“You don’t really have to get it,” Dallas states. “You just have to do exactly what we say. And, if you don’t, you and Knox will both be out of a contract.”
Knox, who is shoving food in his mouth, doesn’t seem all that fazed by this. But he and Keatyn are used to being in the tabloids.
I’m not.
“Jennifer,” Keatyn says. “Hair and makeup are on their way. We’re going to shoot this ad today, with you in it. I’m sure you don’t feel great, but you’re gonna have to suck it up. Tomorrow, we’re going to leak a couple of those photos to the press, with the rumor of an announcement to come.”
“What announcement?” Jennifer asks.
“We’re throwing a party this weekend,” Vanessa replies. “And your attendance is mandatory.”
“Um, not this weekend,” Keatyn says. “Tomorrow night. Riley will be busy this weekend.”
The way Keatyn says it, makes me cringe. What is she going to make me do this weekend? Is she firing me? Will I be packing up my office this weekend?
What would I do without this place?
It’s my life. My love. My dream.
Hard to believe one stupid night in Vegas could ruin everything.
Vegas needs to change their slogan, because what happens in Vegas clearly does not stay there.
How did my life get so out of control?
I have a vision of Ariela kissing her husband and know exactly why.
She’s the one who I dreamed of sharing this with. It’s a strange twist of fate to think she could also be the one who destroys it.
“Dawson,” Vanessa says. “We’ll need your help getting this all set up. Plan on working nonstop with me.”
Damn, if a smirk doesn’t cross my brother’s face.
“So I hope you’re all up for another big party,” Vanessa says.
“I can't do that again,” Knox begs. “I’m too old. I don't recover well.”
Keatyn ignores his pleas. “So, the party is where we will officially announce the Daddy’s Angel project. The photo shoot we do today will become teasers for the series, simply branded with a tag line and the series name. Knox, you will be included in the shoot for these teasers as will Jake Worth, who we’ve signed on to play Jackson. Riley, you’ll be in on this too.”
When she says my name, I perk up. “You want me in the photos?”
“Yes, you have to be part of the cast now. You’re going to play Bobby, the church’s photographer, who would like to exploit Angel’s body on his secret porn site. It’s a cameo role.”
Knox wipes his mouth with a napkin, stands up, and pulls Keatyn into a hug. “Sugar, I taught you well.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” I ask. “I don’t understand how a party will help.”
“The party will be a Purity Party,” Vanessa states. “Everyone in attendance will be required to dress in white. All the decor will be white. Drinks will be white. But Knox, Jake, and Riley will be dressed in black. Jennifer in a hot red dress.”
“And once you throw the Purity Party,” Knox says, “it will make Vegas look like it was the hellcat party and nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
“Exactly,” Keatyn and Vanessa say, grinning.
And I have to hand it to them. “That’s fucking brilliant,” I mutter.
“If you can actually pull this off,” Jennifer says to Vanessa, “I'm firing my PR firm and hiring you. I mean, if you'd have me as a client.”
Vanessa walks over and gives Jennifer a hug in an almost motherly way, which surprises me. I’ve never seen her act that way before.
“Alright,” Keatyn says, clapping her hands together. “Jennifer and Knox, Tyler will escort you to the photo shoot now. Dawson, do whatever Vanessa needs help with. And, Riley, I need you come to my office with me and Dallas.”
Everyone does as they’re told.
I’m afraid to move.
The fact that she wouldn’t say whatever it is in front of everyone means it’s bad. I hope the cameo in Daddy’s Angel pays well. It may be my only job soon.
I sit down on Keatyn’s couch.
She plops down next to me. “How are you?”
“I’m fine,” I lie.
“No, you’re not, Riley. Last night was a disaster. We’re so freaking lucky we have this project or I don’t know how we’d get out of this mess. We need to pray this works, and we need to convince more than just the public. The board of directors wants me to fire you.”
“We’ve just had our best quarter ever. Our best year ever,” I counter.
“Even Grandpa is on my ass. He suggested sending you to rehab. After your behavior at the vineyard combined with this, he is afraid our friendship is going be the company’s downfall.”
“Is it?” I ask, trying not to cry.
Yes, big, tough Riley feels like he could cry. I don’t want to let Keatyn down. Captive Films started with the three of us: Dallas, Keatyn, and me. We’ve been best friends since Eastbrooke.
There’s nothing better than working with the people you love.
And I let them both down.
Fuck.
“I’m sorry,” I say, hanging my head.
Keatyn puts her hand on my leg. “Riley, there’s something I need you to do with me.”
“With us,” Dallas adds.