Devon shot back a reply, her fingers pounding furiously against the phone screen. What’s going on?? I am inundated with work right now!
Charles found out about Brandon and broke up with me! Then Brandon said he doesn’t need all this drama in his life and stopped speaking to me. CALL ME!
Devon gasped, covering her mouth while rereading Lisa’s message. “Oh well. That’s karma for ya,” she said aloud while composing a reply.
Sorry to hear that, but I can’t say I’m surprised. Why don’t you call Jason? I’m sure you’d much rather be consoled by him than me.
What are you talking about?
“Oh, so we’re playing crazy now?” Devon muttered, her fingertips aching as she pummeled the keyboard.
Well, considering how close you two appear to be on IG and the shady shots you’re taking at me in your captions…
Devon took a deep breath as she awaited Lisa’s response, hating the discomfort she felt over the awkward exchange.
Oh come on. It wasn’t even like that! I’m usually tipsy when I post on IG. I’d never throw shade at you. And I really need you right now. Please call me. PLEASE!!!
“It’s all about you, as per usual,” Devon said, rolling her eyes and sliding her phone off to the side.
Just when she turned her attention back to the scripts, there was a knock at the door. She looked up and saw Ryan standing in the doorway. Her breath caught in her throat, and before she knew it, she was smiling from ear-to-ear.
“Hey! What are you up to?” he asked.
“Just getting these scripts organized. What’s up with you?”
“I just left wardrobe. Had to get fitted for your horror movie audition scene.”
Soft flutters of elation flitted through Devon’s chest. “That sounds so crazy. I still can’t believe my suggestion actually made it into the script.”
“Well, believe it,” Ryan said as he entered the room. “Your talent speaks for itself.”
The pair stared at one another for a few moments before he continued.
“While I was down in wardrobe, I mentioned Posh Fit, and Gabby said she’s always wanted to check it out. So I invited both of you to come work out with me and my trainer Vince on Saturday morning. Afterwards we can go to Toast Bakery Café for brunch. Is that cool?”
It took Devon several seconds to digest Ryan’s invitation. When he shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels, she quickly gathered herself.
“Yeah! Yes, of course. That sounds great.”
“Okay, good. It’ll be fun. But I’m warning you, Vince is a beast. So just be ready.”
“Uh-oh. Now I’m scared. Maybe I’ll just meet you all at Toast afterwards.”
Ryan chuckled and shook his head. “Nah. I’m not having that. You’ve gotta earn that brunch. Plus you’re looking too good to turn back now. How’ve you been doing since wrapping up the juice cleanse?”
Wait, did Ryan Roberts just say I look good? Devon thought giddily before answering his question.
“I’ve been doing great. Still keeping it clean with lots of fruit, veggies, lean protein and water.”
“That’s awesome. I’ve been doing much better since we had that green juice at The Tower Bar. Less junk and more fresh, organic food. Oh! And speaking of which, I talked to a consultant at that meal delivery company, Fresh To Your Doorstep. I’m starting the program on Monday, and so are you and Gabby. I didn’t want to just sign you up and leave her hanging since you all live together.”
Devon hopped up out of her chair. “Ryan! Seriously? Thank you! You didn’t have to do all that.”
“I wanted to. I like that you’re trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I probably wouldn’t have started the program had it not been for you, so technically I owe you.”
“No, you don’t. But I really appreciate that. And just so we’re clear, I don’t have to pay anything?”
“Nope. All you have to do is take photos of the meals and post them to your social media at least three times a week, and hashtag the company name on every post.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it.”
Devon skipped over to Ryan and threw her arms around him. “I’m so excited! Gabby will be, too.”
“Good. Happy I could help,” he said, embracing her tightly.
She closed her eyes as the warm heat from his neck caressed her lips. After several seconds, Ryan cleared his throat and pulled away, tapping the pile of scripts with his fingertip.
“I’d better let you get back to it so you won’t be here too late. And I need to get going. I’m hosting a charity bowling event tonight.”
“Nice. Have fun. See you tomorrow?”
“Absolutely. And I’m really looking forward to Saturday.”
“Me, too.”
Ryan slowly backed out of the room, his eyes remaining glued to Devon until he turned the corner.
The minute he was gone, she grabbed her phone and texted Gabby, telling her all about the conversation with Ryan. She replied within seconds.
FRESH TO YOUR DOORSTEP??? Girl, do you know how much that service costs? I can’t believe we’re getting it for free! Yesss!!! I hope it’s okay I agreed to Saturday’s workout. Since Ryan’s your new bae, I figured you wouldn’t mind lol…
Devon snorted while typing her reply.
Stop it! Ryan and I are just friends. And I’m fine with Saturday. Anyway, I’m wrapping up these scripts. Are we still on for dinner at Urth Caffé tonight?
Yep, I’m still in wardrobe cleaning out the dressing rooms. Text me when you’re done.
Will do!
*
“How’d the audition go?” Charlotte asked.
“I’d love to be honest and tell you it was phenomenal, but I don’t wanna jinx myself, so…” Ryan told her.
“Sooo, in other words, it was phenomenal?”
“Yeah, pretty much.” Ryan popped his collar, and everyone around him broke out into laughter.
It was Friday afternoon, and the Here to Stay actors, production team and studio executives were sitting around the conference room table doing a read-through of the script.
They’d just reached the scene where Devon’s idea had been added, and as she sat in the corner taking notes, her legs bounced in uncontrollable excitement.
“Does this mean we’ll be seeing you on the big screen soon?” Charlotte continued reading.
“Yep, and when you do,” Ryan said, his voice deepening dramatically as if he were narrating a movie trailer, “I’ll be restoring world order, one zombie annihilation at a time.”
Devon gazed at him, amazed by his raw, effortless performance. While the entire cast was talented, Ryan was clearly the breakout star of the show.
“And with that,” the director Ed called out, “we fade to black.”
The group applauded as the show’s producer Melinda stood up, pumping her fist in the air.
“Great work, everyone!” she exclaimed. “Even though we have a few tweaks that need to be made to the script, I feel really confident about next week’s shoot. I know you’re all exhausted, so go enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you Monday.”
Everyone turned to one another with smiles on their faces and an obvious thrill in their voices. The energy in the room was palpable. Devon still couldn’t believe she was a part of it all. Yet here she was, sitting in on the first table read while taking notes for the script.
Lena hovered over the team of writers. “Good job, guys,” she said before turning to Devon. “So how was that for an authentic industry experience?”
Devon glanced around the room. “Pretty surreal. I actually feel like I’m dreaming.”
“I understand. I’ve been in the business for a long time, and moments like this never get old. I know things moved pretty fast this afternoon. Were you able to get all the notes down?”
“Absolutely. I’ll email them to you within the hour.”
“That sounds good. Madison is collecting all the writers�
� notes now, so make sure you email yours to her as well. We need to get the final version of the script delivered to everyone as soon as possible.”
“Will do,” Devon told her.
“Have a great weekend!”
“You, too!”
As soon as Lena walked off, Devon noticed Ryan standing over on the other side of the room staring at her. When she gave him a slight wave, he smiled and walked over.
“So, what’d you think?” he asked.
“Honestly? I was blown away. From the energy in the room to watching you all run lines to hearing my idea come to life, it was all just so…”
“Exhilarating, right?”
“Exactly! I was just telling Lena I can’t believe I’m a part of this. I mean, just a few weeks ago I was living in Berman and writing columns about potholes. Now I’m here in L.A., living the dream I’ve been imagining for years.”
“That’s how it works. Once the universe sees you working toward your goals, it’s obligated to make them a reality.”
“I like that…”
Devon and Ryan stood there staring at one another until the moment was interrupted by one of his co-stars, Adam.
“Aye, Rye! We’ll meet you downstairs in the cast lounge.”
“Okay, cool! Great table read, guys,” he said before turning back to Devon.
“The cast and I are gonna run through the script again and work on memorizing our lines.”
“Good idea. I love how supportive you all are of one another.”
“We have to be. It’s one of the main reasons we had such a successful first season.”
“I’m sure the second one will be even better. Judging from today, the show has really hit its stride.”
“It’ll definitely be better now that we’ve got you on board…”
Before Devon could respond, Madison rushed past them.
“Thanks for helping out with the notes, Dev!”
“You’re welcome,” Devon replied to her back as Madison scurried out the door. “I’ll email them to you shortly!”
Ryan shook his head and chuckled. “That girl is always in a frenzy. She’s good at what she does though, I’ll give her that.”
“She really is. I’m sure she’ll get promoted to staff writer sometime soon.”
“At the rate you’re going, so will you.”
Ryan’s cell phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen then looked up at Devon, his expression falling.
“Everybody’s down in the lounge waiting on me, so I’d better get going.”
“Okay. I need to get back to these notes.”
“Good luck. See you tomorrow at the gym?”
“Eight o’clock sharp.”
“Looking forward to it.”
“Me, too.”
Ryan stood there a few seconds longer than necessary before finally walking away. Devon’s eyes followed him out the door. When she turned back around, she saw Lena smirking at her.
“Oh no,” Devon moaned under her breath. She quickly sat down and buried her face in her laptop, praying Lena hadn’t been watching her the entire time.
Chapter Eleven
Devon hovered over her bed, eyeing the three pairs of yoga pants and four workout tanks she’d bought Friday. She had tried on each piece several times and still didn’t know which combination to wear to the gym.
While Gabby insisted everything she’d chosen looked great, Devon was fixated on the fact that she had spent over two hundred dollars on the new gear. She was, however, able to justify the purchases since none of the athletic clothes she currently owned fit anymore. Plus, there was no way she could walk into Posh Fit dressed in her old, dull duds.
After much contemplation, Devon finally decided on the black pants and tank with the flattering vertical blue stripes. She gave herself a once-over in the mirror, turning from side-to-side and eyeing every inch of her body. When she heard Gabby’s sneakers squeaking along the hallway, Devon turned around.
“Two strawberry and banana smoothies, coming right—” Gabby said before stopping abruptly. “Girl, look at you! You look fantastic! You’ve lost so much weight!”
Devon spun around and faced the mirror. “You can tell? I got on the scale this morning and realized I’ve lost over ten pounds. But I didn’t think it was that noticeable.”
Gabby handed Devon her smoothie. “It’s super noticeable. I’m gonna have to slap a dangerous curves ahead sign on your backside!”
“Will you stop it!” Devon laughed.
“No, I will not. I can’t wait to take a pic of us at Posh Fit and post it all over my social media. We need to show some of the people back in Berman how you’re looking and how we’re living.” Gabby flipped her hair over her shoulder and threw her hands on her hips.
“That’s my Gab. Always doing the most.”
“You already know!” Gabby giggled, then glanced down at her Fitbit. “We need to leave soon, so drink up. We don’t wanna leave your man waiting. Oh, and when he sees you in that outfit, giiirl…”
“Come on, now. Please don’t start.” Devon sipped her smoothie, hoping it would wash down the lump of anxiety that was beginning to form in her throat.
“Listen, I’m just calling it like I see it,” Gabby declared. “Oh, and for the record, I’m not the only one seeing it, either…”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“What I mean is, there’s a bit of a buzz floating around the studio that you and Ryan are into each other.”
Devon smacked her lips. “Are you serious? That’s ridiculous. Ryan and I are completely professional at work, so I don’t know how anybody could think that. Plus I’m probably not even his type.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because,” Devon huffed, throwing her hands in the air, “look at him. He’s fine as hell and he’s a celebrity. He probably goes after models and actresses who don’t eat or talk. They just party and takes selfies.”
“I don’t think Ryan’s like that. I’ve never known him to hang around women with no substance. And from what I’ve gathered, he definitely isn’t a womanizer. Unlike some men I could name…” Gabby muttered under her breath.
Devon threw her a look, but before she could respond to the blatant jab at Jason, Gabby quickly continued.
“Anyway, I’ve seen plenty of those so-called industry women throwing themselves at Ryan. But he never bites. He has class, and he’s a gentleman. So you, my dear, must be something special.”
Devon finished off her smoothie, grabbed her gym bag and breezed past Gabby. “I don’t think Ryan sees me as anything other than a friend. Now let’s go before we’re late.”
That’s what her mouth said. But in her mind, Devon couldn’t help but wonder whether there was some truth to what Gabby had just revealed.
*
“Okay, ladies, on three. One, two, three!” Click.
Devon and Gabby were standing inside of Posh Fit’s lobby, posing underneath its bright pink neon sign. Zoe, the health club’s receptionist who was acting as their personal photographer, ran over to show them the picture she’d just taken.
“What do you think?” she asked. “I think it looks great.”
“It really does,” Gabby agreed after she and Devon studied the photo closely. “Would you mind filming a quick video of us? I wanna post it on my Instagram story.”
“Of course not!” Zoe held Gabby’s phone up and pointed her finger toward the screen. “Ready? Go!”
“Hey, everybody!” Gabby chirped. “Devon and I are spending our Saturday morning here at Bel Air’s Posh Fit gym, working out with Ryan Roberts and his celebrity trainer, Vince Dixon. Gotta keep it tight out here in the land of beautiful people! Hope you have a fabulous day. Peace.”
Devon and Gabby simultaneously threw up peace signs right before Zoe tapped the phone screen.
“Got it!” she said, handing Gabby the phone. “Be sure to tag Posh Fit so we can repost everything on our page.”
“Ooh,
that would be awesome!” Devon said. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome!” Zoe glanced up at the clock. “I’ll go page Vince and let him know you all are here. He and Ryan are out on the track doing sprints.”
Devon watched as Zoe jogged over to the front desk, then turned to Gabby, who was scrolling through their photos.
“I’m nervous, Gab. Ryan said Vince is a beast. What if I can’t keep up with the workout and end up embarrassing myself?”
“Dev, calm down. We’re not really here to exercise. We are here to see and be seen, enjoy the luxurious atmosphere and get you and Ryan closer together.”
Devon took a step back. “Oh, is that why we’re here? I must’ve missed the memo.”
“Glad I was able to get you up to speed. Anyway, I just posted our pics and video. Make sure you repost them so that Lisa, Jason and everybody else can see you living your best life. Speaking of Lisa, have you two talked yet?”
Devon pulled out her phone. “Nope. I don’t have anything to say to her. Between throwing the subliminal shade, cozying up to Jason and only calling me after Charles and Brandon dumped her, I’m over it.”
“I don’t blame you. At this point, she doesn’t… Wait, what the…” Gabby paused and stared straight ahead, her mouth hanging open.
“What the what?” Devon asked before turning around and watching as Ryan and a Michael B. Jordan lookalike approached them.
“Hey, ladies,” Ryan said, reaching out and embracing Devon, then Gabby. “Glad you all could make it. This is my trainer, Vince. Vince, these are two of the hardest-working women on the set of Here to Stay, Devon and Gabby.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Vince said, extending his ripped arm and firmly shaking their hands. “I hope you all are ready to get this workout in. Afterward, I’d be happy to treat you to some wheatgrass shots, egg whites and spinach. How does that sound?”
“Hawrrible,” Devon joked before the group burst out laughing.
“It doesn’t sound so bad to me,” Gabby interjected as she flashed a coy smile.
“Oh, it doesn’t?” Vince asked, rubbing his hands together. “Okay, cool. Well, why don’t we hit the weight room first, and depending on how you all do, I just may let you indulge in a yolk with those eggs.”
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