. Most of this reality stuff is frankly not my bag. Not our station’s bag.”
“It’s a little different. This will focus on the working professionals. I think she’s onto something.”
The waitress served Doug a frosty mug of beer. Doug tapped Max’s now empty glass with his and took a deep pull. “Or you’re onto her. Huh?” Doug smirked. “You can’t fool me, buddy. Is she another one of your emerging professionals you want to take under your wing? In more ways than one, I’m sure.”
Okay, maybe he deserved that. His reputation preceded him. Even his good buddy didn’t trust his intentions. Doug didn’t know his true self. He wasn’t the baseless, shallow playboy the tabloids would have the world believe. Still, he never denied it or showed the world anything different. What the hell did he expect? He felt empty playing up to this plastic, unreal image. Playacting became second nature to Max and sometimes it’d been difficult to distinguish the difference between reality and the world he played in. “She’s brilliant at her work. Determined. I wouldn’t put it past Felicity to run her own network someday.”
“Hey, it always comes down to the bottom line. If you’re willing to put your money into the project, how can I say no?”
Max shook his glass, almost empty again. He’d better slow down with the drinking. He swallowed the rest. Damn, his nerves sure were on edge.
“What’s gotcha, old friend?”
Doug and he went back to NYU. They had a solid bond. Max couldn’t keep much from him. But, then Max held back from himself. He’d been so out of touch with who he was, he caved into the world’s definition of him. “Ah, maybe I’m itching for a new project. Maybe a little bored.” Truth was, Max wasn’t sure what was wrong with him. He hadn’t been able to get Felicity off his mind since he met her.
“Nope, I think it’s something else. Trouble with the love life? Or lack thereof?” Doug smirked.
“No trouble. No action. But I’ve been thinking lately, it’s time to shed my false image as a confirmed bachelor and find the right lady.”
“You?” Doug choked on his beer. “If you’re serious, you have your pick from any pool of women out there. Anyone, including the Beverly Hills jet set.”
“Problem is I’m curious about a . . .” Max cleared his throat “. . . particular female.”
Doug half-stood and slapped Max on the shoulder. “No! So my suspicions are correct. This is all about Felicity Burgess.”
Max felt the smile widen on his face. A smile he wouldn’t soon be able to wipe off.
“You’ve got to be kidding me, buddy?” Doug shook his head and chuckled. “How about it? From what you’ve told me of her and having read the article you sent me, I see she’s a hard-working, self-made professional. A real departure from your usual Hollywood starling or model, huh?”
Max stared at his empty glass. He thought maybe he’d have one more. “She’s gotten under my skin. From the moment I met her in the ER.”
“Who’d think it? Max Marx wants a woman of substance.”
“It’s her confidence that strikes me. She obviously knew me, but was unabashed. And, the way she determinatively pitched her show. Her self-assurance is uncanny and her maturity is beyond her years.”
“No wonder, with having raised her kid sister and no parents.”
“I believe that. She’s single too.”
“What’s the problem, man? Make your move.”
“I think we need to put first things first. Let’s see about the show. Besides, I don’t want to mess her all up. I’m not the commitment type. And Felicity deserves better than a cad like me.”
Doug got the waitress’s attention and signaled for another round. “GQ’s Sexiest Man Alive has problems getting the girl?” He laughed. “That has to beat it all.”
“She’s not just any girl. She’s special.”
The waitress served another round of drinks, winked at Max, bending over more than necessary to show her ample breasts, which almost popped out of her blouse.
Do they ever stop?
Max smiled politely slightly moving away as he accepted the drink.
The waitress slid away with an exaggerated ass wiggle.
Doug chuckled. “Yeah, I think it’s a good plan. We’ll just see how things go with the show first.”
And Max was determined to make it a success.
Chapter 4
Felicity arrived at the Sharpen offices a half hour ahead of her appointment. As she sat in the overstuffed deep purple couch and took in the plush lobby decorated in art deco furnishings and paintings, she imagined working there. Intuition told her she belonged, but she still needed to sell herself. The perspiration accumulated under her arms as nerves got the best of her. She pulled out her plans from her attaché case.
The words and charts blurred as she lost focus and felt her heart rate rise increasing her anxiety. Breathe, Felicity. You can do this.
Max strolled in the front door in casual stride, his gaze caught hers, and he gave her his broad smile as he sauntered over. “Ready for your pitch?”
Felicity stood, teetering slightly on her high-heeled pumps. Max took her arm to steady her. “I am. A little nervous.” God. She simply couldn’t help thinking . . . he was so hot.
“Ah, there’s nothing to be nervous about. We’ve got it in the bag.”
He led her down a maroon carpeted hallway to the corner office. Felicity read the gold plate. Doug Perry, Executive Producer.
Impressive. Felicity peeked through the office window and observed Doug talking on the phone as he wildly threw his hands about. Max led her through the door without knocking as Doug waved to them pointing in the direction of a round table off to the side of his office as he continued his conversation.
Felicity scrambled to assemble her charts and presentation materials. She’d rehearsed numerous times but now the words and charts jumbled in her mind. Would she be able to pull this off? Could she speak coherently? The panic rose inside of her. She knew she was still young but this was her chance at the big leagues and it was do-or-die time.
Max rubbed her arm. “Relax, Felicity. You’re well prepared and have a great concept. Enjoy the process.”
Felicity smiled but could feel her facial muscles twitch. “I know, but you can never be too prepared.”
“Doug’s bought into the project.”
Doug ended his phone conversation and headed over to the conference table with a manila folder in hand. “Talking about me already?”
Max made the introductions, eve
ryone shook hands, and Doug sat directing his attention to Felicity. “Max and I have talked about your proposed project. According to The Hollywood Reporter article and the Meter ratings, I see Teen View has done well with its audience. For daytime TV.”
The sting of the implication jabbed at her like a sharp knife. Doug was right. Prime time TV would be a leap for her experience level. Still, she intended to give her presentation, have her say, and go for the assumptive close. “I’m glad you’ve read up on my work.”
Felicity fumbled with her spreadsheets, dug deep for her most confident voice, and delivered her presentation. Without flaw. Or so she thought.
“In conclusion, I think Executive Women in Action will garner ratings to support the show. With a Sunday prime time TV spot, I believe we’ll come out breaking down the pen.”
Max shifted, his brow furrowed. “With my next Forth shoot not starting for a couple of weeks, I think I can help Felicity get everything off on the right note.”
“The timing of your film with the new show has me concerned.” Doug opened the folder and handed Max and Felicity a copy of the contract. “As told by section Five, Letter A, the terms of the contract clearly require Max’s full-time attention as producer/director of Executive Women. Now, we can give some leeway, Max, but I think we should delay things until you return from Australia. I don’t expect you’ll be able to run the show from abroad.”
Dream Man (Executive Women in Love Book 1) Page 4