“I think she’s genuine. She says she wants to explore other things.” But Zanne remembered that deadly yawn of Gaby’s after the interview. It was obvious that he was right. Zanne’s swollen heart throbbed, and something in limited supply began to leak out.

Ted shrugged. “They all do.”

Zanne felt her cheeks flush hot and red. He wasn’t going to make Gaby an offer, and the only one bothered by that was Zanne. “I’m sorry. I hope you don’t think the interview was a waste of your time.”

“Not at all. Peru is a really interesting idea for second unit work. Mexico is getting too expensive.”

“I’ll let Marty know you’d like more information on that.” Was Gaby what Ted had called her in to talk about? If that was all, then she should leave and get back to her to-do list. Zanne put her hands on the arms of the chair, but Ted looked up. He folded his hands and made an effort to smile.

“Yes, fine. How about you, Zanne? How do you like working here?”

“Very well, thanks.”

“It’s a far cry from academia, I know.”

“True.”

“You don’t miss it?”

“No.”

“Really?”

“It’s true I didn’t expect to work in a place like this.”

“Hollywood?”

“A family office. I didn’t know things like that even existed.”

“Family office—is that what they’re called? There are others?”

“Tons.”

“Huh. I didn’t know that. I wonder how we compare?”

“It’s a good question.”

Zanne felt him driving the conversation somewhere else, so she didn’t tell him that doing a comparative analysis of family offices had been one of her assignments as deputy of special projects. She’d learned then that Ted was in the middle of the pack with the salaries he paid and the hours he demanded, above average in the corporate benefits he offered but far behind in the perks department. His staff flew coach and kept a low profile at red carpet events. The tasks they handled were all pretty pedestrian as far as family offices went: finances, travel, property maintenance, household management. Someone had to scold the cook, fire the Pilates instructor, remind the family to wish the nanny a happy birthday.

“But you say you don’t mind it here?” Ted asked.

“No, I don’t mind it. I like it.” Zanne wished it weren’t true, but she did.

“You’re very good at this work. You make it look seamless. I have a great appreciation for that, and for people who are very good at what they do.”

“Thank you.”

“I don’t know if you are aware of this, but Dawn has given notice.”