THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9TH
Captive Films — Santa Monica
VANESSA
The Purity Party invitations have been delivered, the event is being set up, and I’m leaning back in Keatyn’s office chair taking a breather when Avery steps in. She started work today as a Captive Films intern and jumped straight into the fire.
“So, I will admit, I follow most of the big tabloids,” she says. “Something just got posted that you should see.”
“Is it good or bad?”
“I know how good my sister is at handling the press. She says she learned from our mom and Knox. I showed this to a couple people in the marketing department and they were shocked, which means my sister, and probably you, planned it that way. My guess is the Vegas thing was as bad as it seemed, and you two turned it around to make it look like a publicity stunt. Am I right?”
“Close the door,” I tell her. “Have you told anyone else your thoughts?”
“No. If I’m right, we wouldn’t want anyone to know.”
I nod my head at her. “You’re very astute for someone your age, Avery.”
She does a little clap. “I knew I was right!”
“Are you having fun today?”
“Actually, yes. I kind of thought working here might be corporate and boring, but it’s not. Everyone is cool.”
“Keatyn told me she wants you to try your hand at the different divisions of the company, but what’s your passion?”
She looks at her feet.
“What?” I say. “You can tell me.”
“I know the tabloids say things to sell papers. I know some of the things they print are lies set in a teeny bit of truth. I know some are boldfaced lies. But it’s exciting, don’t you think? The way people are perceived in public. The face they choose to show. The trouble they get into. How it can be manipulated.”
“Sounds like you’d be good at public relations. You ever want to work directly with me, you let me know.”
“Really? Ohmigawd,” she says, sounding just like Keatyn. “I would totally love that!”
“Good. Now, are you going to tell me what the article says?”
“Ohmigosh, I almost forgot! Let me read it to you! It says . . .
The Golden Ticket
Well, people.
I’m holding in my hand a gorgeous white glittery invitation on paper so thick you could sleep on it. Captive Films invited yours truly to what they are calling a Purity Party to promote a new film project. Attendees have been asked to wear—you guessed it—white.
Included with the invitation is a glossy photo of Jennifer Edwards wearing a skimpy white lingerie angel costume—complete with feather wings—and tossing away a halo. On the edge of the photo, there are two sets of male hands waiting to catch it. The bottom simply says #DaddysAngel.
After scouring the internet for information about this project, I came up empty. So I decided to do it the old-fashioned way. I hit up my sources inside the film company.
And here’s what I learned:
Jennifer Edwards, Knox Daniels, and Jake Worth will be starring in Daddy’s Angel. No word on what the movie is about, other than Jennifer’s role will showcase a double life. Her minister father thinks she’s still a virgin, when in truth, she’s promiscuous, wild, and a bit of a hellcat. Rumor also has it that Captive Films’ CEO, Riley Johnson, will have a cameo role.
So here’s the deal. This party has me wondering. Was the group’s recent crazy Vegas weekend—which landed them all in jail—just a publicity stunt?
Now I’m off to buy something white and fabulous to wear tonight. Who cares that it’s after Labor Day. When you’re as successful as Captive Films, you can break the rules.
Also, did you notice the unnamed hottie in the Vegas photos? My sources say that it is none other than Riley’s brother, Dawson Johnson, a recent addition to the Captive Films executive team.
P.S. Watch out Hemsworths, your reign as the world’s hottest brothers may be coming to an end.
P.P.S. Speaking of watching out . . . Dawson, I’ll be stalking you tonight. I’ll be the one in . . . Well, white.
“That’s just great,” I mutter, feeling jealous at the mention of Dawson.
“So this article could be just the beginning,” Avery says, reminding me that she’s still sitting in front of me. “Don’t you think since she suggested it, everyone will believe it?”
“That’s what we’re hoping for. Are you coming to the party tonight?”
“Yes, Mom’s letting me borrow a gorgeous white dress. She hasn’t even worn it yet. I’m so excited!”
“Why don’t you hang out near the door with Tyler and greet people.”
“Really? Ohmigawd, that would be amazing! Thanks, Vanessa. I’m heading home now to get ready.”
“Have fun. I’ll tell Tyler and see you tonight.”
“Did you get a dress?”