“Dani, what can I say? This is coming directly from Les.” He shrugged, but as he talked I remembered he was discussing an actress who was also his latest girlfriend. “The thinking is that she’s going to be a big star, and they want to try to latch on to her now, and you never know, the way they’ve been pushing this thing, they could be thinking spin-off.” He grinned at me. “You’ve been such a big part in the success of Flesh and Bone that I wouldn’t be surprised if they did spin-off this character into her own new series, and that you could be the show runner. Chloe’s show could be your show.”

How could I even start? “Wow, that’s big” was the only reply I had for him.

Steve got up, came around his desk, and sat right next to me. “It’s bigger than big—this is amazing news. You should be thrilled. I’m very proud of you.” He trailed off and noticed that I was a little dazed. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay,” I said softly. I looked down and realized I was clenching my hands very tightly. “I guess I’m just a little shocked about all this. You’re right, it is big news.”

“If this works out right, you and Chloe could be working together for a very long time.”

Azita interrupted us. “Steve, they need you on set right away . . . some kind of emergency with Chloe.”

“Oh, really?” He looked instantly alert and worried. I was observing him very closely. “Did they say what’s up?”

Azita obviously didn’t know that Chloe and Steve were together, because she rolled her eyes. “Some actress drama. Her dress that fit yesterday is all of a sudden too tight this morning. I guess she thinks she gained ten pounds overnight, and she needs the big Executive Producer to come hold her hand.”

Steve looked a little less concerned, but he grabbed his Black-Berry, ready to trot over to the stage to console Chloe. He turned to me absentmindedly. “You know, I think you should plan on getting out of here early today.” He squeezed my shoulders, signaling we were done and that I should be happy. “You deserve it . . . smile!” He headed off to Chloe’s aid.

I smiled huge, and with my Stepford grin frozen on my face, I turned to leave. Exiting Steve’s office, I practically ran into Evil Janet hovering outside his door. She’d positioned herself in such a way that I had to brush against her to get by. What a freak.

EIGHTEEN

EIGHTEEN

I didn’t leave early; I worked until the light faded in my office and it got quiet outside my door, letting me know that people had headed home to start their weekend.

My phone rang and it was Ina, inviting me to come over for a last-minute barbecue.