“What?” Holly felt her cheeks harden into a rictus, the old habit rising up in her, predating fame, going all the way back to her cheering days. Smile, even when you’re losing, even when they sack your quarterback. Smile, even when you’re confused and afraid. Why was this woman asking about Phoebe? Why now?

But before she could think of what to say, here was James walking around the front of the SUV, holding open the door for Holly and saying, “No comment.”

12

Zanne

Zanne found Gaby in the administrative cottage, helping Katya to arrange staff lunch, removing plastic wrap, grouping items into a chronology, silverware and plates and napkins at one end of the dining table, then the courses of the meal progressing to the other end—a goat cheese and arugula salad followed by roasted vegetables, brie and pear sandwiches, and a tray of petits fours. Steve, Julia, and the swings swarmed—even if you were making six figures, it was still free lunch—and then drifted back to their desks with their plates piled high to eat while they worked. Zanne and Gaby took their lunch to the conference room. Zanne shut the door behind them.

“I got the promotion,” she said, beaming.

“Which promotion?” Gaby asked.

“Chief of staff. Ted offered it to me today. Nobody else knows.”

“Wow. That’s great.”

“I’m sorry. I know this is weird. You’re the one who had an interview today, and instead this happens.”

“No, it’s fine. I don’t think this place is for me anyway.”

“Yeah? How come?”

Gaby laughed. “I mean... Where do I start?”

“I know. But just for a little while, while you figure things out.” Zanne heard the desperation in her voice, trying to talk Gaby into something that wasn’t even available. Why was she bothering?

“It worked! I figured out that I don’t want to be a personal assistant.” Gaby stabbed a glob of cheese with her fork and ate it.

This was why. Zanne had needed to hear her say the words. Ted had been right about Gaby. In her heart, Zanne knew it didn’t make sense for Gaby to work here. She was cut out for more. But the fantasy of having her here had been too compelling for Zanne to put aside. Maybe this was all she needed, just this one opportunity for Gaby to see what Zanne’s days were like, to be a witness to the transformation she’d made from a fuckup to a success.

“Okay, fair enough,” Zanne said. “Have you figured out what you do want?”

Gaby considered this. Zanne took a bite of her sandwich and waited.