“You're welcome, Dawson.”
“And thanks for not telling Riley you hired me. I realize now that probably wasn’t easy for you. Was he mad?”
“He was thrilled. I mean, how many times has he tried to hire you over the years?”
“Yeah, I guess you're right.”
“I heard that you liked Vanessa’s lipstick.”
I chuckle, a little embarrassed. “I take it you talked to her.”
“Yeah.”
“Is she mad?”
“Frustrated might be a better word.”
“I haven’t slept with anyone . . . since . . .”
“I know, Dawson. You came here for a fresh start. I’m not saying it needs to be Vanessa, but you probably need to, you know, again.”
“I’ve never forgotten her.”
“Vanessa?”
“Yeah, we kissed at your birthday party. It may have been the best kiss of my life.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. And that scares me a little. She’s smart. Bold. Why the hell isn’t she married?”
“Well, she was.”
“Guy was an idiot if you ask me.”
“I agree, but there’s more to her story, just like there is to yours. Don’t be quick to assume you have her figured out.”
“Now, I’m intrigued.”
“I think you were intrigued before, when you had her naked.”
“Shit. She did tell you everything.”
“Not everything, just that you left her hot and horny. Just a warning, when she’s that way, she’s hard to resist.”
“I feel guilty. I just can’t get over the guilt.”
“You have to let it go, Dawson.”
“I know. Keatyn?”
“What?”
“Tell Aiden I said thanks. He and my mom are really the ones who talked me into all this.”
“You can tell him yourself this weekend.”
“I will. Night.”
Thursday, October 2nd
Captive Films - Santa Monica
RILEY
I wake up to the sun streaming in the windows.
Holy shit what time is it?
I lift my face up off Jennifer's couch and find her passed out next to me.
When was the last time I spent the night at a girl’s house who wasn't a relative or Keatyn?
College! Now I rarely go to a girl’s place. I've heard too many stories about getting robbed or beat up. I always take them to my place. An environment I can control. I can also bring them downstairs, put them in a cab, thank them for a nice night and say goodbye. Sure, sometimes they try to come back, but other than a recent lapse in judgement regarding Shelby, the doormen never let them get past their post.
I push Jen with my finger. “Hey, we need to get up. I'm usually in the office by now.”
“Last night was fun,” she states.
“Yeah, it was. Although, are you ever going to let me do more than kiss you?”
“I don't know, we'll see how things go. I like you, Riley.”
“I like you too.”
We get to the office and I introduce Keatyn to Jennifer and say, “I’m gonna let you girls talk.”
“Okay,” they both say back in happy unison.
I go to my office, look over my calendar for today, and start to prepare for my first meeting when Dallas strolls into my office. He makes himself at home on my couch, putting his feet up on the glass coffee table as Tyler follows him in with coffees.
“Get your feet off the glass,” Tyler says to Dallas, holding up his cup. “Or no coffee for you.”
Dallas begrudgingly moves his feet, causing Tyler to reward him with a cup of what is probably the best coffee in California.
As soon as Tyler leaves, Dallas says, “I heard you and Miss Contract rode here together this morning.”
“Yeah, I spent the night at her house.”
“Oh, do tell,” Dallas says, blowing on his coffee before taking a sip.
“It's not like that.”
“So, what's it like?”
Knox lets himself in and interrupts. “Is it true she's here and Keatyn is signing her? Like now?”
I look pointedly across the hall at the two of them talking.
“As you can see,” Dallas states, “they're talking. If it goes well, Keatyn will call me in and I’ll take over.”
“What about me?” Knox asks, looking perplexed.
“What about you?” Dallas replies coolly.
I’ve got to give it to him. Dallas is a master at negotiating contracts and making the talent think they need us more than we need them, whether it’s true or not.
“Do you have a contract for me?” Knox whines.
“Not yet. Keatyn said if Jennifer signs that we’d put you two together and see if you have chemistry.”
“Chemistry?! Hell, that girl is so hot, I'll blow up your fucking chemistry set, Dallas.” He turns to me. “Speaking of that, Riley, did you bang her yet?”
“I was just asking the same question,” Dallas says.
“Inquiring minds want to know,” Knox adds.
“No, not yet. But I'm letting her drive my car this weekend,” I say, knowing that will get them going.
Both their mouths drop open in shock.
“The new car?” Dallas asks. “Have you ever let a girl drive any of your cars?”