You’re not charming your way out of this one…

“I haven’t seen that story, so I’m not familiar with the figures they’re asking about, but if that’s true then it sounds like we’ve got a lot of work to do. There’s no reason I should be paid more than the incredibly talented women I work with just because I’m a man.” He paused and looked around the room. “But I’ll tell you this, I’m a proud feminist and I promise to listen and do my part to close the pay gap. I’ll start by promising pay transparency with all of my costars going forward and a guarantee that I’ll support their negotiations.”

He got more raucous cheers. I was relieved he hadn’t crashed and burned, but it had been fun to watch him sweat.

Asha appeared at my side, so I followed her silently out of the doors in the back, setting my wineglass on the bar on the way past.

She said, “The after-party is right across the courtyard in a restaurant that’s closed for the event. This part is more exclusive, so just people who worked on the film, journalists, and industry people—no fans. I’ve claimed a table for us to retreat to and I can cycle some press through when you two are ready, so we can control access to him. It’s supposed to feel like a casual party, but be aware of what you’re saying and who you’re saying it to.”

“No issue there. When you lead a secret double life, you get used to watching what you say.”

I waited at the table, swiping tiny burgers and fake meatballs from servers as they passed, glad I could sit and observe since I was out of my element.

I pretended not to care when Alex showed up, but I was charged with anticipation. I was more eager than I wanted to admit to see how he would react to my little prank, wondering which of his smiles would appear first and whether I’d be able to resist it.

15

Alex

Elena jumped when I plopped down next to her at the after-party and asked, “Is this seat taken, my lady?”

“It’s reserved for some Hollywood asshole, but you can sit there until he shows up.”

“Does he have an opinion about gender pay disparity in Hollywood? I’m looking for someone to discuss it with and I hear men’s opinions are worth more.”

She put her napkin to her mouth and I was sure she was covering a satisfied smile. I couldn’t even pretend to be mad. But I would get my revenge.

“I owed you for that little book stunt. And it’s fundamentally wrong that you consistently make that much more than your costars. You should have to answer for it.”

“Maybe I’m a bigger draw than they are…” I was bullshitting and was confident she would pick up on it. She didn’t disappoint.

“You’re a bigger something…” she muttered.