JustTheSexiestManAlive

JulieJames

Acknowledgments

Firstandforemost,Iwouldliketothankmyfilmagent,DickShepherd,whobelievedinthisstory,
andme,fromtheverybeginning,andwithoutwhomnoneofthiswouldhavehappened.

Iwouldalsoliketoexpressmydeepestappreciationtoallmyfamilyandfriendsfortheirloveand
continuingencouragement.

Iamforevergratefultomyearliestreaderswhotookthetimetoreadthisstorybackwhenitwas
calledTheAndrewsProject,andespeciallytoAmiWynne,BrianGuarraci,BrendanCarroll,and
KarenSchmidtfortheirthoughtfulinput,andtoMasonNovickforhisadviceonthevalueofconflict
inromanticcomedies.

Aspecialthankstomyliteraryagent,SusanCrawford,whosepassionandenthusiasmaretruly
inspiring,andalsotomywonderfullysupportiveeditor,WendyMcCurdy;herassistant,Allison
Brandau;andeveryoneatBerkley.

Finally,andmostimportantly,Iwanttothankmyhusband,Brian,fortirelesslyreadingeverydraft,
beingmytoughestcritic,andmakingitallpossible.

One

TAYLORDONOVANMAYhavebeennewtoLosAngeles,butshecertainlyrecognizedalineof
bullshitwhensheheardone.

Itwas8:15onaMondaymorning—frankly,abitearly,inTaylor ’smindanyway,tobedealingwith
thislatestroundofnonsensecomingfromheropposingcounsel,FrankSiedleckioftheEqual
EmploymentOpportunityCommission.Buthey,itwasagorgeoussunnymorninginSouthern
CaliforniaandherStarbuckshadalreadybeguntokickin,soshewaswillingtoplaynice.

Frank’scallhadcomeinjustasTaylorhadpulledintotheparkinggarageofherdowntownL.A.
officebuilding.Afteranswering,shehadletheropposingcounselgoonforseveralminutes—
withoutinterruption,shemightadd—abouttherighteousnessofhisclients’positionandhowTaylor
andherutterlynonrighteousclientshouldconsiderthemselvesluckytobegiventhechancetomake
thewholelawsuitgoawayforapaltry$30million.Butatacertainpoint,onecouldonlytakeso
muchnonsenseinoneMonday-morningphonecall.LusciousStarbucksornot.

SoTaylorhadnochoicebuttocutFrankoffmid-rant,prayingshedidn’tlosethesignaltohercell
phoneasshesteppedintothelobbyelevator.

“Frank,Frank,”shesaidinafirmbutprofessionaltone,“there’snowaywe’regoingtosettleatthose
numbers.Youwantallthatmoney,justbecauseyourclientsheardafewfour-letterwordsinthe
workplace?”

Shenoticedthenthatanelderlycouplehadgottenintotheelevatorwithher.Shesmiledpolitelyat
themasshecontinuedherphoneconversation.

“Youknow,iftheEEOC’sgoingtoaskforthirtymilliondollarsinasexualharassmentcase,”she
toldFrank,“atleasttellmesomebodywascalleda‘slut’ora‘whore.’”

Outofthecornerofhereye,Taylorsawtheelderlywoman—seventy-fiveyearsoldifshewasaday
—sendherhusbandadisapprovinglook.ButthenFrankbeganrattlingonfurtherabouttheso-called
meritsoftheplaintiffs’position.

“Ihavetobehonest,I’mnotexactlyimpressedwithyourcase,”shesaid,cuttinghimoff.“Allyou’ve
gotisasporadicstringofsomeveryminorincidents.It’snotasifanyoneslappedanassorgrabbed
aboob.”

Taylornoticedthattheelderlycouplewasnowsubtlybutquicklymovingawayfromher,tothe
oppositeendoftheelevator.

“OfcourseI’mnottakingyouseriously,”shesaidinresponsetoheropposingcounsel’squestion.
“We’retalkingaboutthirtymilliondollarshere!”Insteadofshouting,hervoicehadalaughingtone,
whichexperiencehadproventobefarmoreinfuriatingtoheropponents.

Notseeinganyreasontowasteanotherminute,shesummarizedherpositionwithafewsimple
partingthoughts.

“Frank,thiscaseisapublicitystuntandashakedown.Myclientsdidnothingillegal,andyouandI

bothknowI’llhavenoproblemprovingthattoajury.Sothere’snoreasontodiscussyourridiculous
settlementofferanyfurther.Callmewhensomebodyseesapenis.”

Taylorslammedhercellphoneshutforemphasis.Sheslippedthephoneintoherbriefcaseand
smiledapologeticallyattheelderlycouple.Theyhadtheirbackspressedagainsttheelevatorwalland
werestaringather,mouthsagape.

“Sorryaboutthewhole‘penis’thing,”shesaid,tryingtomakeamends.“IguessIgetdesensitizedto
it.”Sheshruggedinnocentlyastheelevatorannounceditsarrivalatthetwenty-thirdfloorwithahigh-
pitchedding.Sheglancedoverathergrandparentlyco-ridersonelasttime.

“It’sanoccupationalhazard.”

Taylorwinked.

Andwiththat,theelevatordoorsopenedandshesteppedoutontothebusyofficefloorthatawaited
her.

TAYLORLOVEDTHEsoundsofabustlinglawoffice.Thephonesringingoffthehook,the
furiouslyrighteousconversationsthatspilledoutbehindcloseddoors,theprintersbusilyshooting
outfifty-pagebriefs,themailcartswheelingbyastheydroppedoffcourtorders—thiswasallmusic
toherears.Theywerethesoundsofpeopleworkinghard.

Andnoassociate—orsoTaylorhopedtheseniorpartnersagreed—workedharderthanshedid.From
themoment,nowsevenyearsago,shehadfirstsetfootintheChicagoofficeofGray&Dallas,she
haddoneherbesttomakesureeveryoneknewshewasanassociatewhowasgoingplaces.Andnow
thefirmhadsenthertoLosAngelestolitigateahighlypublicizedclass-actionsexualharassment
caseinvolvingoneofthenation’smostupscaledepartmentstores.Shewasfullyawareitwasatestto
seeexactlywhatshewascapableof.

Andshewasmorethanready.

Thatmorning,Taylorstrolledthroughthehallwaytoheroffice,glidingbyhersecretary’sdeskjust
asshehaddoneeverymorningforthepasttwoweekssincecomingtoLosAngeles.

“Goodmorning,Linda.Anymessages?”

Lindasprungtoattentionatherdesk.TherewassomethingaboutTaylorthatapparentlymadeothers
aroundherfeelasthoughtheyneededtolookbusy.

“Goodmorning,Ms.Donovan,”Lindarepliedefficiently.“Youdohaveonemessage—Mr.Blakely
wouldliketoseeyouinhisofficeassoonasyou’reavailable.”

Taylorpausedbriefly.Thatwasodd—shehadn’tplannedtomeetwithSamthatmorning.

“Didhesaywhatit’sabout?”

“Sorry,no,Ms.Donovan.”

TaylorheadedintoherofficeasshecalledbackamessagetoLinda.“CallSam’ssecretaryandlet
himknowI’llbethereinfiveminutes.”

Thenshepokedherheadbackoutthedoorandsmiledathernewassistant.

“AndLinda,remember—it’sTaylor.”

TAYLORCOULDN’THELPbutpauseinthedoorwaytoadmireSam’sofficebeforeknockingto
announceherself.Itwasagorgeouscornerofficewithamassivecherrywooddeskandmatching
bookcases,plushcreamcarpet,andfloor-to-ceilingwindowscoveringtwowalls.

Toher,therichlydecoratedpartner ’sofficeconstitutedfarmorethanamerestatussymboldesigned
toimpressclientsandotherlawyers.Itwasanindicationoftruesuccess.Andoneday,inthe
hopefullynot-too-distantfuture,shewouldhavesuchanofficeofherown—thesignthatshehad
accomplishedtheoneprimarygoalofheradultlife.

Yearsago,Taylor ’sparentshadmadesacrificesinorderforhertogetwhereshewasstandingon
thatMondaymorning.GrowingupinChicagoinadecidedlyblue-collarneighborhood,herthree
rambunctiousandnotparticularlyacademicallyorientedolderbrothershadgonetothelocalboys’
Catholichighschool.Taylor,itwasfirstassumed,wouldsimilarlygotothelocalgirls’school.But
afterseeingtheironlydaughter ’sremarkablyhighgrade-schoolaptitudetestscores,Taylor ’sparents
decidedthatshedeservedthebesteducationmoneycouldbuy,evenifthatmeantspendingmoneythey
didn’thave.So,inordertomaketheannualeighteen-thousand-dollarUniversityofChicagoLab
Schooltuitionpayments(whilestillsupportingfourkids),herparentstookoutasecondmortgageon
theirhouseandherfathersoldthe1965CorvetteStingrayconvertiblehehadbeenrestoringinthe
garage.

Deeplyappreciativeofthesesacrifices,Taylorpromisedherparentsthattheywouldneverregretthe
investmenttheyhadmadeinhereducation.Thiswasapromisethatguidedherallthroughhigh
schoolandcollege,andeventuallyontoNorthwesternLaw.Itwasapromisethatstillmotivatedher
tothisday.Afterlawschoolgraduation,TaylorhadchosentoworkatGray&Dallasforthesimple
reasonthatitwasthetop-rankedlawfirminChicagoandoneofthebestworldwide.Itgavehera
senseofpridetobepartofsuchamachine.

Andshewoulddowhateverittooktosucceedthere.

FortunatelyforTaylor,unlikesomanyofherlawschoolclassmateswhohadturnedtothepracticeof
lawbecausemedschoolwastoohardandtooktoolongtomakeanymoney,oroutoffamily
pressure,orbecausetheysimplycouldn’tthinkofanythingbettertodo,shegenuinelylovedbeinga
lawyer.Fromthemomentshe’dconductedherfirstmockcross-examinationinherlawschooltrial
advocacyclass,everythingfeltlikeitclickedintoplace.

Andso,asshestoodinthedoorwayofSam’splushpartner ’soffice,shecouldn’thelpbutsmilenot
onlyinadmirationbutalsoinanticipationofwhatshehopedwassoontocome.

Oneday,Taylorvowedsilentlytoherself.Oneday.

ShestraightenedhersuitandknockedonSam’sdoor.Helookedupfromhiscomputerandsmiled
warmlyingreeting.

“Taylor!Comeonin.”

ShetookaseatatoneofthechairsinfrontofSam’sdesk.Inthestyleofallshrewdattorneys,the
guestchairswerepositionedsixincheslowerthanSam’sown,givinghimtheadvantageoflooking
downonhisvisitors.

“Settledinyet?”Saminquired.

Taylorgrinnedguiltilyatthequestion,thinkingoftheunpackedboxesscatteredalongthehallway
outsidethelivingroomofthetwo-bedroomapartmentthefirmhadrentedforher.“Almost.”

“Moving’sapainintheass,isn’tit?”

“ItkeepsmebusywhenI’mnothere.”

Samstudiedher.“Yes,I’veseenyouburningthemidnightoilalready.Youshouldtakesometimeto
settleinbeforeyourcasegetsgoingfullthrottle.”

Taylorshruggeddeterminedly.Forher,therewasnospeedotherthanfullthrottle.AndSamBlakely
—theheadofthelitigationgroupinLosAngeles—wasamansheverymuchwantedtoimpress.

“Ijustwanttohitthegroundrunning,that’sall.”

Samhadsharp,fox-likefacialfeaturesthatbecameevenmorepronouncedashegrinnedapprovingly
atTaylor ’sall-businessstyle.

“Thentellmehowthecaseisgoing.”

TayloreasedbackinherchairasshegaveSamhersummary.“It’sgoingverywell.Wehavethecall
forourmotionsinliminethisweek—Ithinkwe’llbeabletokeepoutnearlyhalfoftheEEOC’s
evidence.Andoneoftheirlawyerscalledmethismorningtodiscussasettlement.”

“Whatdidyousay?”

Taylortiltedherheadcoyly.“Let’sjustsaytheyunderstandwe’renotinterested.”

Samchuckled.“Good.Keepmeposted,anddon’thesitatetostopbyifyouneedanyguidance.”

Taylornoddedagreeably,appreciatingSam’shands-offapproachtotheircase.Sofarsinceshe’d
cometoL.A.,hehadbeenmorethanhappytolethertaketheballandrunwithit—amanagement
styleshethrivedunder.

Sheassumedthatwouldbetheendoftheirmeeting.Butinsteadofdismissingher,Samshiftedinhis
chairasifhehadmoretosay.

“Somethingelseonyourmind,Sam?”

Hisbodylanguagerightthenseemedalittle...odd.Shedidn’tknowSamallthatwellyet,soshe
couldn’treadhimlikeshecouldthepartnersbackhomeinChicago.ShewaitedasSameasedbackin
hischairandstaredatherwithapoignantpause,creatingthedramaticbuildupforwhateverhewas
abouttosay.LikesomanytrialattorneysTaylorhadcomeacross,Samappearedtobelieveinacting
outhisentirelifeasifinfrontofajury.

“Actually,thereisanothermatteronwhichIwashopingtogetyourassistance,”Sambegancarefully.
“IknowweonlyhaveyouonloanfromChicagofortheharassmentcase,butthiswouldn’tbeafull-
timeassignment.”

Taylorwasintriguedbythislead-in.Shewasalreadyworkingnightsandweekends,soshefigured
thismysteryassignmenthadtobeagreatopportunityifSamthoughtsheshouldsqueezeitintoher
schedule.

“Isitaprobonomatter?”sheasked.

Samleanedbackinhischairasheconsideredthisquestioncarefully,likeatrappedwitnessata
deposition.“Well...notexactly.I’dcallitmoreofafavor.”

Taylor ’sbullshitradarinstantlywentintohighalert.So-called“favors”forpartnersgenerallymeant
wastednon-billablehourspreparingabarassociationspeechorresearchingtheDUIlawsof
Natchitoches,Louisiana,tohelpoutawayward-but-good-heartednephew.

“Whatkindoffavor?”Taylorasked,althoughshealreadyknewexactlywhatSam’sresponsewould
be.“It’saveryinterestingsituation...”he’dbegin.Allpartnersdescribedthecriminalactivitiesof
theirne’er-do-wellrelationsas“interestingsituations.”

Samleanedforwardinhischair.“It’saveryinterestingsituation...”hebegan.

Bingo.

Taylortriedtoappearenthusiasticashecontinued.

“It’safavortooneofthepartnershere,BillMitchells,”Samsaid.“I’msureyou’refamiliarwithhim
—he’sheadofthetaxgroup.Oneofhisclientsaskedhimforafavor.”

Taylorcouldbarelykeepfromrollinghereyes.Great—clientcriminalrelations.Theonlything
worsethanthespoiledprep-schooloffspringofrichpartnerswasthespoiledprep-schooloffspring
ofinsanelyrichCEOs.ShesteeledherselffortherestofSam’spitch.

Butwhathesaidnextsurprisedher.

“Asyoulikelyareaware,BilldoestaxworkformostofthebignamesinHollywood.Oneofhis
clients,anactor,isabouttostartfilmingalegalthriller.He’saskedtoworkwithoneofourlitigators
togetafeelforhowreallawyersactinthecourtroom.Youknow,demeanor,wheretostand,those
kindsofthings.”

Sampausedonceagainfordramaticeffect.ThisprovidedTayloranopportunitytodigestwhathe
wassaying.

Babysitanactorwhenshewasjustthreeweeksfromtrial?

Preposterous.

Ithadtobeapracticaljoke.Haha,yankthechainofthenewassociatefromtheMidwestwhothinks
everyoneinLosAngelesisobsessedwithcelebrities.

TaylorsmiledandshookherfingeratSamtolethimknowshewasinonthegag.

“I’mguessingyou’rejoking.”

ButSam’sfaceturnedserious,andhegaveherthat“what’stheproblem?”lookpartnersgive
associateswhenassigningathree-monthdocumentreview.

Hewasn’tjoking.

Balls.

“Let’sbehonest,Taylor,”Samsaidinhisbestwe’re-all-buddies-heretone.“I’mnotgoingtoputa
partneronthis.I’vegotbetterusesforthoseofusthatbilloutateighthundreddollarsanhour.”He
winkedather.Inpublicandaroundclients,partnerslovedtoputonabigshowoffeigning
embarrassmentovertheirridiculousbillingrates.Butbehindcloseddoors,theywereasourceof
greatpride.

“However,it’sanexcellentclientdevelopmentopportunity,”hewenton,“soIneedanassociatewho
willmakeagoodimpression.You.”

TaylorfoldedherhandsinherlapandthoughtquicklyofthebestwaytograciouslydeclineSam’s
offer.Sheknewhemeanttheopportunityasacompliment,butworkingwithsomeprimadonnaactor
onhisoverlymelodramatic“Youcan’thandlethetruth!”courtroomsceneswashardlyheridea
ofseriouslawyering.

SosheflashedSamherbestsoft-rejectionsmile.

“Sam,I’mflattered.Butdon’tyouthinkoneoftheassociatesfromthisofficewouldbebettersuited
forthiskindofproject?I’dhatetowaltzinhereasthenewgirlandstealtheiropportunitytowork
withaHollywoodactor.”

Thatdidn’tsoundhalfbad,shemused.Apparently,shehadabitofaflairforactingherself.

ButthenSamtoppedherwithhistrumpcard.

“Well,Taylor,Chicagoassuresmethatyou’rethebestlitigationassociatethisfirmhas.Ifthat’strue,
thendon’tyouthinkitshouldbeyourepresentingus?”

Adirectchallengetoherskillsasalawyer.Taylor ’skryptonite.

Shesighed,havingonlyoneanswertothat.

“Whenwouldyouneedme?”

Samgrinnedvictoriously,lookingeverfox-likeonceagain.“Thursday.”

Forabriefmoment,Taylorsawapossiblewayoutofthissituation.“Oh...that’stoobad,”shesaid.
“IhavetoarguethosemotionstocompelonThursday.”Shesnappedherfingers.Damn.

ButSamwasnotabouttoletheroffsoeasily.

“AndasmuchasIknowitwillkillyoutomissachancetobeincourt,I’msureyoucangetsomeone
elsetocoverit.”Thenhefoldedhishandspolitely,indicatingthatthediscussionwasover.

AndsoTaylorstooduptoleave.ShegaveSamherbestteam-player,I-couldn’t-be-more-thrilled-to-
squeeze-this-shit-into-my-schedulegrin.

“Noproblem,Sam,I’llworkitallout.”

Sheturnedtoleaveandhadmadeitallthewaytothedoorbeforesherealizedsomething.She
glancedbackoverhershoulder.

“Ididn’teventhinktoask—who’stheactor?”

Sampeeredupdistractedlyfromhiscomputer,havingalreadyturnedhisattentionbackto$800-per-
hourwork.

“Um...JasonAndrews.”

Andwiththosewords,Taylor ’shandslippedjusttheslightestbitonthedoorknob.

SheturnedbacktowardSam,tryingtoappearnonchalant.“Really.Isee.”

Butunfortunately,herinitialreactionhadnotgoneunnoticed.Sam’sfaceturnedseriousasherose
fromhisdeskandcrossedtheroomtoher.

“Youknow,Taylor,Itoldhismanagerthatyourreputationinthisfirmisthatyoucangohead-to-
headwithanyman.Andwin.”Sampausedmeaningfullyandstareddownatherlikeanarmydrill
sergeant.

“Donotgetstarry-eyedonthis,”helecturedfirmly.

Taylor ’seyesnarrowedatthemereinsinuation.AfterDaniel,herdaysofbeingstarry-eyed,dreamy-
eyed,oranyother-eyedoveranyman,celebrityornot,werefinished.

Samwasright;shewasmorethancapableofgoinghead-to-headwithanyman.Shehad,essentially,
beenraisedthatway.Growingup,herfather,apolicesergeant,workeddoubleshiftsandhermom,a
nurse,oftenworkedovertime,soTaylorhadfrequentlyfoundherselfbeingwatchedbyherthree
olderbrothers.Andintheirminds,theonlywaytohandlebeingstuckafterschoolandonweekends

withagirlwastopretendthatshewas,infact,aboy.(Albeitonewhohadpigtails.)

OneofTaylor ’sfavoritemovieswasALeagueofTheirOwn,andinthatmovieTomHanks’s
characterhadalinethathadalwaysresonatedwithher:oneofhisgirlballplayerswascryingafterhe
hadchewedheroutformissingaplay,andTomHankstoldher,“There’snocryinginbaseball.”That
couldhavebeenthemantraforTaylor ’syouth,exceptinherworldapparently,notonlywasthereno
cryinginbaseball,therewasalsonocryinginkickball,hide-and-seek(evenwhenherbrothersforgot
aboutherandleftherintheneighbor ’sshedfortwohours),climbingtrees,fallingtwostoriesoutof
saidtreesandbreakingherarm,andevenfishingwhenherbrothersusedherpetcaterpillar
collectionasbait.

Yes,Taylorlearnedataveryyoungagethattheonlywaytogetboystoshutupandplayfairlywasto
showthemthatyoutookcrapfromnoone.Itwasalessonthatservedherwellworkingatalargelaw
firm,wherewomencomprisedroughly15percentofpartnersdespitethefactthattheygenerally
constituted,yearafteryear,morethanhalfofeveryenteringfirst-yearassociateclass.Somewhere
alongtheway,thesewomenweregettinglost,ignored,weededout,orwerechoosingadifferentpath.

Taylor,however,wasdeterminednottofallvictimtowhattheselawfirmsacceptedasinevitable
reality.Evenifitmeantshehadtoeatnailsforbreakfast.

SoinresponsetoSam’sdirectivethatshenotget“starry-eyed”onthisparticularassignment,she
foldedherarmsdefinitivelyacrossherchest,havingonlyonethingtosay.

“Notachance.”

Samsmiled.Henodded,satisfied.

Thensomethingoccurredtoher.ShecautiouslyaskedSamonelastquestion.

“ButIhavetowonder,Sam,giventhe...reputation...ofthisparticularclient,didthefactthatI’ma
womanhaveanythingtodowithchoosingmeforthisproject?”

Everthelitigator,Sampacedgrandlyinfrontofhisdesk,readytoshowofftheinterrogationskills
hehadhonedoverthepasttwentyyears.

“Taylor,inyoursexualharassmentpractice,whodoyoutellyourclientstheyshouldhaveleading
theirdefenseteam,amanorawoman?”

“Awoman,”sherepliedwithouthesitation.

“Andwhyisthat?”

“Becauseitmakestheclientseemmorecredibleiftheyhaveafemalelawyersayingtheytreatwomen
fairly.”

Sampausedmeaningfullybeforehisimaginaryjury.“Sothenyouagree,don’tyou,thatthereare
timeswhen—inadditiontobeingthebestlitigator—yourgendercanbeanadvantagetothisfirm?”

Taylorgotthemessage.Shutupandplaythegame.

Shesmiledatherboss.

“Thursdayitis.”

Two

JASONANDREWS.

HewouldbeattheirofficesonThursday.ThebiggestactorinHollywood.

JasonAndrews.

Themoviestar.Ineverypaparazzi-following-your-every-move,crazed-fans-showing-up-naked-in-
your-bedroomsenseoftheterm.

Later,whenTaylor ’ssecretarydidher“research,”shewouldstumbleacrossRollingStonemagazine’s
Junecoverinterview,whichsummedupJasonAndrewsas:“devilishlygood-looking,andatrue
legendofhisday.LikeClarkGableorCaryGrant,heexudeseffortlesscharmandconfidence.
Thinkshe’ssmarterthanmostandfrankly,probablyis.Alethalcombinationthatseeminglyhasleft
himwithrespectforveryfew.”

Devilishlygood-looking.Effortlesscharmandconfidence.

JasonAndrews.

Andshewasgoingtobeworkingwithhim.

AsTaylorleftSam’soffice,shesuddenlyfoundherselfwonderingwhereshewasinherbikiniwax
cycle.Hmm...shemayhavebeendue...

Thensheimmediatelyshookofftheridiculousthought.Please.Shewasaprofessional.

AndsoMs.ProfessionalstraightenedhersuitandcalmlyshutSam’sdoorbehindher.Shemadeher
waythroughtheofficewithwhatsheassumedwasacasuallydismissiveair,asifsheactedaslegal
counseltofabulouslyfamoussexgodsallthetime.Shehadnever,ever,letanyoneatworkseeher
rattled—notevenduringtheworstpointinherbreakupwithherex-fiancéafewmonthsago.She’dbe
damnedifshenowwasabouttoletsomeactorunnerveherinfrontofothers.

“Linda,IneedtoclearmyscheduleforThursday,”Taylorsaidassheapproachedhersecretary’s
desk.Shewaspeeringathercalendar,tryingtofigureouthowbesttomovethingsaroundto
accommodatehernew“assignment.”

“There’sbeenachangeofplans—anewmatterhascomeup.”

ShehadbarelygottenthewordsoutwhenLindaflewoutofherchair.Itfellbackwardtotheground
withaloudthunk,whichLindadidn’tseemtonotice.

“Ohmygod!Soit’struethen?You’rereallygoingtobeworkingwithJasonAndrews?”

Howthehelldidthatgetoutsofast?Taylorglancedaroundtheofficeandsawthattheother
secretariesallhadpausedinwhattheyweredoing.Theywerestaringather,wide-eyed,andholding
theirbreathasiftheirverylivesdependedonherreply.Lookingover,shesawthatmostofthe
lawyers,too,lingeredintheirofficedoorways.Forthatmoment,allbusinessatGray&Dallashad
utterly,completelystopped.

Withtheonehundredsetsofhopefuleyesonher,Taylorclearedherthroatandaddressedthewaiting
office,likethetowncrierannouncingthatthekingwasonhisway.

“Yes,it’strue.Jason—uh,Andrews—willbehere.OnThursday.”Taylorbegantofanherself,
suddenlyfeelingalittleflushed.Strangehowwarmithadbecomeintheofficerightthen.Probablya
poorventilationspot,shemused.She’dhavetospeaktoLindaaboutcallingthemaintenancepeople.

Allaroundher,thesecretariesandlawyershaderuptedinafrenzyoffranticconversationsather
excitingnews.

“WhatshouldIwear?”

“Whatdoyouthinkhewillwear?”

“Didn’tyoujustloveitwhenhe[insertfavoriteJasonAndrewsmovie/scene/linehere]?”

“Doyouthink”—gasp—“hecouldeverpossiblybeasgorgeousinperson?”

Taylorstoodinthemiddleofallthechaos.Asalways,shefelttheneedtomaintaincontroloverthe
situation,soshegesturedcalminglytothesecretariesthathoppedaboutherlikeover-caffeinated
jackrabbits.

“Youallneedtopullyourselvestogether,”shesaidfirmly,overtheracket.“Weneedtotreatthislike
anyotherproject.”

Atthis,thesecretariessimmereddownandstoppeddancing.Lindastaredatherincredulously.“Any
otherproject?It’sJasonAndrews.”

Taylorfeltherselfgettingallflushedagain.Damnventilation.Someonereallyneededtoseetothat
soon.

Linda’sexpressionwasoneofutterdisbelief.“Areyouseriouslytryingtotellusthatyou’renotthe
leastbitexcitedaboutthis?”

Taylorsighedloudlyinexasperation.“Oh,Linda,comeon...”Withthatsaid,sheturnedandcoolly
headedtowardheroffice.Butwhenshereachedthedoor,shelookedbackathersecretaryand
winked.

“Hey—Ididn’tsayitwouldn’tbeafunproject.”

Withaslygrin,shedisappearedintoheroffice.

ITWASAFTEReleventhateveningwhenTaylorfinallypulledintothedrivewayofherapartment
building.Fortheremainderoftheday,shehadtriedtoputallthoughtsofthe“AndrewsProject”(asit
hadwidelycometobeknownthroughouttheoffice)outofhermind.Butfate,ofcourse,hadbeen
conspiringagainsther.

ShortlyafterhermeetingwithSam,shehadreceivedaphonecallfromoneof“Mr.Andrews’s”
assistants,whohadinformedherinclipped,brisktermsthat“Mr.Andrews”(theassistant’srepeated
useofthesurnameconjuredupvisionsinTaylor ’smindofastuffyeighteenth-centuryBritish
servant)wouldarriveatherofficeonThursdaymorningatnineo’clock.Itwasexpected,saidthe
servant-assistant,thatMs.Donovanwouldnotbelate,asMr.Andrewskeptaverybusyschedule.

Thewholetoneoftheconversationhadirkedher.

Let’sgetsomethingstraight,Taylorhadbeentemptedtosay.Iamdoinghimafavor.

Shehadn’tbeeninLosAngeleslongenoughtoadjusttothefactthatcateringtocelebritieswith
overinflatedsensesofself-importancewassimplypartofthecity’sframework,nevertobe
questioned.Shemayhavebeenliving—temporarily—inthecityofdreams,butherlifewasquite
groundedinreality.Andthatlife,whetherinL.A.orChicago,wasinTheLaw.

Moreover,sinceherworkschedulegenerallypermittedhertoseeonlyaboutfourmoviesperyear,
shesimplydidn’thaveenoughinterestin“theindustry”togiveacrapaboutstrokingJason
Andrews’sego.Besides,shewasquitecertainthat—givenhisinfamousreputation—he’dalreadyhad
enoughthingsstrokedtolastalifetime.

Butdespitethestrongopinionsshehadonthematter,Taylorthoughtshehadbeenhighlydiplomatic
inherresponsetotheservant-assistant’sinstructions.

“Now,isitcustomarythatIcurtsybeforeorafterI’mpresentedtoHisHighness?”shehadinnocently
inquired.

Theservant-assistanthadnotbeenamused.

Afterendingthecallonthatnote,Taylorhadsetofftofindawaytomiraculouslyfitthreedaysof
workintothetwodaysremainingbeforeHisRoyalWonderfulnessarrived.Herfirstpriorityhad
beentomeetwithDerek,thesecond-yearassociateassignedtoworkwithheronthesexual
harassmentcase.

PoorDerek,alwaysabitofanervoustype,appearedreadytobreakoutinhiveswhenTaylortold
himhe’dbearguingthemotionsonThursday.Foramoment,shethoughtaboutsneakilywhispering
atrade—sevenmotionsinlimineforsevenhourswithyou-know-who—butsheknewSamexpected
thatshepersonallyhandletheactor.

Eventothelikelydetrimentoftheirmotions.

Andthepossibleharmthatwouldthenbefalltheirclient.

Nottomentionwhatshepersonallywanted.

Notthatshehadanyopinionsonthematter.Really.

Butfortherestoftheafternoon,Taylorhadother,farmoreimportantthingstoworryabout.Andso,
betweentheseventeenclassmemberdepositiontranscriptssheneededtoreview,andtheeleven
telephoneargumentswithopposingcounseloverjuryinstructions,itwasnotuntillatethatnight,as
sheexhaustedlymadeherwaytoherfrontdoor,thatsherememberedtheenvelopeLindahadhanded
herbeforeleavingfortheday.

Research,hersecretaryhadcalledit.Shehadsmiledinamusement,thoroughlyenjoyingthenew
project.

GivenLinda’smischievousgrin,itwaswithdreadthatTaylorpulledtheenvelopeoutofher
briefcaseasshewalkedupthebrickedpathtoherapartment.Sheslidouttheenvelope’scontents,and
foundherselfstaringatthatweek’seditionofPeoplemagazine.

Taylorrolledhereyes.Oh,forheaven’ssake—likeshehadtimetoreadthis.

Buttabloidshaveasneakywayofgrabbingtheattentionofeventhemostresoluteofscoffers,and
Taylorwasnotimmune.Itwasthecoverstorythatcaughthereye.

“TheWomenofJasonAndrews!”

Theimagebelowtheheadlineconsistedofthreeside-by-sidephotosofthefilmstarwithadifferent
starlet/model/bimbohangingalloverhim.

Taylorshookherheaddisdainfullyatthepictures.Typical.Therewassomethingaboutthesightof
thisparticularman,thewayhesodeliberatelyflauntedhisparadeofconquests,thatrubbedher
feministsensibilitiesthewrongway.

Ormaybeitwassomethingmorepersonal.

Right,likeshewouldeveradmitthat.

Sheopenedthemagazine,andamultiple-pagefoldoutofJasonAndrewsandhisvariousdalliances
fellout.

Andspilledallthewaytotheground.

Foramoment,Taylorcouldonlystareatthepagesandpagesandpagesof“TheWomenofJason
Andrews!”

Withascornfulsnort,shebentovertopickupthefoldout.Thelastphotointheserieshappenedto
catchhereye:theactorwithaclassicallybeautifulblondeinhermidtwenties,whoTaylor
immediatelyrecognized.Shemaynothavebeenparticularlyinterestedin“theindustry,”buteventhe
fourtimesayearshecrawledoutfromunderherrocktoseeamoviewasenoughtoknowwho
NaomiCrosswas.Shesawthatwritteninbig,boldlettersabovethewaiflikeactresswastheurgent
question,“Jason’sNextConquest?”

Decidingthatshecouldsomehowmanagetogoonlivingwithoutgettingananswertothatquestion,

TaylortuckedtheJason-plus-starlet/model/bimbopagesbackintothemagazineandheadedupthe
walkwaytoherfrontdoor.Itwasthenthatshestumbleduponsomethingsittingonherfrontstoop.

Alargebouquetofflowers.

Asallwomendowhenfirstreceivingflowers,Taylorsilentlyscrolledthroughthelistofpotential
senders.Comingupwithnopleasantsuspects,sheeyedtheflowerswithsuspicion.Shescoopedthem
upandsiftedthroughthebouquetuntilshefoundthecard.Sheinstantlyregrettedbotheringtolook.

I’msorry.AndIloveyou.Daniel.

DANIELLAWRY.

ThebiggestmistakeofTaylor ’slife.

Ridiculouslybig.Gargantuan.

Theyhadmetinlawschool,whenshewasathird-yearstudentandDanielhadjustjoinedthe
Northwesternfacultyastheirnewevidenceprofessor.Hewasyoungforaprofessor,onlytwenty-
nine,buthisHarvardLawdegreeandfour-yearstintattheNewYorkU.S.Attorney’sOfficehadbeen
tooattractiveforthelawschooltoignore.

“Tooattractivetoignore”wasalsothegeneralconsensusamongthelawschool’sfemalestudent
body.Withicyblueeyesandstreaksofgoldenblondinhislightbrownhair,helookedmorelikea
RalphLaurenmodelthanalawschoolprofessor.

ThefirsttimeDanielhadaskedTayloroutwasatherlawschoolgraduation.She,ofcourse,hadsaid
no,havingheardrumorsfromaclassmateofherswholivedinthedowntownhigh-riseacrossthe
streetfromDanielthathefrequentlywasseenaroundtheareawithwomenbutmuchlessfrequently
seenwiththesamewoman.

Sixmonthswentbybeforeheaskedheroutagain.ThesecondtimewasaSaturdaymorning,when
Taylorfoundhimwaitingonthestepsofherthree-flatcondoonherwalkhomefromthegym.

HecamebearingStarbucks,hesaidtoherwithaneasysmile,andhehadherorderexactlyright:a
grandeskimlattewithtwoSplendas.Apparently,hehadcalledhersecretaryearlierintheweekfor
theinfo.

IttookfiveSaturdaymorningsofwaiting,andfivegrandeskimlatteswithtwoSplendas,untilTaylor
finallyagreedtomeetDanielforcoffeesomewhereotherthanherfrontsteps.Coffeeledtodrinks,
whichledtodinnerandthendating,whicheventuallyledtoDanielsayingalltherightthingsabout
Taylorbeing“theone.”Shefinallyagreedtomoveinwithhimandayearafterthat,theywere
engaged.

Itbynomeanshadbeenawhirlwindaffair.Shehadbeencautiousandcarefulthroughoutthefirst
coupleofyearsoftheirrelationship,buteventually,Daniel’scharmandconstantaffectionhad
broughtdownherguard.

Shebelievedhehadchangedhiswomanizingways.

ButnowhereshewasinLosAngeles,livingalone.Andwithoutthetwo-and-a-half-caratTiffanyring
thatusedtositonthefourthfingerofherlefthand.

Taylorsteppedintoherapartment.Withthatnow-ringlesslefthand,shetossedherkeysontothe
consoletablebythefrontdoorandheadedintothekitchen.

Shehadgottenluckyintermsoftheapartmentthefirmhadfoundforher.Sincehercaseeasilywould
lastatleastfourmonths(aftertheinevitableposttrialmotionsweretakenintoaccount),puttingherup
inahotelforthedurationhadnotbeeneitherherorthefirm’sfirstchoice.Sooneofthelegal
assistantsfortheChicagolitigationgrouphadbeenassignedthetaskofsearchingforapartments
Taylorcouldrent.Theparalegalwasonlyafewdaysintoherquestwhenoneofhercounterpartsin
theLosAngelesofficecontactedherwithasuggestion:thedaughterofoneofthepartnerswouldbe
studyingabroadinRomeforthefallsemester.ShewantedtobackpackthroughEuropeandAsiafor
thesummerbeforeherclassesbegan,andtheywerelookingforsomeonetosubletherfurnished
SantaMonicaapartment.

ThedealwasdoneassoonasTaylorsawthephotographstheL.A.officeemailedover.Justminutes
fromthebeach,withaquaintlittlegardenoffthelivingroomandcozycream-and-brownPottery
Barndecor,theapartmentwasfarbetterthananythingelsethelegalassistanthadshownherand
easilyworththetenextramilesitwouldaddtoherdailydowntowncommute.

Unfortunatelyonthisnight,however,theapartment’scharmwaslostonTaylorasshesteppedintothe
kitchenandsetthecopyofPeoplemagazinedownontheblack-speckledgranitecountertop.Shethrew
thebouquetofflowersnexttothemagazine,notnoticingasDaniel’scardslippedintoitspages.

Sheleanedagainstthefarsideofthecounterandstaredatthetwodozenredroseswiththesame
enthusiasmasifshewerelookingatadeadskunk.

Howironicthatinthefiveyearstheyhadbeentogether,Danielhadneverfiguredoutthatshedidn’t
evenreallylikeflowers.They’renotpractical,shehadtriedhintingonseveraloccasions.Well,at
leastnowshenolongerhadtohumorhim.

Sheopeneduponeofthekitchendrawers,searchingforapairofscissors,whenshesawherblinking
answeringmachine.Itsatatopthewinechiller,oneofthe“topofthelinekitchenappliances”thelegal
assistanthadeagerlyincludedinherdescriptionoftheapartment.Whatthelegalassistanthadn’t
realizedwasthatthefarstrongersellingpointinTaylor ’smindwastheChineserestaurantdownthe
streetthatdelivereduntil2a.m.

Taylorreachedacrossthecounterandhittheplaybuttononheransweringmachine.Afterthebeep,
shewasrelievedtohearKate’svoicecheerfullygreetingher.

“Hey,girl!It’sme,justcallingtoseehowL.A.’streatingyou.ValandIarealreadyplanningavisit.
Missyou.”

Taylorcouldn’thelpbutgrin—intruth,ValandKatehadbeenplanningtheirvisitprettymuchfrom
themomentshehadfirstannouncedthatshe’dbemovingtoL.A.forthesummer.Andstartingabout

twoweeksago,Valhadsteppeditupanotchbyemailingherwith“suggestedplacestovisit”—alist
Taylorsuspectedwascomprisedprimarily,ifnotentirely,oftherestaurantsandbarsmentionedin
thatweek’sPageSixcolumnsorUsWeekly“VIPScene”section.

Taylorglanceddownwhenheransweringmachinebeepedagain,indicatingthattherewasasecond
message.Sheheldherbreath,tensinginanticipation.

Afamiliarhuskyvoicecutthroughthequietofherkitchen.

“Taylor,it’sDaniel.Ihopeyougotmyflowers...I’dreallyliketotalk.Pleasecallme.”

Shereachedoverandinstantlydeletedthemessage.HowthehellDanielhadgottenherphonenumber
andaddressinLosAngeles,shehadnoclue.Fiveyearstogethermeanttoomanymutualfriends,she
supposed.Sheleanedbackagainstthecounterandreplayedhiswordsinherhead.

I’dreallyliketotalk.

Really?Why?Shecouldn’tpossiblythinkofonethingtheyhadtosaytoeachother.

Withthisinmind,Taylorwalkedovertothesinkandbegantorunthewater.Shepulledavaseoutof
thecabinetbelowthesink—feelingobligatedtoatleastputtheflowerssomewhere—andtestedthe
waterforitstemperature.Assheremovedthepaperwrappingfromthebouquet,herminddrifted
backtohiscard.

I’msorry.AndIloveyou.

Howsweet.Danielalwayshadbeensuchacharmer.

Thatis,untilthedayshewalkedintohisofficetodiscusstheirweddingguestlistandfoundhim
fuckinghistwenty-two-year-oldteachingassistantontopofhisdesk.

Doggie-style,bytheway.

Withtheirbackstoher,notnoticing,sotheyjustkeptrightongoing.Evidently,theyhadnotbeen
expectinganyonetoshowupforwhatwassupposedtobeDaniel’s“officehour.”

Evennow,wheneverTayloractuallyallowedherselftothinkofherex-fiancé,thevisualthatalways
cametomindwasthatofhimstandinginfrontofhisdeskwithhispantsaroundhisankles,hishands
feverishlyholdingontothegirl’shipsinecstasy.Nakedasschecksthrustingbackandforthinall
theirglory.

Lovely.

“It’showeverygirldreamsofseeingherfiancé,”shehadsaidinsarcasticbitternesstoValandKateas
theysatonherliving-roomcouchlaterthatnight,consolingher.TheyhadabottleofGreyGoose
vodkastandingbyonice.ButwithTaylor,therehadn’tbeentheexpectedbreakdownandhysterics,
norevenasinglecryof“whyme?”Andtherecertainlyhadbeennotears.

Becausethere’snocryinginbaseball.

Taylorvowedthatshewouldatleastholdontothatlastshredofdignity.ShewouldgetoverDaniel
andmoveonwithherlife.Andshevowedtonever,everagaingoagainstherinstinctswhenitcame
toaman.

StandingtherethatnightinhertemporarySantaMonicakitchen,havingfinishedunwrappingthe
flowers,sherealizedwithagooddealofsatisfactionthatshe’dbarelythoughtofDanielinthecouple
ofweekssinceshehadmovedtoLosAngeles.Thatwasalargepartofthereasonhisflowersand
cardhadcomeassuchasurprise.

I’msorry.AndIloveyou.

Whatanicesentiment.Daniel,apparently,wasnotfindingitquiteaseasytostopthinkingabouther.

Withthatthoughtinmind,Taylorreachedoverandflickedaswitchjustaboveherkitchensink.The
garbagedisposalroaredtolifewithaloudgarbledcrank.

Shehadfoundjusttheperfectspotforhisflowers.

THENEXTAFTERNOONatwork,whenshecameoutofherofficeforamuch-neededcoffeebreak,
Taylordiscoveredalargecrowdofwhathadtobevirtuallyeveryoneofthefirm’ssecretaries
huddledaroundthecredenzabehindLinda’sdesk.

Withoutdivertingtheirgaze,thesecretariespartedsothatTaylorcouldgetalookatwhateveritwas
thathadsocaptivatedthem.

Atelevision.

Taylorcouldbarelyhideherdisdain.Oh,comeon—hewasn’tworththismuchfuss.Whetheritwas
thepatronizingtoneofhisassistantduringtheirconversationthedaybeforeorthebrazenlysexist
bravadoof“TheWomenofJasonAndrews!”article,shehadrecentlyfoundherselfdeveloping
severalpreconceivednotionsabouttheactorshesoonwasgoingtobeworkingwith.Andnoneof
themcouldexactlybeconsideredpositive.

Sheglancedoveratthetelevision,justintimetocatchaquickmontageofimagesofJasonAndrews
flashingacrossthescreen.

“Wheredidyouguysgetthis?”shewhisperedtoLinda,notwantingtodivertthelargergroup’s
attentionfromsuchobviouslyimportantmatters.

LindarespondedtoTaylorwithouttearinghereyesawayfromtheTVscreen.“Theyairedan
interviewwithhimlastnightonE!,soIrecordedit.”

Seeingtheslightlydazedlookonhersecretary’sface,Taylorhadtobiteherliptokeepfrom
laughing.Shecouldn’thelpit—avisionflashedintoherhead:JasonAndrewswalkingthroughthe
officecorridorthefollowingmorning,astheadministrativestaffswoonedandfaintedonebyoneto
thefloorashepassedby.

Withthatimageinmind,Taylorturnedherattentionbacktothetelevision,whereJasonwasbeing
interviewedinsomeposhhotelroom.Shecouldn’thelpbutnotice,asheleanedagainstthecouch,
hownaturalandrelaxedheappeared—undoubtedlyduetothemany,manytimeshehadbeen
interviewedbefore.

Ofcourse,shealsocouldn’thelpbutnoticehowgoodhelookedoncamera.She’dhazardaguessthat
hisfacewasoneofthemostrecognizedintheworld:therakishdarkhair,theperpetualglintof
confidenceinhisbrilliantblueeyes,andthattrademarkdevilishsmile.Heprettymuchwasthe
standardagainstwhichmaleattractivenesshadbeendefinedforthepasttenyears.

Taylorrecalledbeingatapartyafewyearsagowhere,asagame,Katehadaskedeachmaleattendee
thesamequestion:Whowouldtheychooseif—forwhateverreason(gunpoint,tosavetheworld,etc.)
—theyhadtohavesexwithanotherman?Withoutexception,everymanatthepartyhadpickedJason
Andrews.

“Istherereallyanyotheranswer?”Chris,Kate’sboyfriendatthetime,hadlaughed.Herefreshingly
hadbeentheonlyguynottoutterthetoken“I’dratherdie”protestsbeforefinallyanswering.The
othermenatthepartyhadnoddedinuniversalagreement:if(uponpainofdeath)thedeedhadtobe
done,JasonAndrewswastheonlywaytogo.

Taylorturnedherattentionbacktotheon-screenJasonashestretchedhislonglegsoutinfrontof
him.Therewassomethingdifferentaboutseeinghimontelevisionthatmorning.Itwaskindof
strange,butupuntilthatpointshesomehowhadneverviewed“JasonAndrews”asarealperson.He
wassolargerthanlifethatheseemedmorelikesomeHollywoodcreationthananactualflesh-and-
bloodman.Soinmanysenses,shefeltasthoughshewaswatchingthemanhimselfforthefirsttime.

Taylorglancedatherwatch.Shesupposedshecouldspareafewminutescheckingouttheinterview
beforegettingbacktoherdeptranscripts.Forresearchpurposes,ofcourse.

ThereporterwhosatacrossfromJasonwasamaninhismid-thirtieswhoTaylorvaguely
recognizedfromlastyear ’sAcademyAwardsredcarpetpreshow.Helaunchedeagerlyintohisfirst
question.

“Solet’ssee,Jason,you’veearnedthreeGoldenGlobenominations—oneofthoseawin,andtwo
AcademyAwardnominations,againwithawinforyourdramaticperformanceasanundercover
narcoticspoliceofficerinOverload.Tellme:Isthereanywhereyoucangofromhere?”

Jasonflashedthatfamoussmileatthereporter ’squestion.

“Ofcourse.I’malwayslookingforsomethingthatwillchallengeme.”

Thereportershiftedinhisseat,readytomoveintotougherterritory.“Therearerumorsyouwere
interestedintheleadroleinOutbackNights,butthatyoursalary—whichcurrentlyisthetopinthe
industry—wassimplytoohighforthefilm’sbudget.Caretomakeanycommentonthat?”

“OnlythatIwisheveryoneinvolvedinthatprojectthebestofluck.”

Jason’srelaxedgazegaveawaynohintofanimosity.Taylorwonderedifhewasacting.Actually,she

wonderedifheeverwasn’tacting.

Thereporterpressedon.“DoyourbestwishesextendtoScottCasey,wholandedtheroleinsteadof
you?”

Jasoncontinuedtosmileashenonchalantlyadjustedhiswatch,turningitaroundhiswrist.Heseemed
veryindifferenttothewholeaffair.

“It’sabigtown,andthereareplentyofrolesforallofus.Besides,I’mveryexcitedaboutmynext
project—alegalthrillerwithParamount.”

ThesecretariessurroundingthetelevisioneruptedintocheersandpointedatTaylor.Shewavedoff
theattentionwithsomeembarrassment.

Onscreen,thereporterappearedresignedtothefactthathewasn’tgettinganygossipoutoftheactor,
atleastnotonthatsubject.

“Sowithalltherolesavailabletoyou,howdoyouknowwhichonetochoose?”

Jasoncrossedonelegovertheotherandstretchedanarmcasuallyalongthebackofthecouch.The
fittedV-necksweaterheworeemphasizedthebroadshouldersandleanmuscularphysiqueTaylor
knewwasunderneath.Asinfrequentlyasshewenttothemovies,evenshehadseenOverload,andshe
recalledwithafairamountofdetailthesceneintheshowerwhereJason’scharacterleaned
emotionallyagainstthewall,lettingthewaterwashthebloodofhisslainwifeoffhisnakedbody.Not
sincePsychohadashowerscenemoreaffectedthefemalemoviegoingpublic.

“Youknow,Billy,youjusthavetogowithyourinstincts,”Jasonexplainedinresponsetothe
reporter ’squestion.“Somethingclicks,somethingcomesaliveinsideyou—feelingsyoumaybe
didn’tevenrealizeyouhad—andyousuddenlyknowyou’vefoundtherightfit.”

ThereportershiftedeagerlyinhischairattheopeningJasonhadjustprovidedhim.“Speakingof
findingtherightfit...you’veledintomynexttopic.Women.”

Jasonlaughedandfoldedhisarmsbehindhishead.“Youguysareallthesame.Youalwaysaskme
aboutthis.”

“Canyoublameus?”thereporterinquiredwithaninnocentgrin.“You’vedatedsupermodels,apop
star,andmanyofthemostbeautifulactressesinHollywood.”

Jasonnoddedalongwiththelist,obviouslyquiteproudofhisaccomplishments.

“AndIthinktheonlythingthatgetsmoremediacoveragethanthenamesofthewomenyoudateis
thespeedatwhichyougothroughthem.Let’ssee,youare...”Thereportertrailedoffasheshifted
throughhisnotes,appearingpuzzled.“Oh,Iseethatfor‘age,’yourpublicisttellsusonlythatyouare
inyour‘thirties.’”

ThereporterglancedupquestioninglyatJason.

Whoclearlyhadnothingfurthertoaddonthatparticularsubject.

Afterasemi-awkwardmoment,thereporterpressedon.“Iguessmyquestionisthis:whenitcomesto
women,whatareyoulookingfor?”

ThecamerazoomedinonJason.AndTaylorwatchedasheansweredasonlyamaninhisposition
could.

“Myphilosophyisthatrelationshipsshouldbetreatedthesameasanewscript.Ifitdoesn’tholdmy
interestafteranhour,I’mnotgoingtowasteanymoretimeonit.”

Taylor ’smouthfellopenatthepure,unadulteratedarroganceofhiswords.

Linda,whowasstandingnexttoher,leanedoverandmumbledunderherbreath.“Wow—actress,
supermodel,whoever—Ifeelsorryforanywomanwhohastogetoverhim.”

TaylorturnedtoLinda,scoffingvehementlyatthis.

“Please—afterhearingwhathejustsaid,anywomandumbenoughtogooutwithhimcan’tcomplain
whensheinevitablygetshurt.”

“That’salittleharsh,don’tyouthink?”

“Maybe.ButI’lltellyouthis—smartwomendon’tdateJasonAndrews.”

Lindanoddedassheturnedbacktothetelevision.“Isupposethat’strue.”

ButthenshepeeredoveratTaylorwithaslygrin.“Except...let’sseehowmuchthatresistanceholds
uponceyou’realonewithhim.”Listeningin,theothersecretariesalllaughedinimplicitagreement.

Taylordefiantlyflungherlonghairoverhershoulders.JasonAndrewshadhardlymademuchofan
impressiononherthusfar.

“Please—I’msureinreallifethemancanbarelyholdanintelligentconversation.”

Lindaconsideredthis.“Wellthen,Iguessyoubetterfindawaytokeephimfromdoingalotof
talking.”ShethrewTaylorawickedgrin.“Howbigisyourshower?”

Thesecretariesburstintotitteringgiggles.

TaylorfoundherselfoddlyflusteredbyLinda’swords.Ithadtobethetemperatureintheoffice,she
thoughtwithannoyance,whichhadsuddenlybecomeridiculouslyhotagain.Allthatmoney,andthe
firmcouldn’tevenafforddamndecentair-conditioning.

Realizingshehadbeenfanningherself—andthateveryonewaswatching—Taylorstoppedand
pretendedtobewavingoffthegroup’sgiggles.

“Don’tyoupeoplehaveanyworktodo?”

Thesecretariesexchangedamusedlooksathertone.Withadismissiveflickofherhand—figuring
she’dwastedmorethanenoughtimeonnonsensethatmorning—Taylorabruptlyturnedbacktoward

heroffice.

Andstumbledmostungracefullyoverafileboxsittinginthehallway.

Afteranungainlybalancingact,Taylormanagedtorightherself.Shelookeddowninannoyance.
Stupidstinkingbox.Shekickeditwithherheel.

Behindher,thesecretariesgiggledevenlouder.

Taylorstraightenedhersuitandpulledherselftogether,thenhurriedofftothesanctityofheroffice.
Onherway,shegesturedtotheobjectofeveryone’sfascination.

“Andwhydowehaveatelevisioninhere,anyway?”shedemandedinanattempttoatleastgetthelast
wordin.“Thisisalawoffice!”

Lindashruggedthisoffnonchalantly.

“ThisisL.A.”

Three

TAYLORCHECKEDTHEclockonherdeskforwhathadtobethetenthtimethatmorning.11:07.
Shetappedherpenimpatiently.

Hewaslate.

Sheshouldhavebeenincourtthatverymoment,arguinghermotionstocompel.Asitturnedout,
Derekhadnothingtoworryabout—iftheylostononesingleissue,shewouldholdJasonAndrews
entirelyresponsible.

SheglanceduphopefullywhenLindastoppedinthedoorway.

“Anyword?”

Lindasadlyshookherhead.Adeepdepressionhadbeguntocreepovertheofficeattheactor ’s
failuretoappearthusfar.“None.”

Theywentthroughthisroutinefortherestofthemorning,andthentheafternoon,too.Assuming
JasonAndrewswouldeventuallyshowupatsomepoint,andhavingclearedherscheduleforthe
entireday,Taylorfounditdifficulttoconcentrateonanymeaningfultask.Sowhensixo’clockrolled
around,shebeganthefutiletaskoffillinginherdailytimesheetwithawholelotofnothing.

Great,shethought—sayhellotoanotherSaturdayintheoffice.

Butthenshewasinterruptedbyafranticknockatherofficedoor.ShelookeduptoseeLinda,flushed
withexcitementandoutofbreath,asifshehadruntoTaylor ’sofficethemomentshehadreceived
whatevernewsshewasabouttoconvey.

“Hisassistantjustcalled.Shesaidtherewasamix-up,butthatMr.Andrewswillbeherefirstthing

tomorrowmorning.”

“Tomorrow?”Taylorrepeated.Thenshefrowned.“Perfect,”shemutteredinannoyance.Sayhelloto
Sundayintheoffice,too.

“Didhisassistantatleastapologize?”sheasked.

Lindaputafingertoherchinandpaused,asiftryingtoremember.“Hmmm...nowthatwouldbea
‘no.’”

Taylorrolledhereyes.Nowthere’safuckingsurprise.

BUTBYTHEnextday,TaylorcoulddefinitivelysaythatshehadgottenovertheissueofJason
Andrews’slateness.

Becausebeinglatewasnolongertheproblem.

Thejerkhadcompletelyblownheroff.Nophonecalls,noapologies,andnoexplanations.

SobylateFridayafternoon,afteraseconddayspentmumblingobscenities,pacingthroughthe
hallways,andgenerallyhuffingabout,Taylordecidedshewasnotgoingtowasteonemoreminuteof
herlifeonJasonAndrews.

Sheshovedastackoffilesintoherbriefcase,grabbedhersuitcoatoffthebackofherchair,and
resolutelystrodeoutintothehallway,pastLinda’sdesk.

“I’mgoinghome.AndIwillbeunavailablefortherestoftheafternoonif,bysomemiracle,acertain
personshouldhappentoshowup.”ThehaughtywayshesaidthisleftLindanodoubtastowhothe
“certainperson”mightbe.“Foranyoneelse,Icanofcoursebereachedonmycellphoneorat
home.”

Lindapanicked.SheleanedoverherdeskandshoutedfranticallytoTaylor,whowasalreadyhalfway
downthehallbythatpoint.“ButwhatamIsupposedtosayifJasonAndrewsshowsup?”

TenresponsesinappropriatefortheworkplacecametoTaylor ’smind.

Notbotheringtostop,shecalledbackasimplemessageforLindatorelay.

“TellhimIhopehismoviebombs.”

SATURDAYANDSUNDAYthankfullypassedbywithoutfurtherneedless(andhighlyinconsiderate)
delays.Taylorusedtheweekendhourstogetbackontrackintermsofherpretrialschedule.Derek
hadinformedherthatthejudgehadcontinuedoneoftheirmotions—theonemostcriticaltotheir
case—untilMondaymorning.Althoughneithermentionedit,bothofthemwerequietlyrelievedthat
shewouldbeabletocoverthemotionafterall.Derek,alittleontheshyside,hadalwaysbeen

slightlyuncomfortablewiththesubjectmatter.

ComeSundayafternoon,havingbilledalmostfifteenhoursovertheweekend,Taylordecidedto
rewardherselfwithsomeshoppingatFredSegal.Assheleftthemallamerehouraftergettingthere,
shetriedtofigureoutwhyshefeltgoodaboutdroppingalmost$500ononepairofjeansandasmall
blackvelvetclutch.Thenithither:shehadjusthadherfirst“L.A.”experience.

AsTaylorcutacrosstheparkinglot,shereachedintoherpurseforhercellphone.SheknewValerie
wouldbeproudofthismoment.

“GuesswhereIamrightnow,”shesaidassoonasValansweredontheotherendoftheline.She
didn’tbotherwithanintroduction,asValhadcarefullyselectedadifferentringtoneforeachofher
friends.ForTaylor,shehadchosentheDarthVaderthememusic.

Valquicklythrewoutafewguesses.“Lyingonthebeach.Hikinginthemountains.MattDamon’s
bedroom.”

TaylorjuggledherphoneasshetookherChanelsunglassesoutofherpurseandslidthemon.Ithad
beenwarmandsunnyeverydaysinceshe’dcometoLosAngeles.She’dhavetoconcedethefactthat
thecitycertainlyhadtheadvantageofweatheroverChicago,whichcouldbeamiserablefifty
degreesandrainyeveninJune.

“IfIwasinMattDamon’sbedroom,I’dhardlybetakingatelephonebreak,”Taylorjoked.

“Ithoughtyousaidyoulikedhimforhisintellect.”

“IcaughtafewminutesofTheBourneUltimatumoncabletheothernight.MyfeelingsforMattnow
extendfarbeyondhisHarvardeducation.LikehowhelooksinafittedT-shirt.”

“Good.BecauseIusedtothinkyourattractionwasprettyshallow.”

Theybothlaughed.TheirconversationquicklyturnedtoValandKate’svisit,whichwasonlyafew
weeksaway.AsTaylorlistenedtoValrattleonabouthangingpoolsideatChateauMarmontand
dinnersatLesDeux,shekeptsilentaboutthewholeJasonAndrewsdebacle.Shehaddecided,fornow
atleast,nottomentionittoanyonebackhome.Atthispoint,shefigured,itwasanonstarterofa
story.Whatcouldshesay,really?IwassupposedtoworkwithJasonAndrews,buthenevershowed
up?Wow,thatwasexciting.Plus,shedidn’tparticularlyfeeltheneedtosharewitheveryonethefact
thatshe’dbeenblownoffbytheman.

HemayhavebeenJasonAndrews,butshestillhadherpride.

ONMONDAYMORNING,Taylorrushedaroundherapartmentgettingreadyforwork.Shehadthe
televisiononinherlivingroom,hopingtocatchthetrafficreport.Althoughfromwhatshehad
observedinthepastcoupleofweeks,thiswasameaninglessexercise.Liketheweather,thetrafficin
L.A.wasalwaysthesame.Everywheretooktwentyminutes.

Havingtraveledfairlyextensivelyacrossthecountryfordepositionsandtrials,she’dhadthe

opportunitytoobservethatlocalmorningshowskepttocertainschedules.L.A.’sversion—
appropriatelynamedL.A.Mornings—wasnoexception.Nationalnewsfollowedbylocalnews,with
weatherandtrafficonthe“sixes.”Andatprecisely7:20,SarahStevens,theshow’sexuberant
entertainmentcorrespondent,treatedLosAngelesviewerstotheday’s“HollywoodMinute.”

AndsoitwasonthatparticularMondaymorning,astheclockstruck7:20,thatTaylorhappenedtobe
inthekitchenpouringcoffeeintoherportablemugwhensheheardtheanchorwoman’stelltale
introductioncomingfromthetelevision.

“Andnow,LosAngeles,it’stimeforSarahStevensandtheday’sHollywoodMinute.”

Taylorhadaviewofthetelevisionfromthekitchen,soshepeeredoverwithmildinterest.Shewould
generallywatch“HollywoodMinute”ifshehappenedtobeinrangewhenthesegmentcameon,butit
washardlysomethingsheranoutofthebathroomwithamouthfulloftoothpastefor.

ShewatchedasthetelevisioncuttoSarahStevensgreetingherpublicwithexcitement.

“Goodmorning,everyone!TodayIhaveatreatforallyouviewers—atleastthefemaleones,thatis.”
Thereporterloweredhervoiceconspiratorially.“Thisweekend,HollywoodMinutecaughtupwith
someonespecialasheenjoyedafour-daygamblingspreeinLasVegas—noneotherthanourfavorite
leadingman,JasonAndrews!”

ThecoffeemugfellfromTaylor ’shandandtumbledloudlyintothesink.

ShestoodthereandwatchedindisbeliefasthetelevisioncuttofootageofSarahStevensholdinga
microphoneoutsidetheBellagiohotel.Justthen,JasonAndrewsexitedthroughtherevolvingdoor,
withsomegrungy-lookingguywhoappearedwhollyuninterestedinthemoboffansandpaparazzi
thatimmediatelyswarmedthem.

Thereporterpushedherwaythroughthecrowdandcalledouteagerly.

“Jason!Hi!SarahStevenswithL.A.Mornings.”Shebarreledovertohim,cameramanintow.“Doyou
haveaminutetosayhellotoourviewers?”Sheimmediatelyshovedthemicrophoneinhisface.

Forthequickestsecond,Jasonappearedannoyed.ButthenheflashedSarahStevensoneofhis
perfect-teethsmiles.

“Ofcourse.Ialwayshavetimeforfans.”

“HaveyoubeenenjoyingLasVegas?”Thereporteraskedbreathlessly.

“IalwaysenjoyLasVegas.”

Taylornoticedhowthereporterglowed,positivelybaskinginJason’spresence.Ormaybeitwasjust
theblindingwhitelightofhisteeth.

“YouknowIhavetoask,”Sarahcontinuedcoyly.“Whoareyouherewith?”

Jasongesturedtothegrungyguy,whostoodsomewhatuncomfortablyontheoutskirtsofthecrowd.

“Sorry,nogossiptoreportthistime.WedecidedtocomeouthereonThursday,sortofalast-minute
guy’strip.Youknowhowitis—sometimes,thetablesjustcallyou.”

Taylor ’smouthfellopenassheglaredincredulouslyatthetwenty-seven-inchprickinherliving
room.

Alast-minuteguy’strip?Thatwasthereasonshehadtoworkallweekend?

Butthatwasn’tenough.Ohno,farfromit.

“Ihearyou’reabouttostartproductiononanewfilm—alegalthriller,”SarahStevenssaid.“That
mustbekeepingyouawfullybusy.”

Jasonshruggedthisoffwithabreezysmileanddeliveredthefinalblow.

“ObviouslynotbusywithanythingimportantenoughtotemptmetomissaweekendinVegas.”Heand
SarahStevenssharedaheartylaughoverthis.

Butbackinherkitchen,TaylorDonovanwasnotlaughing.

JasonAndrewshadjustinsultedherinfrontoftheentireworld.

Well,fine—maybeonlythepeoplewhowerewatching“HollywoodMinute”onthatparticular
morning.Andreallyonlythosepeoplewhoactuallyknewhehadbeenscheduledtomeetwithherlast
week.

JasonAndrewshadjustinsultedherinfrontofatleastfourteenpeople.

Andsuddenly,Taylor ’sfeelingstowardtheactorwerenolongerverycordial.

Shegrabbedtheremotecontrolandwithasatisfactorypushofthebutton,madeJasonAndrews
disappear.

“Asshole!”

Itwastheonlywordshecouldmanage.

Four

GIVENHERFOULmood,whenTaylorwalkedintoJudgeFowler ’scourtroomthatmorningto
arguehermotioninlimine,shewasreadytokicksomeseriousass.

SheandDerektooktheirseatsatthedefendant’stable.Heropposingcounsel,Frank,wasalready
waitingatthetableoppositethem.Seeingthatallpartieswerepresent,theclerkofcourtcalledthe
roomtoorderasthejudgeentered.

“Allrise!Thiscourtisnowinsession,theHonorableArlanderFowlerpresiding.”Theclerk,judge,
andcourtreporterallsat.TaylorandFrankapproachedthepodiumasthejudgesiftedthroughhis
papers.

“FrankSiedlecki,representingtheEEOC,YourHonor.”

“Goodmorning,YourHonor.TaylorDonovan,forthedefendant.”

Andthenthemostextraordinarythinghappenedinthatcourtroomthatmorning,attheverymoment
whenTaylorstatedhernamefortherecord.

JasonAndrewswalkedin.

HearingTaylorintroduceherself,Jasonlookedovercuriously.Withoutbeingnoticed,hetookaseat
intheemptybackrowofthegalleyasthejudge,Taylor,andFrankcontinuedonwiththeirbusiness.

ThejudgepulledTaylor ’smotionoutfromthestackofpapersinfrontofhim.“Allright,wearehere
todayonacontinuanceofdefendant’sfinalmotioninlimine.”Hepeereddownfromthebenchat
Taylor.“Counselor,whydon’tyoutellmewhatthisisallabout?”

Tayloraddressedthejudgefromthepodium,fullyawarethatthismotionwascrucialtothesuccess
oftheircase.

“YourHonor,theEEOCintendstohaveseveralwitnessestestifyaboutnon-gender-basedprofanity
theyallegedlyheardintheworkplace.We’removingtoprohibitallsuchtestimony.”

Frankjumpedin.“YourHonor,thisisasexualharassmentcase—”

AndTaylorpromptlycuthimoff.“That’sright.Thisisasexualharassmentcase,andwearemoving
toprohibittestimonyaboutlanguagethat,whileprofane,certainlyisnotsex-based.Iapologizefor
mylanguage,YourHonor,butIjustdon’tseewhattheword‘shit’hastodowithsexualharassment.”

Overinthegallery,Jasonsmiledatthis.

Upatthepodium,Franktriedtoregaincontrolovertheargument.“Buttheseplaintiffsarewomen,
YourHonor,andtheEEOCcanestablishthattheyoftenheardthatparticularwordandotherslikeitin
theworkplace,andthattheyfoundsuchlanguagetobeharassing.”

Taylorquicklyresponded.“TheEEOC’sproblemisthateveryoneintheworkplaceheardthiskindof
profanity—bothmenandwomen.”

“YourHonor,ourpositionisthatthedefendantshouldhavebeenawarethatwomenasawhole,asa
gender,wouldbemore...sensitivetothesetypesofwords,”Franksaidinhismostself-righteous
tone.

Atthat,Taylorheldupahandwithdisdain.

“I’msorry,Judge.Butthatkindofpaternalisticviewismoreoffensivethananythingmyclientis
accusedof.ThepurposeoftheCivilRightsActisnottoturnourworkplacesintoSundayschool;it’s
meanttopreventdiscrimination.TheEEOCmightnotliketheword‘shit,’buttoobad.It’snot
discriminatory.”

Consideringtheargumentfinished,Taylorfoldedherarmsoverherchestandwaitedfortheruling.

Upathisbench,thejudgepeereddownatthepartiesashedebatedthemeritsofeachposition.Aftera
moment,hespoke.

“IhavetoagreewithMs.Donovanonthisone.Therearealotofthingsthatallofushavetoputup
withatwork,thingswedon’tparticularlylike,butthatdoesn’tmakethosethingsdiscriminatory.
Defendant’smotioninlimineisgranted.”

Thejudgebangedhisgavelastheclerkofcourtstampedthemotion.“Ithinkthatwrapsusupfor
today,counselors.SubmityourjointpretrialordertomebyFriday.Thiscourtstandsinrecess.”

Asthejudgestoodtoleave,everyoneinthecourtroomrose.Satisfiedwiththeruling,Taylorturned
pleasantlytoFrank.

“So,shouldweplantotalktomorrowaboutthepretrialorder?”ArguingwaslikeasporttoTaylor
andlikeallprofessionals,sheleftthegameonthefield.

Frank,however,didnotappeartobeofasimilarmind-set.Ignoringher,hegrabbedhisbriefcaseand
stormedoffwithoutsayingoneword.

Taylorshruggedthisoff.Ohwell.Heprobablywasjustpissedhedidn’tgettoswearincourt,too.

Shereturnedtothedefendant’stableandbeganpackingfilesintoherbriefcase.Suddenly,shefelt
Dereknudgeherhip.

“Isn’tthatJasonAndrews?”heaskedinalow,excitedwhisper.

Taylorglancedupandsawamanheadingoverfromthegalley,walkinguptheaisletowardher.

ItwasindeedJasonAndrews.

Thetwenty-five-million-dollar-per-picturestarpausedforabriefmomentwhenshefirstlookedup.
Thenheflashedherthatfamoussmile.

“YoumustbeTaylor.”

Taylormaintainedherevenstare.Well,well,well.HisExaltedHigh-and-Mightinesshadfinally
decidedtodropinafterall.

AsJasonAndrewsstrolledoverinhisblackbutton-downshirtandcharcoal-graypin-stripedpants
(bothofwhichfitsoperfectlytheyappearedtohavebeenhand-tailoredjustforhim),twothoughts
crossedTaylor ’smind.

One—hewasn’twearingasuitandtieincourt.

Two—hewasunbelievablygorgeousinperson.

Shequicklyobliteratedthissecond,whollyirrelevant,thoughtfromhermind.Shemanagedtokeep
herfaceamaskofsteadyindifferenceastheactorsauntereduptoher.

“Yourofficesaidyouwouldbehere,”hesaideasily,explaininghispresence.“LookslikeIgothere
justintimeforthefireworks.”Hewinkedasiftheywereinonsomejoketogether.

Taylorglaredathim.Sodeadlywasherlook,alessermanwould’vebeenoutthecourtroomdoorin
twosecondsflat.

ButJasonwasundaunted.Hesmiledamiably.“You’reright—wherearemymanners?Ihaven’t
properlyintroducedmyself.”Heheldouthishandinintroduction.“I’mJason—”

TaylorcutoffthewholecharmroutineASAP.Shehadseensmileslikethatbeforeandwasnow
decidedlyimmunefromthem.

“Iobviouslyknowwhoyouare,Mr.Andrews.Ialsoknowthatyouweresupposedtobeatmyoffice
ontwodifferentdayslastweek.”

Jasonpulledbackhishand,asifsurprisedbyhercurttone.

Offtotheside,Derekhadbeenwhollyforgotteninthefray.Thejuniorassociatesteppedforwardand
clearedhisthroattoremindTaylorandJasonofhispresence.

“Um,Taylor,I’mgoingtoheadback.ShouldIstopbyyourofficetomorrowtotalkaboutthepretrial
order?”Heglancedbetweenthetwoofthem.

TayloreyedJasoncoollyassheanswered.“Youcancomebylatertoday,Derek.Iwon’tbelongwith
this.”

Withonefinalglancebetweenthetwo,Derekgatheredthecasefilesandhurriedoutofthe
courtroom.LeavingTaylorandJasonalone.

Shefoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“WhatexactlycanIdoforyou,Mr.Andrews?”

Shenoticedthatthecornersofhismouthtwitchedalmostintoagrin,asifhefoundherformaluseof
hislastnametobeamusing.Thisonlyannoyedherevenmore.

“Iseeyou’realittleupsetabouttheappointmentsImissedlastweek,”hesaidinateasingtone.Atone,
Taylornoted,thatwasverysimilartotheonesheherselfusedwhendeliberatelyattemptingto
infuriateheropponents.

Howdarehe.

“Unfortunately,Igottiedupatthelastminute,”Jasoncontinued,withnoattempttoconcealhisairof
condescension.“Surelyyouunderstand...I’maveryabusyman,Ms.Donovan.”Heemphasizedthe
lasttwowords,lettingherknowthattwocouldplaythelast-namegame.

Thenhebrushedtheirdifferencesasidewithawave.“ButI’mherenow,solet’sgetdownto
business.”Heclappedhishandstogetherasifthissettledthematter.

“Butsee,nowI’mbusy,Mr.Andrews.”

Jasonsmiledpatientlyatherreply,likeateachertoawaywardchild.Hetookastepcloser,and
Taylornoticedthathetoweredoverher.Shethoughtallactorsweresupposedtobeshortinperson.
Ofcourse,hewouldhavetobetheexception.

BecauseTaylorrefusedtobudgeaninch,theynowstoodquiteclose.Jasonpeereddownather,his
eyesboringstraightintohers.

“Ms.Donovan,”hesaidinamatter-of-facttone.“Nooneistoobusyforme.”

Hepausedtolethiswordssinkin.Taylor ’seyesnarrowed,butshesaidnothing.Jasonapparently
tookthisasasignofacknowledgment.

“Good,nowthatthat’ssettled...”Hesteppedawayandgesturedgrandlytothecourtroomasif
issuingacommand.“Whydon’tyoushowmesomething...lawyerly?”

Helookedaroundasiftryingtogetfamiliarwiththeenvironment.“Thescripthasseveralscenes
whereIhavetocross-examinewitnesses.Startbyshowingmeanexampleofthat.Butnotthecrap
youseeonTV—Iwanttolookreal.”

Taylorbitherlipandpeereddownatthefloortokeepfromlaughingoutloud.Hewasso
ridiculouslyarrogant,itwasalmostamusing.Unabletoconcealhersmirk,shelookedbackupathim
andfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“I’mafraidIcan’tdothat.”

Jasonturnedaround.“Whynot?”

“Forstarters,Idon’thaveawitness.”

Hepointedtohimself.“Whataboutme?”

Andinthatmoment,Taylorwasstruckwithsuddendeviousinspiration.Shecockedherheadin
contemplation,thennoddedagreeablyforthefirsttimesinceJasonhadshownup.

“Okay,sure.”shegesturedacrossthecourtroom.“Whydon’tyoutakeaseatinthewitnessstand?”

Jasonthrewheranapprovinglook—apparentlygladtoseeshewasbackwiththeprogram—anddid
assheasked.Shewaitedforhimtogetcomfortable,thenpositionedherselfdirectlyinfrontofthe
witnessstand.

Taylorlaunchedintothefirstquestionofher“mock”cross-examination.

“Mr.Andrews—youareaware,areyounot,thatyourassistantmadearrangementsforyoutobeat
myofficelastThursday?”

Jasonsmiledasifhefoundherchallengetobeamusing.Heeasedbackinthewitnessstand,getting
comfortable.“Yes,Iamawareofthat,Ms.Donovan.”

“Youdidnotshowupforthatappointment,didyou?”

“Thatiscorrect.”

“Andyouareawarethatafterfailingtoshowupforthatfirstappointment,yourassistantmade
subsequentarrangementsforyoutobeatmyofficeonFridaymorning;isthatcorrect?”

Jasonstretchedoutandcrossedonelegovertheother,seeminglyunconcernedwithsuchatrifling
lineofquestioning.

“Thatisalsocorrect.AsIindicatedearlier,Igottiedupunexpectedlywithothermatters.Afilm
emergency.”Ashesaidthis,hecasuallyturnedhiswatcharoundhiswrist.

Taylorraisedaneyebrowincredulously.“Afilmemergency?”

“That’sright.”

Sheletthissitforamoment,andthenwalkedovertothelawyer ’stableandpulledhercellphoneout
ofherbriefcase.

“LetmeshowyouwhathasbeenmarkedasExhibitA.”ShecrossedbacktoJasonandheldupthecell
phone.

“DoyourecognizeExhibitA,Mr.Andrews?”

Jasonleanedforwardandpeeredatthephonewithmockuncertainty.“Well,now,Ican’tbesure...
butitappearstobeacellphone.”

“Doyouownacellphone,Mr.Andrews?”

“Threeofthem,actually.”

“Anddoyouknowhowtooperateyourthreecellphones?”

Jasonhumoredherwithasmile.“Ofcourse.”

Atthis,Tayloreasedback,sittingontheedgeofthelawyer ’stable.

Itwastime,shedecided,tokickthingsupanotch.

JASONWATCHEDASTaylorcasuallycrossedonehigh-heeledlegovertheother.Unabletoresist,
hiseyesflickereddowntoherlegsforjustthebriefestsecond.Thenhequicklyglancedbackup.

WhenhisgazemetTaylor ’s,hedetectedthefaintesttraceofasmugsmileinhereyes.Itwasthenhe
realizedsomething.

Shewastoyingwithhim.

Shewastoyingwithhim.

TaylorpauseduntilsheappearedsatisfiedthatJason’seyeswerefocusedbackonhers,thencontinued

withherquestions.

“Byanychance,didyouhaveanyofyourthreecellphoneswithyoulastweekinLasVegas,Mr.
Andrews?”

“Ofcourse.”

“Soyoucould’vecalledmyofficetosayyoucouldn’tmakeourmeetings?”

Jasonlaughedasifthiswasthefunniestthinghe’deverheard.“LikeImakeanyofthosecalls
myself.”

Tayloreasedoffthetableandstrolledcasuallytowardthewitnessstand.

“Wellthen,couldn’tyouhaveaskedoneofyournumerousassistantstocallme?Orwerethingsatthe
Bellagiohotel—oh,sorry—your‘filmemergency’”—shemademockingfingerquotes—“socrazy
thatyoucouldn’tgetaroundtoit?”

ShewaitedexpectantlyforJason’sanswer.

Hedeflectedthequestioneasily.Hecertainlyhopedshehadsomethingbetterthanthat.

“Soyougotme,Ms.Donovan.IwasinLasVegas.That’ssomeimpressivelawyering,consideringI
wasonlycaughtontelevision.”

“Andthereasonyoudidn’thavesomeonecallmyoffice?”

“Itdidn’tseemlikeabigdeal,”herepliedbreezily.“Ididn’tthinkIneededanexcuse.”

“Wellifthat’strue,”Tayloraskedpointedly,“thenwhydidyoufirsttrytomakeupthestoryabouta
filmemergency?”

Jasonpausedatthis.

Oops.

Heshifteduncomfortablyinhisseat,suddenlyabittangledupinhis“testimony.”

Taylorapproachedthewitnessstand,hereyessparklingtriumphantly.“Whatexactlywasyourplan
here,Mr.Andrews?Tojustwalkinandflashyourlittlesmile,noquestionsasked?”

Actually,thatprettymuchhadbeenhisplan.

Jasonfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandmerelyshruggeddismissivelyatherquestion.

Taylorseizeduponhisgesture,hervoicedrippingwithsarcasm.“Oh,I’msorry,Mr.Andrews,but
youranswershavetobeaudibleforthecourtreporter.Wasthata‘yes’?”

Jasongazedatherevenly,annoyedbyhertone.Shereturnedthelook.

“Yes,Ms.Donovan,”hefinallyreplied.“Thatmayhavebeenmyplan.Toflashmylittlesmile,no
questionsasked.”

Sheleanedagainstthewitnessstand.“How’sthatplanworkingoutforyou,Mr.Andrews?”

Hiseyeslockedwithhers.

“Notsowell.”

Taylorsmiledconfidently,asiftosayherworktherewasfinished.

“Good.Ihavenofurtherquestions.”

Andwiththat,shestruttedovertothelawyer ’stableandthrewherbriefcaseoverhershoulder.
Withoutsomuchasasecondglance,shewalkedoutofthecourtroomwithherheadheldhigh.The
doorswung,thenshutfirmlybehindher.

LeavingJasonalone.

Sittingstupidlyinthewitnessstand.

Helookedaround,waitingforthecamerasandpeopletocomepouringout,lettinghiminonthe
practicaljoke.Clooneylovedtopullstuntslikethis.

SoJasonwaited.Andwaitedsomemore.

But...nothing.

AnditthenbegantooccurtoJasonthatthiswasnotajoke,thatindeedTaylorDonovanhad
actuallymeanttoinsulthim.Whichthenraisedoneveryseriousquestion.

Whatthehellkindofshitwasthat?

Jasonquicklyflashedbackthrougheverydetailofhisencounterwithher.Eachandeverysassy,
sarcasticword.Hehadn’tbeenspokentolikethatinyears.

JasonglancedoveratthedoorthatTaylorhadjuststormedoutof.Andslowly,hisfacechangedinto
asmile.

Interesting.

Veryinteresting.

Five

“SOHOWDIDthemeetingwiththelawyergo?”

Jasonglancedoveratthepassengerseat,surprisedthatJeremyremembered.Hehadmentionedthe
meetinginpassingtohisfriendlastFridayinVegas,aroundfourinthemorningastheydevoured

burritosfromsomesketchydivesevenblocksofftheStrip.(Jeremyhadusedtheold“atleastnoone
willrecognizeyouhere”trick.)

Ofcourse,Jasonhadn’tmentionedthenthatthemeetingwiththelawyerwassupposedtohave
occurredearlierthatverysameday,rightaboutthesamemomentwhenheandJeremyhadsidledup
tothecrapstableintheBellagio’sVIProom.IfJeremyhadknownthatparticulardetail,he
undoubtedlywould’vemadesomesarcasticremarkthatJason—byFridaynightbeingover$100,000
downfromsaidcrapstable—wasinnomoodtohear.

Itwasn’tthemoney,JasonrepeatedlytoldJeremy(whohadquiteunsympatheticallypointedoutthat
hemadeabouttentimesthatamountinonedayoffilming)—itwastheprincipleofthematter.He
simplyhatedlosing.

Jasonturnedhiseyesbacktotheroadasheconsideredhowtoanswerhisfriend’squestion.Driving
likeMarioAndrettioncrackcocaine—hehadlearnedalongtimeagothatitwastheonlywayto
avoidbeingfollowedbythepaparazzi—heskillfullyspedhisblackAstonMartinVanquishtotheoff-
rampthatwouldleadthemtotheStaplesCenter.HeandJeremyhadticketsthateveningtothe
Lakers/Knicksgame.Courtsideseats,ofcourse.ItwasoneofthefewperksofJason’sfamethat
Jeremyactuallyloweredhimselftotakeadvantageof.

JasontriedtothinkofthebestwaytodescribehismeetingwiththeillustriousMs.TaylorDonovan,
Esquire.

“Themeetingwiththelawyerwas...enlightening,”hefinallysettledon.

Jeremystoppedgrippingtheblackleatherarmrestsofthepassengerseat,relaxingnowthatJasonwas
pullingoffthehighway.“Washeanygood?”

“Shedoesonehellofacross-examination,Icantellyouthat,”Jasonsaid,smilingtohimself.

Jeremyglancedoverandstudiedhimcarefully.“Whataren’tyoutellingmehere?”

Somehow,Jeremywastheoneguywhoalwaysseemedtoknowwhenhewashidingsomething.The
twoofthemhadcometoLosAngelesalmostsixteenyearsago,withbigdreamsofmakingitinthe
filmindustry.WhenJason’sactingcareertookofflikearocket,virtuallyeveryaspectofhislifehad
changed.Theirfriendshipwasoneofthefewthingsthathadnot.Jeremywasthelastremaining
bridgetonormalityinJason’sworld—afactJeremynevermissedachancetoremindhimof.

“WhatmakesyouthinkI’mnottellingyousomething?”Jasonaskedinnocently.

“ThelasttimeyoumadethatfacewastwomonthsagoattheFourSeasonsbar,afteryourinterview
withthereporterfromVanityFair.Whenyouaskedmetocomeupinonehourandscream‘Fire!’
outsideyourroom.”

Jasonlaughed.Goodtimes.“Hey—thatworked.Inthescrambletoevacuatethebuilding,Ididn’teven
havetopromisetocallher.”

“I’msurethefortyotherpeoplewhohadtorundowntwentyflightsofstairsatonea.m.wouldbe
happytoknowtheysavedyoufromanotherawkwardpostcoitalmoment.”

“Comeon—itwasthethrilloftheirlives.Theyallthoughtitwasverymagnanimousofmetooffer
toholdthefiredooropenforeveryone.”

“Ofcourse,youweretheonlyonewhoknewtherewasactuallynofire.”

Jasonbrushedthisaside.“Details,details.”

Jeremyrolledhiseyes.“Justtellmeaboutthelawyer.”

Somanypossibleresponses,Jasonmusedtohimself.HecouldtellJeremyhowitreallypissedhim
offthat“Ms.Donovan”wastedadayofhistime,whenhehadsofewofthemlefttopreparebefore
filmingbegan;howitirkedhimbeyondallmeasurethatshewastoostubborntogetoffherhigh
horseandletbygonesbebygones(sohehadmissedafewappointments—thatwashardlyacrime);
or,worstofall,howangryhewasthatshemanagedtogetthebetterofhiminherlittlecross-
examinationexercise.

Ormaybehecouldtalkaboutthefactthathehadliterallystoppedinhistrackswhenshefirstturned
aroundandlookedathim.

BecauseTaylorDonovanwasstunning.

Andhecertainlyhadn’tbeenexpectingthat.

Long,darkhair—adeepchestnutbrown—thatsweptacrossoneeyeandtumbledwellpasther
shouldersinwavylayers.Fairskinthatblushedalittlewhenshewasangry(ashehaddefinitelyseen
firsthand)anddeep,expressivegreeneyes.

Itwashereyesthatmadehimstop.Theyhadalivelysparkle—alittlegleam—thatsaidshewasfive
stepsaheadofyouatalltimesandknewit.

Ofcourse,italsocould’vebeenthelegs,Jasonconceded.Shehadsmuglycaughthimcheckingthose
outandthatpissedhimoff,too.Buthecouldn’tresist:inherpencil-thinknee-lengthskirtandMary
Janehighheels,shelookedbothclassicandsexyatthesametime,likethewomenintheblack-and-
whitemoviestheyusedtowatchinhisfilmclasses.

ButnomatterwhatTaylorDonovanlookedlike,Jasonfirmlyconcluded,thethoughtofher
insultinghimandstormingoutofthecourtroomwasabsolutelyludicrous.

Orhighlyamusing.Hestillcouldn’tdecide.

JasonglancedoverandsawthatJeremywaswaitingforananswer.

“Shewasangrywithme,”hefinallysaidwithasmile,thinkingthatwasthebestwaytosumuptheir
experience.

“Angrywithyou?”Jeremypaused,mullingthisover.“Andyouhaven’tevenhadsexwiththisone
yet.”Thenheconsideredthesource.“Haveyou?”

Jasonthrewhimalook.“Thiswasn’tangrylike‘Butdidn’tthosethreenightsinLondonmean
anythingtoyou?’angry.”Heimitatedaclingywoman’svoice.

“Moreproblemswiththesupermodel?”

“Marty’sonit.”

Jasoncockedhisheadincarefulcontemplation.“Itwasdifferentwiththislawyer.Shewas...”He
trailedoff,searchingfortherightword.Itwassomewhatofasurprisewhenitcametohim.
“Condescending.”

HeglancedoveratJeremyforsupport.Justintimetocatchhisfriend’sgrin.

“Condescending?”Jeremyrepeated,asifappalled.“ToJasonAndrews?DoIdareaskwhy?”

JasonshruggedashepulledtheAstonMartininfrontoftheVIPentranceoftheStaplesCenter.“I
mayhaveblownoffoneortwomeetingswithherlastweek.”

HeshutoffthecarandthrewJeremyaninnocentlook.“Ididn’tthinkitwouldmakeadifference
whenIshowedupthismorning.”

Jeremyclutchedhisheartinfeignedshock.“Youmeanshedidn’timmediatelyfallonherkneesin
gratitudewhenyouwalkedthroughthedoor?”

Jasongrinnedashesteppedoutofthecar.

“It’sfairtosaythat’snotexactlyhowshereacted.”

“ANDMAKESUREshegetsthemessageimmediately.”

JasonandJeremysatcourtsideattheLakersgame.Theyhadjustbarelygottentotheirseatswhen
Jasonwhippedouthiscellphonetwominutesintothefirstquarter.Hehadmadeadecisionduringthe
carrideover.

ThismorninghadnotbeenthelasthewouldseeofTaylorDonovan.

Uponarrivingatthisconclusion,Jasonhadcalledhismanagerandaskedhimtopersonallyconvey
thefollowingmessagetoher,wordforword:“Mr.Andrewsverymuchenjoyedthelessonhelearned
fromMs.Donovanandrespectfullyrequeststheopportunityofanothermeeting.”

Heknewshe’dbeamusedbythesubtext.Hegrinnedashethoughtaboutherreaction:she’dsmile
coyly—perhapseventoywithalockofthatfabulouslong,darkhair—asshecontemplatedan
appropriatelyflirtatiousreply.

Afterhangingupwithhismanager,Jasonhappilyturnedhisattentiontothegame,hismind
wanderingonlyonceortwicetospeculatewhatTaylorDonovanwouldbewearingduringtheirnext
meeting.Helikedthewholesmart,sexylawyerthingshehadgoingonthatmorning.Nowifshe

wouldmerelyundooneortwomorebuttonsofhershirt,onemightevencallheranaughtylawyer.
Perhapsshehadapairofseriouslibrarian-likeglassestofinishthelook.Shecouldpullherhairup
insomesortofno-nonsense,I’m-all-about-businesstwist,whichofcoursewouldcometumbling
downinamostunbusinesslikemannerrightasthey—

Jason’scellphonesuddenlyrang,interruptinghisinternaldebateoverthemostcomfortableposition
tohavesexinajurybox.Helikedthepossibilitiesthatlittlehalfwallpresented.

Hefrownedwhenhesawthatthecallerwashispublicist,Marty.Hehadexpectedittobehismanager,
withMs.Donovan’sfeignedreluctant(butsecretlydelighted)acceptanceofhisproposal.Andhe
frownedbecausehewasfullyawareofthebeliefsharedbyhisagent,manager,andlawyerthatonly
Martyknewhowto“handle”himwhenbearingbadnews.

Jasonansweredhisphoneonthesecondring.

“Yeah,Marty.What’sup?”

SITTINGNEXTTOJason,Jeremyglancedoverandwatchedashisfriend’spublicistdeliveredwhat
apparentlywassomeunexpectednews.Jeremycould’velaughedoutloudwhenheheardJason’s
reply.

“Whatdoyoumean,she‘regretfullydeclines’myinvitation?”hesaid,stunned.“Well—didshesay
anythingelse?”

AlthoughJeremytypicallyhadlittleinterestinJason’svariousescapades,helistenedwithcuriosityto
thisparticularexchange.HehadoverheardthemessageJasonhadsentthisTaylorDonovanperson,
andnoted—withquiteabitofsurprise—thatithadborderedonbeinganapology.Andasfaras
Jeremyknew,JasonAndrewshadn’tapologizedtoawomanotherthanhismotherinfifteenyears.

JeremywatchedasJason’sexpressionturnedtooneofamusementasMartyconveyedwhateverwas
therestofTaylorDonovan’smessage.

“That’swhatshesaid?”Jasonleanedbackinhisseatandchuckled.“Well,tellherthatIsawherassas
shestormedoutofthecourtroom,andImightbetemptedtodojustthat.”

Jasonlistenedtohispublicisttalkforanothermoment,thenpointedatthephonewithemphasis.
“Listentome,Marty,Idon’twanttoworkwithanyoneelse.Iwanther.Theonewhothinksshecan
walkoutonme.Makesureherfirmunderstandsthat.AndthenIneedyoutofocusontheLondon
thing.”

Hewavedhishandimpatientlyathispublicist’snextwords.“Itoldyou,thewholethingwasa
misunderstanding.IonlyaskedhertogotoLondon.Ineversaidshe’dbecomingbackwithme.Tell
hermanagerthatIdon’twanttoseehernamenexttomineinonemoregossiprag.Thepublicityride
isover.”

Withthat,hefirmlyslammedhisphoneshut.

Jeremyglancedover.“Thesupermodelagain?”

Jasonfrowned.“Trustme,ifyouhadtolistentothatinanebabbleforthreedays,you’dhavelefther
inLondon,too.Idon’tcarehowshelooksinaswimsuit—oroutofit.”

HearingJason’stersetone,Jeremysaidnothinganddecidedtoletthegamedistractthemforawhile.
HeknewfullwellhowmuchitannoyedJasonwhenthewomenhegotinvolvedwithcourtedthe
media’sattention.Actresses,singers,models—itneverfailed:onephonecallfromJasonAndrews
andtheyhadatablebookedattheIvyandTedCasablancaontheirspeeddial.

Jeremyglancedoverastwoguysintheirmidtwentiestooktheemptyseatsintherowbehindthem.He
vaguelyrecognizedoneoftheguysasRobSomething-or-Other,anactorononeofthoseCWshows,
whoJeremyhadmetatapartybeingthrownbythedirectorattachedtohislatestscript.Ifhe
rememberedcorrectly,RobhadbeenhangingaroundaspartofScottCasey’sentourage.

AsJeremynoddedingreetingatRobWhoever,henoticedoneoftheLakergirlsonthesidelines,
jumpingupandwavingfranticallyatthem.

“Ithinksomeone’stryingtogetyourattention.”JeremypointedthecheerleaderouttoJason.She
wavedgiddilywhenJasonglancedover.Heflashedherapolitehalfsmile,thenturnedaway
disinterestedly.HerolledhiseyesatJeremy.

“Beenthere.Donethat.”Thenhegrinnedslyly,unabletoresist,andproudlypointedoutseveralother
Lakersgirls.“Andthat.Oh,andthatandthat,too.”Hewinkeddeviously.“Together.”

“Andamazingly,combinedtheytotalonebrain.”Jeremyreplieddryly.

Jasonshookhisheadregretfullyatthis.

“Unfortunately,notquite.”

LATERTHATTHURSDAYafternoon,whenTaylorwaswellintohersecondgrandeskimlatteofthe
day,shefinallymanagedtofinagleafewfreemomentstositinherofficeandreviewDerek’sthird
draftoftheirproposedjuryinstructions.

Time,sherealized,hadnotbeenonhersideinthethreedayssinceherencounterwithJasonAndrews.
EversinceFrankoftheEEOChadgoneonthewarpathandbegunviciouslybashingherclient,inthe
media,thatis.

Shehadimmediatelyrecognizedthetacticforwhatitwas:ablatantattempttoprejudicethedefendant
intheeyesofpotentialjurors.Soinreturn,shehadpersonallyservedFrankwithanemergency
motionforsanctions.Andafterherimpassionedoralargument,thejudgeissuedagagorderinthe
caseandseverelyadmonishedthatanylawyerseenorheardspeakingtothemedia“betterbringhis
orhertoothbrushtocourt”(acolloquialwaytothreatenlawyerswithbeingjailedforcontempt).It
hadbeenthesecondtimethatweekthatFrankhadstormedoutofthecourtroomrefusingtospeakto
her.

Now,havingbeensidelinedforthelastthreedayswiththeemergencymotion,Taylorwasfeeling
behindtheballinhertrialpreparations.Shehadjustbarelysatdownatherdeskandstartedher
reviewofDerek’sdraftwhenherphonerang.

Assoonasshesawthefamiliar312areacodeonthecallerID,Taylorpickedupthehandsetand
coppedanimmediateguiltyplea.

“Iknow,Iknow.I’mahorriblefriend.”

Ontheotherendoftheline,Katelaughed.ShetooworkedatoneofChicago’stoplawfirmsand
knewfullwellhowcrazythingscouldget.

“Yougetafreepasssinceyou’repreparingfortrial.Theymadeyoupartneryet?”

Taylorsighedblissfullyatthethoughtofhergoal,theonethingshewantedmorethananythingin
life.“Twoyears,onemonthandthreeweeksaway.Giveortake.”

“Ifindittrulyscarythatyouknowthat.IsupposeIshouldn’tevenbothertoaskifyou’rehavingany
funoutthere?”

“Beforeyoustartlecturingme,justknowthatsomeofthisbusynesswasn’tmyfault.Iwas
temporarilysidetrackedby—”

Taylorstopped,realizingthattellingKateshehadmetJasonAndrewswouldresultinhoursof
conversation,retellingeverymomentinexcruciatingdetail.Nottomention,outoffairness,she
wouldthenhavetocallValerie,too.Andthatwasadiscussionthatcouldgoonfordays.

“Nevermind,”Taylorsaidinstead,covering.“I’lltellyouaboutitsomeothertime,overadrink.”Or
maybetwo,orthree,shethought.ItwouldtakeherthatlongtoforgethowbrilliantlyblueJason’s
eyeswerewhenthey’dfixedonher.

Whoa.

Wherethehellthatparticularthoughthadcomefrom,poppingalluninvitedintoherheadlikethat,
shejustdidn’tknow.

NotthatshedeniedthefactthatJasonAndrewswashandsome.Tall,leanbutbuilt,withthe
aforementionedcobalt-blueeyesandchiseledfeatures—sheknewfullwellthatthiswasthestuffthat
womendreamedof.Butcomeon.

Themanwasatotalpenis.

TaylorforcedherattentionbacktoKate,whowasaskingwhethershepossiblywouldhaveanyfree
eveningsinthenearfuture.

“Idon’tknow.Why—what’sup?”shereplieddistractedly.

Katehesitated.“There’ssomeoneinL.A.thatIwanttosetyouupwith.”

“No.”

Hertonecouldn’thavebeenmoredefinitive.

“Itdoesn’thavetobeadate,justsomeonetohangoutwithonceinawhile,”Katepressed.“They’re
notallassholeslikeDaniel,youknow.”Shesuddenlyfellsilent,presumablynothavingmeantforthat
lastparttoslipout.

Taylorturnedquiet,herexpressionsofteningatherfriend’swords.

“Iknow,Kate,but...”HervoicetrailedoffashermindmomentarilydriftedbacktoChicago.

Butthenshepulledherselftogether.Thissimplywasnotsomethingshewasgoingtothinkaboutat
work.

“Iappreciatetheoffer,”shetoldKate,strivingforalighttone.“ButI’mswampedrightnow,you
know?It’sjustnotagoodtime.Speakingofwhich,unfortunately,I’vegottorun—we’refiling
somethingtomorrowandI’mrunningwaybehind.”Shemumbledaquickgood-byeandhungup.

Afterhangingupthephone,Taylorleanedbackinherchair,suddenlyfeelingverytired.Butright
then,outofthecornerofhereye,shesawLindahesitatinginthedoorway.

SeemingtosenseshehadcaughtTayloratabadtime,Lindasmiledawkwardly.“Sorry.ButMr.
Blakelywantstoseeyou.Immediately.”

AslightpitformedinTaylor ’sstomach.“Immediately”neverbodedwellforanassociateatalarge
lawfirm.Itgenerallymeantyouhadeitherroyallyscrewedsomethinguporwereabouttobe
assignedanemergencyTRO.

Withthatinmind,Taylornodded.Sheputhergamefacebackonandquietedthebutterfliesinher
stomach.Shestoodupandgracefullysmoothedoutherskirt.

Thensheheadeddownthehallwaytotheheadpartner ’soffice.

Six

SHECOULDN’TDOit.

Itwaslatethatevening,andTaylorsatinhercar,thesilverChryslerPTCruisershehadrentedfor
herstayinLosAngeles,outsidesomebarcalledReilly’sTavern.Shetriedtofigureoutiftherewas
anychanceshecouldfinesseherwayoutofhercurrentsituation.Thinkingbacktothesternlook
Samhadgivenher,sheseriouslydoubtedit.

FromthemomentshehadwalkedintoSam’sofficeearlierthatafternoon,shecouldtelltheyweren’t
theretodiscussanemergencyTRO.PartnersdoledthoseoutasmerrilyasSanta’selveswithcandy
canes,whileSamontheotherhand,appearedfarfromhappywhenTaylortookaseatinfrontofhis
desk.

“Igotacalltoday,”hebeganinaserioustone.“Wouldyoumindtellingmewhattheproblemiswith

theAndrewsProject?”Sampeereddownatherfromtheperchofhisdeskchair.

Oh,forcryingoutloud,Taylorhadwantedtoshout.He’sjustanactor.

ButseeingthelookonSam’sface,sheinsteadattemptedtosmooththingsover.“Sam,Ijustdon’t
thinkI’mwellsuitedforthistypeofproject.I’msurewhoeveryouassignnextwillbefar—”

Samcutheroffabruptly.“JasonAndrewsdoesn’twantanyoneelse.Hispeopletoldmethathe
specificallysaidhewantstoworkwithyou.”

Taylorfoundherselfgrowingevenmoreannoyedbythis.His“people”?Oh,farbeitthatthemighty
moviestaractuallypickupaphonehimself.Lazy,shethoughttoherself.Arrogant.Self-centered,
condescending,patronizing—

ShenoticedSamstaringather,andsuddenlywonderedwhethershe’dbeenspeakingoutloud.

Taylorregrouped.SurelyshecouldmakeSamunderstandthemeritsofherposition.“Look—it’sjust
somestupidpridethingwithhim.Trustme,JasonAndrewswillgetoverit.Plus,I’minthemiddleof
preparingforatrial.IknowIdon’tneedtoremindyouofthestakesinthiscaseagainsttheEEOC.
Nowsimplyisn’tagoodtimeforme—”

Samcutheroffagain.“Taylor,Irespectyoucompletely.Ithinkyou’rethemosttalentedyoung
lawyerthisfirmhasseen,sopleasedon’ttakeitthewrongwaywhenIsaythatIfranklydon’tgive
adamnwhatyourissueis.”

HeheldupahandwhenhesawTaylorabouttospeak.“JasonAndrewsisaveryimportantclientof
thisfirm.Wedohistaxes,andwe’vebeentryingtogethislitigationbusinessforyears.Theguysues
anyoneandeveryonewhoprintsbullshitabouthim.”

Taylorlookedupattheceiling,tryingtoremainquiet.Fromwhatshehadseensofar,shedoubted
muchofitwasbullshit.

ThenSamleanedforwardinhischair.Hepeereddownatherwithafirmexpressionandsaidwords
thatsentchillsrunningdownherspine.

“YougobacktoJasonAndrews.Andyoufixthis.”

ANDSOHEREshewasfivehourslater,sittinginhercarparkedonsomerandomstreetinWest
Hollywood.Taylorpeeredthroughherwindshieldtogetabetterlookatthebar,andwonderedwhat
kindofnameReilly’sTavernwasforahotcelebrityhangout.SherecheckedtheaddressonthePost-it
noteLindahadhandedhertomakesureshewasattherightplace.

Taylortappedherfingersnervouslyonthesteeringwheel.ThethoughtofcrawlingbacktoJason
Andrewswasjustsohumiliating.Itinfuriatedherthat,duetohis“status”(whichshedoubtedwasthe
productoflittlemorethansheerlooksandbeingintherightplaceattherighttime),people
automaticallygavehimsuchdeference—thatwithonesnapofhisfingers,shewasexpectedtosmile
politelyandapologizetohim.

HopefullyJasonAndrewsknowstheHeimlich,Taylorthoughttoherself.Becauseshemostdefinitely
wasgoingtochokeonherwords.

Realizingshecouldn’tsitinfrontofthebarallnight,shegotoutofhercarandstrodebrisklyinher
heelstothefrontdoorofReilly’sTavern.Aquickpeekinthewindowtoldherthatshe’dbeenvery
wrong—thebarbynomeanswasanysortofhotcelebrityhangout.

AsTayloropenedthedoorandsteppedin,shefeltasthoughshe’dbeentransportedbacktothesouth
sideofChicago,backtooneofherfather ’soff-dutycophangouts.Deckedoutinagingmahogany
wood,Reilly’sTavernwaspartsportsbar,partIrishpub—completewithdartboards,pooltables,and
twosmalltelevisions(bothshowingthesamebasketballgame)mountedoverthebar.Theafter-work
crowdconsistedalmostentirelyofmiddle-agedmen,manystillintheirserviceorgovernment
uniforms.

Definitelythetypeofcrowdwhowouldn’tnoticeacelebrityintheirbar,Taylorthought,and
probablywouldn’tcareeveniftheydid.Maybethatwasthepoint.

Shestoodhesitantlyinthedoorway,scanningthefacesofthemenseatedatthebar,whointurnstared
rightbackather.Clearly,womenfolkdidn’toftenfrequentthisparticularestablishment.

AndjustwhenTaylorthoughtshecouldn’tpossiblyhavefeltmoreself-conscious,shehearda
feignedloudgaspandavoicecallouthernamewithdelight.

“Ms.Donovan!”

SheturnedandsawJasonAndrewsnearapooltableintheback.Hewalkedovertoher,pretendingto
beshocked.

“Why,imagineseeingyouhere!”

Atthesightofhissmug,victoriouslook,Taylorstaggeredbackafewstepsandfellagainstthedoor.
Ohgod,shecouldn’tdoit.

Feelingalittlewoozyatthethoughtofcontinuing,sheclosedhereyesandsilentlysaidafewoms
fromheryogaclassforserenity.

WITHHISARMSfoldedexpectantlyacrosshischest—hedidindeedknowwhatwascoming—
Jason’sgringrewwiderashewatchedTaylor ’sreactiontohisgreeting.Thisgirlseriouslycracked
himup.Atthenauseatedlookonherface,hehalfexpectedhertoturnaroundandwalkrightoutthe
doorwithoutonefurtherword.

Butinstead,shetookadeepbreath.Jasonwatchedasshepulledherselfuptowhatheguessedhadto
benomorethanherfullfive-feet-fiveheightandstrodeefficientlyover.

“Don’tbecoy,Mr.Andrews,”shesaidinthatall-businesstoneofhers.“Iknowyourassistanttold
youIwascoming.”

Jason’seyeswidenedinnocently.Atthewayshe’dwalkedoverallsnappy-heels,hecouldn’tresist
hammingitup.

“Youwerelookingforme?WhatevercanIdoforyou,Ms.Donovan?”

Taylorstoodthere,staringevillyatJasonasifshewantednothingmorerightthenthantograbhim
byhiscashmerezippulloverandzipitrightuptohiseyebrows.

Butthenshetookanotherdeepbreath.

“ItseemsImayhavebeenabit...hastywhenIwalkedoutofthecourtroomtheotherday,”shetold
him.“Myfirmwouldverymuchliketoworkwithyouonyour...littleproject.”

Heignoredhernot-so-subtledigathisfilm.“Andyou?”

Sherespondedmatter-of-factlytothis.“I’mwillingtoputmypersonalpreferencesonthematter
aside.”

Jasongazeddownather.Shereallywasn’taffectedbyhimatall.

Hefoundthisfascinating.

“AmIcorrectinunderstandingthatyoudislikeme,Ms.Donovan?”heaskedcoyly,circlingaround
herinamusement.

Taylorfollowedhimwithhereyes,hervoiceeven.“Iwon’tletmyfeelingsaboutyoucompromise
mycareer,Mr.Andrews.Yougotmeinalotoftroubleatwork,youknow.”

Jasonstopped,surprisedtofindhimselfuncomfortableatthethought.“I’lltellyouwhat,”hesaid
magnanimously.“Letmebuyyouadrink.Wecanstartover—gettoknowoneanotherproperly.”He
flashedherthesmilethatmadeheartsflutterworldwide.Fiveandahalfbilliondollarsinlifetimebox
officegrossforhis“littleprojects.”Takethat.

Taylorcockedherhead,appearingtoconsiderhisoffer.Then,withherarmsfoldedacrossherchest,
shetookafewstepstowardhim.Whenshewascloseenoughthattheywerepracticallytouching,she
staredupathim,hergreeneyesboringdeepintohis.Jasoncouldfeelthewarmthofherbody,andhe
wonderedifsheknewwhathewasthinkingrightthen.

Apparently,shedid.

“Let’sgetsomethingstraight,Mr.Andrews,”shesaidsteadily.“Thisisbusiness.Nothingelse.”

BeforeJasoncouldgetinonewordedgewiseonthematter,Taylorbackedawayandturnedtoleave.
“AndI’llexpectyoutobeatmyofficefirstthingtomorrowmorning.Dotrynottobelate.”

Thensheflippedherhairoverhershouldersand,inwhatwasadmittedlynotahalf-bad
impersonation,threwtheverywordsJasonhadsaidearlierrightbackathim.

“Surelyyouunderstand,Mr.Andrews...”shedrawledmockingly,“Iamaverybusywoman.”

Andwiththat,sheturnedonherheelsandstrodeoutofthebar.

Jasonstoodthere,staringafterheronceagain.Howthehellthewomankeptgettingthelastwordin,
hejustdidn’tknow.

AshewatchedTaylorpassbythewindowsoutside,Jeremypulledupnexttohim.Foramoment,even
heseemeduncertainwhattosay.

“Well,”Jeremyfinallymanaged,“sheseemsverynice.”HeappearedtohaveenjoyedJasonand
Taylor ’slittleexchange.“Veryspirited.”

“You’rerightaboutthat.”JasonshotJeremyadevilishlook.“NowIjustneedtochannelthatspirit
intoamore...enjoyableoutlet.”

Jeremyshookhisheaddoubtfully.“Idon’tknow.Ithinkyou’vemetyourmatch.”

Jasonscoffedattheveryidea.“There’snosuchthing.”

“Well,fromwhatI’veseenandheardsofar,thelawyerisupbytwo.”

Jasonconsideredthis.Hemaynothavelikedlosing,buthelovedthethrillofthegame.

“We’llseehowlongthatlasts...”hemusedoutloud.ThenhefollowedJeremybacktothepooltable
andconfirmedthatthenextshotwashis.Hestudiedthepooltable,suddenlyfeelinglighter,more
alivethanhehadinalongtime.Infact,hecouldn’trememberthelasttimesomethinghadpiquedhis
interestasmuchasthislawyerhad.

Jasonleanedoverthepooltableandaimed.Heshotandexpertlyfiredthecueballoffthecornerof
hisownstripednineball,whichspunandrolledneatlyintotheleftsidepocket.Hestraightenedup
andsmiledconfidentlyatJeremy.

Gameon.

THENEXTMORNING,Taylorcouldfeelthebuzztheminuteshesteppedofftheelevator.Perhapsit
wasthefactthateveryonestoppedandstaredasshewalkedthroughthecorridoronthewaytoher
office.OrperhapsitwasthegaggleofsecretarieswhohuddledaroundLinda’sdesk,passinga
mirrorbetweenthemastheyreappliedlipstickandfluffedtheirhair.Itcouldmeanonlyonething.

JasonAndrewswasinheroffice.

TaylorheadedovertoLinda’sdesk.Whenshegotthere,hersecretarypointedtoheroffice,then
raisedafingertoherlipstoindicatetheyshouldbequiet.

“He’shere!”shesaidinanexcitedwhisper.

“Iguessedthat,yes.”

Lindalookedreadytoburstintoamillionhappypiecesasshebabbledon.“Ishowedhimstraightto
youroffice—Ican’trememberanythingIsaidafter‘hello’—ohmygod,he’sevenhotterinperson—
andthenIshutthedoorbecausepeoplewerestaring.”ThenshequicklyaddedforTaylor ’sbenefit,
“NotthatIwoulddoanythinglikethat.”

Taylornodded.Sherealizedthenthatshehadn’tthoughthewouldactuallyshowup.Ifanything,she
hadexpectedanangryphonecallfromSamthatmorning,askingherwhatthehellkindofapology
involvedimitatingJasonAndrewstohisface.

Sheturnedtowardthecloseddoorofheroffice.Timetofacetheenemy.SheglancedbackatLinda,
tryingtobuyanotherminuteortwo.“Uh,Linda,couldyoureserveusoneofthemocktrialrooms?
Maybe—”

“It’salreadytakencareof.You’reinconferenceroomA.”

“Oh.Good.Lovely.”

Taylorstillfoundherselfstalling.Bynowtheentireofficewaswatching.

Lindagesturedtothedoor.“Well,goon.He’sallyours,”shesaidwithawink.Theothersecretaries
giggled.

Notwantingtodrawanyfurtherattentiontothesituation,Taylorgrabbedthehandletoherdoorand
stroderesolutelyintoheroffice.

“Mr.And—”

HerwordstrailedoffbecauseJason,whohadbeenstandinginfrontofherofficewindowchecking
outtheview,turnedaroundwhensheentered.Likeashotfromamovie,themorningsunshone
brilliantlyaroundhimlikeagod—hisdarkhairglintedwarmlyinthelight,andhiseyesgleamed
bluerthanthesouthPacificOcean.

Taylor ’smindwentblank.Andsuddenly,shecouldn’trememberwhythehellsheeverhadbeen
angrywithJasonAndrews.

Butthenhespoke.

“Sleepinginthismorning,Ms.Donovan?”hedrawled.

Momentover.

“Howlovelytoseeyouagain,Mr.Andrews,”Taylorrepliedsarcastically.Atleastheworeasuitthis
time,shenoted.Nocommentonhowhelookedinit.

Frombehindhisback,Jasonpulledoutamedium-sizedboxwithablueribbonwrappedaroundit.

“Ibroughtyouapeaceoffering.”

Heheldtheboxouttoher.

Taylorlookedover,caughtoffguardbythis.Afterhesitatingforamoment,shetooktheboxfrom
himandsatdownatherdesk.Jasontookaseatinoneofthechairsacrossfromher.

“Iguessedyou’renottheflowerstype,”hesaid.Taylorglancedsharplyathim,wonderinghowhe
knewthatfromtheirshortinteractions.

“Thisseemedmoreappropriateforyou.Ithoughtyoucouldwearitthenexttimeyou’reincourt.”

Sheraisedasuspiciouseyebrowatthis.Ohreally?ButJason’sfacegavenothingaway.

Curiositygotthebetterofher,soTayloropenedthebox.Sherifledthroughthetissuepaperuntilshe
foundaT-shirt.Whenshepulleditout,shesawtwowordsprintedontheshirtinperfectreferenceto
herinfamouscourtargument:SHITHAPPENS.

Taylorlaughedoutloud.

ShelookedoveratJason,reluctantlyamusedbythejoke,andsmiled.

“Okay,Mr.Andrews,”sheconceded.“Let’sgetstarted.”

Seven

“IDON’TCAREwhatthescriptsays.That’snothowitworks.”

Taylorstoodinfrontofthelawyer ’stablepeeringstubbornlydownatJason.Theywereintheirtenth
hourofwork.Shehadbeenshockedwhenshecheckedherwatchafewminutesagoandsawhowlate
ithadgotten.Shesupposedthingswouldgofasterifhedidn’tinsistonfightingherovervirtually
everychangeshesuggestedtothescript.See,forexample,theircurrentdebate.

“AndIdon’tseewhatdifferenceitmakes,”Jasonreplieddefensively.Heheldhisscriptinhishand,
wavingitather.

“Itmakesabigdifference,”shearguedback.“Whileyoumightthinkyoulook‘pensive’and
‘unimpressed’”—shefinger-quotedthewordshehadusedjustmomentsbefore—“byremaining
seatedduringyouropposingcounsel’sargument,that’snotthewayitworksinarealcourtroom.You
havetostandeverytimeyouarguebeforethejudge.”

Thenshegesturedatthescriptandsaidfortheumpteenthtimethatday,“Didn’tanyonetalktoareal
lawyerbeforewritingthis?”

My,my,Jasonobserved.Apparentlyhewasn’ttheonlyonewhowasalittlecocky.

HewatchedasTaylorpositionedherselfatthecornerofthejuryboxfarthestfromthewitnessstand.
Earlier,shehadgoneandruinedtheirlovely“ShitHappens”momentbyturningallseriousthe
minutetheysteppedintoherfirm’smocktrialroom.ButJasonfiguredtherehadtocomeapoint
whenherarmorwouldcrackagain—evenifjustfortheslightestmoment.Notthatheparticularly
mindedwatchingherstrutsassilyaroundthecourtroomfortenhours.

“Now,weweretalkingaboutthedifferencesbetweendirectandcross-examination,”Taylorcalled

overfromthefarendofthejurybox,backinteachermode.“Unlikecross,whendoingadirect
examinationyouwanttostandbythejury,sothatyouforcethewitnesstolookatthejurorswhen
answeringquestions.Thatwayyoudrawintheirattention,almostasifthewitnessistalkingdirectly
tothem.”

Jasonfrownedatthis,peeringdownatoneofthepagesinhisscript.

“ButifI’mallthewayacrossthecourtroom,howamIsupposedtothrowabookatthewitness?”

Taylorwhirledaround,appalledatsuchamockinginsulttothepracticeoflaw.

“Thescriptsaysyou’resupposedtothrowabookatawitness?”Shestormedacrosstheroomand
grabbedthescriptfromhim.Sheskimmedfuriously,turningthepagesbackandforthasshesearched
fortheoffensivepassage.

Afterafewmoments,shelookedupatJason,confused.“That’snotwhatitsays.”

Hesmiled.Gotcha.

Taylorfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Veryfunny.”

“It’sjusttooeasy.”Helaughed.Thenhebracedhimselffortheexpectedstingingretort.

ButinsteadTaylorwassilent,havingalreadyturnedherattentionbacktothescript.Sheflipped
throughseveralpages.

“Thisdialogue...”Shetrailedoff,asiftroubled.ShesatdownatthetablenexttoJason.

Helookedoverandsawtheparticularsectionofthescriptshewasfocusedon:themidpointofthe
screenplay,wherehischaracterdestroyedakeywitnessfortheoppositionwithabrutalcross-
examination.Thescenewasoneofhisfavorites,sohewassurprisedsheseemedbotheredbyit.

“What’swrongwiththedialogue?”heasked,peeringoverhershoulder.“Ididn’tthinkitwasbad.”

“It’snotthatit’sbad,”shereplied.Sheglancedupathimandblushedslightly,hesitating.

“Nevermind.I’mbeingtoomuchofalawyerhere.”

Jasongazedfirmlyather.Henevercompromisedwithacting,nomatterhowsmallthedetails.And
forwhateverreason,hefoundhevaluedTaylorDonovan’sopinionquiteabit.

“No,seriously.Iwanttoknowwhatyouthink.”

Taylortookinhisearnestexpression.Shefranklyhadbeensurprisedbyhisattitudeduringtheirten
hourstogether.BlowingofftheirmeetingsforaweekendinLasVegascertainlyhad,inhermind,
beenagoodindicationofhisworkethic.But,quitetothecontrary,shewouldhavetoadmitthat
Vasonseemedtrulyinterestedinthevarioustrialtechniquesshehaddemonstratedandhadaskedher
manyquestionsthroughouttheday.Someofthemwereevengoodones.

SoTaylorslidtheproblematicscriptoversothattheybothcouldreadfromit.

“Well,forstarters,thissceneissupposedtobeacross-examination,right?”Shepointedtothe
troublesomesequence.

Jasonfrowned.“Yes.Why?”Hemovedinclosertogetabetterlookatthescript.

“See—yourproblemisthatnoneofthesequestionsareleadingquestions.”Shesawhisheadtiltin
confusion,sosheexplainedfurther.“Allofthesequestionsareopen-ended.Youwouldneverask
themoncross,becausecross-examinationisallaboutcontrollingthewitness.Youforcethewitness
tosaythethingsyouwant,andonlythosethings.Andyoucertainlydon’tgivethewitnessany
opportunitytoexplainhimself.”

Taylorpickedupthescripttodemonstrate.“Likehere—yourcharacterasks:‘Sowhat,exactly,was
yourintentionthatevening,Mr.Robbins?’andafewlinesfurtherdownyousay,‘Thentellusexactly
whatyouwerethinkingwhenyourealizedyourwifewasdead.’Theproblemis,thosequestionsgive
yourwitnessallsortsofwiggleroom.Youshouldsaysomethingmorelikethis—”

ShefacedJasontodemonstrateandbegantoreinventhislines.

“Andyourintentionthateveningwastotellyourwifeabouttheaffairyouwerehaving,wasn’tit?”
Sheslippedeasilyintothepart.“Weren’tyou,infact,relievedwhenyousawyourwife’slifelessbody
floatingintheswimmingpool,Mr.Robbins?”

Assheproceededtodemonstrate—offthetopofherhead,noless—amodifiedcross-examination,
therewasnodoubtinJason’smindthatshehadjustmadethesceneaboutfivetimesstronger.He
watched,impressed,anditstruckhimhowmuchhelikedlookingatherwhilesheworked.

Infact,herealized,hejustlikedlookingather.

Atthatmoment,Taylorseemedtonoticethathewasstaringather.Shestoppedandsmiledin
embarrassment.

“Sorry.I’mcompletelyboringyouwithallthis,aren’tI?”

Thatsmiledidthecraziestthingstohim.Jasontriedtobrushthisoff,clearinghisthroat.“No,notat
all,”hetoldher.“Please—continue.”

Taylorcockedherhead,curious.

“You’reawfullyseriousaboutthis,aren’tyou?Imean,playingalawyercan’texactlybeyourmost
challengingrole.”

JasonstudiedTaylorforalongmoment,consideringherquestion.Thenheleanedin—closeenough
sothathisarmbrushedlightlyagainsthers.

“Howlonghaveyoubeenpracticinglaw?”heasked,seeminglyoutofnowhere.

Taylorblinked,abitsurprisedbythetransition.“Sixyears.Why?”

“Howmanycaseshaveyouwon?”

Shesmiledmatter-of-factly.“Allofthem.”

“Doyouprepareanylessnow,justbecauseyou’remorefamiliarwithwhatyou’redoing?”

“No,ofcoursenot.”

“Whynot?”

“BecauseIalwayswanttodothebestpossiblejob.”

Jasonlookedatherpointedly.“Ditto.”

Taylortiltedherheadinconcession.“Fairenough.”

Jasonsmiledwithher,andforamomenttheywerejusttwopeoplebeingthemselves,without
anythingelsemattering.

Untiltheringofhiscellphoneshrillyinterruptedthemood,thatis.

Withagooddealofreluctance,JasonturnedhisattentionawayfromTaylorandpulledhisphoneout
ofhisjacket.Hecheckedtoseewhowascalling,thenglancedoverinexplanation.“Sorry—it’smy
publicist,Marty.Hehasafitifhecan’treachme.”Herolledhiseyesinexaggeration.

Taylorsmiled.Kindoflikepartners,shethought.

“Marty!Howareyou?”Jasonansweredhisphonewithaffection,knowingfullwellthathedrovethe
mancrazy.AsJeremylikedtojoke,Jason’spublicistwasthebusiestmaninshowbusiness.

Taylorwatchedashelistenedtowhatevernewshispublicistconveyed.Shesawthathisexpression
turnedstrangelyserious.

“Iunderstand,”Jasonsaid,soundingverydisappointed.Taylorwonderedifhehadjustlostouton
somepart.“Iguessitwastobeexpected.”Withatersegood-bye,hehungupthephone.

TaylornoticedthatJasonstaredathiscellphoneforamomentlonger.Whenhiseyeslookedupand
foundhers,shecould’veswornheseemedangry.

“Well,Ms.Donovan.Itseemswehaveaproblem.”

TAYLORSTAREDOUTthelobbywindowsofherofficebuilding,attheenormousmobofpaparazzi
thathadgatheredoutside.Hoveringlikevulturesandperchedwiththeircameras,theywaitedin
anticipationfortheirfive-hundred-thousand-dollarshottoemerge.Shesawthatafewphotographers
hadevengonesofarastoclimbthetreesthatflankedthebuilding’scourtyard.

“It’samadhouseoutthere,”shemurmuredinamazement,takinginthescene.“Idon’tthinkI’veever

seensomanycamerasinoneplace.”

Jasonstoodbehindher,notamazedintheslightest.

“AnyideahowtheyfoundoutI’mhere?”

Mesmerizedbythemediacircus,Taylordidn’tnoticethesharpedgetohisvoice.

“Probablyoneofthesecretaries,ifIhadtoguess.”

Shelookedawayfromthewindowsandnoticedthattheofficebuildingwasdeserted.Shehadworked
latemanyeveningssincecomingtoLosAngeles,soshewasfamiliarwiththeroutine.

“Theylocktheotherdoorsafterseven,”Taylorsaid.“Thisistheonlywayout.”

“Howconvenient.”

Jasondidn’tbothertohidehisbitterness.Forsomereason,hefeltlikehe’dbeenpunchedinthegut
sincethemomentMartyhadcalledtolethimknowthatsomeonehadtippedoffthemediatohis
whereabouts.Ofcourse,heshould’veknownthatTaylorDonovanwouldinevitablyusehisnameto
makeoneforherself.Howtypical.Hejustcouldn’tfigureoutwhyitbotheredhimsomuchthistime.

Shesuddenlyturnedawayfromthewindowsandfacedhim.Thisisthepart,Jasonthought,whereshe
feignsannoyance,thenaskshowshelooksassheprimpsforthecameras.Readyformyclose-up,Mr.
DeMille.

AndsoTaylorshrugged,asifacceptingthefateoftheirsituation.“Well,Iguessthisiswhereyoudo
yourthing,”shesaid,gesturingtothedoorthatwastheironlywayout.“Havefun.”Andwiththat,she
didtheunthinkable.

Shewalkedaway.

ShehadgoneonlyafewstepswhensheglancedbackatJason,apparentlywithonefinalthought.“It’s
been...interesting,Mr.Andrews,”shesaid.Thenshehurriedofftowardtheelevatorbank.

Jasonstoodthere,speechless.Funnyhowheseemedtobelikethatquiteabitwheneverhewasaround
her.

Hewatchedforafewmoments,thoroughlyconfused,asTaylorwalkedaway.Thenhefinally
managedtofindhisvoice.

“Wait!”

Shestoppedabruptlywhenheshoutedandturnedaround.Hegesturedquestioninglytothedoor.

“Aren’tyoucoming,too?”

Taylorstaredathimincredulously.“Areyoucrazy?Theremustbeahundredcamerasoutthere.I’ll
leavelater,wheneveryone’sgone.”

Jason’sjawalmosthitthefloor.“Letmegetthisstraight,”hesaidslowly.“Youdon’twanttobeseen
withme?”

HethenlookedatTaylorwithsuchdisbeliefshecouldn’thelpbutsmile.Hewasquitecutewhen
utterlyclueless.

“Ihaveatrialinoneweek,”shetoldhim.“Ican’triskbeingaccusedoftryingtobiasthejurypoolby
beingseeninthemediawithacelebrity.Thejudgecouldthrowmeoffthecaseforthat.”

ThenshelookedatJasonpointedly.“Besides,myclientistryingtobeatsexualharassmentcharges.
Theyneedtolookasmorallyuprightaspossible.Itwouldborderonmalpracticeformetolinkthem
toyou.”

Jasonblinkedandalmostlaughed.Nooffensetaken.

Anditwasinthatmoment,atherrefreshingdisinterestinthepublicitythatconstantlysurroundedhis
life,thatJasonfeltthestrangestsensation—aslightlypanicky,breathlessfeeling,likeridingona
rollercoaster.

Itwasanoddfeelingforhim—somethinghecouldn’tquiteidentify—butheknewonething.

Hedidn’twanthertoleave.

“Butwhataboutthefilm?”heblurtedout,tryingtothinkofsomething,anything,tokeepherfrom
walkingaway.“Yousaidityourself,thereareproblemswiththescript.”Helookedatherpointedlyas
hiswordstumbledoutinarush.“Andhowaboutme?Wedidn’tcoverallofmycourtroomscenes—I
needtobesureIlooklikeIknowwhatI’mdoing.”

Taylorturnedallthewayaroundtofacehim.Shetookhiminforamoment,thensmiled.

“Youwillmakeagreatattorney.Jason.”

Itwasthefirsttimeshesaidhisname.

Then,justlikethat,sheturnedandsprintedofftotheelevatorbank.AndbeforeJasoncouldsay
anythingfurther,shewasgone.

Hestoodaloneinthelobby,staringafterher.Oblivioustothefactthatthepaparazziwereonthe
move,thattheyhadcaughtsightofhimandwerebeginningtodescendwiththeircameras.Theylined
thewindowsandsurroundedhim,movinginasapack.ButJasondidn’tnoticethebright,burning
flashesthatexplodedallaroundhim,becausehehadonlyonethoughtonhismind.

Therewasnowaythiswasover.

Eight

JEREMYWASABSOLUTELYcorrectincallingJason’spublicistthebusiestmaninshowbusiness.
MartyShepherd,cofounderoftheShepherd/GrillsteinCompany—thetoppublicityfirminLos
Angeles—couldnotrecallthelasttimehehadsleptmorethanfourhoursinarow.

Beingtheeyes,ears,andvoiceofmostofthefilmindustry’stopactingtalentwasnoeasyfeat.Not
thathehadanyproblemrepresentingdirectorsorwriters,butnooneevercaredwhattheydid.Ron
HowardorM.NightShyamalancouldsnortcocaineofftheassofthescriptgirlinthemiddleofan
on-setorgy,andthatstillwouldbelessgossip-worthythanwhetherJenniferLopezworeherwedding
bandwhileeatinglunchatthePoloLounge.

Forademinimis5percentofallgrossearnings,Marty’sresponsibilitiescouldbeboileddownto
onepithymantrathateveryassociateinhisfirmwasexpectedtoeat,sleep,anddieby:makesure
yourclientissomeonewhosefuckupsarenewsworthy,andfuckanyonethatmakesupnewsabout
yourclient.

ItwasthesecondhalfofMarty’smantrathatkepthimintheofficesolateonthisparticularFriday
evening.Rebecca,anassociatewhoseonlyassignmentwastoassistMartyinthevariousissuesthat
arosewithoneparticularlychallengingclient,hadjuststoppedbyhisoffice.

“We’vegottencallsfromUsWeekly,InTouch,andStar.TheywanttoknowwhatJasonAndrewswas
doinginanofficebuildingdowntown,”Rebeccareported.“Theyclaimhewaswithawoman,
althoughsheapparentlyslippedoffbeforeanyonesnappedherpicture.”

Forabriefmoment,Martywonderedhowthewoman—whoheassumedwasthisTaylorDonovan
personJasoninsistedonworkingwith—managedtogetoutofthebuildingwithoutbeing
photographed.NotaneasyfeatwhentravelingwithJasonAndrews.

“TellthemhewasgettingcashfromtheATM”—Martyalmostlaughedattheideahimself—“andthat
thewomanwasabuildingemployeewhostoppedhimforanautograph.”Withthoseinstructions,
Rebeccanoddedandleft.

Andthenforthenexthalfhour,Martysataloneinhisofficeandcontemplatedjusthowbigofa
problemTaylorDonovanwasgoingtobe.

ItwentwithoutsayingthatJasonAndrewswashistopclient.Infact,JasonAndrewswasthetop,
period.ThebiggestnameinHollywood—astatushehadheldforalong,longtime.

WhichwaspreciselywhatworriedMarty,whogotpaidtoworrywhennooneelsedid.

Godknowsitwasn’teasytogettothetop.Butstayingtherewaseventougher.Jasonhadthatrare
kindofstarqualitythatcamearoundonlyonceageneration:womenlovedhim,andmenwantedto
behim.RollingStonemagazinehadhittheproverbialnailonthehead:hisquickwitandeasycharm
didindeedcalltomindCaryGrantorClarkGable.ButtherewassomethingaboutJasonthatwasjust
thatlittlebitmoredowntoearththantheiconsoftheclassicfilms.Martyhadneverbeenableto
figureoutexactlywhatthat“something”was,althoughhesecretlysuspectedithadsomethingtodo
withthefactthatJasonwasfromMissouri.

Unfortunately,Hollywood—likemanyofitsinhabitants—hadawanderingeye.Therewasnothingthe
townlikedmorethanthe“newface,”ordiscoveringthenextpersonwhoeveryonewouldhailas“up-
and-coming.”

Andaftersixteenyearsinthebusiness,beinganundisclosed“thirtysomething”yearsold,Jason

Andrewswasneitherofthosethings.

Luckily,theendwasnowhereinsight.Jason’snextmovie,Inferno,wouldbereleasedinjustafew
weeksandhadbeenpredictedtobetheblockbusterofthesummer.Hewouldfollowthattent-polepic
withthelegalthrillerhewasabouttobeginfilmingforParamount,afilmforwhichMartyhadhigh
hopesofathirdOscarnomination.

InMarty’smind,therefore,theonlythingJasonneededtodowastokeepdoingeverythingexactlyas
hehadforthepastsixteenyears.Which—fromapublicitystandpoint—meantwininganddiningonly
themostfamousofactresses,supermodels,popstars,andtheoccasionalbillionaireheiress.

TaylorDonovan,however,wasnoneofthosethings.AsfarasMartywasconcerned,intermsof
mediaexposure,theonlythingworsethandatingnobodywasdatinganobody.

WithInfernoabouttobereleased,thepublicwasreadyforanotherfull-fledgedJasonAndrews
romance.AndMartyShepherd—publicisttothestarsandeighthmostpowerfulpersoninHollywood
(oncetalentandstudioheadswereexcluded)—wasdeterminedtogivethemone.

Withthesethoughtsinmind,MartypickedupthecopyofPeoplemagazinethatRebeccahadhanded
himearlierthatweek.Heflippedthrough“TheWomenofJasonAndrews!”articleuntilhecameto
thelastpictureofJasonandtheactresswho’dbeencastasthefemaleleadinthelegalthriller—
NaomiCross.

Martysmiled,thinkinghowniceNaomilookedstandingnexttoJason.Shewasaningénueanda
mediadarling.Evenbetter,shewasBritish,whichmeantdoubletheUKandEuropeanexposure.

Yes,Martymusedtohimself,NaomiCrosswasjusttheanswerhe’dbeenlookingfor.

WAYACROSSTOWN,inarecentlypurchasedfive-bedroomhomenestledintheheartofthe
HollywoodHills,someoneelsewaslookingatthatverysamepictureofJasonAndrewsandNaomi
Cross.

ButunlikeMarty,ScottCaseywasnotsmiling.

Infact,hewasprettydamnpissedoff.

HispublicisthadpromisedthathewasgoingtobeonthecoverofthatveryissueofPeople,notJason
Andrews.Again.

Thestory—orsohispublicisthadsaid—wassupposedtofocusonScott’smovefromSydney,
Australia,toLosAngeles.Howhehadmadethedecision,givenhisrecentfilmsuccess,tolivefull
timeintheStates.

ScottdoubtedtherewerefewpeopleinAmericawhodidn’talreadyknowhisstory(notthathe
mindeditbeingtoldoverandoveragaininGQ,VanityFair,Esquire,andMovieline).Theinterviews
allfocusedonthesamebasicfacts:hehadshottofamelittlemorethanthirteenmonthsagoafter
costarringintheepicfantasy-adventure,AViking’sQuest.Womenhadgoneabsolutelymadforthe

characterheplayedinthefilm.Infact,duringthefivemonthsthemovieranworldwideintheaters,
hisnamewasGoogledmorethananyothersearchterm.

ItwasnothingthatScott,noranyofthepeopleworkingwithhimduringtheproductionofAViking’s
Quest,hadforeseen.Infact,Scotthadhadtofightjusttoauditionfortherole.Hislookwastoo
“prettyboy”toplayaViking,thedirectorhadoriginallysaid.Buthisagentcajoled,pleaded,pulled
strings,andgotScotttheaudition,whicheventuallyledtoascreentest.Aftermuchdeliberation,the
directorandproducersdecidedthatScott’spicture-perfecthandsomefacewasaninterestingcontrast
totheleadactor ’srugged,unkemptlook.Andtomatchhisleanappearance,theygaveScott’s
characterakick-assbowandarrowtofightwithinsteadofaclunkysword.

Itworked.Boy,diditeverwork.Onscreen,hewasfierceandferal—yetsomehowgracefulatthe
sametime.Andwhenthecamerazoomedinandheldlonginglyonhissoulfulhazeleyes—hisblond
hairrufflinginthewind—nowomanintheaudiencecouldhelpbutbebreathlesslygluedtoevery
frame.

Astarwasborn.

Afterthereleaseofthefilm,ScottwasimmediatelylabeledHollywood’s“ItGuy”andoffereda
wealthofthebestpartsintown.Seizingtheday,hewentafterarolehehaddreamedofplayingsince
hishighschoolContemporaryLitclass:theleadinthefilmadaptationofthenovelOutbackNights.

Althoughitwasoneofthemostsought-afterpartsinHollywood,Scottbelievedhimselftobeashoo-
in.Notwithstandingthefactthathehadlaunchedontotheindustry’sA-listvirtuallyovernight,hehad
theaddedbenefitofactuallybeingAustralian.Sohewenttolunchwiththeproducersandeven
sacrificedanentireSaturdaynightofclubbingwithhisfriendstohavedinnerwiththefilm’sdirector
athisranchinSantaBarbara.Twodayslater,hisagentcalledwiththebignews.

Theyhadofferedhimthefuckingsupportingrole.

Thepartofthesidekick,thefriendwhodiesviolentlyonpageeighty-eightofthescript,whosedeath
spurstheprotagonist—theleadactor—tofacehisadversariesanddemons,savethetown,andgetthe
girlintheclimaticthirdact.

AleadrolethathadbeenofferedtoJasonAndrews.

Thestudiohadapparentlygottenacopyofthescripttohimlastminute,andJasonwasinterested.It
wasanunbelievablecoup,theproducerssaid,certainthatScottwouldunderstand.Theysimply
couldn’tpassonachancetolandJasonAndrews.Noonedid.

AmidstastringofAussie-flavoredprofanities,Scotttoldhisagentinnouncertaintermsthathe
wasdoneplayingsupportingparts(unlessoftheindie,Oscar-garneringtype,ofcourse).Andhe
certainlywasnosidekicktoJasonAndrews.ThenheangrilytookofftoCaboSanLucastofumeina
twenty-five-hundred-dollar-a-nightbungalow.

Itwasontheseconddayofhistrip,ashewashalfwaythroughhisfourthCoronaoftheafternoonand
gettingapoolsideblowjobfromChandra,arealitytelevision“actress”whohappenedtobestayingat
thesameresort,whenhisagentcalledagain.

Thestudio’snegotiationswithJasonAndrewshadcometoahaltoverasalarydispute.Theywanted
Scottfortheleadrole.

Scottaccepted,butnotuntilaftertheproducers,thedirector,hisagent,andthestudiohadall
sufficientlypacifiedhisego.Heresentedbeingsecondchoiceforarolethatshouldhavebeenhis
fromthestart.Andsoheresolvedthathewouldprovesomethingtotheproducers,thedirector,his
agent,thestudio,andanyoneelsewhodoubtedhim.

JasonAndrewswasnothingspecial.

Thetimehadcomefortheking’sreigntoend.

ItwasavowthatScottrepeatedthatveryFridayevening,asheflippedthroughthepagesofPeople
magazine.Hesatpoolsideagain,butthistimebyhisownswimmingpoolinthenewhousehehad
purchasedwiththemoneyhehadearnedfromAViking’sQuest.Afterfinishingthe500lapshis
personaltrainerordered,Scotthadturnedtotheweeklygossipmagazineshisassistantdroppedoff
everyFridaymorning.

FeelingacooleveningbreezecuttingacrosstheHollywoodHills,ScottpulledontheVonDutchT-
shirthe’dleftontheloungechair.HispooloverlookedanamazingviewofdowntownLosAngeles
thatshouldhavecapturedhisattention.ButthepictureofJasonAndrewssittingonthechairnextto
himsulliedthesightonthatparticularevening.

ScottrippedthepictureofJasonoutofthemagazineandcrumpleditintoaball.Thenhepitchedit
intothegarbagecansittingontheedgeofthedeck.

ThiscoverstorywouldbethelastthinghelosttoJasonAndrews,Scottvowed.Nexttime,itwould
beJasonwhowantedsomething.Somethingimportant.

AndhewouldbetheretomakesureJasondidn’tgetit.

Nine

“HOWWILLTHEallegedharassersdoincourt?”

TaylorconfidentlymetSam’sgazefromacrossthegraymarbleconferencetable.Theywerenow
onlytwodaysfromthestartoftrial,andhehadcalledherearlierthatmorningwantingtomeetfora
last-minute“strategytalk.”Thiswaspartner-speakformakingsureTaylorknewwhatthehellshewas
doing.

“Theyarepreppedandready,”sherepliedwithouthesitation.“They’lldogreat.”

DereksattoTaylor ’sright,takingnotesonhislaptopasSamcontinuedhisquestions.Hehadbeen
firingthematTaylorallmorning.

“Andyourcross-examinationofthenamedplaintiffs?”

“BythetimeI’mdone,thejurywillwanttosuethemforwastingtheirtimeonthisridiculouslawsuit.”
Sam,Taylor,andDerekallgotagoodchuckleoutofthis.Alittlelawyerhumor.

Taylorsubtlycheckedherwatchandsawthatitwasalmostnoon.Shehopedtheywerenearingthe
endoftheirmeeting,sincesheandDerekhadovertwentyexhibitstocompileandshestillhadan
openingstatementtowrite.Itwastimetomovethingsalongtothestandardpretrialpartnerwrap-up:
abrieflectureonthesubjectofmanagingclientexpectations,followedbyclosingremarksofthe
pep-talkvariety.

AsifreadingTaylor ’smind,Samceasedhisinterrogationandeasedbackinhischair.

“Well,itlooksasthoughyouandDerekhaveallthebasescovered,”hetoldher.“Onelastthingwe
shouldbrieflydiscussismakingsureourclientfullyunderstandstherisks—”

Justthen,Samwascutoffasthedoortotheconferenceroomslammedopened,rattlingthewallsasif
atornadohadjusthitthebuilding.

Andaveryangry-lookingJasonAndrewsstormedintotheroom.

Lindafollowedcloselyonhisheels,lookinghighlyapologetic.“I’msosorry,Taylor—Itriedtostop
him,”shesaid,outofbreath.

Whollyobliviousto(orsimplyuninterestedin)anyoneelseintheroom,JasonstoppedbeforeTaylor
andpointedfuriouslyather.

“Whyhaven’tyoureturnedmycalls?”

Theshockofhisentranceandhisdemandingtonerenderedhertemporarilyspeechless.

“Icalledyouthreetimestoday,”Jasoncontinuedhisrant.“Myself,”headdedpointedly.

Taylorquicklypulledherselftogetherandnoddedreassuringlytohersecretary.“It’sokay,Linda.I
canhandlethingsfromhere.”

ThensheturnedtofaceJason.

“Mr.Andrews...”shesaidinacoollyprofessionaltone.“Isn’tthisapleasantsurprise,youdropping
inunexpectedlylikethis?”Sheglaredathimfrostily.Howdareheinterruptherinthemiddleofan
importantbusinessmeetingwithwhatappearedtobesomesortofridiculouscelebritytantrum.For
abouttenminuteswhenthey’dbeenworkingtogetherlastFriday,she’dactuallybeguntobelievethat
maybetherewassomesemblanceofanormalguyhiddenbeneaththeself-centered,arrogant,movie-
starfaçade.

Apparently,she’dbeenmistaken.

“Iwasn’tawareyouhadcalledtoday,”shetoldhim.“I’vebeenawayfrommyoffice,inthis
conferenceroomallmorning.”

Jasonappearedtohavearetortreadyonhislips,butthenhepausedwhenheheardherexplanation.It
apparentlyhadnotbeentheresponsehehadexpected.

“Oh.”

Buthisnextwordswerefarmoreeloquent.

“Isee.”

Jasonlookedaroundtheroom,tookinSamandDerek(whosatfrozenatthetable,wide-eyed),then
turnedtoTaylorwithhismostcharmingsmile.

“Sohowareyouthismorning,Ms.Donovan?”

TWENTYMINUTESAGO,whenJasonhadjumpedintotheAstonMartinandspeddowntoTaylor ’s
office,hisactionshadseemedperfectlyrational.Therewasn’tapersoninHollywoodwhodidn’t
immediatelydropeverythingtotakehiscall.SowhenTaylorhadn’treturnedthethree—count
them,three—messageshehadleftwithhersecretary,hehadassumedshewasblowinghimoff.And
he’dbeenfuriousthinkingthis—especiallyaftertheprogresshethoughttheyhadmadelastFriday.

Unfortunately,theynowappearedtohaverevertedbacktothewhole“Mr.Andrews”routine.But
beforeJasoncouldsayanythingtoclearupwhatobviouslywasjustasimplemiscommunicationon
thepartofsomeoneotherthanhim,thegray-hairedguyattheheadoftheconferencetablestoodup.

“Whatthehellisgoingonhere,Taylor?YoutoldmeyouandMr.Andrewshadcompletedyour
project.”

Quicktomakeamends,thegray-hairedguyheadedovertoJasonwithhishandoutstretched.“Mr.
Andrews...I’mSamBlakely,headofthelitigationgrouphereatGrayandDallas.I’vespokenonthe
phonewithyourmanagerafewtimes.”

Jasonshookhishand.“Ofcourse.”

“IwasundertheimpressionyouandMs.Donovanhadfinishedyourworktogether,”Samsaid
quickly.“Iwanttosincerelyapologizeforanyproblemsorinconvenienceshehascausedyou.”

Beingtaller,JasoncouldseeoverSam’sheadtoTaylor,andhiseyesmethersatthepartner ’s
unctuouswords.Iflookscouldkillrightthen,Jasonhadnodoubthewould’vebeenlyingflatonthe
groundwithanexpressionofwide-eyedshockonhisfaceandatwelve-inchhatchetlodgeddeepin
hisforehead.

Taylorcamearoundthetabletodefendherself.“I’mnotsurewhattheproblemiseither,Sam.Itwas
myunderstandingthatMr.AndrewswasverysatisfiedwiththeassistanceIprovidedhimlastFriday.”

“Clearly,that’snotthecase,”Samsnappedather.“Otherwise,whywouldhebehere?”

JasonsawhowsurprisedTaylorwasbytheangrytoneofthemanwhopresumablywasherboss.

“I...Idon’tknowwhyhe’shere,”shefaltered,turningtoJasoninconfusion.Andinthatbrief
moment,shesuddenlylookedutterlyandcompletelylost.

Itgottohim.WhenJasonsawTaylorlikethat,hefeltsomethingodd...somethinghehadn’tfeltina

long,longtime...anunfamiliaremotionthattookhimafewsecondstoplace.

Guilt.

Jasonsawthatheneededtoremedythesituation.Iffornootherreasonthantoavoidfuturehatchet-
in-foreheaddeathglaresfromTaylor.

Soheturnedtoherboss.Ofcoursehecouldfixthis—hehadwonanOscarforchrissakes.

“IthinkImayhavecreatedsomeconfusionhere,”Jasonsaid.“TaylorandIdidindeedfinishour
worklastFriday.Today,Iwascallingheraboutaseparateissue—anewmatteronwhichIhopedshe
couldshareherimmeasurablylearnedlegalexpertise.”

HewinkedatTaylor,proudofthislastdetail.NowthisSamcharacterwouldthinkshehadbroughtin
newbusinessforthefirm.

Hewasahero.

ButtheSamcharacterapparentlywasn’tbuyingit.

“Anewmatteronwhichyouneedtheadviceofasexualharassmentattorney?”heaskedskeptically.

Jasonpausedtothinkaboutthis—damnlawyerswiththeirpeskyquestions—whenTaylorjumpedin.

“That’sright,”shesaid,pickingupJason’slead.“Mr.Andrewsmentionedthistomeduringourlast
meeting.Heownsaproductioncompany,andwaslookingforadviceonsomeemploymentissues
thathaverecentlyarisenathisoffice.”

Jasonnoddedalong—hey,itworkedforhim.“Yes,yes,that’sright—employmentissuesthathave
arisenatmyproductioncompanyoffices.Ofcourse.”

Sameyedthembothsuspiciously.“Whatkindofissues?”

Taylordidn’tbataneye.

“Well...itappearsthatMr.Andrewshassomeproblemsdeterminingwhatisandisnotappropriate
behaviorintheworkplace.”

Jason—whohadbeennoddingalong—stoppedandglancedoversharply.“Excuseme?”

Ignoringhim,Taylorshookherheadingravedisapproval.Itwasquiteaperformance.

“Unfortunately,itseemsthatMr.Andrewshasafondnessfortellingdirtyjokesaroundtheoffice.”
SheleanedintowardSam,whispering.“Andnotevengoodones—juvenilestuff.Fifth-gradehumor,
really.”

SeeingSam’seyesdartovertowardhim,Jasonshifteduncomfortably.Normallyhewasallforad-
libbing,butthiswasgoingalittlefaroffscript.

“Umm...Ms.Donovan,perhapsweshoulddiscussthisin—”

“Andanotherthing,”sheimmediatelycuthimoff,“heapparentlydemandsthatthewomeninhis
officeaddresshimonlyas‘YourHotness.’Andwhenspeakingabouthiminthethirdperson,he
wantsthemtorefertohimonlyas‘TheHotness.’”

TheDerekguy,whostillsatoverattheconferencetable,snortedloudlyatthis.

JasonthrewTayloralookofwarning.“Ireallydon’tthink—”

“—Andofcoursetherewastheincidentlastweek,”shesaid,cuttinghimoffonceagain.

“Theincident?”Samasked,lookingslightlyuncomfortable.

WithacoyglanceclearlythrowninforJason’sbenefit,TaylorturnedtoSamtoexplain.

“Lastweek,Mr.Andrewsthoughtitwouldbeamusingtosoundthefirealarmandyelloverthe
intercomthatitwas—quote—‘Timeforallthecutegirlstorunaroundnaked.’”

Jasonbrokeintoaloudcoughingfit—atthispointhewasreadytotryanythingtoshutherup.

HefeltTaylorpattinghimontheback.

“There,there,now,Mr.Andrews,that’sokay,”shesaidreassuringly.“Youdon’thavetosayaword.
Asyourattorneys,we’lldoallthetalking.”Sheturnedtoherbosswithawink.“Isn’tthatright,
Sam?”

Samtookamoment,thennodded.“Yes,ofcourse,”hesaidpolitely.“Ourfirmwouldbemorethan
happytohelpMr.Andrewswithhis...uh...issues.Youcarryonwiththat,Taylor.”

StandingbyJason’sside,Taylorsmiledproudly.

“Thanks,Sam.Anddon’tyouworry—I’mquitecertainthatMr.Andrewsisquicklylearningthat
therearejustsomethingsyoudon’tdoinsomebodyelse’sworkplace.”

ShelookedupatJasonwithasmilethatwasassweetaspie.“Isn’tthatright,Mr.Andrews?”

Heglaredather.

Itdidn’ttakeageniustocatchherrealmeaning.

THEMINUTEHEandTaylorsteppedoutintothehallway,Jasoncouldcontrolhimselfnolonger.

“Areyoucrazy?”

Taylorfuriouslyshushedhim,andbeforehecouldsayanythingfurther,shepulledhimintoacorner
alcove.Shelookedaroundtobecertaintheywerealone,thenwhirledonhim.

“Whodoyouthinkyouare,stormingintomyofficelikethat?”Shepointedangrilyinhisface.“Do
yourealizehowmuchtroubleyoualmostgotmeinto?”

“Wait—you’reangrywithme?”JasonstaredatTaylorincredulously.“Doyourealizethemess
you’vemade?”Realizingthattimewasoftheessence,hewhippedouthiscellphoneandpushedthe
speeddial.

“Marty—we’vegotaproblem,”hebarkedintothephoneassoonashispublicistanswered.“Listen,
inaboutfifteenminutes,there’sgoingtoberealshitstorm—”

HewascutoffasTaylorsuddenlyreachedoverandgrabbedthephoneoutofhishand.Sheslammed
itshut.

Jasonstaredatherindisbelief.“Whatthehelldoyouthinkyou’redoing?”

Furiousnow,hestalkedtowardTaylor,backingherupagainstthewall.Underothercircumstances,
hismindwouldhavewanderednefariouslyattheirclosephysicalproximity,butbythenhewasangry
evenbeyondthepointofNaughtyLawyerfantasies.

“Youknow,ItoleratedyourlittlecharadeintherebecauseIfeltbadforgettingyouintrouble,”Jason
hissedather.“Butifyoudon’thandoverthatphonerightthissecond,IswearI’mgoingto—”

“Calmdown,”Taylorinterruptedsmoothly.“There’snothingtoworryabout.”

“Nothingto—”Jasonmanagedtorefrainfromshoutingtherest.Helookedupattheceilingand
countedtotentokeepfromthrottlingher.

“YoujusttoldthosepeoplethatI’masexualdeviant,”hesaidthroughclenchedteeth.“And
apparently,onewiththeintelligenceofaten-year-old.ThosestorieswillbeontheInternetbythis
afternoon.”

“Thosemenwon’ttalk.”

JasonglaredatTaylorandgrabbedhiscellphoneoutofherhands.“Youobviouslyneedalessonon
howmylifeworks,missy.”Hehittheredialbutton.“Everyonetalks.”

“TheythinkIwastellingthetruthinthere.”

“Noshit.”

“So,iftheythinkthethingsIsaidinthereweretrue,thentheyalsothinkthatinformationisprotected
bytheattorney-clientprivilege.ThosemenarelegallyboundnottorepeatwhatIsaid.”

Hiseyesmeetinghers,Jasonpausedasthisinformationsunkin.Afteramoment,hehunguphis
phone.

Shewinked.Gotcha.

“I’mnotcompletelyheartless,Mr.Andrews,”shesaidwithagrin.Sheturnedandheadeddownthe

hallway.

Jasonwatchedherwalkaway.Therewassomethingaboutthatconfidenceshealwayshad.Helikedit
verymuch.

HehurriedandcaughtupwithTaylorinthemiddleofthebuzzinghallway.“Wait—there’ssomething
Ineedtotalktoyouabout.Youhaven’tevenaskedtherealreasonIwascalling.”

PeoplestoppedtostareallalongtheofficecorridorasTaylorandJasonbreezedpastthem.“I’mvery
busytoday,Mr.Andrews,”shesaidefficiently.“Perhapsyoucouldmakeanappointmentwithmy
secretaryforustotalkanothertime?”

Jasonlaughedoutloudatthis—surelyshemustbejoking.ButwhenTaylorsaidnothingfurther,he
decideditwasbesttojustignoreher.

“Anyway,asitturnsout,”heexplained,“thescreenwriterdidnotconsultalawyerwhenwritinghis
script.AndnowthedirectorandIhaverealizedthereareseveralproblemswiththefilm.”

“I’msorrytohearthat,”Taylorsaiddistractedly.Shestoppedinfrontofhersecretary’sdesktopick
uphermessages.“CanyoucallTomJacobsandseeifhehasafewminutestodiscusshistrial
testimony?”Afterhersecretarynodded,shesteppedintoheroffice.

Jasonstoodawkwardlyinthehallway,unaccustomedtobeingleftunattendedto.Afterafew
moments,whenTaylordidn’treturn,hefollowedintoheroffice.

Insideshewasalreadyseatedatherdesk,rifflingthroughsomefiles.Jasondecideditwasbesttocut
tothechase.

“Iwantyoutoworkwithmeonthescript.”

Nowthatgotherattention.

Taylorpausedherworkandpeeredup.Shelookedhimdirectlyinhiseyes.

“No.”

“Whynot?”

Shegesturedatthestacksoffilesinfrontofher.“BecauseIhaveatrialstartingintwodays.”

Jasonwavedhishanddismissivelyatherfiles.Hewasunconcernedwithsuchthings.

“We’llworkintheevenings.”

Taylorlookedoveratthewall,muttering“whyme”underherbreath.

“Becauseyou’regood,”Jasonsaidmatter-of-factly.

Taylorpaused,andJasonnoticedshedidn’ttrytoarguewiththat.

“I’lltellyouwhat,”shesaid,appearingtosoftenslightly,

“Iknowsomeattorneysatthisfirmwhowouldbeperfectforthiskindofthing.I’llmakeafewcalls
—”

“No.Ithastobeyou.”

Taylorpeeredacrossherofficeathim,crossingherarmsoverherchest.

“Well,I’msorry,butI’mafraidI’mnotavailable.”

“WebothknowIcanmakethishappeninonephonecall,”Jasonsaidmatter-of-factly.

Hergreeneyesflashedatthethreat.Shegotupfromherdeskandwalkedover,stoppingjustafew
inchesfromhim.Jasondidaquickcheckforanysharpobjectshiddeninherhands.

Butinstead,shesurprisedhimbyspeakinginasoftvoice.

“Whyme?Really,Jason.Whyme?”

Hmm...hisfirstnameagain.Thiswasindeedprogress.Movingin,Jasongazeddownatherwitha
devilishsmile.

“WhatcanIsay,Ms.Donovan?...Youintrigueme.”

Itdidthetrick.

JasonwatchedasTaylorgaveinwiththeslightestofsmiles.Heknewshecouldn’thelpit.

Sheinchedclosertohim.“Iintrigueyou?”

“Youknowyoudo,”herepliedboldly,hiseyesburningintohers.Wow—thingsweresuddenly
heatingupfast.Hewonderediftheywouldhavesexrightthereonherdesk.Somebodybettermove
thatstapler.

Withacoylook,TaylorstooduptowhisperinJason’sear.

“ThenIthinkyou’regoingtofindthisnextpartreallyintriguing,”shesaidbreathlessly.

Hegazeddownather—helikedthesoundofthat—andraisedoneeyebrowexpectantlyasTaylor
grinnedwickedlyand—

Slammedtheofficedoorrightinhisface.

Foramoment,Jasoncouldonlystandthereinthehallwaywithhisnosepressedupagainstthecold
woodofherdoor.Afterafewseconds,heknockedpolitely.

Taylorwhippedopenthedoor,unamused.

Jasongrinnedather.“Ijustgottaask:Wheredidyougetthewhole‘allthecutegirlsrunaround

naked’thing?”

“Idefendsexualharassmentcases,Mr.Andrews,”sherepliedcoolly.“I’veseenandheardthingseven
youhaven’tthoughtof.”

“Caretotestoutthattheory?”

Sheslammedthedoorinhisfaceagain.

Thistime,Jasonrolledawayandsawtheentirelawofficestaringathim.Hegesturednonchalantlyto
thedoor.

“It’salittledraftyinhere.”Withawink,hestraightenedupandheadedthroughthehallwaywitha
springinhisstep.So...shewantedtoplayhardtoget,huh?Thatwasjustfine—itwashisfavorite
game.

Jasongrinnedashepulledhiscellphoneoutofhispocket,morethanreadytomatchTaylor
Donovan’smove.

“Marty—it’sme.CallSamBlakely.Yes,again.”

Ten

“ICAN’TDOit.There’snoway.”

TaylorstoppedandstoodresolutelybeforeSam.

“Icannotworkwiththatman.”

Samsatquietlyathisdesk,watchingasTaylorresumedherpacing.Thishadbeengoingonforthe
pastsixandahalfminutes.Theyweremakingprogress—atleastshewasspeakingnow.Onherfirst
threeattempts,shehadmadeitonlytwostepsintohisofficebeforeturningrightbackaroundwithout
aword.

Taylorlistedhergrievancesatpunctuatedintervalsbetweenthefurioushigh-heeledturnsshemade
onthecarpetinfrontofSam’sdesk.

“He’simpossible.

“He’sridiculous.

“Selfish.Conceited.

“Beyondarrogant.

“Condescending,too—youshould’veseethewayhewavedoffthemountainofworkonmydesk
withhislittle‘Oh,pooh-pooh,butI’mamoviestar.’”

Samtriedtokeepfromsmilingatherimitation.

“AsifIhaveanyinterestinworkingonhissillylittlescript.”Taylorarguedtotheairbeforeheras
shepaced.“AsifIdon’thaveenoughrealthingstodowithmylife.”

SheglancedoveratSam.“Imean—haveyoueverseenanyonesofilledwithhisownself-
importance?”

Samraisedaneyebrow.Maybehehad.

Taylorfinallytookaseatathisdesk.

“Allright—let’sgetserious,Sam.Mytrialstartsintwodays.Ican’tbetryingtosqueezethisshitin
rightnow.IrealizethatthisisLosAngeles,butcomeon—what’smoreimportant:athirty-million-
dollarlawsuit,orbabysittingHollywood’snumberoneprick?”

Taylorpausedasshewaitedforhisanswer.

Samleanedinwithanunderstandingsmile.

THEDOORTOReilly’sTavernflewopenwithabangas

Taylorstormedin.Jasonstoodthere,waitingexpectantlywithhiscuestickinhand.

“Ms.Donovan!Backsosoo—”

HewassilencedbyahandasTaylorsailedbyhimandheadedstraighttothebar.Shetookaseatat
oneofthestoolsandnoddedatthebartender.“GreyGoose,rocks,”shegrowled,likeahard-nosed
detectiveinsome1940sfilmnoir.

Jasonslidintothestoolnexttoher.Asheopenedhismouthtospeak,Taylorwarninglyheldupher
hand.Notyet.

Thebartendersetthedrinkinfrontofher,andshepolisheditoffintwoswallows.Thenshesatthe
glassdowngently,andfinallyturnedandlookedoveratJason.

Hesmiled.

“IwastoldIshouldexpectanapology.”

Taylorheldherglassuptothebartender.

“I’mgonnaneedanother.”

Jasonlaughed—hecouldn’thelpit.Hehadnevermetanyonesoutterly,charminglystubborn.Hewas
abouttocomplimentherchoiceinvodkawhentheybothheardsomeoneshouthername.

“Taylor!”

TheylookedoverandsawJeremyheadingover,withhisarmsoutstretchedasifgreetingalong-lost
friend.TaylorglancedatJasoninconfusion.

“DoIknowhim?”

“Oh,that’sjustJeremy,”heexplained.“Don’tmindhim—he’sascreenwriter.Hethinksheownsthe
placebecausetheylethimworkhereduringtheday.Hegetsinspiredwhileplayingpool.”

“That’salittleodd.”

Jasonshrugged.“He’sbeenthatwaysincecollege.”

“College?”

“Columbia.Wewereroommates.”

Jasontookinherlookofsurprise.“Oh,youdidn’tthinklawyersweretheonlypeopleinthistown
withdegrees,didyou?”

BeforeTaylorcouldrespondtohisteasing,Jeremyapproachedandstoppedformally.

“Counselor.Atlast,wemeet.”Heheldouthishand.“JeremyShelby.”

Shesmiledattheintroduction.“CallmeTaylor.”

Jasonrolledhiseyes.Oh,sure.JeremygottocallherTaylor.

“Ihearyou’vehadthepleasureofworkingwithJason,”Jeremysaid.“Howdidhelookinthe
courtroom?”

“Behonest,Ms.Donovan,”Jasoninterjectedconfidently.

Inresponse,Taylorlookedhimupanddown.“Isupposeit’stheoneareawhereIcan’tfaultyou,”she
saidarchly.“Youmightactuallymakesomethingofyourselfonedaywiththiswholeactingbit.”

“Stillwiththesarcasm?”

“Ihaveanaudiencenow—I’mrecharged,”shesaidsweetly,gesturingtoJeremy.

Jeremyfeignedshock.“Surelyyou’renotimplyingthatthereareareasinwhichonecanfindfault
withhim?”Hepointed.“YoudorealizethatthisisJasonAndrewswe’retalkingabout,don’tyou?”

“YoutwodorealizethatI’mstandingrighthere,don’tyou?”

Theyignoredhim.

“Well,inthatcase,”TaylorsaidtoJeremy,“thenIbetternotsayanythingelse.Sincewe’retalking
abouttheJasonAndrews.”

Jeremythoughtaboutthis,thenhelduphishand.“No,wait—Ichangedmymind.IthinkIshouldhear
everything.”HethrewhisarmaroundTaylor ’sshoulders.“Let’sadjourntomyoffice,”hesaid,
gesturingtoatableinbackthatwascoveredwithemptybeerbottles.“Ineedtohearthisstoryin
properdetail,toassessitspotentialdamage.Andyoushouldwalkveryslowlythroughalltheparts
whereJasonlookslikeatotalass.”

Leftalone,Jasonhungbackatthebar,watchingthetwoofthemgo.Nicetalkingtoya.Butafter
givinghisordertothebartender,heturnedbackandwatchedJeremylaughingwithTaylor.

Hesmiledtohimself,strangelyrelievedbyhisfriend’sapproval.

ACROSSTHEBAR,TaylorandJeremywatchedasJasonwasdistractedbysomethingthebartender
askedhim.JeremyleanedacrossthetableassoonasJason’seyeswerenolongeronthem.

“Quick—thisisthepartwhereIshouldgetallcraftyandtrytosqueezeinformationoutofyou.”

Taylorlaughed.ShelikedthisJeremyguy,despitehisapparentchoiceinfriends.“I’llsaveyouthe
trouble.I’mjustalawyerfromChicago—Idon’thaveanyinformationanyoneoutherewouldfind
veryinteresting.”

“YouknowJasonAndrews,”Jeremytoldher.“Thatmeanspeoplewillhavelotsofquestionsforyou,

iftheygetthechance.”

Taylorconsideredthis.“Allright,”shesaidgamely.“Showmeyourcraftiness.I’llgiveyouone
question.”

Jeremythoughtforamoment.

“I’mabigbelieverinfirstimpressions,”hefinallysaid.“Tellmewhatyourfirstthoughtwaswhen
Jasonwalkedintothecourtroom.”

Taylortookasipofherdrinkandgrinned.Thisonewaseasy.“Ivowedtohatehimforever.”

Jeremy’sbrowneyestwinkledatthis.“That’sexactlywhatIsaidnineteenyearsago,fiveminutes
afterhefirstwalkedintoourdormroom.”

Jeremy’swordshungintheairasJasonarrivedatthetablewithhisdrink.Ashetookaseat,Taylor
studiedhim,intrigued.

Jasoncaughtherlook.“DidImisssomething?”

TaylormentallychewedontheinformationshehadjustacquiredfromJeremy.Shelookedhimover
slyly.

“You’reabitolderthanIthought,JasonAndrews.”

JasonglancedquicklyatJeremy,whohelduphishandsinnocently.

“Iswear,sheforceditoutofme.”

LATERTHATEVENING,asJasonwalkedTaylortohercar,shehadwhatshecouldonlydescribeas
amomentary“realization”—amomentwhereitstruckherwhoJasonactuallywas.Ithadhappened
whenhecautiouslylookedsidetosideashesteppedoutthetaverndoor,presumablycheckingfor
paparazziorfans.Oddly,fortheentireevening,shehadsomehowforgottenhewasfamous.

Frankly,thoseothermoments—whenitstruckTaylorthatJasonwasprettymuchthemostfamous
filmstaralive—madeheruncomfortable.Becausethosewerethemomentsthatmadeherfeelas
thoughtheysomehowweren’tequals.ShemuchpreferredthinkingofJasonmerelyassomerandom
jerkwhoannoyedthecrapoutofher.

Buttruthbetold,therewasasecondreasonshedislikedthesemomentaryrealizations:theyinevitably
seemedtobepairedwiththe“realization”thatJasonwas,infact,divinelygorgeous.Andthatwasa
dangerouslineofthought,particularlyforsomeonewhohadn’thadsexsincethepreviousfinancial
quarter.Earlyinthepreviousfinancialquarter.

“Sowe’llmeetFridayeveningthen?”

Jason’squestionbrokethroughTaylor ’sreverie.Sheclearedherthroat.

“Yes,fine—Fridayevening.Ishouldbeoutofcourtbyfive.”

“Iwasthinkingwecouldgrabdinnersomewhere.”Jasonsawhersuspiciouslook.“Butifyouhavean
aversiontorestaurants,wecouldalwaysmeetatmyplace.”Hewinked.

“Arestaurantwillbefine,”shesaidquickly.Theyarrivedathercar.

“Good—I’llsetitup,”Jasonsaid.“Wherehaven’tyoubeenyet?”

Taylorlaughedatthis.“You’dbemuchbetteroffaskingmewhereIhavebeen.”

“Okay,wherehaveyoubeen?”

“Myofficecafeteria.”

WhenJasonfellsilent,Taylorlookedoverandsawhisstunnedexpression.Shestraightenedup
defensively.

“I’vebeenbusywithwork,youknow.AndIdon’texactlyknowalotofpeople—”

Jasoncutheroffwithawave.Itwassomethingelsethathadshockedhim.

“Isthisyourcar?”HepointedindisbeliefatthePTCruiser.

Taylorwavedthisoff.“Ohno—tonightIfiguredI’djusttakewhichevervehiclewasclosest.”

Jasonignoredhersarcasm,unabletotearhishorrifiedeyesaway.

“It’sjustacar,Jason,”shesaid,annoyed.

Atthat,heglancedoveratherandgrinned.

“YoudefinitelyarenotfromLosAngeles,TaylorDonovan.”

Thewholedrivehome,shetriedtofigureoutwhetherthatwassupposedtobeacomplimentoran
insult.

Eleven

THENEXTTWOdaysflewbyquicklywiththetrialandbeforeTaylorknewit,shewasstandingin
frontofherclosetonFridayevening.Thenightwasnotofftoagoodstart—courthadgoneon
longerthanexpected,soshewasrunninglatefordinner.Andnowshehadthemostpressingconcern
todealwith:whattowear.

Hersuitswerestylishenough—forsuits.ButthiswasMr.Chow’sinBeverlyHills,andherfirst
officialdinneroutinLosAngeles.Shedidn’twanttolooklikesomejackassfromoutoftown.

Ontheotherhand,shealsodidn’twanttolooklikeshethoughtshewasonadate.Andmost
important,shedidn’twantJasontothinkshelookedlikeshethoughtshewasonadate.

Taylorfinallysettledonjeans,heels,andawhitebutton-downshirt.Buteventhathaditsissues:two
buttonsopen,orthree?Twoorthree?Shewentbackandforthinthebathroommirroratleastten
times.

Twentyminuteslater,TaylorpulledinfrontoftherestaurantandhandedoverthekeystothePT
Cruiser.ThevaletgaveherthesameappalledlookthatJasonhadtwonightsago.

Taylorsmiledcharminglyathim.“You’regoingtoleavethisbabyoutfront,right?”

Asthevaletstammeredsomehorrifiedresponse,Taylorsteppedinsidetherestaurant,whereshewas
greetedbyahostesswithanaloofsmile.

“Yes,canIhelpyou,miss?”

“I’mmeetingsomeonehere,”Taylorsaid.Shepaused,suddenlystuckinoneofher“realizations.”
Thewholethingwasjustsoridiculous.“I’m...um...meetingaMr.Andrewshere,”shecontinued,
attemptingacasualtone.Thenshewonderedifheusedafakenamewhenmakingreservations.She’d
onceheardthatBradPittcheckedintohotelsunderthepseudonym“BrycePilaf.”Cute.

Butfromthelookonthehostess’sface,nosecretpasswordorcodenamewasrequired.Thewoman
straightenedupimmediately,andherentiredemeanorchanged.

“Ofcourse,”thehostesssaidinanawedvoice.“YoumustbeMs.Donovan.Itwouldbemypleasure
toshowyoutoyourtable.”SheledTaylorthroughtherestaurant,toaprivatestaircaseinback.
Upstairs,therewereonlyafewtables.Jasonsatatoneofthem,waiting.

“SorryI’mlate,”Taylortoldhimwhenshegottothetable.

“CourtranlongerthanIhadexpected.”

“It’sfine,”Jasonsaidwithaneasysmile.“I’mjustgladyoucouldmakeit.”

Taylorwatchedashiseyesskimmedoverhershirtwithanappreciativelook.

Dammit.Sheknewsheshouldn’thavegonewiththethreebuttons.

TAYLORSCRUTINIZEDTHEscriptthatwasopenonthetableinfrontofher.Nowimmersedinthe
project(albeitveryreluctantly)shetookthejobasseriouslyasanyother.

“Thenwejustneedtotakeoutthislinehere,whereyouyellatopposingcounselincourt...”She
gaveJasonalook,lettinghimknowthiswasabiglawyerno-no.

Thewaiterrefilledtheirwineglassesasshecontinuedherlecture.“Remember—youhavetriangle
conversationsincourt.Youspeaktothejudge,theyspeaktothejudge,butyouneverspeaktoeach
other.”

Sheturnedbacktothescriptandfinishedreviewingthescenetheywereworkingon.Afteramoment,

shepushedthescriptaway,satisfied.“Yep—Ithinkthatsceneisfinished.”

“Doyouthinkit’sgood?”Jasonasked.

Taylorconsideredheranswer,sensinghewantedmorethanameaninglessstampofapproval.“Ithink
someofthelegalaspectsstillneedtoberefined,butithasagoodstorythatshouldconnectwiththe
audience.”

Jasongrinned.“YoujustsoundedsoHollywood.”

Taylorsmiledguiltily.“Idid,didn’tI?See—oneeveningwithyouandI’malreadycorrupted.”She
gesturedcasuallytoherhalf-emptyglass.“Ormaybethewine’saffectingme.”

“Soyouapproveofmyselection?”

“Idoubtthere’sanyonewhowouldn’t,”Taylorquipped.Shewashardlyabouttogivehimthe
satisfactionofknowingthathe’dsomehowmanagedtopicktheonelabelshe’dbeenwantingtotry
sincegettingherfirstissueofWineSpectator.

“Butyourapprovalishardertoearnandthereforeworthmorethantheothers,”Jasonreturned.

Taylorcouldn’thelpbutsmileatthat.“Yes,Iapprove,”shesaid.“Atsevenhundreddollarsabottle,
I’dbetter.”Shewasabouttosaysomethingelse,butdecidedtobitehertongue.

“Goahead.”Jasonlaughed.“Icantellthere’smore.”

Taylorgrinned.Hethoughtheknewhersowell.“Iwasjustthinkingthatyoureallydoleada
charmedlife.”

“Ahhh...good,wegetitoutintheopen.Myfameandfortune.”Jasonleanedintowardher.“Look—
I’llsaveyouthebullshitspeechabouthowIdon’tlikeit,aboutthelackofprivacy,allthat.But
therearesometrade-offs.”Heshrugged.“IguessI’vejustacceptedthosethingsaspartofthe
package.”

“Trade-offsbeyondthelackofprivacy?”

Jasonwavedthisoff.“Thatdoesn’tbothermeasmuchasitusedto.”

“Thenwhat?”

Hethoughtaboutthis.Whenhefinallyanswered,Taylorthoughtsheheardsomethinginhisvoice.
Something...genuine.

“Peoplethinktheyknowyoubecausethemagazinesportrayyouacertainway,orbecauseyou’ve
playedaparticularpartinamovie.Andmostofthepeoplewhosupposedlyareclosetoyoudon’t
careaboutwhoyoureallyareanyway,becausetothemyou’rejustaproduct,acommoditytosell.So
it’snotreal.Noneofit’sreal.”

HeglancedoveratTaylorcautiously,asifexpectinghertolaugh.Shedidn’t.

“Jeremyseemsreal,”shesaidinagentlervoicethanusual.

ThismadeJasonsmile.“JeremyandIhavebeenfriendsalongtime.Heisasrealastheyget.Also
cocky,condescending,andsarcastic—”

“Howdoyoutwoevergetalong?”

Jasongrinnedathersarcasm.Heeasedback,swirlinghiswineglass.“Youcanthrowallthelittle
barbsyouwant,TaylorDonovan.Itdoesn’tbothermeonebit.Becausesecretly,Ithinkyoulike
spendingtimewithme.”Hewinkedather.“It’sokay,youcanadmitit—Ialreadyknow.”

Taylorrolledhereyesdisdainfully.“You’rewaytooconfident.”

“DoyouknowthattheaverageAmericanwomanbetweentheagesofeighteenandthirty-fivehas
seeneachofmymoviessixtimes?”

Taylorscoffedatthis.“Whotoldyouthatbullshitstatistic?”

“Okaythen,howmanytimeshaveyouthrowndowntendollarstoseemeonthebigscreen?”

“Notsix.”

“Howmanytimes?”

Sheshruggednonchalantly,tryingtothinkofawaytolawyerherselfoutofthequestion.

Jason’seyeswidenedathergesture.“Oh,I’msorry,Ms.Donovan,butyouranswersneedtobe
audibleforthecourtreporter.”

Taylorglaredathim.“Doyouhaveapointsomewhereinthis?”

“Thepointis,”Jasonsaid,“thatyousayI’mtooconfident.ButIsaytheoddsareheavilyinmyfavor
thatyou’reattractedtome.”

Thereitwas,allthecardslaidoutonthetable.

“Butyousaidityourself,”Taylortoldhim,“that’sjustthepartyouplay.Yourimage.Butwhatabout
thewomenwhoseebehindthecurtaintotherealyou?Aretheyjustasinfatuated?”

Somethingaboutherquestionseemedtostrikeanerve,andJasonfelloddlysilent.Realizingshewas
ontosomething,Taylor ’seyesprobedhisfromacrossthelowglowofthetable’scandlelight.

“Maybetheyneverhaveachancetoseebehindthecurtain,”shesaid.“Maybeyou’realwaysgonetoo
quicklyforthat.”

Jason’seyesmethers,andforamomentneitherofthemsaidanything.Withoutalltheridiculous
bravado,Taylorthought,heactuallyseemedkindofhuman.

Thenhetossedhisnapkinontothetable.

“That’sit—you’repayingfordinnertonight,”hedeclared.

Jasongesturedtothewaiterhoveringattentivelyofftotheside.“Bringusanotherbottleofthe
ScreamingEagle.”HeloweredhisvoicetoawhisperandpointedatTaylor.“Thelady’spaying.”

“Ofcourse,sir,”thewaiterreplied.Withaflash,hewasofftotherestaurant’sprivatecellar.

Satisfied,JasonturnedbacktoTaylor,hisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.“Sevenhundreddollarsper
bottle,counselor.Let’sseehowsassyyouarewhenyou’rebackinthekitchen,washingdishes.”He
paused,givingherasecondlook.“Notthatyourfeministassknowswhattodointhere.”

Atthis,Taylorcouldn’thelpbutsmile.Therewassomethingaboutthatsarcasticsenseofhumorof
his.Sometimes,shelikeditverymuch.

LATERTHATEVENING,JasonturnedtoTaylorastheywereleavingtherestaurant,eagertohear
herverdict.

“So?WhatdidyouthinkofyourfirstofficialLosAngelesdiningexperience?”

Shegrinnedinacknowledgment.“ThisbyfartakestheawardforthebestplaceI’vegoneona
businessdinner.”

Jasonstoppedabruptly.

“Wait—areyoubillingyourtimeforthisdinner?

Taylorstopped,too,seeminglysurprisedthathewassurprisedbythis.“Well,yes.Atleastthepartwe
spenttalkingaboutthescript.”

HeranswerbotheredJason.Quiteabit,actually.

Taylorshifteduncomfortably.“I’msorry—isthereaproblemwiththat?”

Whatcouldhesayinresponse?Jasontriedtokeephiswordsfromsoundingterse.“No,ofcoursenot
—thiswasaworkdinnerforyou.I’msorryIkeptyousolong.”

HeheldthedooropenforTaylor,hopingtogetthemoutoftherestaurantandoffthistopicas
quicklyaspossible.

Shelookedathim,confused.“Jason,Ihopeyoudidn’t—”

Shesuddenlywascutoffbytheblindingflashofahundredcameras.Shejumpedinsurprise,asJason
turnedandsawanenormousmobofpaparazzigatheredonthesidewalkoutsidetherestaurant.Atthe
sightofhim,thephotographersscreamedhisnameandclamoredtogetcloser.

Instinctively,JasonpushedTaylorbackintotherestaurantandslammedthedoorbehindthem.He
tookapeekthroughthewindowatthecircusthathadgatheredoutside.Tohim,itwasaprettytypical

sight.

Taylor,ontheotherhand,appearedtobeseriouslyfreakingout.Whileshepaced,shestayedasfar
fromthewindowsaspossible,asiftheyweredealingwithsniperriflesoutsideinsteadofcameras.

“Thisis...notgood,”shesaidworriedly.“Really,reallynotgood.”SheturnedtoJasonwitha
hopefullook.“Wewereonlyoutsideforasecond.Maybetheydidn’tgetapictureofus?”

Glancingoutatthemultitudeofperfectlyaimedcamerasheldbymenwithhair-triggerreflexes,
Jasonshookhishead.

“Atthispoint,Ithinkthebestyoucanhopeforisthattheydidn’tgetonelikethis...”Hemadea
shocked,oh-my-god-who-the-fuck-are-all-these-peopleface,tryingtomakeherlaugh.

Itdidn’twork.

Taylorsankmiserablyintoanearbychair.“Iamsogoingtogetkickedoffmycase.”She
despondentlyrestedherchininherhands.“I’munderacourtorder,”sheexplained.“Ican’tbeseenin
themedia.”

Ashewalkedovertoher,Jasoncouldn’thelpbutnoticeagainhowmuchshewantednottobeseen
withhim.“I’msurethejudgewasn’treferringtothistypeofpublicity.”

Taylorshookherhead.“No,hewasveryclearontheissue—nopressattention.Period.”Shelooked
downattheground.

Seeingherupset,Jasonfeltthatstrangefeelingtuggingathimagain.Hekneltbeforeherandstarted
toreachouttotakeherhandsinhis.Butthen,somethinginstinctivelystoppedhimfromtouchingher.
Herestedhisarmsonhiskneesinstead.

“Icanfixthis,”hesaidgently.

Taylorpeeredupathimhopefully.“Really?”

“ButIwantsomethinginreturn.”

Hergreeneyesnarrowed.Shefoldedherarmsoverherchest.“Whatmightthatbe?”

Jason’sgazewasunwavering.

“Onenight.”

Taylor ’seyeswidened.

Jasonsmiledandspokequickly,beforesheslappedhim.“Imeantoneeveningthat’snotwork-related.
Youletmetakeyousomewherefun.”

Sheshookherheaddefinitively.“No.”

Jasonstoodupreluctantly.“Okay—haveityourway.”Hepointedtothefrontoftherestaurant.
“There’sthedoor.Don’tletthepaparazzihityouontheassonyourwayout.”

Taylorpeekedatthemoboutside.Apparentlyfindingthisoptionunappealing,sheturnedbackto
Jason.

“IfIagreetothis,therewouldhavetobecertainparameters.”

Jasonshookhishead.“Thisisn’tanegotiation,Ms.Donovan.Youhavemyoffer—takeitorleaveit.”

Taylorglancedoutsideonelasttime,thensigheddramatically.Jasonbitbackasmile.Allwomen
shouldhavesuchproblems.

“Doesanyoneeversay‘no’toyou?”sheaskedhimresignedly.

“No.Butifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,youtryalotharderthananyoneelse.Sowehaveadeal?”

“Fine.Whatever.Justfixthis.”

Withthat,Jasonwhippedouthiscellphone.Hehitthespeeddial,slippingintocrisismode.

“Marty!”heexclaimedaffectionatelyintothephone.Nevermindthatitwasalmostmidnightona
Friday.“Listen—Ineedyoutodosomethingforme.I’matMr.Chow’swithabunchofpaparazzi
outside.TheyjustgotsomephotographsthatIwouldappreciatetheynotpublish.Idon’tcareabout
me,buttelltheseguysthatifanyoneprintsthenameofthewomanI’mwith,orapictureofherface,
theywon’tgetonewordfrommeeveragain.”

Jasonwavedoffallhispublicist’sprotests.“It’syourjobtomakesuretheyunderstand,”hesaid
firmly.“Telltheeditors,thepublishers,whoeveryouneedtotalkto,thatthiscomesdirectlyfrom
me.”

HepausedatMarty’snextquestion.

“DoIatleasthaveacommentonthemysterywoman?”Jason’seyesdartedovertoTaylorashe
summedherupsuccinctly.

“Yes.Difficult.”

Twelve

ITWASALLoverthefrontpagethefollowingMonday.

“Jason’sMysteryWoman!”

Ofcourse,Taylor—apparentlytheonlypersoninLosAngeleswhodidnothaveasubscriptiontoUs
Weekly—hadnoknowledgeofthisuntilshegottoworkandfoundLindaandthesecretarialcohorts
campedoutsideheroffice.BecauseofTaylor ’sconnectiontooneMr.JasonAndrews,hersecretary
hadbecomethequeenbeeoftheadministrativestaff.

Lindawasagog.Inherwholelife,thatwordhadnevercometoTaylor ’smind,butitreallywasthe
onlywaytodescribehersecretaryonthatparticularmorning.

“Haveyouseenit?”sheaskedassoonasTaylorwalkedin.

Taylorthoughtperhapsthejudgehadsuaspontegrantedsummaryjudgmentinhercase.“Seen
what?”sheaskedexcitedly.

LindaheldupacopyofUsWeekly.Taylorstaredatit,confused.Strangely,sherecognizedthewhite
shirtandjeansbeforesherealizedthatthewomaninthepicturewasher.

Butthereitwas.

Beneaththescreamingheadline—“Jason’sMysteryWoman!”—wasaphotographofthetwoofthem
steppingoutthefrontdoorofMr.Chow’s.PerJason’sinstructions,thephotoshowedTayloronly
fromtheback,hidingheridentity.

“It’syou,isn’tit?”Lindaaskedbreathlessly.

Itwasindeedher.Rightthereonthecoverofanationalgossipmagazinewiththebiggeststarin
Hollywood.ForTaylor,themomentwentbeyondsurreal.

ShepeeredupfromthemagazineandsawLindaandtenotherpairsofeyesstaringather.

“It’snotwhatyouthink,”shesaidquickly.

“YouhaddinnerwithJasonAndrews,”Lindarepliedinawe.

Taylorshookafingerather.“No,no.IhadameetingwithJasonAndrewsthathappenedtotakeplace
overdinner.There’sabigdifference.”Shebracedherselfformoreinterrogation.

Butinstead,Lindasurprisedher.

“Okay,”shesaid,shrugginghershoulders.“Ifthat’swhatyousay,thenthat’sallitwas.”

TaylorstoodbyandwatchedasLindashooedtheothersecretariesbacktowork.Thatwasfareasier
thanshehadexpected.

“Oh.Okay—great.”Taylorcouldn’thelpbutbeabitsurprisedbyLinda’ssuddenindifference.“I’m
gladthat’ssettled,then.”Shewaitedforanothermoment.Whennoonesaidanythingfurther,she
turnedandheadedintoheroffice.Onceinside,Taylortookaseatatherdesk.

Wow.Thatwasthefastestfifteenminutesoffameshe’deverseen.

Notthatshecaredaboutsuchthings,ofcourse.

AFEWDAYSlater,Taylorreturnedearlytotheoffice.Courthadunexpectedlyfinishedaheadof

schedulewhenoneoftheplaintiffs’witnesseshadfailedtoshowuptotestify.

LindacalledoutfromherdeskasTaylorwalkedby.“Howwascourt?”

Taylorgrinnedproudly.Thetrialwasgoingevenbetterthanexpected.Ifshewasn’tsuchamodest
person,shewouldhavetosayshewasutterlydestroyingtheplaintiffs’witnessesoncross-
examination.Shedoubteditwascoincidencethatoneofthemhadn’tshownuptoday.

Taylorwasfullyawarethatshehadflaws—lotsofthem,infact.Buttheonethingsheknewbeyond
anydoubtwasthatshewasadamngoodlawyer.

“Theplaintiffsarestruggling,”shetoldLinda,thinkingthatwasamorethangenerousdescriptionof
heropponent’sposition.“Butwestillhavealongwaytogo—youneverknowwhatajury’sgoingto
do.”

Lindanoddedinagreement.“True,true.Oh—bytheway,”sheaddedcasually,“Mr.Andrewscalled.
Hesaidtotellyouthathe’llpickyouuptomorrowafterwork.Hesaidhe’skeepingitasurprise
wherehe’stakingyou,exceptthatIshouldwarnyouthathe’llbetheoneteachingyousomethingfora
change.”

Afterrelayingthemessage,Lindawaitedexpectantlyforanyinstructions.Taylorshifteduneasily.
Somebodyhadsome’splainingtodo.

“Linda,it’snot—”

Hersecretaryheldupherhand.“Noneedtosayanything.Igotit,thisispurelybusiness.Justlikeyou
said—wewillhandletheAndrewsProjectwiththehighestdegreeofprofessionalism.”

Lindamovedontoothermatters.“Also,aMs.Fostercalledforyou.Shesaidyoucouldreachherat
herworknumber.”Sheturnedbacktohertyping.

Theofficewasquiet,unconcerned,aseveryonewentabouttheirnormalcourseofbusiness.This
gaveTayloranopportunitytoponderJason’scrypticmessage.Shespunaroundtowardheroffice,
wonderingwhathemeantby—

Shegaspedinshockatthesightbeforehereyes.

AsolidwallofJasonsgrinnedoutather.

HerentireofficedoorhadbeenwallpaperedwiththelatestcoverofPeoplemagazine.Itwasthe
“SexiestManAlive”editionandapparently,thevoteswerein.

ThesmilingJasonsallstaredather,mockingherwiththeirsmuglittlethe-odds-are-heavily-in-my-
favor-that-you’reattracted-to-megrins.“Thiswilldowondersforhisego,”Taylormuttereddryly
underherbreath.

Thecoverphotohadcapturedhimperfectly.Helookedamused,anddevilishlyso.Heworehisusual
confidentlook—thelookthatsaidheknewsomethingyoudidn’tandwasn’tquitereadytotell.And
thosedamnblueeyes...despitethefactthatitwasmerelyaphotograph,theyseemedtoborestraight

throughher.

Asshetookinthephoto,sheheardgigglingbehindher.“Veryfunny,guys,”shecalledoverher
shoulder,tothesecretariessheknewwerewatching.“Verycute.”

LindaappearedatTaylor ’sside.“Youmean‘sexy,’don’tyou?”sheaskedinnocently,gesturingtothe
pictures.Thenshecouldn’tresistanylonger—sheburstintolaughter.

Astheothersecretariesjoinedin,Taylorstoodthere,tryingtoholdbackhersmile.Finally,shegave
inandlaughedalongwiththem.

Okay,fine.Sheprobablydeservedthat.

DUETOHERunexpectedafternoonofffromtrial,TaylorhadafewfreeminutestoreturnValerie’s
call.SheansweredthephonejustasTaylorwastakingaseatatherdesk.

“Hey,it’sme,”Taylorsaid.“Igotyourmessage—whatthehell—”

Apparently,LindaandthecohortshadstuckanextracopyofPeoplemagazineonherchair—justin
caseshehadsomehowmissedthefiftyplasteredonherdoor.

“Somethingwrong?”Valerieasked,amusedbythisintro.

Taylorpulledthemagazineoutfromunderher.“Nothing—IjustrealizedIwassittingonJason
Andrews’sface.”

“Yum.Callmebackinanhourandletmeknowifit’severybitasfantasticasIimagined.”

Taylorlaughed.“MysecretaryleftPeoplemagazineonmychair,”sheexplained.

“Ijustboughtacopythismorningonmywaytowork,”Valsaidbreathlessly.“Youknowthisisthe
thirdtimethey’venamedhimtheSexiestManAlive?That’smorethananyoneelse.”

“You’reamusicprofessoratanIvyLeagueuniversity.Howdoyouhavetimetokeepupwithallthis
stuff?”

“Areyoukidding?We’retalkingaboutJasonAndrews.I’veseenallofhismovies.Likesixtimes.”

Taylor ’ssmilequicklychangedintoafrown.Thatstupidstatistic.

SheglaredatthepictureofJasonforbeingright.Itwasthenthatasecondphotographinthelower
rightcornerofthemagazinecovercaughthereye.

“Hey—IlikethepictureofScottCasey,”shesaidappreciatively.Underthecaption“Other
Contenders”wasaphotooftheactorinhisAViking’sQuestcostume.

“He’ssobeautiful,isn’the?”Valeriesighedwistfully.“Imean,Iknowyoudon’tusuallysaythatto

describeaman,butScottCaseyreallyisjusttheverydefinitionoftheword.”

“Doyouthinkhe’salmosttoopretty?”Taylorexaminedthepicture.Shesighed,adoptinga
melodramaticair.“IsupposeIcoulddealwithitifIhadto,”shesaid.Shelaughedattheverythought.
Asif.

“Speakingofdealingwiththings...”Valerietreadedlightlyatfirst,thencamerightoutwithit.“Kate
tellsmeyou’vebeenwastingyourdaysaway,hidingoutinthatofficeofyours.”

ThecommentinstantlyputTayloronthedefensive.“Doesn’tanybodyunderstandthatI’montrial?”

“Idon’tknowwhoelseyou’rereferringto,butKateandIareyourfriends.Wewouldn’tbedoingour
jobsduringthisposttraumaticperiodifweweren’tencouragingyoutogetonwithyourlife.”

Taylorscoffedatthis.“I’mnotgoingthroughany‘posttraumaticperiod.’Ipromiseyou,I’vemoved
onwithmylife.”Andasshesaidthewords,sherealizedjusthowtruetheywere.Shehadn’tthought
onceaboutDanielsincethedayshehadreceivedhisflowers.She’dbeenpreoccupiedwithother
things...

“Andifitmakesyoufeelbetter,”shecontinued,“I’mevengoingouttomorrownight.Butdon’tget
tooexcited,”sheaddedquickly.“It’sjustabusiness”—shesearchedfortherightword—“related
event.”

Valsoundedsomewhatappeasedbythis.“Isthereatleastamaninvolved?”

Taylorconsideredhowtoanswerthisquestion.ShewastemptedtotellValallaboutJason.Butshe
haddecideditwasbettertodoitinperson,whensheandKatecametovisit.Sheneededtoexercise
somespincontrol,particularlywhereValeriewasconcerned.Taylorlovedthegirltodeath,but
keepinginformationonthedownlowwasnotoneofherstrongpoints.

“Amanissponsoringthisevent,yes.”Taylorfiguredatleastthatanswerwastrue.Sortof.

“Andbyanychanceisthisagood-lookingman?”Valerieaskedhopefully.

TaylorglanceddownatthepictureofJasononthecoverofPeople.Oh,notreally,shethought.Just
theSexiestManAlive.

“Isupposesome‘people’mightsayhe’sattractive.”Shegiggledatherownjoke.

Thenimmediatelycoveredhermouth.

Ohgod.

Valerieechoedthisexactsentiment.“Holyshit.”Shepaused.“Didyoujustgiggle?”

Taylorshookherhead.“No,”shemumbledinnocentlyfrombehindthepalmofherhand.“Definitely
not.”

“Becauseyounevergiggle,”Valcontinued.“That’snottheTaylorDonovanway.”

Taylornoddedresolutely.“That’sright.Idon’t.Iwasjust,um...coughing.”

Lame.

Valeriewashighlysuspicious.“I’mgoingtogettothebottomofwhatever ’sgoingonwithyouas
soonasIgetoutthere,youknow.”

Taylorsmiled.“Twoweeks,Val.Ipromise—I’lltellyoueverything.”

SCOTTCASEYGLANCEDagainatthecopyofPeoplethathisnowex-publicist,Leslie,hadjust
droppedoff.

“OtherContenders.”

Tosayhewasnotpleasedwiththisdistinctionwouldbeanunderstatement.

Itwasthesecondtimeinlessthantwoweeksthathehadbeenpromisedthecover,onlytoseeitgoup
insmokeonaccountofJasonfuckingAndrews.Itwasenoughtomakeamoviestar—Hollywood’sIt
Guy,noless—wanttofirehispublicist.

Whichispreciselywhathehaddone,threeminutesafterarrivingatChateauMarmontandseeingthe
magazineLesliehadbroughttotheirlunchmeeting.WhatelsewasanItGuysupposedtodo?

Hecertainlydidn’thavetimetobotherwithhertiredexcusesthatshe’donlypromisedhewouldbe
“onthecover”not“bethecover.”Whatever.Hehadwavedherandhertiredexcusesoffwithaflick
ofhishand.

Scottknewthathistimewasnow—hewashotterthanhotcomingoffthesuccessofAViking’sQuest
andlandingthecovetedleadroleinOutbackNights.Heneededsomeonewhocoulddeliverthebest
publicity5percentofallgrossearningscouldbuy.

Sonow,sittingatoneofthehotel’spoolsidetables,Scottneededtocomeupwithastrategy.He
lookedoveratRob,whohadjoinedhimforlunchonceLeslie’schairhadopenedup.

“IneedMartyShepherd,”Scottdeclaredresolutely.

Robnoddedhisagreementashetookanotherbiteofhischeeseburger.“YoushouldhaveAdamsetit
up,”hesaidwhilehechewed,referringtoScott’smanager.“TellShepherdthatnextyear,you’llsettle
fornothinglessthanSexiestManAliveandMostBeautifulPersonoftheYear.”

Scottglaredathim.“That’snotwhatthisisabout.”

Robeyedhimskeptically,mumblingwithamouthfulloffood.“No?What’sitabout,then?”

“MakingsureIdon’tendupapaunchyactoronsomeCWshowwhosebiggestfilmbreakisGuy
WhoseAssGetsEateninAnaconda4.”

Roblookedhurt.“Hey—I’monhiatus.SoI’vegainedafewpounds...I’llloseitbyfall.”Hepointed
hisburgeratScott.“Anddon’ttakeyourJasonAndrewsangstoutonme.”

“Idon’thaveanyangst,”Scottretorted.HehelduptheothermagazineLesliehaddroppedoff,the
mostrecentissueofUsWeekly.Jason’sso-calledMysteryWoman.

“I’mjustsickofhearingabouttheguyallthetime.AndI’msureeveryoneelseis,too.”

“Angst,”Robwhisperedunderhisbreath.

Scottrolledhiseyes.“Nevermind.”

SeeingScott’sfrustration,Robadoptedamoresympatheticair.Scottwashigherthenheonthe
celebrityfoodchain,sothismeantthatoccasionalass-kissing,placating,andgeneralego-stroking
wasrequired.

“Look—you’regonnacallMartyShepherd.Theguy’sthemasterofpublicity.”Robgrinned.“Even
slightlyroundbutcuddlycharacteractorsonCWshowswhosebiggestfilmbreakisasmallbut
pivotalpartinthenewestOcean’ssequelknowthat.”Heproudlygrabbedafrenchfryoffhisplateand
bitdownwithrelish.

Scottwassurprised.“Yougotthepart?”

“I’llbefilminginVegasthisFriday.”

“Oneday?Thatisasmallpart.”

Robchosetoignorethis.“Anyway,withMartyShepherd,inafewweeks,that”—hepointedtotheUs
Weeklycover—“willbeyou.”

Scottsetthemagazineonthetableinfrontofthem.“SoyouthinkthiswholethingwiththeMystery
Womanisjustapublicitystunt?”

Robshruggednonchalantly,takinginthetwobikini-cladprettyyoungthingsthatpassedbytheir
table.Itwasthefourthlapoftheirnot-so-subtleattempttogetScott’sattention.Hegavethemone
morewalk-bybeforetheyfinallygaveupandsaidsomething.

“Isn’teverythingthesedays?”Robanswered,eyingtheassofthelargergirl,whoheguessedwas
pushingasize6.Ifthingswentdownwiththesetwo,thiswastheasshe’dbegetting.“JasonAndrews
hasamoviecomingoutsoon,doesn’the?”

Scottnodded.“Inferno.Nextmonth.”

“Thissurewouldbeaconvenientwaytogeteveryoneinafrenzyoverhimbeforethefilm’srelease.”

Scottsawthetruthinthis.HestudiedthephotographofJasoncomingoutofMr.Chow’swiththeso-
calledMysteryWoman.Thewoman,abrunette,hadherfaceturnedawayfromthecameras.

“Whodoyouthinksheis?”heasked.

Robtorehiseyesawayfromtheprettyyoungthings—whonowwerehalfwayaroundthepool—and
leanedinforabetterlook.“Idon’tknow...shekindoflookslikeKateBeckinsale.Nowait—Eva
Green.”Hewhistledhisappreciation.“DefinitelythebestBondgirlyet.Nodoubt.”

ScottagreedwithRob’sguesses.Thelong,darkhairandbody,fromwhathecouldsee,definitively
resembledeitheractress’sfeatures.“Maybeit’soneofthem...Ican’ttell,”hemused.“Shesure
looksprettyfuckinghotthough.”

“Shewouldn’tbewithJasonAndrewsifshewasn’t.”

WhenScottglancedupsharply,Robshrugged.“Sorry.Butit’strue.”

“Whosaidshe’s‘with’JasonAndrews?”Scottpointedtothephotograph.“AllIseearetwopeople
comingoutofarestaurant.”

Robhumoredthiswithalook.“Idon’tthinkJasonAndrewsdoesalotofplatonicentertaining.”

BeforeScottcouldrespond,thetwoprettyyoungthingsstoppedinfrontoftheirtable.

“Ohmygod,”thesize2exclaimedgleefullytoScott.“Iwasright—Itoldheritwasyou.”She
gesturedtothesize6,whoalsostaredalldreamy-eyed.“We’retotallyyourbiggestfans.”

Scottcheckedthewomenout,lookingthemupanddown.Feelingalittlegenerousthatafternoon,he
grinnedandglancedoveratRobandhisnearlyfinishedcheeseburger.

“Well,myfriend,didyousaveanyroomfordessert?”

Thirteen

WHENTHECARfirststopped,havingarrivedatitsdestination,Taylorassumedtherehadbeensome
sortofmistake.Butthenthedrivergotoutandopenedthedoor,quashingallherhopesofamix-up.

“Mr.Andrewsiswaitingforyouinside,”thedriversaidwithanefficientnod.AsTaylorgotoutof
thecarandtookinthesightthatominouslygreetedher,allofherpreplannedearlyexitstrategiesfell
topieces.

Loomingbeforeherwasajet.

Aprivatejet,fromthelooksofthings,notthatTaylorhadeverriddeninonebefore.

Havingseenthecarpullup,Jasonsteppedoutontothejetwayandwelcomedherwithasmile.“Hello,
Ms.Donovan.Readyforthis?”

Notatallsurethatshewas,Tayloreyedthejetwarilyasshecrossedthetarmacandclimbedthemetal
stepsleadinguptothepassengerhold.Whenshegottothetop,shestoppedbeforeJason,goingfor
anunimpressedlook.

“Howoriginal.Didn’tIseethisinPrettyWoman?”

Jasonsmiledpleasantly.“Let’shopetheeveningendsaswellformeasitdidforRichardGere.”He
winked.

Thatshutheruprightquick.

Taylorcoollypassedbyhimandsteppedintotheplane.Shetookintherichcreamleathercaptain’s
chairs—eightofthem—thematchingdoublecouchesthatflankedbothwalls,andthetawnymarble
wetbarneartheback.Notabadsetup.

“Yourentedthis?”

Jasongaveheralook.Hardly.

“Iboughtitthreeyearsago.Commercialtravelgottobetoomuchofahassle.”

Taylor ’seyesdartednervouslytothecockpit.“Pleasetellmeyou’renotflyingit.”

Jasonlaughedatthehorrifiedlookonherface.“You’resafe.I’llbebackherewithyou.”

Taylorglancedaroundthesmallseatingarea.Great.Howcozy.

Shetookaseatneartheback,inthechairclosesttothebar,thinkingaGreyGooseontherocksmight
soonbeinorder.Jasoneasedintothechairnexttoher.

“Nowcanyoutellmewherewe’regoing?”sheaskedasshefumbledwithherseatbelt.

Heshookhishead.“Notyet.AlthoughI’llgiveyouaclue:fromwhatI’veseensofar,it’saplacethat
suitsyouwell.”

Taylorconsideredthishint.Thenanexcitedlookcrossedherface.

“NapaValley?”

Jasonshookhishead.“It’snotNapa.Andnomoreguessing.”

“IhopeI’matleastdressedappropriately,”shesaid,gesturingtoheroutfit.“Someplace‘whereyou’ll
beteachingmesomething’didn’tgivemealottogoon.”

JasondeliberatelytookintheblackV-necktailoredshirtandfittedgrayskirtshewore.Taylorself-
consciouslycrossedherlegsathisgaze,inadvertentlydrawinghisattentiontotheslitinherskirtthat
partedmid-thigh.

“Ithinkyou’lldojustfine,Ms.Donovan,”hesaid.

Taylorwasjustthinkingthatperhapsthiswasagoodtimetorestateher“thisisonlybusiness”
speech,whentheplane’senginessuddenlyroaredtolife.Atthesound,sheturnedinherchairand
peekedoutthewindow.Withoutthinking,herlegbegantobouncenervously.

Afterafewsecondsofcheckingouttherunway,sheglancedbackandsawJasonlookingcuriouslyat

herbouncingleg.Neveronetoshowanyweakness,Taylorsteadiedherselfandfeignedacasual
smile.

“So...Iguesswe’reoffnow.Good.Great.”

Thejettaxiedtotherunway,completeditsturn,thenshotforwardwithathunderousfiringofthe
engines.Taylorself-consciouslybegantotapherfingersonthearmsofherseat.

Okay,fine.Yes,itwastrue.

Shehatedflying.

FeelingJason’seyesonher,shemadeanattempttocoverhernervousnesswithcasualconversation.
“Sowhatkindofmaintenancegoesintoajetlikethis?Iassumeyouhaveitservicedregularly?”

Jasonshruggedunconcernedly.“Ihavenoidea.Ipayotherpeopletoworryaboutthosethings.”

Taylor ’seyeswidenedatthis.Goodgod,theyweretoast.Shespunbackaroundtopeeroutthe
window.

Theplaneascended,andtheyrosesmoothlyforafewmoments.Butthentheyhitapatchof
turbulence,andTaylor ’shandstightlygrippedthearmrestsofherseat.Sheclosedhereyes,tryingto
pushallthoughtsofscreamingdeath-plummetsfromhermind.Surelyfatewasonhersideinthis
flight,shethought.Jasonwasherinsurancepolicy,afterall.Theworldwouldprobablystopspinning
onitsaxisifsomethingweretohappentoitsSexiestManAlive.

“SoI’vebeenreadingaboutyourtrialinthepapers,”sheheardJasonsay.

Sheopenedhereyes.“Youhave?”

Theplanedroppedwiththeturbulence,andTaylor ’sheartnearlyjumpedoutofherchest.She
glancedoutthewindow,uneasilystudyingthegroundbelowastheplanebeganaturn.

Meanwhile,Jasonreclinedunworriedlyinhischair.“AndIhaveaquestionforyou.”

“Hmmm.”Taylorlookedup.“Wait.”Shehaddefinitelyjustheardasoundshehadneverheardona
planebefore.ShequicklylookedoveratJason.

“Doestheenginesoundnormaltoyou?Ithinkwe’relosingaltitude.”

Heignoredthis.“Anyway,I’vebeenthinkingaboutyourtrial—”

“—Seriously,isthispilotcertified?Howlonghashebeenworkingforyou?Andwhatkindof
trainingdoyouneedtoflyprivateplanes,anyway?”

“—andhere’sthequestionI’vebeenmeaningtoask,Taylor:asawomanwhodefendscompanies
fromsexualharassmentclaims,don’tyoufeellikeatraitortoyourgender?”

Whoa.

Suddenlyrefocused,TaylorturnedawayfromthewindowandstaredatJason.

Herlookwasdeath.

“Atraitortomygender?”shewhisperedindisbelief.

Thehandcameup.

“Letmetellyousomething,mister...”

Theyhadleveledoffat40,000feetbeforeshepausedtotakeherfirstbreath.

“...ANDWHILEIdon’tdisagreethattherearelegitimateinstancesofsexualharassmentoutthere...

“...Frivolouscasesdomoretounderminefeministcausesbycloggingupthecourtsandcreating
badprecedent...

“...ClientsIrepresentdoeverythingtheycantopreventsuchbehavior,andinthoserarecaseswhere
Idofindaproblem,I’mthefirstperson...

“...Hardlydeservesmillionsofdollarsjustbecausesomelow-leveljerk-offwithamanager ’sbadge
doesn’tgetlaidenoughandlooksatpornontheofficecomputer...”

Jasonsatthere,listeningtotheentiretirade.WhenTaylorhadfinallyfinished,shefoldedherarms
overherchest.

“So?Doesthatsatisfyyourconcernsovermybeingatraitortomygender?”

Shewaitedexpectantlyforhisretort.Butinstead,Jasonsurprisedherbynoddingagreeably.

“Allverygoodpoints.Ihadn’tthoughtaboutthingsthatway.”Hegotupfromhisseatandheaded
overtothewetbar.“Wouldyoulikeadrink?”heaskedpolitely.

Taylorblinked.Wait—thatwasit?Hewasjustgoingto...agreewithher?

Jasonraisedaneyebrowquestioningly,stillstandingatthebar.Taylortriedtothinkthroughher
surprise.

“Um,redwine,Iguess.Ifyouhaveit.

ShewatchedasJasonopenedabottle,pouredheraglass,andfixedhimselfavodkamartini.Whenhe
handedTaylorherdrink,shelookedathimknowingly.

“Youweretryingtodistractmewiththewholetraitor-to-my-genderthing,weren’tyou?”

Jasongrinnedguiltily.“Ihadafeelingthatmightdothetrick.Haveyoualwaysbeenanervousflier?”

Taylordebatedwhethertoanswerthat.Then,realizingthejigwasup,sheleanedbackinherseatand

gotcomfortableforthefirsttimeintheflight.

“SinceIwasasummerassociateatmyfirm,”sheadmitted.“Theyaskedabunchofustobetest
jurorsforthisbigclassactiontheywereworkingon,anairplanecrashcase.Aspartoftheevidence,
theymadeuslistentotheblackboxrecordingssothatthelawyerscouldgetasenseofhowajury
mighthandlethatkindofevidence.”Shepaused.“Needlesstosay,thatwasthesummerIdevelopeda
fearofflying.”

“Thatbad,huh?”

Taylorcockedherhead,consideringthis.“Itmademerealizethatthingswouldbecompletelyoutof
mycontrol,ifanythingeverweretohappenonaplane.”

Jasonstudiedher.“Isensethiscontrolthingisabigdealwithyou.”

“SaysthemanwhostormedintomyofficewhenIdidn’treturnhisphonecallswithinthehour.”

Jasongrinned.“Fairenough.”Thenhelookedatherinterestedly.“IfeellikeIshouldknowmore
aboutyou.”

“Suchas?”

“Doyoudatealot?”

“Don’tbeajackass.”

Jasonlaughed,thenhelduphishandsinnocently.“What?Istheresomethingaboutmyquestionthat
makesyouuncomfortable,Ms.Donovan?”

Fromhisteasinglook,Taylorsensedthatrefusingtoanswerwouldonlyinvitemoreprobingintothe
subject.

“I’msurethatbythestandardsoftheSexiestManAlive,no—Idon’tdatealot.”

Jasonwasdelighted.“Yousawit.”

Taylorthoughtofthefiftymagazinecoversplasteredtoherdoor.“Mysecretarybroughtinafew
copiesfortheoffice,”shesaidvaguely.

“Andwhatdoyouthink?”

“Aboutwhat?”

“Wouldyousayyouagreewiththemagazine’scharacterization?”

Taylorwavedthisoff.“Youalreadyhaveenoughpeoplecomplimentingyou.”

“That’snotadenial,”Jasonnoted.

Taylorsawhiseyessparklingwithamusement.“YoureallyneedmetotellyouwhatIthink?”

“Ofcourse.Yourgoodopinionisalwayswelcome,Ms.Donovan.”

ShelookedJasonover.Truthbetold,ashesattherewiththesleevesofhisbutton-downshirtrolled
upcasuallyaroundhisforearmsandhislonglegsstretchedoutinfrontofhim,shewasn’tsurethere
wasmuchroomtodebatethemagazine’sclaim.

“Isupposeyou’reattractive,”shetoldhim.“Physicallyspeaking.”

“Stop—you’remakingmeblush.”

“Yourpersonality,ontheotherhand,appearstohaveseveraldefects.”

“Isee.Suchas?”

“Howlongdidyousaywehaveleftonthisflight?”

Jasonlaughed.AndTaylorcouldn’thelpit;shesmiled,too.Justthen,thepilot’svoicecameoverthe
intercom,withtheannouncementthattheywereexpectedtohaveasmoothridefortherestofthe
flight.

Taylorexhaledinrelief.Takingadvantageoftheinterruption,shesteeredtheconversationtosafer
topics.ThetimeflewbyassheandJasonchattedamiablyaboutnothing,anything,andshewas
surprisedwhenthepilot’svoiceinterruptedthemagain,indicatingthattheysoonwouldbelanding.

Taylorimmediatelysetabouttryingtofindherseatbelt,whenshecaughtaglimpseoutthewindow.
Sheleanedoverinherchairtogetabetterlookatthedazzlingspectacleoutside.Beforeherblazed
thebrilliantglowofmillionsofsparklinglights.Thesightwasunmistakable—onlyoneplaceon
earthcouldilluminatethenightskythatway.

TaylorturnedbacktoJasoninsurprise.

Hegrinned.“EverbeentoLasVegas,Ms.Donovan?”

Fourteen

THINGSHAPPENEDSOquicklythemomentsheandJasonlanded,Taylorbarelyhadachanceto
catchherbreath.Acarmetthematthejet,whereadriverandtwosecurityguardswhiskedthemoffto
theStrip.Jasonstillrefusedtogiveheranyclueastotheirplansfortheevening.

Theypulledupatwhatappearedtobethebackentranceofahotel—alargehotel,butthatwasall
Taylorcouldgather.Thetwoguardsescortedthemthroughanelaboratemazeofhallwaysand
corridors,untiltheysomehowpoppedoutintothecasinoandwerequicklyshuffledovertotheVIP
room.

WhenJasonandTaylorweresafelyensconcedbehindthered-velvetropesoftheprivateVIParea,
Jasongavethesecurityguardsanodofdismissal.AsTaylorwatchedthemwalkaway,tryingto
processeverythingthathadjusthappened,thecasino’sdirectorapproachedtoshakeJason’shand.It

wasthenthatshefinallylearnedwheretheywere.

“WelcomebacktotheBellagio,Mr.Andrews,”thedirectorwelcomedthemwithawarmsmile.Ashe
ledthetwoofthemtoatable,TaylorpulledJasoncloser.

“You’retakingmegambling?”sheaskedinalowwhisper.She’dneverbeengamblingbefore.
Frankly,shedidn’tseewhatallthefusswasabout.

“Notjustgambling,”Jasonsaidwithanexcitedcatchinhisvoice.Theycametoanenergetichigh-
rollerstableandhegesturedgrandly.

“Craps,”hesaidreverently.

Taylorcheckedoutthegame.Fromwhatshecouldtell,somethinghappenedwhensomebodyrolled
thediceandeverybodystartedyelling.Theguyholdingthestickatthecenterofthetablesuddenly
screamed“Yo!”andchipsbeganflyingeverywhere.

Shenodded.“Oh,craps,sure.”

Afterwatchingforanothermoment,sheleanedovertowardJason.

“Um...wherearethecards?”

Withasmile,hegrabbedherhandandpulledthemuptothetable.

“OKAY,LET’SREVIEWwhatyou’velearned.”

Clearlyenjoyinghispositionofauthorityfartoomuch,Jasonranthroughtheirlessons.Thingshad
beenimprovingsinceherfirstdebacle,whenitwasherturntorollandshe’dunknowinglyswitched
handsbeforethrowingthedice.Fromthewayeveryonescreamed,Taylorhadthoughtsomeonehad
beenshot.Whensherealizedtheywereyellingather,shehadgottensonervousthatshedroppedthe
diceonthefloor.Andthat’swheneveryonereallystartedfussing.

Butnow,underJason’sallegedtutelage,Taylorknewathingortwoaboutthisgamecalledcraps.
Raringtogo,shenoddedalongimpatientlyasherolledthroughhislecture.

“First,you’vegotyourpassline—alwaystakefulloddsonyourpasslinebet,”hesaid.“Then,ifyou
wanttostepitupanotch,makeacomebet,andtakeoddsonthataswell.Afterthat,youhaveyour
placebets—thesixandeightwillbeyourmostcommonpayoffsthere.And,ifyou’refeelingreally
lucky,youcouldalwaystryfortheyo,thehardways,ortheanycrap.”

Taylortookasipofhervodkatonic.Thewaitresskeptbringingdrinksaround,andbynowsheand
Jasonhadeachhadafew.

“Andthenthere’sthefield,”shesaid,pointingtothemiddlesectionofthetablewiththebig“2,3,4,
9,10,11,12”writtenacrossthegreenfelt.

“Itoldyou,youdon’twanttobetthefield,”Jasonlecturedher.“That’sarookie’sbet.”

Taylorwavedthisoff.“ButIlikethefield.Yougetsevenchancestowin.”

“Doyouwanttolooklikeyouknowwhatyou’redoing,ordoyouwanttolooklikeagirl?”

Taylorrolledhereyes.“Ican’tbelieveyoujustsaidthat.”

“ItprettymuchslippedoutbeforeIcouldthinkaboutit.”

Taylorsmiled.Perhapsthewarmglowofvodkawasbeginningtosetin.“Notassmoothwhenyou’re
notworkingoffascript,areyou?”sheteased.

Jasoncockedhishead.“Oh,Idon’tknow,Iseemtodoallright.”

Taylorsuddenlyrealizedhowclosetheywerestanding.Shehadn’tmeanttosoundso...flirtatious.It
hadjustkindofcomeoutlikethat.Stupidvodka.Shewascuttingoffthegravytrainoffreedrinks
rightthenandthere.

“Excuseme,miss?”sheheardavoicesay.

TearinghergazeawayfromJason,shelookedoverandsawthestickmantappingthediceonthe
tableinfrontofher.

“Areyouin?”heasked.“Becauseyou’reup.”

TaylorcouldstillfeelJason’seyesonher.Withanod,shetookalongsipofherdrink,needinga
momenttoclearherhead.Thenshepickedupthedice.

“Allright,boys...”shesaidconfidently.“Letmeshowyouhowthisgameisplayed.”

Atthis,Jasonpointedtothesmallbankofchipsinfrontofher.

“Easythere,hotshot—don’tgetallcrazywiththosefive-dollarchips.”Henoddedappreciativelyto
thepitbossforwaivingtheirusualfive-hundred-dollarminimum.“Thanksagainforthat.”

“Noproblem,Mr.Andrews,”saidthepitboss.

TaylorturnedbacktoJason,annoyed.

“Willyoupleasestoppointingthatouttoeveryone?”

ATTHENEXTtableover,Robcouldn’tbelievewhathewasseeing.JasonAndrewsandtheMystery
Womanstoodjustafewfeetaway,rightbeforehisveryeyes.

Scotthadindeedbeencorrectaboutonething—thegirlwashot.

Earlierthatevening,hehadfinishedfilminghissmallbutpivotalOcean’ssceneand(thankstoacall

fromSoderberg)hadheadeddowntothecasino’sVIProom.Morethananything,Robhadcomejust
tomakeanappearance.Someoneonsethadmentionedthatthereweretonsofpaparazzioutside,and
itwasagreatopportunityforhimtobeseen.Ofcourse,ifthetablesturnedcold,he’dhavetomakea
quickexit—cuddlycharacteractorsonCWshowscouldn’texactlyhanglongon$500minimum
tables.

Hehadn’tnoticedthemwhenhehadfirstwalkedin,butnowRobthoroughlyscrutinizedJasonand
theMysteryWoman’severyinteraction,likeaspywhohadsnuckbehindenemylines.Fromwhathe
couldtellsofar,itappearedScottmayhavebeenrightaboutoneotherthing:whileitborderedon
ludicroustothinkthatthebiggestmoviestarofthetwenty-firstcenturywasn’tfuckingagirlwho
lookedlikethatsenseless,Robgotthedistinctimpressionthattheywerenot,infact,together.Notyet,
atleast.

Buttheonethinghewascertainof,beyondanydoubt,wasthatJasonAndrewslikedthisMystery
Woman.Alot.Whetheritwasthewayhelookedatherwithallhisattention,orthewayshemadehim
laugh,orthewayhewasclearlytryingtomakeherlaugh,Robcouldn’tquitesay.Butassomeone
whosecuddlyandchubbystaturewentbacktohishighschoolclass-clowndays,hecouldtellwhena
guywaspullingoutallthestopstomakeagoodimpressiononagirl.EvenifthatguywasJason
Andrews.

Thewoman,ontheotherhand,washardertoread.A“mystery”indeed.Shewasn’thangingallover
Jasonlikemostgirlswould;infact,sheseemedtoavoidgettingtooclosetohim.Robwishedhe
couldhearwhattheyweresaying,butthatwasimpossiblefromacrosstheroom.Still,whathecould
seewasenoughforhimgethiscellphoneoutforasurreptitiouscall.Heloweredhisvoicewhenhis
friendanswered,relyingontheraucousnoiseofthecasinotodrownouthiswords.

“Scott—dude,youarenotgoingtobelievewhoI’mlookingatrightnow.”

LATERTHATEVENING,afterJasonwatchedasTaylorproudlycashedinherlittlestackofthree-
hundred-dollarsworthofchips—howcute—hetookheroutsidetoaprivateterraceonthesecond
floor.Fromthere,theywouldhaveaviewofthehotel’sspectacularlakeandfountains.

Astheypulleduptothebalconyrailing,Jasonnoticedthattheeveningairhadturnedcool.Seeing
Taylorhugherarmstoherchest,heofferedherthecorduroyblazerhewore.Shesurprisedhimby
actuallyacceptingit.

Jasonhadaplanfortheremainderofthenight,andthatplanhadonekeyelement:thathe
absolutelynotkissTaylor.Hesuspectedshesuspectedhewouldtryjustthat,andhewantedtokeepher
guessing.Besides,theywouldhaveplentyoftimeforsuchthingslater.Ofthat,hewasquite
confident.

HewatchedasTaylorstoodagainsttherailing,admiringthefountainshow.ClairdeLuneplayed
throughtheterracespeakersasthewaterdancedbeforethem.Thedesertbreezesweptthroughher
hair,andshehadneverlookedmorebeautifultoJasonthanshedidrightthen.Herealizedwhy.

“You’resmiling,”hesaid,unusedtoseeinghersorelaxedandcontent.

Taylorturnedtohim.“Iwasjustthinkingaboutwhatmyfamilywouldsay,iftheycouldseemeright
now.Mybrotherswouldneverletmelivedownthiseveningiftheyknewaboutit.”

Jasonrealizedthenthatshehadn’ttoldherfamilyabouthim.Hedoubtedthereweremanypeoplein
theworldwhowouldkeepsuchaconnectionsecret.

“Howmanybrothersdoyouhave?”heasked,seizingontherareopportunitytolearnmoreabouther.

“Three.Allolder.”

“Aretheylawyers,too?”

Sheshookherhead.“No.Policeofficers,likemydad.ExceptforMichael,theyoungest,whorebelled
andbecameafireman.”

Jasonmovednexttoherattherailing.“Andthencameyou,”hesaidteasingly.

Taylorsmiled.“Andthencameme.”

“Dotheyhaveanyideawhattodowithyou?”

Shelaughedatthetruthofthis.“Notreally,no.”

“Whatwouldtheythinkofme?”

Atfirst,sheseemedsurprisedthathewouldasksuchathing.“Theywouldthinkyou’realittle...
fancy,”shesaid.

“Thanks,”hesaiddryly,offended.

Taylorpausedandlookedhimover.Thenshegavehimananswerwithmoresubstance.

“Theywouldthinkyou’reeverythingtheyexpected,andyetnotanythingtheyexpected,allatthe
sametime.”

Jasonlikedthesoundofthatmuchbetter.HemovedclosertoTaylor.“Ithinkthat’swhatyouthink.”

Shelookedawayandchangedthesubject.“Sohow’sthemoviecoming?”

“Webeganfilminglastweek.”

Jasonsawherlookofsurprise.“Weshootoutoforder,”heexplained,“sowe’llworkaroundthe
scenesyouandIstillhavetofix.”

Lookingherover,hecasuallyadded,“Youshouldcomevisitthesetsometime.”

Thewordshadslippedoutbeforeheeventhoughtaboutthem.Hehadnever,everbeforeinviteda
womantowatchhimduringfilming.

ButTaylorshookherhead.“Unfortunately,mydaysaretakenfortheforeseeablefuturewiththis

trial.”

Jasonstaredatherinamazement.Hedidn’tknowanyonewhowouldturndownsuchanoffer.

“You’retheperfectmodel,youknow,”hesaid.

“Excuseme?”

Seeingherconfusion,heexplained.“ThecharacterI’mplayinginthefilmisthisdriven,workaholic
lawyerwhohasneverlostacase.WhenI’mplayinghim...”Hepaused,hisvoicesoftening.
Somehowtheywerenowstandingjustinchesapart.“Ithinkofyou.”

Whentheireyesmet,Jasongrinnedandadded,“Withapenis.”

“Isthatwhatthisisallabout?”

“Penises?”

Taylorlaughed.“Imeant,youneedingamodelforyourcharacter.Isthatwhyyou...”Shetrailed
off,asifuncertainhowtofinishhersentence.

“IsthatwhyI...what?”

JasonrealizedthenthatdespitethefactthatTaylorwastrappedbetweenhimandtherailing,she
seemedtobemakingnoattempttomoveaway.

Hereyessearchedhis.“Whyyoukeep...pesteringme,”shesaidsoftly.

“IsthatwhatI’mdoing?”Jasonmurmured,steppingcloser.

Drawnin,Taylor ’seyesloweredseductivelyassheraisedherfacetohis.“Yes,”shewhispered,
“you’redefinitelyverypesty.”

Andsuddenly,Jasoncouldn’thelphimself.

Despiteallhisbest-laidplans,hewaslost...hishandreacheduptothenapeofherneckandhe
gentlypulledherintohim...shewasn’tstoppinghim,infactherhandsliduphischestandherlips
partedinvitinglyasshepulledhimcloserandhislipscamedowntohersand—

“Ohmygod,it’sJasonAndrews!”

Thescreamcamefromtheterracebelow.

Jasonwatchedasithappened—thedreamyfogdissolvedfromTaylor ’seyes,likeamethodactor
who’dbeendeeplyintocharacterwhenthedirectorsuddenlyyelled“Cut!”Realitysetin.

Sheimmediatelysteppedawayfromhimasifcaught.Helookeddownandsawthatacrowdhad
formedontheterracebelowthem.Severalwomenshoutedfrantically,pointing,cryingouthisname.
Paparazziappearedoutofnowhere.Camerasbegantoflashaseveryonescrambledtoget

photographs.Suddenly,itwaspurebedlam.Jasontookastepbackfromthebalconyandreachedfor
Taylor—

Butshewasgone.Inside.

Withalookofdisappointment,Jasonwavedtothecrowd,thenturnedandheadedtotheterracedoors.

Thescreamsofhisfanswereuponhisbackallthewayinside.

ASJASONWALKEDTaylorupthebrickpathtoherapartment,shewasquietlyrelievedthatthe
eveningwascomingtoanend.She’dbeeninternallyberatingherselfovertheTerraceSnafu(as
she’dcometothinkofit)andexternallyhadbeendoingherbesttoletJasonknowthatwhateverhe
thoughtwasabouttohappenbackinVegaswasnot,infact,whathadbeenabouttohappen.

Ofcourse,sheknewfullwellwhathadbeenabouttohappen.

Godonlyknowswhatshe’dbeenthinking,butshehad,infact,beenabouttokissJason.Suchamove
wouldhavebeenunprofessionalandunethical,nottomentionoverwhelminglystupid.Sheblamedthe
vodkaandtheheatforgettingtoher.Nevermindthefactthatithadbeenonlysixty-fivedegreeson
theterraceandshe’dgoneinstantlysobertheminutethecrowdhadbegunscreaming.

“Didyouhaveagoodtimetonight?”ItwasthefourthtimeJasonhadaskedherthatsincethey’d
landed.

Shenodded.“Yes.”

Foronce,conversationseemedtoeludethem.Luckily,theyarrivedatherfrontdoor.Taylorwas
carefultokeepagooddistancebetweenherandJasonastheysaidgood-bye.

“So,thankyou,again,forthegamblinglessonand,youknow,everythingelse,”shesaidlamely.

Jason,too,seemedtobestrugglingforsomethingtosay.

“So...okay,then.”Heshifteduneasily.

Whenanotherawkwardmomentpassed,Taylornoddedefficiently.“Good-bye,Jason.”Sheturned
andunlockedherdoorandwasjustabouttostepinsideherapartmentwhen—

“I’mhavingapartynextSaturday.”

Taylorglancedbackoverhershoulder.Jasonstoodthere,onherdoorstep,wearingthesamelost-
but-adorableexpressionhe’dhadthatfirsteveningwhenshe’dlefthimalonewiththepaparazzi
outsideherofficebuilding.

“Youshouldcome,”hesaid,shruggingwithaboyishgrin.“Ifyoudon’thaveotherplans,thatis.”

“NextSaturday?”Taylorquicklytriedtothinkofanexcuse.

Jasonnodded.“Junetwenty-first.MarkitinthatlittleBlackBerryyoucarryeverywhere.”

ThewordshitTaylorwithashock,likeabucketoficywaterthathadbeendumpedoverherhead.

“Junetwenty-first?”sherepeated.

Herweddingday.

Orrather,herformerweddingday,beforeshecalleditoffafterfindingDanielinflagrantedoggie-
stylowithhisassistant.Witheverythinggoingon,thedatehadcompletelyslippedhermind.

Jasonsawtheexpressiononherface.“Doyouhaveotherplansthatday?”

Taylorshookherheadslowly.“No.Um,notanymore.”

Jasonsmiled,thematterhavingbeensettledinhismind.“Great.ThenI’llseeyouthere.”

HEHADMADEupthewholethingabouttheparty,ofcourse.

Jasonhadbeenstruggling,tryingtothinkofanythingtosaytogetasecondnonwork
date/meeting/whateverwithTaylor,andhe’djustblurtedthewordsout.Hehadn’thostedapartyin
years(hehatedhavingpeopleinhishouse),butithadbeenthefirstthingthathadcometomindthat
wouldn’tsoobviouslyconveytoherexactlywhathewastryingtodo.

“Aparty?”MartywassurprisedthenextmorningwhenJasonstoppedbyhisofficeonthewaytothe
settopassalongthenews.

Jasonnodded.“I’llletyouhandlethelist.”Herelaxedonthecouchthatfrontedthewallofwindows
inMarty’soffice.

“IsthereanyonespecialI’msupposedtoputonthislist?”Martyasked.

“Whoever.Theusualpeople.”Jason’stonewascasual.“AndTaylorDonovan.”

Martypausedatthis.Thenhenodded.“Sure,sure,Ms.Donovan—ofcourse.ButIalsothinkwe
shouldinvitesomeoftheotheractorsfromIntheDark,”hesaid,referringtothelegalthrillerJason
wasshooting.“LikeNaomiCross.”

JasonshotMartyaknowinglook.HispublicisthadbeenpushingNaomiCrossonhimsincetheday
she’dbeencast.Itwouldcreategreatbuzzforthefilm,Martyhadurgedrepeatedly.Oneofthe
favoritestrategiesofanyHollywoodpublicistwastoleakawebofhints,suggestions,innuendos,and
whispersthattwocostarswerehookinguponset.Allofwhich,ofcourse,wouldtheninturnbe
vehementlydeniedbysaidpublicistwhenasked.

“I’vetalkedtoNaomi’spublicist,andweagreeitwouldbegreatforthetwoofyoutobeseen
together,”Martycontinued.“Herpublicistisprobablyhavingthesameconversationwithherrightat
thisverymoment.”

Jasonsighed.Normally,hedidn’tmindthispartofthebusiness.Infact,typicallyhedidn’thavetobe
askedbyhispublicisttobe“seen”withhiscostarsbecausehewasalreadysleepingwiththemanyway.
Butsomethingdidn’tfeelrightthistime.Hedidn’tlikethethoughtofTaylorreadingabouthimand
anotherwomaninthepress.Healreadyneededtohandlethingsdelicatelywithher.Hedidn’tseeany
reasontoaddmoreobstaclestothemix.

“FeelfreetoputNaomioranyoneelseyouwantonthelist,”JasontoldMarty.“Butfornow,this
partyistheonlythingyoushouldfocuson.”

TRUTHBETOLD,MartyhadbeenabitperturbedbyJason’sflat-outrefusaltodiscusstheNaomi
issueanyfurther.Theywerecostars,theybothweresingle—ofcoursetherehadtoberumorsspread
aboutthem.ItwastheHollywoodwayofthings.Hedidn’tunderstandwhyJasonwasbeingsodamn
stubbornaboutthewholething.

Luckily,withintwenty-fourhours,Marty’sannoyancewithhisnumberoneclientdissipatedasword
spreadaroundtownthatJasonAndrewswashavingapartythatweekend.AllofLosAngelesseemed
tobetalkingaboutit.Funny,evenScottCaseymentionedittoMartywhenthetwoofthemmetfor
lunchatAgoafewdayslatertodiscussthepossibilityofMartybecominghisnewpublicist.Over
theirsteaksalads,ScottcasuallymentionedthathehadalwaysbeencurioustoseeJasonAndrews’s
famousmansion.

Ofcourse,sinceScottwasnowapotentialclient,Martywasmorethanhappytoputhisnameonthe
invitelist.

Fifteen

WHENSATURDAYEVENINGrolledaround,asmanyofHollywood’sbiggestnamesandmost
beautifulfaceswerepresumablybeingprimpedanddressed,andasfranticpublicistsundoubtedly
racedaroundcoordinatingtheall-importantlast-minutedetailsofwhowouldarriveexactlywhenand
withwhom,Taylorsatquietlyaloneinherapartment.

Shewasn’tgoing.

ShetooktheTerraceSnafuasawarningsignthatJasonAndrewsplusalcohol(shestillblamedthe
vodka)wasnotagoodmix,andthatthingsbetweenthemshouldremainonapurelyprofessional
levelfromhereonout.

Yes,true,notgoingwouldmeanspendinganotherSaturdaynightbyherselfwhiletheonepersonshe
knewinLosAngelesthrewwhatappearedtobethebiggestpartyoftheyear.Andyes,notgoing
wouldmeanpatheticallysittinghomealoneonwhatwaspreviouslysupposedtobethenightofher
wedding,whilebeingforcedtolistentothelongandpitifulmessagesDanielkeptleavingonher
machine(hehadcalledthreetimesthatdayalready).

AndnotgoingalsomeantnotseeingJason.

Thiswasagoodthing,Taylorremindedherself.AftertheirnightinLasVegas,shehadaprettygood

ideawhatJasonwasafterand—judgingfromhercompletelyunthinkingreactiontohimonthe
terrace—sheworriedthatshecouldn’tkeephimatbayforever.Orrather,thatshewouldn’twantto.

Andsheworriedthatthisseemedtobeworryingherlessandless.

TaylorhadreplayedthatmomentontheBellagiobalconyathousandtimesinherhead.Actually,it
wasn’tjustinherhead—theshotsthepaparazzihadgottenofherandJason,rightbeforetheyhad
almostkissed,hadmadethecoversofallthetabloidmagazines.“JasonandtheMysteryWoman:It’s
On!”;“HotDesertNights:JasonwithMysteryWomaninVegas!”;“RomanceattheBellagio!”Every
morning,LindaleftadifferenttabloidonTaylor ’schair.Andeverymorning,shepromptlytossed
theminhergarbagecan.

Possiblyaftertakingaquickpeekortwo.

Shehadpausedthefirsttimeshe’dseenoneofthephotographsofthemontheterrace.Herbackhad
beentothecameras,butJason’sfacecouldbeseenasclearasday.Somethingabouthisexpression
hadstruckher,somethingaboutthewayhehadbeenlookingatherrightthen.Likenothingexisted
exceptforherandhim,inthatmoment.

Butthatwasaridiculousthought.Aridiculousanddangerousthought,andonethatcouldgetherintoa
wholemessoftrouble.

Andthatwaswhyshewasn’tgoingtotheparty.

SHEWASN’TCOMING.

JasonstoodonthebalconyoutsidethelivingroomofhisBeverlyHillshome.Thepartywas
crowdedandwild,withpeopleeverywhere—aroundthepool,byhisguesthouse,evenspillingonto
hisbasketballcourt.Atleastthesecuritystaffhaddoneagoodjobofkeepingeveryoneoutdoors.So
far.

Hehadstoppedhavinginterestinhispartyguestswelloveranhourago,aboutthetimewhenthe
degreeofTaylor ’slatenesshadgonebeyondbeingfashionable.Heglancedatthefrontgate,the
entrancetotheparty,onceagain.

“Idon’tthinkshe’scoming.”

JasonglaredatJeremy,whostoodnexttohimonthebalcony.Tothinkthiswasonething,butfor
Jeremytoactuallyvocalizethesentimentwaspuretreachery.

“She’scoming,”Jasonassuredhim,soundingfarmoreconfidentthanhefelt.

“Idon’tknow...it’sgettinglate,”Jeremysaid,shakinghisheadskeptically.

Jasoncheckedhiswatch.Fourminutessincethelasttimehehadlooked,andstillnosignofTaylor.

“Youactuallylookanxious.”Jeremysoundedbothsurprisedandamusedbythis.

Jasonthrewhimanothercautionarylook—hewasnotinthemoodtobetrifledwiththatnight—when
hespottedsomethingatthefrontgate.Orrather,someone.

SeeingtheexpressiononJason’sface,Jeremyturnedandfollowedhisgaze.Bothmenwatchedas
Taylorwalkedintotheparty.

Foramoment,Jasonwasspeechless.

Sheworeadressthatwouldhavenoplaceinsideacourtroom—ablackstraplessdresswithaslitup
totherethatmoldedperfectlytohereverycurve.Herhairwaslongandwildandwavy,andhereyes
weresmoky.HehadneverseenthissideofTaylorbefore,soovertly...hot.Hevaguelyheard
Jeremy’svoiceinthedistance,tellinghimtopickhisjawupoffthefloorbeforesomeonetripped
overit.

Jasonswallowed,thenturnedtohisfriend.“Itoldyoushewascoming,”hesaidconfidently.Thenhe
quicklyheadeddownthestepsthatledfromthebalconyandworkedhiswaythroughthecrowd.Ashe
approachedTaylor,hereyesmethisanddidnotbreakaway.Heslowedashedrewnearandstopped
beforeher.

“You’rehere.”

“Iam.”

Jasonboldlytookinthewayshelooked.

“Itakeityoudon’toftenwearthatdressincourt.”

“Probablynotagoodidea.”

Hegrinned.“Yes,Icanimagineitwouldbesomewhatawkwardstandingbeforeajudgewhohasa
hugehard-on.”

“Isthattheeffectthisdresshas?”

Taylor ’seyestraveleddownward,tothezipperofJason’spants,andhewasmomentarilycaughtoff
guardbyherbluntness.

Hereyessparkled,amused.

“You’reblushing,Jason.That’scute.”

Hesmiledathersassiness,thengrabbedherhand.“Comeon.I’llshowyouaround.”

HeledTaylorthroughthecrowd,pastallthepeoplewhostared,andthetwoofthemheadedinside
thehouse.

ASJASONGAVEherthegrandtour,Taylorcouldn’thelpbutbeimpressedbyhispassionforand

sizableknowledgeofarchitecture,whichappearedtobemostlyself-taught.Ashepointedoutone
detailafterthenext—everythingfromtheteakfloorsuptotheintricatecrownmolding—shelearned
thathehadpersonallyoverseenthedesignofthe12,000--square-footFrenchNormandy-style
mansionwhenhehadbuiltitfiveyearsago.

Jasonledherthroughthesixguestbedrooms,mastersuitewithtwoseparatesittingrooms,vaulted
glassfoyer,screeningroom,privatewinecellar,spa,steamroom,andtwo-storyreading
studio/library.Atseveralpointsalongtheway,Taylorcouldn’thelpbutthinkhowshehadnever
beforeseenwealthlikethis.Shewasnotsomeonewhowasparticularlyimpressedbymoney—her
firmpaidheroveraquartermilliondollarsperyearandthatconstitutedafargreaterincomethan
anyotherChicagoDonovanhadeverseen—butbeinginthathousewithJasonwassofaroutofher
leagueitwasdownrightdizzying.

Afterthetour,Jasontookheroutsidetooneofthebarsthathadbeensetuponthefirst-floorterrace.
AshehandedhertheFrenchmartinishehadordered(gettingintothespiritoftheNormandystyleof
thehouse),hegaveheracoylook.

“So...isthereanyreasonyouwaiteduntilaftermidnighttofinallyshowup?”

“Sorry.IhadtostopatapartyatJackNicholson’salongtheway.”

“Actually,Jackissittingabouttenfeetbehindyou,smokingacigarinthatloungechair.”

AsTaylorturnedtolook,Jasonpressedon.“Seriously,Iknowyoudebatedwhethertocometonight.
Whatmadeyoudecide?”

Sheshruggednonchalantly.“Itsoundedlikefun.”

“ButIknowhowbusyyouare.SoI’mtouchedbythegesture.”

Dismissingthiswithawave,Taylormovedawayfromthebar.Jasonfollowedher.Slowlythey
weavedthroughthecrowd,goingbackandforth.

“You’rereadingtoomuchintothis.IjustthoughtIneededtogetoutforafewhours.”

“Andyouchosetospendthosefewhourswithme.”

“Ichosetogotoaparty.Youjusthappenedtobethehost.”

“Youchosetowearthatdress.”

“Surelyyou’renotsuggestingthatawoman’sattireisanindicationofherintentions?”

“No,butwhenthiswomanspendsthelittlefreetimeshehaswithme,Istarttogetcurious.”

Taylorcametoastopinanalcovethatwassetofffromtherestoftheparty.Sheleanedagainstthe
wall,holdinghermartiniwithonehand.

“GoingtoLasVegaswithyouwaspartofthedealwemade,”shesaidcasually.

Jasonmovedincloseandrestedonehandonthewallnexttoher.Hestareddownintohereyes.

“Butcomingheretonightwasn’t—youdidthatonyourown.Why?”

Tayloravoidedthequestion.Thetruthwas,shewasn’texactlysurewhatshewasdoingthere.Onan
impulse,shehadhoppedinthePTCruiseranddrivenover—atotallylast-minute,spur-of-the-
momentdecision.

Aftertwentyminutesspentdoinghermakeup.

Andthirtydoingherhair.

Andfourdresschanges.

Totallyspur-of-the-moment.

AvoidingJason’sgaze,Taylorgesturedtotheparty.“Youprobablyshouldgetbackoutthere.You’re
ignoringyourotherguests.”

“Screwthem.”

“I’msurethatmanyofthem,youalreadyhave.”

Sheregrettedthewordstheinstanttheycameout.

Jasoncockedhisheadwithaknowinggrin.“Hmmm...nowthatsoundsalittlebitlikejealousy.How
intriguing.”

Taylorcouldhavesmackedherselfformakingthecomment,forgivinghimanyammunition.Hewas
standingtooclosetoher,thatwastheproblem,sherealized.Itwas...distracting.Sheneededto
quicklyextricateherselffromthesituation.

Shestaredhimintheeyesdefiantly.“Whateveryou’retryingtogetmetoadmit,Jason,it’snotgoing
tohappen.”

And,havinggotteninthelastword,Taylorslippedunderhisarmandwalkedaway.

JEREMYHADN’TMOVEDfromhispositiononthebalcony.Itwastheonlyplaceinthecrowded
partywherehecouldsafelydrinkhisbeerwithoutbeingjostledbysomedrunkenearlytwenties
assholethreateningtothrowhisscantilycladdateintothepool,oraccostedbyahopefulstarletwho
believedthatflirtingwithhimwouldgetherthatmuchclosertoJason.

Frankly,JeremydislikedthewholeHollywoodscene,buthetolerateditnotonlyasasometimes-
necessarypartofhislifeasascreenwriterbutalsoasanalways-necessarypartofJason’slife.Itwas
oneofthosethingsthatanyoneclosetoJasoninevitablyhadtoaccept,forbetterorworse,likethe
constantpresenceofthepaparazzi.

HewasnotparticularlysurprisedwhenJasonrejoinedhimonthebalconythatevening,inahuffand
alone.HepersonallythoughtJasonwasapproachingthisthingwithTaylorinentirelythewrongway.
Butoncehisfriendsethismindtosomething,itwasnearlyimpossibletosteerhiminadifferent
direction.

“Anyluck?”JeremyaskedasJasonpulledupalongsidehimatthebalcony’sledge,wheretheyhada
goodviewofthepartybelow.

“Maybe...”Jasonmused.HelookedoverwithannoyancewhenhesawthatJeremywassmokingso
closetothehouse.Buthesaidnothing,assmokingwasanecessarypartofJeremy’slifeand
somethingthatanyoneclosetohiminevitablyhadtoaccept.

“Maybehow?”Jeremyexhaledsmokeoutofthecornerofhismouth.

Jasonconsideredthis.“IthinkI’mstartingtogettoher.”

“Ibetthat’swhatshe’stellingHaydenStonerightnow.”

Jeremynoddedtothepartybelow,whereTaylorwasengagedinwhatappearedtobeafriendly
conversationwiththegood-lookingdirector.

Withalookofdisbelief,Jasonpulledbackfromtheledge.

“Idon’tgetit,”hesaid,frustrated.“Sheshouldbecominguphererightnowtotellmeshechanged
hermind.Orwaitinginmybedroom,naked,tosurpriseme.OrgivingyouasecretmessagethatI
shouldmeetherinthegazebo,whereshe’llbewaiting,naked.Orinthebathtub,withbubbles,
champagne,and—”

“Naked.Igetthepoint.”

“Thepoint,Jeremiah,isthatthisisnothowthingsweresupposedtogotonight.”

JeremyreachedoutandsolemnlyputhishandontheSexiestManAlive’sshoulder.

“I’msorry,Jason.Butmaybeshe’sjustnotthatintoyou.”

Itwasajoke,butJason’sfacesuddenlyfilledwithworry.“Doyoureallythinkthatcouldbeit?”

DespitethefactthathegenerallyenjoyedanyfunthatcouldbehadatJason’sexpense,Jeremyfelta
littlebadseeingthelookofconcernonhisfriend’sface.

“No,Iactuallydon’tthinkthat’sit,”hesaid.“ButIalsodon’tthinkshe’sgoingtoadmithowshe
feels.”

ThewordsseemedtoreinvigorateJason.“Well,toobadforher.”HeignoredthelookJeremygave
him.“Hey—don’tgetmewrong,I’menjoyingthisgameofhardtogetshe’splaying.It’sbeenlike
threeweeksofforeplay.”

Jeremyrolledhiseyes.Thecommentwasn’tevenworthrespondingto.

“Butit’stimeforthingstostartmovingalong,towheresheandIbothknowthisisheaded,”Jason
continued.

“AndIsuppose,EvilGenius,thatyouhavejusttheplantoaccomplishthis?”Jeremypausedwhenhe
sawtheslysmileonJason’sface.“Youactuallydohaveaplan,don’tyou?”

“Ido,”Jasonsaidproudly.

“DoIevendaretoaskwhatthisplanmightbe?”

“Everywoman’sweakness,”Jasontoldhim.“Jealousy.”Hefoldedhisarmsandleanedbackagainst
thebalconyledge.“Letherseemewithsomeoneelse,andthenwe’llseehowstubbornsheis.”

Jeremywavedthisoff.“Taylor ’shardlythetypetogetintosomecatfightforyou.”

“That’snotwhatI’mlookingfor,”Jasonsaid.Thenhepaused,asifsuddenlygettingthevisual.“As
hotasthatmightbe...”

Jasonshookthisoff.“Look—allIneedistoseeherreaction.Trustme,Iknowhowawomanlooks
whenshe’supsetwithme.Andifshe’supset,thatmeansshe’sjealous,andthattellsmeeverythingI
needtoknow.”

Jeremyshookhishead.“Thisisnotagoodplan.I’lltellyouwhat—I’vegotabetterideaforyou.”

Curious,JasonleanedinasJeremyloweredhisvoiceconspiratorially.

“NowIknowit’sabitradical,butindesperatetimes—”

Jeremypauseddramatically.

“Giveher...timetotrustyou.”

Heglancedaroundfurtivelytomakesurenoonehadoverheardhisdeviousplot.

Jasonglared,unamusedbyJeremy’santics.“Idon’twanttogivehertimetotrustme.That’lltaketoo
long.”

“Sowhatifitdoes?”Jeremyasked.“Areyougoingsomewhere?Dying?IbettergettheAston
Martin.”

“I’mjusttiredofwaiting,”Jasonsaid.“Iwanttoknowhowshefeels.Ineedtoknowhowshefeels.”

Jeremyglancedover,intriguedbythischoiceofwords.

Butseeminglynotwantingtodiscussthematterfurther,Jasonturnedawayandheadedbackinsidethe
house.

UNDERNEATHTHEBALCONY,ScottandRobhuddledinacornerofthepatio,outofview.They
hadjustoverheardeverythingJasonhadsaid.

Scottgrinnedvictoriously.“Itoldyoutheyweren’ttogether.”

Robnodded.“It’sthesamethingIsawinVegas—hehasseriouslygotathingforthatgirl.”Hepeeked
aroundthecorner,tryingtogetabetterlookatTaylor.“Iwonderwhatherdealis?Imean,theguy
couldgetanyonehewants.”

ScottyankedRobbackintothealcove.Perhapsalittlerougherthannecessary.

“Hey,”Robcomplained,fixinghisshirt.“Ijustmeant,what’ssospecialabouther?”

Scottthoughtaboutthisforamoment.“Youknow,Ithinkweshouldfindout.”HemovedRobaside
inordertohaveanunobstructedviewofTaylor.“Ithinkit’sabouttimethatJasonAndrews’sMystery
Womanbecamealittlelessofamystery.”Withapurposefulgrin,heheadedbackintotheparty.

Robwatchedhimgo,callingafterhim.“Great!Soundslikeaplan.”Hepointedtothebuffettable.
“I’mjustgonnagrabafewsnacksfirst.”

Sixteen

JASONFOUNDNAOMICrossoutbythekoipond,chattingintimatelywithagroupofwomen.He
approachedherwithawarmsmile.

“Hello,Naomi.Areyouenjoyingyourself?”

TheactressturnedwhensheheardJason’svoice.Shewaslongandblondeandtan,appearingevery
inchtheCaliforniagirluntilshespoke.

“Darling,youknowIalwaysenjoymyselfatyourparties.I’dnevermissone.”HersmoothBritish
accentwastheonlyindicationthatshewasLondonbornandbred.

“Gotasecond?”Jasongesturedtoatableofftotheside.WhenNaominodded,heledherawayfrom
hergirlfriends.

AsJasonwasabouttositdownatthetable,hespottedTayloracrossthepool,stilltalkingtoHayden
Stone.Decidingitwashightimetoputanendtothat,hegrabbedabouncerwhowaswalkingby.

“Gotacellphone?”

Thebouncernoddedaffirmatively.

“Good.”Jasonpointed.“HaydenStoneisoverthere,talkingtoadark-hairedwoman.Walkuptohim
withthecellphoneandsaythathiswifewantstospeakwithhim.”

SatisfiedwhenhesawthebouncertakeoffinTaylor ’sdirection—thatshouldtakecareofthat—Jason
joinedNaomiatthetable.

“SoCindytoldmethatsheandMartyhavebeentalking,”Naomisaid,referringtoherpublicist.

“Thetwoofthemseemtobequitethematchmakersthesedays.MartysuggestedthatyouandIhave
drinksatthePeninsula.”Jasonrolledhiseyesattheunoriginalityoftheidea.“Itwasthesameplace
hesentJenandVincebeforethereleaseofTheBreak-Up.”

Thetwoactorssharedagrin.Althoughthiswasthefirsttimethey’dworkedtogether,theyhadknown
eachotherforyearsandgotalongwell.

“DrinksatthePeninsula?”Naomilaughed.“Igiveitthreeweeksbeforethetabloidssaywe’re
engaged.”

“Andfivebeforeyou’repregnant.”

Naomigroaned.“Anotherbumpwatch.Cindywouldloveit.”

Jasonleanedin,peeringatheracrossthetable.Itwastimetogetdowntobusiness.“Naomi—Ineed
toaskyouforafavor.There’ssomethingI’dlikeyoutohelpmeoutwithtonight.”

Alwaysoneforagoodintrigue,NaomimetJasonhalfwayacrossthetable,tiltingherheadintoward
his.Sheloweredhervoicetoasecretivewhisper.

“Whatexactlydidyouhaveinmind,darling?”

TAYLORNODDEDALONGpolitelyasHaydenStonerattledonabouthisnewestproject,aromantic
“dramedy”aboutaself-centeredmanatacrisispointinhislifewhobecomesabetterpersonthrough
theloveofaquirky-but-cutewoman,allsettoaneclecticclassicrocksoundtrack.GiventhatHayden
wastheonlypersonatthepartywhohadbotheredtotalktoherotherthanJason,sheresistedtheurge
topointoutthatthissoundedstrikinglysimilartotheplotofhislastthreefilms.

WhileTaylorwastalkingtothedirector,shecouldn’thelpbutseeJasonoutofthecornerofhereye,
sittingatatablenearthepoolwithNaomiCross.SherecalledthePeoplemagazinearticleLindahad
givenherafewweeksagothatsuggestedNaomiwasJason’s“nextconquest.”

Afewweeksago,Taylorcouldhavecaredlessaboutsuchgossip.Butnow,forsomereason,seeing
themtogethermadeherstomachfeelasthoughitwastiedupinknots.

SheforcedherselftolookawayfromJasonandtheactress,justasHaydenwrappeduphisten-minute
diatribeontheprotagonist’s“characterarc.”

“Sothat’sthepointwhereweseethatthecharacterhasreallycomefullcircle,”hesaid.“Whatdoyou
think?”

Taylorblushedatthequestion.Thisreallywasnotherfieldofexpertise.

“Oh,I’mnottherightpersontoask,”shesaidlightly.“Idon’tseethatmanyromanticcomedies.”

“Dramedies,”Haydencorrectedher.“Andwhyisthat?Youdon’tbelieveinlove?”

Taylorwasmomentarilyputoffbyhisbluntness.Butshegrinned,tryingtoplaynice.“OfcourseI
believeinlove.”Shedeliberatelyputjustatingeofmockingemphasisontheword.“AlthoughI’m
notsureIbelieveinlovelikeyouseeinmovies.”

Haydenappearedtolikethischallenge.IntheHollywoodfoodchain,asTaylorquicklywasaboutto
learn,theonlypersonmorearrogantandself-assuredthananOscar-winningactorwasanOscar-
winningdirector.

“Oh?Whatisityoudon’tbelievein?”

Underhisprobinggaze,Taylorsuddenlyfeltlikeshewasbackinlawschool,beinggrilledbyher
tortsprofessoroverthecourt’sholdinginHadleyv.Baxendale.

“Idon’tknow...”shesaid,shiftingherdrinktotheotherhand.Shesawthatthedirectorwasnot
goingtoletheroffthateasily.“Isupposeit’stheideathatthere’sonepersonoutthereforyou.The
so-calledperfectmatch.It’snotalogicalconcept.”

Taylorquicklyglancedaroundtheparty,lookingforawayout.Thiswholeconversationhadturneda
littleflightyforhertaste.

Haydenrockedbackandforthonhisheels,smuginhisobvioussuperiorknowledgeonthesubject.

“Youknow,justbecauselovelikethathasn’thappenedtoyoudoesn’tmeanitdoesn’texist.”

Atthis,Taylortriedtorecallwhathertortsprofessorhadsaidaboutjustificationbeingalegal
defensetosmackingsomeoneupsidethehead.Butshemanagedtoresisttheurgetofindout.

“I’msureyou’reright,”shesaidtoHaydenwithapolitesmile.“IsupposeI’mnotyourtarget
audience,that’sall.”

Haydenleanedincloser.“Letmegiveyouabitoffriendlyadvice,Taylor.Lifeisn’talwaysabout
logicandreason—sometimesyoujusthavetocloseyoureyesandjump.Particularlywhenitcomes
torelationships.”

Taylortriedtokeepfromrollinghereyes.Itnowwasmostdefinitelytimetomakeherescape.

ButHayden,apparently(andquitemistakenly)believinghisconversationskillswerecharming,
movedclosertoher.

“Butperhapswecouldcontinuethisdiscussionfurther.Maybesometimeoverdinner?”

Taylorshookherheadregretfully.“Sorry,I’mafraidIcan’t.I’mreallytoobusywithworkthese
days.”

Haydenappearedquiteoffended—andsurprised—bytherejection.“Isthereaproblemhere?Iowna
restaurantwithBruckheimer,youknow.”

Taylortriednottosmile.Ahh...Hollywood.Justwhenyoumightthinkallthestereotypesand
clichésaren’ttrue,yourealize,yep—theyare.

ShegaveHaydenalook.“Aren’tyoumarried?”Everyoneknewhiswifewasanactresswhohadbeen
intwoofhismovies.

“Separated,”hesaidinsistently.“Ihaven’tspokentomywifeinmonths.”

Justthen,abouncerwalkeduptoHaydenandTaylor,holdingacellphone.

“Excuseme,Mr.Stone—butyourwifeisonthephoneforyou.”

Taylorwatchedinamusementasthedirector ’sfaceturnedredwithembarrassment.

“Andonthatnote...IthinkI’llgo,”shesaid.

Sheheadedofftofindabathroom,theoneplaceshehopedHaydenStonewouldn’ttrytofollowher.

THEGUESTBATHROOMofthepoolhousehadbeenrichlydesignedinbeige-and-blackmarble
anddarkmahoganywood,withaseparateloungearea.Withanappreciativeglance,thelawyerin
Taylorcouldn’thelpbutthinkthatifJasoneverdidgetmarried,hebetterhaveonehellofaprenup.

Shehadjustshutthebathroomdoorwhensheheardtheloud,gossipyvoicesoftwowomenentering
thelounge.

“Ithastobeher,”thefirstvoicewassaying.“Shelooksjustlikethewomaninthatphotographonthe
balconyattheBellagio.Anddidn’tyouseethewayhestaredwhenshefirstwalkedintotheparty?”

“ButIthoughtheandNaomiCrossweresupposedlyhookinguponset,”thesecondvoicesaid.“You
knowAmanda,whoworksinthemailroomatMartyShepherd’sfirm?Shetoldmethat.”

Ittookheramoment,butTaylorrealizedthatthewomenweretalkingaboutherandJason.Suchpetty
gossip.Thankfully,shewasabovethatkindofnonsense.

Shepressedhereartightlyagainstthedoortohearbetter.

“ThatthingaboutNaomiisjustarumor,”thefirstwomansaidknowingly.“YouknowMax,the
waiteratMr.Chow?HetoldmethathewastherewhenJasonhaddinnerwiththeMysteryWoman,and
thathecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.”

Withoutmeaningto,Taylorsmiledatthis.

“Andsupposedly,”thewomancontinued,“shemadehimsmile.Alot.”

Taylorquicklythoughtbacktotheirdinner.Yes...shehadbeenparticularlycharmingthatevening.

“Doyouthinkshe’samodel?”thesecondwomanasked.

Amodel?Wow.Behindthedoor,Taylorproudlytossedherhairbackoverhershoulders.

“Ibetshehasextensions.”

Taylorstopped,midhair-toss.Hermouthopeneddefensively.Holdonthere.

“AndIthinkshe’sgotlipimplants.”Thesecondwomanraisedhervoiceinamockingimitation.
“Excuseme,doctor,I’dliketheAngelinaJolie.”

Taylor ’shandself-consciouslyflewtohermouth.

“Andwhataboutherboobs?”

Taylorpeereddownatherchest.Okay—waitjustasecondthere—

Sheheardtheotherwomanscoff.

“Areyoukidding?Whoactuallyhasrealboobsanymore?”

“Idon’tknow—maybethat’swhyJasonwassmilingsomuchduringtheirdinner.”

Thetwowomensharedalaughatthis.

Taylorheardtheirvoicesfadeastheyleftthebathroom.Shecautiouslyopenedthedoor,steppedout
intothelounge,andheadedovertothemirror.

Ofallthethingsthelittletrixieshadsaid,twocommentsstuckwithhermost.

JasonhaddinnerwiththeMysteryWoman,andhecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffher.

Andsupposedly,shemadehimsmile.Alot.

Taylorcouldn’thelpit—shefeltarushofexcitementhearingthis.Shestaredatherreflectioninthe
mirror.

Whathadgottenintoherthesepastfewweeks?

First,she’dalmostkissedJasoninVegas.Thenshe’dmadethedecisiontocometohispartydespite
thefactthattherewasapileofworkwaitingforherathome.Despitethefactthatshedefinitelyknew
better.

Standingthere,hermindwanderedbacktothewayJasonhadgreetedherwhenshe’dfirstwalkedinto
theparty.He’dlookedreallyhappytoseeher.

Maybethatlookwasgenuine.

Maybeitwouldn’tkillhertobealittlelesscynical.

Maybesheshould...well,shedidn’tknowexactlyhowtofinishthatthought,butmaybejustthinking
“maybe”wasenoughfornow.

SoTaylorgaveherselfalong,hardlookinthemirror.

Thenshesmiled.

Sheturnedandheadedoutofthebathroom,readytorejointheparty.Butshestoppedjustbeforeshe
reachedthedoorandglancedbackinthemirror.Shepaused,thenmostdiscretelyadjustedherdress
toshowatadmorecleavage.

Fake,huh?

Taylorgrinnedknowingly.

Likehelltheywere.

TAYLORHADJUSTstoppedoffatthebartorefreshherdrinkwhensheheardafamiliardrawl
behindher.

“Thereyouare,Ms.Donovan...”

Asmilecrossedherface.Justthemanshewaslookingfor.Withacoytossofherhair,sheturned
aroundand—

FoundherselfstaringrightatNaomiCross.

Jasongraciouslymadetheintroductions.“Taylor,IthoughtyoumightliketomeetNaomi.She’sone
ofmycostarsinthefilmyou’rehelpingmeoutwith.”

Heturnedtotheactresstoexplain.“Taylor ’stheattorneyI’vebeenconsultingonthescript.”

NaomishookTaylor ’shand.“Oh,soyou’retheonewho’sresponsibleforallthelast-minutepage
changestheykeepslidingundermytrailerdoor.”

Recoveringfromherflusteratencounteringtheactress,Taylorsmiled.“Sorry—I’msureI’mbeing
waytoopickywithallthelegalissues.”

Naomidismissedthis.“It’snotyourfault.Thewholeshoothasbeenachallenge,particularlywiththe
schedulethedirectoristryingtokeep.”SheglancedbackatJasonand,afteraslightpause,wrapped
herarmsaroundhisneck.

“That’swhythisweekendwillbesogreat,darling.”Withagrin,sheturnedbacktoTaylor.“Did
Jasontellyou?We’resneakingofftoNapaValley—justthetwoofus.”

Anddespiteherself,Taylorcouldn’thelpit.

Herfacefellindisappointment.

“No,”shesaidquietly.“Hedidn’tmentionit.”

Shelookedaway,tryingtohidehersurprise.Whensheglancedbackup,shenoticedthatJasonwas
watchingherintently.

NaomiranherfingersalongJason’sarmasshepeeredadoringlyathim.“Howcouldyouforgetit?I
knowhowmuchwe’rebothlookingforwardtothistrip.Aren’twe?”

“Ican’tthinkofanythingI’dratherdo.”Jasonsmiledwickedlyashecasuallyturnedhiswatcharound
hiswrist.

Naomireturnedhislookwithoneofherown.“Anythingyou’dratherdo...oranyone?”

Alrighty,then—Taylorhadheardquiteenough.“Listen—Ireallyshouldgetgoing,”sheinterrupted.
“It’sgettingkindoflate.Naomi,itwasnicemeetingyou.”Assheleft,shebrushedbyJasonwitha
curtnodingood-bye.

“Jason.”

Shehadmadeitonlyafewstepsfromthebarwhensheheardhimcallingafterher.

“Taylor,holdonasecond—”

Shestoppedandturnedaround.

Jasonstoodthere,staringatherinnocently,withNaomiathisside.

“We’restillonforThursday,right?”heasked.“TherearethosechangesthewritermadetoActTwo
thatIwantyoutotakealookat.”

Taylorpaused,butsomehowmanagedtokeephercool.“Sure.Thursday,”shesaidevenly.“I’llsee
youthen.”

Withoutfurtherado,sheturnedandwalkedaway.

NAOMIANDJASONwatchedTaylorleave,waitinguntilshewassafelyoutofhearingrange.Then
theactressglancedover.

“So?Didyougetwhatyouwanted?”

“Definitely,”Jasonsaid.Didheever.

“Ididallrightthen?”

“Youwereperfect,Naomi,asalways.Ioweyou.”

Shethrewhimacoywink.“Youknowhowyoucanmakeituptome,darling.”Thenshesashayedoff
torejoinhergirlfriends.

Morethanpleasedwiththewaythingshadturnedout,Jasonsteppeduptothebartoorderhimselfa
victorycocktail.HethoughtbacktothecrushedlookTaylorhadbeenunabletohidewhensheheard
hewouldbespendingtheweekendwithanotherwoman.InNapaValley,noless.Throwinginthat
detaillastminutehadbeenastrokeofpuregenius.

Yesindeed,TaylorDonovanhadputupquiteafightforawhile.Butnow,well...Jasonsmiledatthe
thoughtofwhatwassoontocome.Astheysay,tothevictorgoesthespoils.

Thebartendersetadrinkdownonthebar.Jasonpickedupthehighballglassandtippeditwithaself-
satisfiedgrin.

“Cheers.”

Seventeen

TAYLORHURRIEDOUTthefrontgate,eagertoputasmuchdistancebetweenherandthewallthat
surroundedJason’sestateasfastaspossible.Whenshegottotheendofthecobblestonedriveway,
shelookedupanddownthestreet,tryingtorememberwherethehellshehadparkedhercar.The
stupidBeverlyHillssidestreetsalllookedthesame:wallsandfencesandten-foothedges,createdfor
thesinglepurposeofkeepingtheriffrafffromsneakingpeeksatthefabuloushousesandpeople
inside.

“Shit,shit,shit,”shesworeunderherbreath.

Therealproblem,ofcourse,wasnotthatshecouldn’tfindhercar.

Therealproblemwasthatshehadbeenanutterandcompletefool.

Whathadshebeenthinking,convincingherselfthatmaybeJasonhad—

Shestoppedherselfmid-thought.Theideawassoridiculousshecouldn’tevenfinishit.

Shehadfeltlikesuchanidiot,juststandingthereasNaomidrapedherselfalloverJason.Andasfor
him,Mr.I’m-So-Hotwiththat—whatwasupwiththatsmuggrin,anyway?Whenhehadcalledher
nameassheleft,therehadbeenaboutathousandthingsshe’dbeentemptedtosay.Butwhenshe
turnedandsawJasonstandingwithNaomi,andthenglancedaroundattherestoftheparty,ithad
occurredtoherthatshereallydidn’tbelongthereanyway.Shemayhaveputonthedressandlooked
thepart,butattheendoftheday,shewasstilljustalawyerfromChicago.

TheworstpartofthesituationwasthatTaylorhadnoonetoblamebutherself.Shehadsetherselfup
tobedisappointedbyamanwhowasinfamouslyknownworldwidefordisappointingwomen.
Despitewhatshemighthavewantedtobelieveforafewbriefsecondsafteroverhearingthelittle
bathroomtrixies,shewasnodifferentfromanyotherwomanJasonAndrewshadevermet.

Butknowingthisstilldidnotmakethingshurtanyless.

Forabriefmoment,Taylor ’sthoughtsdriftedbacktoJason.Therewassomethingabouthim—his
eyes,hissmile,thewayhisvoicesoundedwhenhesaidhername,thethingshesaidthatmadeher
laugh,thewayhecouldlookatherasiftherewasnooneelseintheroom...

Sheresolutelyshovedthislineofthinkingoutofhermind.

“Shit!”shemutteredagainasshepacedthedriveway.Sobotheredwasshe,evenherprofanitylacked
itsusualflair.

Suddenly,avoicecameoutofthedarkness.

“Well,itcan’tbethatbad.”

Taylorwhirledaroundandsaw—whoa,nelly—ScottCaseystandingjustafewfeetaway.Howlong
hehadbeenhangingoutbythedriveway,shehadnoidea.

Scottsmiledatthesurprisedlookonherface.

“Issomethingwrong?”

TaylorhadnoticedalotoffamousfacesatJason’sparty,butcertainlydidn’trecallseeingScott
Caseythere.Andhewouldbeveryhardtomiss.Valwasright—hewasabsolutelybeautifulinperson,
withhisblondhair,leanbuild,andmodel-perfectfeatures.AwalkingCalvinKleinad.And
apparently,talking,too.

Toher.

Rightthen.

“Sorry.”Taylorregrouped,managingtofindhervoice.“Ican’trememberwhereIparkedmycar,
that’sall.”

“I’dbehappytogiveyouarideifyouneedone.”

Taylorgavehimalook.HemayhavebeenScottCasey,butshewasnofool.Atleastnottwiceinone
night,anyway.

“I’llbefine,”shetoldhim.“It’saroundheresomewhere.”

“You’releavingthepartysosoon.Ihopenothing’swrong?”

Forsomereason,Taylorfoundherselfwarmingalittletohim.Perhapsitwasthelookofconcernin
hislighthazeleyes.OrpossiblythekillerAustralianaccent.

“Nothing’swrong,”shesaidlightly.“Ijustneedtogetanearlystarttomorrow,forwork.”

“WorkonaSunday?”Scottmadeaface.“Whatdoyoudo?”

“I’malawyer.”Taylorsawthatthisregisteredwithhim.

“Ishould’veguessed,”hemused.“Youwerewearingasuitinthatonephotograph,andnooneinthis
townwearssuitsexceptlawyersandagents.”

“Photograph?”TaylortriedtoimaginewhereonearthScottCaseywould’veseenherphotograph.
Thenithither.“Oh,themagazines.”

Hesteppedalittlecloser.“You’reonallthecoversagainthisweek.YouaretheMysteryWoman,
aren’tyou?”heaskedinacoylycurioustone.

“WoulditsurpriseyouifIwas?”

“Notatall.”Hiseyestookherinappreciatively.“I’monlysurprisedtheydidn’tphotographyoufrom
thefront.Yourfacebelongsonamagazinecover.”

Taylorpaused.Thatwasactuallykindofsmooth.

Admittedly,shehadasecretweaknessforcomplimentslikethat.Growingupwiththreeolder
brothers,shehadn’tpaidmuchattentiontofashiontrends,makeup,hairstyles,orotherthingsofthe
typethatthetypicalteenagegirldevotedhourstostudying.Theonetimeshehadactuallydaredto
sneakhomeacopyofSeventeenmagazinehadyieldeddisastrousresults:herbrothershadmocked
herincessantlyfordays.Soinstead,Taylorhadgonethroughhighschoolasthe“smartgirl,”and
she’dbeenjustfinewiththat.Although,admittedly,“smartgirls”werenotexactlywhatteenageboys
wereinterestedin.

Eventually,whenTaylorgottocollegeandteamedupwithValerieandKate,herfriendsconvinced
hertogetridoftheout-of-dateglassesandtomboyponytail.OnerainySaturdaymorning,Valeven
managedtotalkherintoamakeover.TheresultshadsurprisednotonlyKateandVal,butTaylor
herself.Thethreeofthem,usingtheirfakeIDs,hadgoneouttothecampusbarsthatnight,andithad
takenTaylorallofaboutfifteensecondsofobviousmaleappreciationtodecidethathernewlook
wasoneshecouldlivewith.

Nevertheless,asisoftenthecasedespiteaperson’slatterachievements,Taylor ’shighschool“smart
girl”labelstuckwithherintoadulthood,andshestillblushedwheneveragood-lookingguytoldher
shewasattractive.

Whichwasexactlywhatshedidrightthen,hearingScott’scompliment.

“Thankyou,”shesmiledmodestly.“It’ssortofanarrangementJasonmadewiththetabloids.They
can’tpublishanypicturesthatidentifyme.”

“Hencethe‘mystery’part,”Scottsaidcutely.

Taylorstudiedhimcuriously.Hedidn’texactlyseemlikethekindofguywhooftenusedtheword
“hence.”Wasitpossiblethathe—ScottCasey—wasactuallytryingtoimpressher?

Shedecidedtothrowoutalittletest.

“Butnowthemysteryisout.Unless...Icantrustyoutokeepmysecretsafe?”sheaskedina
deliberatelyflirtatioustone.

Scottinstantlytookthebait.“Absolutely.”Hegrinnedather,allboyishcharm.“Ononecondition:that
youtellmeallaboutyourself.”

“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”Taylorshruggedinnocently.Damn,itfeltgoodtobeflirting.Thehell
withcheatingfiancésandex-weddingnightsandbrilliantblue-eyedSexiestMenAlivegoingonsex
rompstowinecountrywiththeirgorgeousblondetoothpickcostars.

“Well,forstarters,howlonghaveyouandJasonbeenseeingeachother?”

Taylorscoffedatthis.Perhapsalittletoovehemently.

“We’renotdating,”shesaiddefinitively.“JasonandIarejust...businessassociates.”

Scottlookeddeepintohereyes,takinganotherstepcloser.“Areyousureaboutthat?”

Taylornodded.“I’mpositive.”

Hegrinned.

“Thenmaybe,MysteryWoman,youshouldstartbytellingmeyourname.”

LATERTHATNIGHT,afterthelastofthepartyguestshadstraggledout,Jasonfellasleepthinking
abouthowperfectlytheeveninghadgone.HepushedasideallofJeremy’sannoyingnegativity:So
whatifhehadtotrickTaylorintoadmittingherfeelings?Inthelongrun,noneofthatwouldmatter.

AfterlettingTaylorstewforadayortwo,hewouldputintoeffectthesecondhalfofhisplan:he
wouldsweepin,assureherthatNaomimeantnothingtohim,thatshewastheonlywomanhethought
about.AndTaylor,inturn,havingalreadyimplicitlyadmittedherfeelingswiththejealouslook,
wouldhavetoconcedeherlossandhavenoreasonnottoexplicitlyadmitherfeelingsaswell.

Butdespitethefactthateverythingwassmoothlyfallingintoplace,Jasonhadaterribledreamthat
night.

Hedreamtthathewasbackattheparty.HeknewTaylorwasthere,buthecouldn’tfindheranywhere.
Finallyhespottedheratasecludedtableinthegarden,drinkingaglassofwinethatheknewcame
fromNapaValley.ButTaylorwasn’talone.Sittingnexttoher—tooclosetoher—andwearingsome
sortofweirdpainter ’sberetwasBradPitt.Forsomereason,TaylorkeptcallinghimJason.

Jasoncalledhername,butTaylorignoredhim.Hetriedwalkingovertoher,butastonewall
suddenlypoppedoutofthegroundlikeamedievalfortress.ThenBradgrinnedandheldouthishand
andledTaylorintothehouse.Jasonwatchedthetwoofthemthroughthewindows;hesawthemhead
uptohisbedroom,andheshoutedforTaylortostop.ButnobodycouldhearhimexceptforJeremy,
whopoppedoutofnowheredanglingupsidedownfromatreewhilewearingacourtjester ’scostume
andgigglingsomethingaboutthepartybeingover.ThenJeremy’slaughturnedmaniacalandhe
flunghiscigaretteintosomenearbybushes.WallssprungupallaroundJason,closinghimin,andhe
hadnochoicebuttowatchhelplesslyashisbeautifultwelve-thousand-square-footFrenchNormandy-
stylehouseburstintoflamesandburnedtotheground.

Jasonwokeupwithastart.

Gaspingforbreath,heshookthenightmareoffandtriedtoclearhishead.Parchedwiththirst,hegot
upandgulpeddownaglassofwaterinthekitchen.Hepeekedthroughhiswindowsandbriefly
openedthebackdoorjusttomakesurehedidn’tsmellanysmoke.

Butbythetimehegotbackintobed,Jasonwasonceagainconvincedthatallwasrightwiththeworld.
Ashisheadhitthepillow,hesmiledatthesheerridiculousnessofhisdream.

BradPitt.Jasonalmostlaughedoutloudatthethought.

HewishedhewasJasonAndrews.

Eighteen

THREEDAYSLATER,satisfiedthathehadgivenTaylorsufficienttimetoseetheerrorofherways,
Jasonheadedupthewalkwayofherapartmentbuildingwithaspringinhisstep.

Whistlingmerrily,heknockedonthefrontdoor.Hegrinned,thinkinghowTaylor ’sdreamswere
abouttocometrue.Andhis,too,finally—he’dcertainlywaitedlongenough.

Jasonheardfootsteps,andthefrontdoorflewopen.Taylorgreetedhiminthedoorway,wearing
jeansandafittedgrayT-shirt.Herfacebrokeintoawidesmilewhenshesawhim.Hehadbeen
expectingthisveryreaction,ofcourse.

“Hey!Comeonin,”Taylorbeamedenthusiastically.

“Wow—youalmostseemhappytoseeme,Ms.Donovan,”Jasonteasedashesteppedinside,willing
toprolongthegameamomentortwolonger.

“Iam.There’ssomethingIwantedtotalktoyouabout.”

Jasonsmiled.Ofcoursetherewas.

“Really?What’sthat?”heaskedinnocently.

“Ihopeyoudon’tmind,Iwasjustmakingdinner,”shesaidoverhershoulder.“Feelfreetopour
yourselfaglassofwine.You’rewelcometostay.”

Ofcoursehewas.

Jasonfollowedherintothekitchen.Whenhegotthere,hesawthat“makingdinner”inTaylor ’smind
meantmixingthedressingintoapremadesaladshehadpresumablypickedupfromthegrocerystore
onthewayhomefromwork.

Thewomantrulywashelplessinthekitchen.Buthewaswillingtooverlookthis.

Jasonspottedtheopenbottleofwineonthecounter.Taylorpointedtothecabinetthatcontainedher
wineglasses,andhetookoutoneforeachofthem.Theycertainlywereabouttohaveplentyto
celebrate.

“Actually,there’ssomethingIwanttotalktoyouaboutaswell,”hesaidashepouredeachofthema
glass.

“Okay.”Taylorshruggedagreeably.“Yougofirst.”

Jasonpaused,wantingtoappearcontemplative,asifheneededamomenttobegin.Inreality,hehad
runthroughthismonologuethreetimesintheAstonMartinonthewayover.Alwaysaperfectionist,
hewantedtobecertainhenailedhislinesjustright.

“Well...”hebegancarefully,“I’vebeendoingsomethinking.AboutNaomi.”Hequicklyglanced
overtocatchTaylor ’sreaction.Sheappearednonchalant,concentratingonthesalad.Hegaveher
propsforheractingskills.

“AndI’vedecidedthatthingsaren’tgoingtoworkoutwithherafterall.”

Taylorlookedup.“Oh?Why’sthat?”

“Becausethere’ssomeoneelseI’mmoreinterestedin,”Jasonsaid.Withthat,hemovedclosertoher
andbrushedalockofhairoffhershoulder.Hehandedheroneofthewineglassesandgazeddownat
herseductively.

“Whydon’twegoawaythisweekendinstead?I’dlovetotakeyoutoNapa,Taylor.”Hisvoicewas
huskyandintimate.“Justthetwoofus.”

Shepeeredupathim,andJasonrecognizedthetelltaledevilishsparkleinhereyes.Hewondered
whethertheywouldhavesexrightthereonthecounter.Hemovedthesaladbowloutoftheway.

Taylor ’seyesheldhis.

“No.”

Jasoncockedhishead,confused.Whatwasthisword,“no”?Shewasalwayssayingitaroundhim.

“Excuseme?”

“Sorry,butno,”Taylorrepeated.“Asin,no,Ican’tgoawaywithyouthisweekend.”Shecasually
tookasipofherwineandsetherglassdown.Sheturnedaway,slidthesaladbowlthathehadjust
movedbackintoplace,andresumedherdinnerpreparations.Jason’svisionsofcrazycountersexand
flyingarugulabegantofade.

“Whatdoyoumean,youcan’t?”

“Well,forstarters,IhaveotherplansthisSaturday.”

Jasonscoffedatthis.“Plans?Whatplans?”

Taylorshruggedinnocently,keepinghereyesonthesaladshewasmaking.“Oh,just,youknow,
otherplans.”

Ahh...nowJasonunderstoodwhatwasgoingonhere.Alast-ditchefforttoplayhardtoget.But
really,hefeltthatitwastimeforthemtocutthroughallthecrap.Amanlikehimcouldonlywaitso
long.

Hespottedsomethingonthekitchencounter:Peoplemagazine,withhispictureonthecover.Sexiest
ManAlive.Aha!Evidence.DecidingtocallTaylor ’sbluff,Jasongrabbedthemagazineandhelditup
toher.

“Really,Taylor,youdon’thavetokeepupthecharade.Imean,whowouldn’twanttogoawayforthe
weekendwiththisguy?”

Shecockedherhead,consideringthis.Thenshepointedtosomethingonthemagazine’scover.
“Somebodywhohasadate,onSaturday,withthatguy.”

Comeagain?

Jasonturnedthemagazinearoundtoseewhatshewaspointingto.HesawapictureofScottCaseyin
thecorner,underacaptionthatread“OtherContenders.”

Heglancedbackather.

“ScottCasey?”

Taylorraisedaneyebrowproudly.“Yes.Kindoffunny,huh?We’regoingoutthisSaturday.”

Jason’sfacefell.

No.

Thiscouldnotbe.

“ScottCasey?”herepeateddumbly.

Taylorcockedherhead.“Whydoyoukeepsayingitlikethat?Yes,ScottCasey.”Shereachedaround
himtograbaforkoutofoneofthedrawers.

Jasonneededtositforamoment.Hesuddenlyfeltalittle...fragile.Hesunkontooneofthecounter
stools,inadaze.“Idon’tunderstand,”hemanagedtomumble,disoriented.“Whendidthishappen?
Howdidthishappen?”

Taylordishedsomesaladontoherplate,tiltingthebowltoaskJasonifhewantedany.Hewavedthis
off,impatientforhertocontinue.

“Imethimatyourparty,”shesaid.“It’safunnycoincidence—wemusthavebeenleavingatthesame
time.Anyway,wehungoutforawhile,andyouknowwhat?—hewasactuallykindoffuntotalkto.
Andwhew—well,let’sjustsaythatheisnotexactlytoughontheeyes.”

Taylorlookedhimover,thenpointedwithherfork.“Hecouldevengiveyouarunforyourmoney.”
Withawink,shetookabiteofhersalad.

Jasonsatatthecounter,speechless.Bynow,thetwoofthemweresupposedtobedeepinthethroesof
I’m-so-glad-you-chose-me-Jasonmakeupsex.

Heclearedhisthroat.“Sowhere’shetakingyouonSaturday?”

Taylorwavedthisoffasshetookanotherbiteofhersalad.“Idon’tknow,wedidn’ttalkaboutthat.”
Shesmiledslyly.

“Besides,asyou’vepointedoutseveraltimes,it’sScottCasey.Doesitreallymatterwherewego?”

Jasonstoodupsoquicklythestoolbangedagainstthecounter.Hecouldnotbelievetheshitshewas
saying.

“Seriously,Taylor—doyouknowwhoIam?”hedemanded.

Shesmiledatthis.“Youcelebritiesactuallysaythat?That’scute.”

Jasonrakedhisfingersthroughhishairinexasperation.“Idon’tbelievethis,”hemuttered,moreto
himselfthananyone.Thoroughlyworkedup,heglancedaroundthekitchen.“Ineedsomethingto
drink—whyisitsofuckinghotinhere?”

Hewentovertothesink,dumpedhiswine,andhurriedlyfilledhisglasswithwater.Hegulpedthe
wholethingdown,thenfinallyturnedbacktoTaylor.

Shestudiedhimforalongmoment,thencockedherhead.“Issomethingwrong,Jason?”

Hewasquitecertainhedetectedthefaintesttraceofasmileonherlips.

JEREMYWASDEEPinthought,typingonhiscomputeratatableinthebackofReilly’sTavern.The
barwasquietandempty,exceptforthemanager,whooccasionallywanderedoutofhisofficeto
acceptdeliveriesfrombeertrucksinthealley.

ThestudiothathadboughtJeremy’slatestscreenplaywanteda“strongermidpoint.”Accordingtothe
know-it-alldevelopmentexecsassignedtotheproject,thingswereproceedingtooeasilyforthehero
halfwaythroughthestory,andtheywantedtoshakethingsupabit.

“Maybethere’ssomevillainwho’sbeenquietlylurkingintheshadows,andsuddenlyhemakesaplay
fortheheroine,”oneofthestudioexecshadsaid.Therestofthesuitsintheroomnoddedexcitedly
inagreementasJeremyrolledhiseyes.

FuckingHollywood.

Jeremyquicklyremindedthemthatthiswasaseriousfilmaboutvampire/alienhybridswagingabattle
forworlddominationagainstanevilzombie/warlockhybridempire,notsomelame-ochickflick.

But,sincenobodywaslisteningtohim—whichapparentlywasthethemeoftheweek—Jeremy
ploddedalong,typingintherequestedchangestothescript.

Whensuddenlythedoortothebarslammedviolentlyopen.

Startled,JeremypeeredupfromhiscomputerandsawJasonstandinginthedoorway,lookingall
darkandstormy.

“You.”

HepointedaccusinglyatJeremy.

“Didyousetthisup?”

JasonfuriouslywalkedovertoJeremy’stable.“Fessup,funnyboy.Didyousetthisup?”

Jeremystaredblanklyathim.“DidIsetwhatup?”

“ThisthingwithScottCasey.”

“WhatthingwithScottCasey?”

Decidingthiscouldgoonallday,Jasonchangedtactics.

“Okay,yougotme.”Hegrinnedsheepishly.“Haha,veryfunny.WhendidyouandTaylorcomeup
withthis...what?Thislittletricktoputmeinmyplace?”Readytobeagoodsport,Jasonwaggeda
fingerathim.“Veryclever.”

Jeremyfoldedhishandspolitelyonthetable.

“Jason.Ihavenofuckingcluewhatyou’retalkingabout.”

Jason’sfacefell.“Really?”

“Yes,really,”Jeremysaid.“Ihaven’tseenTaylorsincethenightofyourparty.”

Withthisnews,JasonslumpedintotheemptychairatJeremy’stable.Hefellsilentforamoment,then
peeredoverathisfriendinshock.“ThenshereallydoeshaveadatewithScottCasey.”

Jeremyblinkedatthis.“Taylor ’sdatingScottCasey?”Hebegantolaugh.Hehelduponehand,
clutchinghissidewiththeother.“Wait,wait.”Hegaspedforbreath.“Thisreallyistoogood.Igotta
writethisdowntouseoneday.”

Jeremyturnedtohiscomputer,readingoutloudashetyped.“‘Andthentheevil,arrogantmoviestar
learnedthatlyingdoesnotpay.’”

JasonglaredsilentlyasJeremyleanedbackinhischair,stillchuckling.

“Ahhh...ScottCasey...nowthat’sclassic.”

“Areyoufinished?”

Jeremypeeredoverinnocently.“Theysayhe’stheItGuy,youknow.”

Jason’seyesnarrowedwarningly.

“Allright,allright,I’mdone,”Jeremyfinallyacquiesced.“Tellmehowthishappened.”

Jasonleaptoutofhischair.“ThehellifIknow!Lastnight,IwentovertoTaylor ’sapartmenttotell
heraboutNaomi,butthenextthingIknow,she’stalkingaboutScottCaseyandhowtheyhavesome
dateonSaturday.”Jasonpointed.“Hepickedherupatmyparty.”Thenhepunchedtheair.“IknewI
should’vethrownthatlittlepunkouttheminuteIsawhim.”

“Wow.That’snotexactlyhowyousawthisplayingout,isit?”

“No,itisn’t,”Jasonretorted.Hepacedangrily.“Whatcansheseriouslyseeinthatguy?He’sasdull
asalamppost.”

“Aslightlyyoungerlamppost,”Jeremyquipped.

Jasonlookedover,stung.Thathitbelowthebelt.

Jeremyimmediatelyhelduphishandsincontrition.“Okay,okay.I’msorry.”Hegotupandfollowed
Jasonovertothepooltable.“Sowhat’syourgameplannow?”heaskedasJasonpickedupacue
stick.

Jasonshookhishead.“Idon’tknow.Ican’tthinkstraight.Something’soff.”

“Didyousleeplastnight?”

“Barely.”

“AreyoumadatTaylor?”

“Yes.Definitely.”

JeremyleanedagainstthepooltableandlitupacigaretteasJasonrackedtheballsforagame.“Do
youhaveanyrighttobe?”

JasonglaredatJeremyforthis.Butafteramoment,hisexpressionsoftened.

“Probablynot,”heacknowledged.

Jeremynodded,rubbinghisfour-daystubblelikeadetectiveonthecase.

“Yep,I’veseenthesesymptomsbefore...”hemused.“Ibelieveit’scalled‘jealousy.’Something
commonmenunlikeyourselfexperiencefromtimetotime.”

“Yeah,well,itsucks,”Jasonrepliedpissily.Heaimedhisstickatthecueballandtookashot.He
whiffed,missedtheballentirely,andhitthepooltableface-first.

Jeremybarelystifledhissmile.Ahhh...ifonlythepaparazzicouldcapturemomentslikethis.

“SoIguessthismeansyouandTaylorarefriendsnow,”hesaid.

Jasonscoffedemphaticallywhilerubbinghisnose.“Please—I’mneverjust‘thefriend.’”

“ScottCaseymightbegtodifferwithyouonthat.”

Jasonpointedathim.“Yousayhisnameagain,andIswearI’llgetyoufiredoffthatvampireflickof
yours.”

Jeremywashighlyoffendedbythis.

“Hey—let’sgetsomethingstraight.It’savampire/alien/zombie/warlockhybridflick.”

Nineteen

ANDJUSTLIKEthat,everythinghadchanged.

OnanimpulseafterlosingthreestraightgamesofpoolatReilly’sTavern,Jasonhaddeclaredto
Jeremythattheyweregoingoutfortheevening.Butnow,ashesatinoneoftheboothsatHyde,he
foundthathisheartjustwasn’tintothewholeWestHollywoodnightclubscenethatnight.

Becauseeverythinghadchanged.

Thebarwaspacked.Underneaththecandlesthathungfromtheclub’scopperceiling,Jeremyandthe
otherguystheyhadcomewith—friendsfromAround—arguedoverwhichBenAffleck/MichaelBay
collaborationrankedhigherinthebiggestcinematicdisastersofalltime,PearlHarbor
orArmageddon.

JasonheardJeremy’sirateshoutoverthemusic,obviouslyvotingforthelatter.

“Comeon—thatscenewiththeanimalcrackers?Areyoukiddingmewiththatshit?Ialmostgagged
upmyJujyfruits.”

Nownormally,Jasonwouldhavebeentemptedtoenterthisfray,especiallysincehenotonlyenjoyed
anyopportunitytocontradictJeremy,butalsobecausehepersonallythoughtthatPearlHarborshould
beplacedontheAmericanMedicalAssociation’slistofpotentialcausesofeyecancer.

Buttonight,hefoundhecouldn’tquitemusteruptheenthusiasm.Tonight,therewasnofightleftin
him.

Shewasgoingoutwithsomeoneelse.

ScottCasey.

Jasoncouldn’timaginehowthesituationcouldpossiblygetanyworse.

Ashetookalongsipofhisdrink,finishingoffhisfifthStolichnayaElitontherocksthatevening,he
wonderedhow,exactly,thingshadgonesofarawry.Forthefirsttimeinovertenyears,hedidn’t
knowwhattodo.

Yes,callUsWeekly.CallPageSix,theEnquirer,andeveryoneelse.

JasonAndrewshadwomanproblems.

“ShouldIorderusanotherdrink?”

ThequestioncamefromJason’sright,fromtheravishingblondewithfantasticallylonglegsthatsat
nexttohim.

Hey—hewasinabarandhewasJasonAndrews.Ofcoursetherewasaravishingblondewith
fantasticallylonglegssittingnexttohim.

Jasonturnedhisattentiontothegirl.Hewasaweebitbuzzedfromthevodkaandmorethanaweebit
melancholy.

“Doyouhavegoals,Shyla?”Hesighed.“Tellmewhatawomanlikeyouwantstodowithherlife.”

“Shay-na,”theblondecorrectedhim.

Jasonleanedhisheadbackagainsttheboothandclosedhiseyes.Suddenly,thisentireconversation
madehisheadhurt.

HeopenedhiseyestofindShaynasittinginhislap,leaningoverhim.FromwhatJasoncouldtell,the
womanalreadyhadtwoprettyniceassetsworkingforherinlife,andthepush-upbrashewore
shovedthemstraightintohisface.

Shewhisperedseductivelyinhisear.

“Mygoalistoblowyouinyourcartonightwhenyoudrivemehometofuckme.”

Jasonsighedtiredly.Itwasalwaysthesamething.Jason,Iwanttoblowyou.Jason,let’sgobacktomy
trailerandfucklikewilddogs.Jason,I’llbringmygirlfriendnexttime,she’sinCirqueduSoleiland
candothingstoherbodyyouwouldn’tbelieve.Blah,blah,blah.

WithShayna’stwoampleassetspresentedrightateyelevel,Jasontriedtomustersomeinterestinher
suggestion.Buttryashemight,itwasadifferentpairofassets—apairoflivelygreeneyestobe

exact—thathecouldn’tgetoutofhismind.

Soheshookhishead.

“Sorry—it’saguy’snightouttonight.”Withthat,hescoopedtheblondeoffhislap,stoodup,and
turnedtoJeremy.“Let’sgetoutofhere.”

JeremyglancedoveratJasonandnodded.HedislikedtheL.A.clubsceneevenmorethantheL.A.
partyscene,soitdidn’ttakeawholeheckofalottoconvincehimtoleave.Besides,theguystheyhad
camewithweretotalfriggin’morons—oneofthemhadjustarguedthatArmageddonhadstrong
“situationalcharacterdevelopment.”

Shayna,ontheotherhand,wasnotquitereadytocallitanevening.ShereachedforJason’shand.

“Wait,what’stheproblem?”Shesmiledinvitingly.“You’reherewithyourboys;I’mherewithmy
girls.Whydon’tweleavewithyouandallpartytogether?”Shepointedtoanattractiveredheadseated
atatablenearby.“That’smyfriend,Eve.SheandIlovetopartytogether.”

Jasonsighedagain.Ho-hum,anotherthreesome.Itwasallsopassé.

Withanapologeticsmile,heleaneddowntogiveShaynaapolitekissonthecheek.“Thanks,darling,
Iappreciatetheoffer.Butnottonight.”

Suddenly,therewasavoicefrombehind.

“Well,well,well...whatdowehavehere?”

Jasonclosedhiseyes.Heknewheshouldn’thavecometothisfuckingclub.Itwaslikeonebigfrat
partyforcelebrities,theplacetheyallcametogethertobemisunderstoodandput-uponbythe
exhaustingdemandsoftheoutsideworld.

Withgreatannoyance,Jasonturnedaround.

ScottCaseystoodbeforehim,lookingsmuglyatJasonandthelong-leggedShayna.Jasonchecked
outScott’sentourageandimmediatelydismissedthemall.Theonlyoneheevenvaguelyrecognized
wasthatRobWho-Gives-a-ShitJeremyhadpointedoutattheLakersgameseveralweeksago.

“Hello,Scott.Funnyseeingyouhere,”Jasonsaid,keepinghisvoicecalm.

Scottsmiledmagnanimously.“I’djustthoughtI’dsayhello—Ididn’tgetachanceatyourparty.You
mayhaveheard,Iwasalittlebusythatnight.”

Jasonknewhewasbeingbaited.Buthewashardlyabouttoletsomepretty-boywankerthinkhecared
onebitaboutanythingthathadhappenedlastSaturdayoranyotherday.Sohissmileremainedas
smoothandcoolasice.

“DidIhearyou’rechasingafterMartyShepherdthesedays?”heasked,faux-politely.

Scott’ssmugexpressionfadedjustabit.Thenherecovered.“Idon’tchaseanyone,myfriend.”He

heldhisarmsoutwide.

“Ijustwaitforthemtocometome.Speakingofwhich...”

Jasonlookedupattheceiling,knowingwhatScottwasabouttosaybeforethewordsevencameout.

“...I’mgoingoutwithsomeoneyouknowthisweekend,”hecontinued.“Alawyer.TaylorDonovan.
Shetellsmeyoutwoarebusinessassociates.”

Jeremy,whohadbeenstandingnexttoJasonduringthisexchange,whistledlowunderhisbreath.

“Businessassociates?Ouch.That’sworsethanfriends.”

Jasonthrewhimalook.Perhapstheycoulddowithoutthecommentaryforafewminutes.

OverhearingJeremy,ScottleanedovertoRobandwhisperedsomethingunderhisbreath.Thenhe
turnedbacktoJason,eyingShayna,whounfortunatelyhadmovedherhandtoJason’sarm.

Scottsmiled.“Well,I’llbesuretotellTaylorIranintoyouandyourlittlefriendhere.I’msureshe’ll
beveryinterestedtohearallaboutit.”

Jason’seyesnarrowedatthethreat.“Don’tbother,I’lltellhermyself.We’rehavingdinnerthis
Thursday;didn’tshementionit?”

Asthetwomenfacedoff,Jeremyapparentlyfeltitwastimetostepin.HestoodinfrontofJason,
blockinghisviewofScott.

“Okay,okay,”hesaidtoJason.“Nowthatwe’veestablishedthatyouhavethebiggerpenis,Ithinkwe
shouldleave.”

SinceJeremyhadinsertedhimselfintothefray,Scott’sfriendRobnowneededtochimeinaswell.It
waspartofthesacredcelebrityentouragecode.

“Hey—buddy,”hejeeredatJeremy.“Whothehellareyou?Thecomicsidekick?”

JeremyturnedaroundtofaceRobandcoollylookedhimupanddown.

“Sidekick?Fuckyou,porky.”

Scott’sentouragegasped.Forasometimes-workingLosAngelesactor,therewasnogreaterinsult.

Rob’sfaceturnedbrightred.“HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyoupeople?I’monhiatus!”he
shouted,justbeforetakingaswingatJeremy.

Andjustlikethat,allhellbrokeloose.

“YOUGOTINTOafightwithScottCasey?”

Thenextmorning,Jasonwasinthecarthestudioprovided,beingdriventotheset.Theminutehis
cellphonehadrungandhesawMarty’sname,heknewwhatwascoming.

“Howdoyouknowaboutthatalready?”Jasonasked.“Thatonlyhappenedlike”—hecheckedhis
watch—“sixhoursago.”

“HowdoIknow?”Martyshoutedacrosstheline.“IknowbecauseIknoweveryone,Jason.For
chrissakes,youwereatHyde.I’vegothalfthestaffthereonmypayroll.Youdorealizethoselittle
cokepartiesyoucelebsliketothrowinthebathroomsdon’tactuallygounnoticed,don’tyou?”

Jasonleanedbackagainsttheseatofthelimoandclosedhiseyes.Hehadahangoverandwasnotat
allinthemoodforalecture.

“Thenyoushouldcheckyoursources,Marty,becauseIdidn’tgetintoafightwithanyonelastnight.I
wastheonepullingmyfriendawayfromthatportlyD-listerwiththeseriousstickuphisass.”

JasoncouldhearMartybarkingorderstohissecretaryontheotherendoftheline.Hecouldjust
picturehispublicist,stormingintotheofficewhileonhiscellphone,allfranticand“GetmeUs
Weekly,stat!”-like.

“I’vegotfoureyewitnesseswhosaythatyouandScottCaseyexchangedwords,Jason.”

“Yes,well,‘words’arestillthewayhumanbeingscommunicate,Marty,”Jasonthrewbackathim.

“Justtellmethis—didthisallegedfightwithScottCaseyhaveanythingtodowithTaylorDonovan?”

Jasonbristledatthequestion.“No,youtellme—doesthereasonyou’resopissedaboutthisalleged
fighthaveanythingtodowiththefactthatyou’reallegedlytryingtolandScottCaseyasaclient?”He
pausedforamomenttoletthissit.“Iknoweveryone,too,Marty.”

Martyfellquietforamoment.Jasonwasn’tsureifhehadlosttheconnectionorifhispublicistwas
simplytakingamomenttodecidewhatspintoputonhisanswer.

Martyfinallyanswered.

Ithadbeenthelatter.

“Jason,Jason...”heoozedsoothingly.“Youknowyouaremynumberonepriority.Youalwayshave
beenmynumberonepriority,andyoualwayswillbe—untilthedayyoueitherrunofftosome
privateislandinthePacific,buildacompound,andhavefifteenbabieswithyournativehousekeeper,
orkillmewithaheartattackfromalltheshityou’llstillbegettingintowhenyou’reeightyfucking
yearsold.”

HearingJason’ssilence,Martytookabreathbeforecontinuing.

“Andsinceyouaremynumberonepriority,IwouldberemissinmyobligationsasyourpublicistifI
didn’tspeaktoyouwhenIsensesomethingatoddswithyourimage.Tremorsintheforcethatis
JasonAndrews,ifyouwill.”

Jasonrepeatedthistohimself.TremorsintheforcethatisJasonAndrews.Classic.

“DumpingsupermodelsinLondonisyou,”Martywenton.“Gettingintopettyfightsatsome
Hollywoodnightclub?Thatisnotyou.Datinginternationalactresses,likeNaomiCrossforexample
—thatisyou.DatingsomelawyerfromChicago?Notyou.DoyouseewhatI’mgettingat?”

“We’renotdating,Marty,”Jasonsaid.“Fortherecord,TaylorandIaren’tsleepingtogether,having
anaffair,oranything.We’re...Idon’tknow.Somethingelse.”

Martysnortedatthis.

“Nooffense,Jason,buthavingbeenyourpublicistforthelastthirteenyears,IthinkIknow.You
don’tdo‘somethingelse.’”

THATEVENING,JASONknockeddecisivelyonTaylor ’sfrontdoor.Marty’swordshadplagued
himalldayandheneededtodosomethingaboutit.Now.

Tayloropenedthedoor,surprisedtoseehim.

“Hey—Ithoughtweweremeetinglaterthisweek,”shesaid.

Standingonherdoorstep,Jasonknewthewayhehandledthisnextmomentwoulddetermine
everything.

“ComewithmetothePacificDesignCenter.”Shit—hehadn’tmeantforthattocomeoutsounding
likeacommand.

Taylorlookedathimstrangely.“Why?”

Jasonstaredawkwardlyattheground.Hedefinitelyshould’vedonearun-throughofthisintheAston
Martinonthewayover.

“BecauseIneedhelppickingoutanewcouch,”hesaid,peeringupatheruncertainly.“Isn’tthat
whatfriendsdo?”

Hewatched,tryingtogaugeTaylor ’sreaction.Seeminglyunsureatfirst,shestudiedhimasif
debating,lookinghimoverwiththoseboldgreeneyesofhers.

Finally,shenodded.“Okay.”

Jason’sfacebrokeintoarelievedsmile.“Okay.”Heexhaled,gladthatwasover.“Shouldwego?”

Taylorwentbackinsideherapartmentandgrabbedherkeys.AsshefollowedJasonouttohiscar,she
tappedhimontheshoulder.“Hey—canIdrivetheAstonMartin?”

“No.”

“Butisn’tthatwhatfriendsdo?”

“No.”

Jasonopenedthepassengerdoorforherandwalkedaroundtothedriver ’sside.Ashegotinthecar,
Taylorglancedover.

“My,my,you’reawfullygrumpytoday...Issomethingwrong?”

Jasonlookedather,sittingbyhisside.Actually,itwasthebesthehadfeltinthelasttwodays.

True,itwasnotexactlythewayhehadenvisionedthingsgoingwithTaylor.Butatleastitwas
something.

SohegrinnedashefireduptheAstonMartin.

“Buckleup,sweetheart,”hetoldher.“Thisain’tnoPTCruiser.”

Andwiththat,hegunnedthecartolifeandtheydroveoffintothesunset.

Twenty

TAYLORWATCHEDASScottexpertlychoppedupsomeasparagusandtosseditintothesautépan
simmeringonthestove.Headdedadashofoliveoil.

“Youknow,whenyouinvitedmetodinner,Ididn’tknowyouwereplanningtocookit,”shesaid.She
satacrossfromScottontheothersideofthechef’scounter,sippingthemartinihehadpouredwhen
shefirstarrived.

“Yourrulesaboutnotbeingseeninpublicdon’tleaveroomformuchelse,”hegrinnedteasingly.
Taylornoticedthatastraylockofblondhairhadfallenacrosshisforehead,nearlyintohiseyes,as
heworked.Therewassomethinginherentlysexyaboutamanwhoknewhiswayaroundakitchen.

“Thanksforbeingunderstandingaboutthat,”shetoldhim.“I’mtryingtokeepalowprofileformy
trial.”

Scottshruggedthisoff.“Noproblem.Thisisn’tyetthebestmomentformetobespottedwiththe
famousMysteryWomananyway.”

Taylorstraightenedalittleinherchair.Thatwaskindofanoddthingtosay.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Scottglancedupfromhiscookingandsawtheexpressiononherface.Hesmiledreassuringly.“Oh,I
justmeantyou’dprobablybehoundedevenmoreifthepresssawustogether.”

Taylor ’snodded,softening.“Oh.Ofcourse.”

Stopbeingsosuspicious,shetoldherself.Tryingtorelax,sheglancedaroundwhatshecouldseeof
hishouse.Thekitchen,foyer,andlivingroomsuggestedthatScott(orhisdecorator)had
ultramoderntaste.Withstarkwhitewalls,metalstaircases,slatecountertops,andstainlesssteel

cabinets,Taylorfoundthedecoralittle...cold.Inheropinion,thebestfeatureofthehousewasthe
deckoutsidethatopenedtoaspectacularviewofdowntownLosAngeles.

Decidingtotakeacloserlook,shegrabbedhermartiniandheadedovertotheslidingglassdoors.

“Doyoumind?”Shegesturedoutside.

Scottshookhishead.“Notatall.Makeyourselfathome.”

TaylorsteppedoutontothedeckandfeltthecoolbreezecuttingacrosstheHollywoodHills.She
leanedagainsttherailingandgazedoutatthetwinklinglightsofthecity.

Forwhathadtobethehundredthtimethatweek,shewonderedwhatthehellshewasdoing.

ShehaddebatedoverandoverwhethersheshouldcancelherdatewithScott.Shehadawholelistof
reasonsready:shewastoobusywithhertrial,shebarelyknewhim,shedidn’twanttogetinvolvedin
arelationshipinLosAngeles,etcetera.Butnoneofthosereasonshadsoundedparticularly
convincing,eventoher.

ScottCaseyhadaskedheroutonadate.

ScottCasey.

Taylorknewthatmillionsofwomenwoulddietobeinherpositionthatnight.Andthathadbeenthe
clincher:shehadrealizedthatifshecouldn’tsayyestoadatewithScottCasey,thensheseriously
neededtoexaminewhatwasstoppingher.Orrather,whowasstoppingher.

Andthatwassomethingshedidnotwanttothinkabout.

Scottpoppedhisheadoutontothedeck.“Dinnershouldbereadyinaboutfiveminutes.Doyouwant
anotherdrink?”

Taylorglanceddownatheremptymartiniglass.“Sure,that’dbegreat.”

Determinedtohavethebestnightofherlife—becausethat’swhatadatewithScottCaseyshouldbe—
Taylorfollowedhiminside.

“SOWHEREDIDyoulearnhowtocook?”

Scott(orhisassistant)hadelaboratelysetthedining-roomtablewithdozensofflickeringcandles.
Music—whatsoundedsuspiciouslyliketheGardenStatesoundtrack—playedthroughoutthehouse
throughunseenspeakers.

ScottsmiledinresponsetoTaylor ’squestionabouthim.“Youdon’tknowthis?”Heappeared
surprisedwhensheshookherhead,no.

“Chef’sschool,”hetoldher.

“Really?Whendidyoudothat?”

“BackinSydney.That’showIgotstartedinacting.”Scottpeeredathercuriously.“Youreallydon’t
knowthis?”

Taylorshookherheadagain.Okay,shegotit.Shelivedinahole.

Sohegavehertherundown.“Well,onedaythiscastingdirectorwalkedintooneofmyclasses,
lookingforculinarystudentsforadaytimecookingshow.Igotthejob,andIdidtheshowforabouta
year.ButIreallygotintotheactingsideofthings,soIgotanagentwhosentmeonafewauditions.
Myfirstrealactinggigwasonaprime-timeshowforthatsamenetwork,andfromthereImoved
intofilm,smallerrolesatfirst,thenbigger,untilfinallyIgotthecallaboutAViking’sQuest.Andthen
therest,astheysay,ishistory.”

“That’saprettyinterestingstory,”Taylorsaid,impressed.

Scottgrinned.“Thanks.”Hereachedacrossthetableandlacedhisfingersthroughhers.“Butenough
aboutme.Iwanttoknowallaboutyou,gorgeous.”

Normally,Taylorhatedquestionslikethat.Theyweresointerview-y.Goodconversationshouldjust
floworganically,fromthemoment.

ShequicklytriedtothinkofatopicsheandScotthadincommon.“Well,ImentionedbeforethatI’m
fromChicago.Letmeaskyousomething—wasithardwhenyoufirstmovedtoLosAngeles?Did
youmisshome?”

ButScottwavedthisoff,uninterested.“Wecantalkaboutthatsomeothertime.WhatIwanttoknowis
howIevergotluckyenoughtogetabeautifulgirllikeyoutogooutwithme.”

Taylorburstoutlaughing.Surelyhehadtobejokingwithalinelikethat.Shestoppedwhenshesaw
theconfusedlookonhisface.

“Wait—you’reserious?”

Scottpulledback.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“Nothing,sorry.”Taylorbitherlipandtriedtodisguisehermisunderstandingbygesturingtothe
windowsthatranalongthedining-roomwall.“So,that’sreallysomeviewyouhavethere.”

Scottsmiled.“Yes,itis.”HeturnedbacktoTaylorwithwhatwaspresumablya“seductive”look.“But
notasgoodastheoneIhaverighthere.”

Taylorlaughedagain.“Allright,nowIknowyou’rejoking.”

Scottabruptlysatbackinhischair.“I’mjusttryingtopayyouacompliment,Taylor,”hesaid
defensively.“Ididn’trealizeitwasthatfunny.”

Taylorshutup.Again.

Okay...so...awkwardmomenthere...

ItappearedprettysafetosaythatScottdidn’tgoforthewholedry/sarcastichumorthing.Shewould
justhavetocomeupwithsomeothermaterial.Toobadshereallydidn’thaveanyothermaterial.

Anuncomfortablesilencefollowed,andTaylorwasjustthinkingthatperhapsshemightcompliment
thesaltandpeppershakerssittingonthetable—theyweretheloveliestshadeofpewter,when—

—thankgod,hercellphonerang.

Taylordoveimmediatelyforherpurse,whichsatonthechairnexttoher.“Sorry,Ihavetokeepiton
forwork,”sheapologizedtoScott.Howterrible—shefoundherselfalmosthopingitwassomekind
ofworkemergency.

ShecheckedthecallerIDandinstantlyrecognizedtheparticular310areacodenumberthatshowed
uponthephone’sdisplay.AnumberthatjusthappenedtobelongtooneMr.JasonAndrews.

Taylordefiantlyflungherhairback.Oh,sure—likeshewasgoingtotakehiscallrightthen.Shewas
alittlebusy.

SeeingScott’scuriouslook,Taylorsmiled.Suddenly,herdateseemedtentimesmoreinteresting.

“It’snoone,”shetoldhim.“I’lljustturnitonvibrate.”

Sheadjustedthephoneandsetitofftothesideoftheglassdiningtable.Thensheleanedintoward
Scottflirtatiously,peeringdeepintohislighthazeleyes.“So...wherewerewe?”

Likinghersuddeninterest,Scottsmiledcoylyandleanedintherestofthewayacrossthetable.“Iwas
justabouttotellyou—”

Rightthen,Taylor ’sphonebeganvibrating.Loudly.

Glancingover,shesawthesame310numberonthephone’sdisplay.Thenerveofthatman.Seriously.

Whenshedidn’timmediatelypickup,thephonebeganrattlinglouder,slidingacrosstheglasstable
towardher.Apparently,acertainsomeonerefusedtobeignored.

Taylorgrabbedthephone,stuffeditintoherpurse,andresolutelyzippeditshut.Thatshouldtakecare
ofthat.ShesmiledapologeticallyatScott.“Sorry.Youweresaying?”

“Areyousureyoudon’thavetogetthat?”heaskedskeptically.

Taylorwavedthisoff.“Ohno,it’sfine.Anyway,tellmeaboutthismovieyou’refilming,Outback
Nights.”

Scottseemedhappytoobligeher.“Well,Iplaythissortofloner,rebeltype...”

AsTaylorlistenedwhilehewentonaboutthefilm,hercellphonesuddenlybegantovibrateagain,
thistimefrominsideherpurse.Irateattheprospectofbeingignored,thephonerattledaround

demandingly.

Buzz-buzz!

Buzz-buzz!

Despiteherself,Taylorfoughtbackasmile,tryingvery,veryhardtopayattentiontoScott’sstory.

Buzz-buzz!

Buzz-buzz!

“...Ofcourse,thedirectorsaidhecouldthinkofnooneotherthanmeforthepartfromthefirst
momenthereadthescript...”

Buzz-buzz!

Buzz-buzz!

Suddenly,itstopped.Thephoneinherpurselayquietforamoment,then—

Buzz-buzz!

Buzz-buzz!

Taylorhadtostifleherlaugh.Ahh...ifnothingelse,themanwaspersistent.Shehadtogivehimthat.

Rightthen,Scott’scellphonerang,too.Shewassavedbytheproverbialbell.

Scottmadeaface.“Wow—crazynight,huh?”Hepulledhisowncellphoneoutofhispocket,then
glancedupatTaylor.“Sorry—it’smyagent.Ireallyshouldtakethis.”Hesteppedoutoftheroomto
takethecall.

Ashelefttheroom,Taylor ’sphonevibratedonceagain.Buzz-buzz!Oh,forheaven’ssake—she
reachedin,yankedthephoneoutofherpurse,andflippeditopen.

“Whatthehellareyoudoing??”shewhisperedfuriously.

Jason’ssmoothvoicecameovertheotherendoftheline.

“Well,hello,Ms.Donovan.Goodness,Iwasstartingtogetworried.Iseverythingallright?”

“Whyareyoucalling,Jason?”Taylorhissed.ShecheckedtomakesureScottwasstillintheother
room.

“Hmm?Ohyes—see,Icouldn’trememberwhattimewe’remeetingtomorrowtogooverthethird
actofthescript.Isitsevenoreighto’clock?”

“Jason—”Taylorbeganwarningly.

“—AndIalsowantedtoknowwhetherIshouldbringdinnertoyourapartment.Orwillyoube
providingtheedibles?”

Partofherwantedtoreachthroughthephoneandstranglehim.Theotherpartofhercouldn’thelp
butsmile.

“Stopbeingcute.Youknowthisisabadtimeforme.”

“Why?Wait—istonightthenightofthebigdate?Oh...Ihadcompletelyforgottenallaboutthat.
Oops.”

“You’reabetteractorthanthat,Jason.”

Sheheardhimchuckled.

“Sotrue.Fine—IjustthoughtI’dseehoweverything’sgoing.”

Taylordeflectedthequestion.“Whereareyou?”Shecouldhearloudvoicesandmusicinthe
background.

“Reilly’sTavern.Playingdarts.”Jasonpausedforamoment.“Butyoudidn’tanswermyquestion.”

NowitwasTaylor ’sturntopause.“Thedate’sgoinggreat,”shesaidconvincingly.

“Hownice.AndwherehasJuniortakenyoutoeat?”

“Actually,I’mathisplace.He’scookingforme.”

Therewasalongsilenceontheotherendoftheline.

“Really,”hefinallysaid,throughwhatsoundedlikeclenchedteeth.

Taylorsmiledintothephone.“Why,Jason—thatsoundsabitlikejealousy,doesn’tit?”

Hesnorteddisdainfully.“JealousofScottCasey?Please.”Hegotagoodlaughoutofthis.“Hey—if
youfindhiminteresting,Taylor,morepowertoyou.Ialsoknowaniceboxofrocksyoucould
cuddleupwith,ifthat’syourthing.”

Sheglaredintothephone.“Yeah,well,maybeIdohappentofindhiminteresting.”

“Really?Thenwhyareyouspendingyourdatetalkingtome?”

“Youknow,thatcaneasilybefixed.”

Shehungupthephone.

Taylortossedthephonebackintoherpurse,thoroughlyannoyed.FirsthetalkedaboutgoingtoNapa
ValleywithherwhenheobviouslyhadbeenplanningongoingwithNaomiCrossjustafewdays
before.AsifwomenwereasinterchangeableasthepartsofaMr.PotatoHead.Andnowthis?

Deliberatelyinterruptingherdate?Theboundariesoftheman’sself-centerednessweretrulylimitless.

Underscoringthispoint,Taylor ’sphonerangagain.Thistime,shedidn’tevenbothertolookbefore
answering.

“Youknow,ifyou’retryingtomarkyourterritory,youcould’vejustpeedonmebeforeIcameover
hereandsavedusbothalotoftime!”

Ontheotherend,Jasonburstoutlaughing.“Ialwayssuspectedyouwereintokinkyshit.”

Despiteherself,Taylorlaughed,too.Hesomehowalwaysmanagedtodothat—completelyinfuriate
heronemoment,thenmakehersmilethenext.Itwasactuallyquitesneaky.

“Good-bye,Jason.I’llseeyoutomorrow,”shesaid,amused.Thenshehungupthephoneandstared
atitforalongmoment,untilsheheardsomeoneclearhisthroatbehindher.Taylorglancedupand
sawScottwatchingherfromthedoorway.

Lookingverydispleased.

OVERATREILLY’STavern,JeremywatchedasJasontuckedhiscellphoneintohispocket.

“NotjealousofScottCasey,huh?”Heglancedpointedlyatthedartboard,whereJasonhadtapedScott
Casey’s“OtherContenders”photographtothebull’seye.Threedartsjuttedoutprominentlyfromthe
youngactor ’sforehead.

Jasonignoredthequestion.Hewalkedoverandyankedhisdartsoutoftheboard.

“He’scookingforher,”hesaiddisgustedly,asifthiswereafelony.“Likeshe’sgoingtofallforthat.
It’sso...amateur.”

“Icookformydates,”Jeremyvolunteered.

“Youhaveto.Youcan’taffordtotakethemanywhere.”

“Thisistrue,”Jeremyconcededgood-naturedly.“AlthoughIhavealsodiscoveredthatwomenreally
seemtolikethetasteofmacaroniandcheese.”

Notevenbotheringwithatokensarcasticresponse,JasonstaredintenselyatthepictureofScott
Caseyonthedartboardbeforehim.

Suddenly,hevehementlyrapid-firedallthreedarts.

HeturnedandtookaswigofhisbeerasJeremynodded,impressed.Overattheboard,adartpierced
rightthrougheachofScottCasey’seyes.Thethirdjuttedoutprominentlyfromhisthroat.

“Notbad,”Jeremysaid.“Butperhapsthisisagoodtimetodiscussyourangermanagementissues.”

JasonsatdownattheirbartableasJeremylinedupforhisturnattheboard.“Youdon’tthinkTaylor
reallylikesthisguy,doyou?”

Jeremyshrugged,abouttothrow.“Idon’tknow.Ihaven’tmettoomanywomenwhowouldn’tbe
impressedbyScottCasey.”HepointedthedartsatJason,thinking.“Thenagain,Ihaven’tmetany
otherwomanwhohasbeensowhollyunimpressedbyyou,somaybethere’shopeyet.”

Jasondidn’tevencrackasmile.Infact,helookedutterlymiserable.Jeremygaveuphispositionat
thedartboardandtookaseat.

“Comeon,Jason—what’sgoingonwithyouandthisgirl?Thisisn’tlikeyou.”

“Soeveryonekeepstellingme.”

“Thenwhatisit?”

Jasonsighed.“Idon’tknow...”HelookedoveratJeremy,suddenlyserious.“AllIknowisthatI
can’tstopthinkingabouther.”

NowitwasJeremy’sturntosigh.“Ahh...thefriendzone.HaveIbeenthere.”

Thetwoofthemsatindejectedsilence.ThenJeremythoughtofsomething.

“Hey—youknowwhatyouneed?Youneedarealguy’snightout.Noneofthispansy-assHollywood
nightclubshit.Iheardaboutthispokergamegoingontonight.JustafewwritersIknow,nothinghigh
stakes.Wecansmokecigars,drinksomeMacallan,talkabout—”

“Poker?”Jason’seyeslitupfeverishly.“Whydidn’tyoutellmeaboutthisbefore?”

“Well,Iwasn’tsureyou’dbeinterested,givenyourtrackrecord.”

“SoI’vebeendealtafewbadhands,”Jasonsaiddismissively.“Whohasn’t?”

Jeremyfoughtbackhisgrin.Thepoorguyreallyhadnoidea.Anypokerplayerworthhissaltpicked
uponthewholewatchthingintwohandsorless.ThatwaswhyhehadsubtlysteeredJasontoward
crapsafewyearsago,whentheyhadstartedgoingtoVegasandJasonhadbegungamblingserious
money.

Ofcourse,Jeremysupposed,abettermanwould’vesimplytoldhisfriendabouthislittletell.Butas
longasJasonnevergotintoanyserioustrouble—hey,aslongashewasstilldrivingfriggin’Aston
Martinsandlivingintwenty-five-million-dollarhouses—Jeremysawnoharminkeepingquiet.
Everyonceinawhile,itcameinquitehandytobeabletotellwhenJasonwaslying.Likethattime,
yearsago,whenhehadinsistedhe’dlostSpeedtoKeanubecausethedirectorhadsaidhewas“too
tall”fortheshotsonthebus.

SoJeremyremainedquietthistimeaswell.“Yes,that’sright,Jason,”hesaidreassuringly.“You’ve
beendealtsomebadhands.That’sall.”

Jasoneagerlyrubbedhishandstogether.“AndthatmeansI’mdue—Icanfeelthegodsofluck

smilingdownonme.”HepointedatJeremy,highlyconfident.“Youbetterbecarefultonight.I’dhate
foryoutoloseallyourmac-and-cheesemoney.”

Tokeephismouthshut,Jeremytookalongswigofhisbeer.Afterpolishingitoff,hesetthebottle
downonthetableandgesturedtothedoor.“Shouldwegothen?”

Jasonnodded,andJeremyfollowedhimoutthebar.

Hehadthefunniestfeelingsteakdinnerswereabouttobebackontheweek’smenu.

LATERTHATNIGHT,Taylorletherselfintoherapartment.Notinthemoodforasuddenfloodof
light,sheturnedonjustonelampinthelivingroom.Shekickedoffherheelsandsunkintothecouch.

Shewasn’texactlyanexpert—thishavingbeenherfirst,firstdateinseveralyears—butshefeltthat
anobjectivethirdpartywouldhavetosaythatthenighthadgonerelativelywell.

Herthoughtsdriftedbacktowhathadbeentheturningpointoftheevening:themomentwhenshehad
hungupthephonewithJasonandnoticedScottstandinginthedoorway.Shecouldimmediatelytell
bythelookonhisfacethatheknewwhoshe’dbeentalkingto.

“Youshouldbecarefularoundhim,”Scottsaidflatly.

Taylortuckedherphoneintoherpurse.Yes,well,thanksforthenewsflash.

“We’rejustfriends,”shereplied.

Scotttookaseatnexttoheratthediningtable.“Soit’sfriendsnow?IthoughtyousaidyouandJason
werejustbusinessassociates.”

Taylortoyedwithherwineglass.Shewasn’tsuresheowedhimanyfurtherexplanation.Theyhad
knowneachotherallofwhat—sixdays?

“We’rejustfriends,Scott,”sherepeatedsimply.

Seemingtosenseherwariness,Scotttookhisquestioningdownanotch.“I’mjustworriedaboutyou,
gorgeous,that’sall.IknowplentyofwomenwhohavehadtheirheartsbrokenbyJasonAndrews.It’s
notaprettysight.”Hepaused.“Infact,thisfriendofmine...”Hetrailedoff,wavinghishand.“Never
mind,youdon’tneedtohearthisstuff.”

Taylorthoughtaboutthis.Didshe?PerhapswhateverScotthadtosaywasexactlywhatsheneededto
hear.Thelawyerinherdecideditwasbesttohaveallthefacts.

“No,goon,”shetoldhim.“I’dliketoknowwhateveritwasyouweregoingtosay.”

Scottlookedpainedtohavetotellthestory.“Well...JasononcedatedthisgirlIknow.She’sa
supermodel—”

Ofcourseshewasasupermodel.

“—andapparently,”Scottcontinued,“sheandJasontookatriptoLondontogether.Forsomephoto
shootorsomethingshehadthere.Butontheirthirddaytogether,heleftthehotelafterbreakfast,
tellingherhewasgoingtogetfittedforsuitsonSavileRow.”

Probablyforthelegalthrillerhewasfilming,Taylorthought.Sothiswassomethingthathad
happenedfairlyrecently.

“Butitmust’vebeenonehellofalongfitting,”Scottmarchedon,“becauseyour‘friend’Jasondidn’t
comebacktothehotel.Ever.HejustleftthepoorgirlaloneinLondon,withoutevensayinggood-
bye.Shethoughthewasdeadorhadbeenkidnappedorsomething,untilshesawhispicturein
theDailyMirrorthenextmorning.TheBritishpaparazzihadcaughthimattheairport,happily
boardingaflightbacktoLosAngeles.”

TaylorremainedsilentafterScottfinishedhisstory.Frankly,shedidn’tknowwhattosayinresponse.
Assumingthestorywastrue,wasshesurprisedtohearthatJasoncouldbesocallous?Wasshe
disappointed?Angry?

Shestaredatherwineglass,feelingScott’seyesonher.Sheknewshehadtosaysomething.

“Wow.IguessIdon’tknowwhyJasonwoulddosomethinglikethat.”

“Becausehecan.”

ScotttookholdofTaylor ’swineglassandsetitofftotheside,outoftheirway.Hespokecautiously
ashepeeredatherfromacrossthetable.

“Youknow,Taylor,somepeoplesayhecangetanywomanhewants.”

Thisstruckanervewithher.

TaylorthoughtaboutScott’swords.Really?Wasthatwhatpeoplesaid?Rightthen,sheknewwhatshe
hadtodo.

ShereachedoverandpulledScotttowardher.Andshekissedhim—along,deepkiss.Whenshe
pulledback,shestareddirectlyintohiseyes.

“Youknowwhat,Scott?Ithinkyoubetterstartlisteningtodifferentpeople.”

SITTINGONHERlivingroomcouch,Taylor ’sminddriftedbacktothepresent.

Okay,sure,ithadbeenagoodkiss.Andintheinterestsoffulldisclosure,thekissinthekitchen,when
theywerecleaningupafterdinner,hadn’tbeentooshabby,either.Northetwointhefoyerbythe
frontdoor.Northereallylonggood-nightkissagainsthercar.

Yes,Taylordecided,allinallithadbeenaverynicefirstdate.Hehadcookedforher,complimented

her,evensaidalltherightthingsaboutcallingherthenextday,and—forcryingoutloud,hewasScott
Casey.

But.

Somethingwasmissing.

Taylorcurledupandrestedherheadagainstthesoftsuedepillowsofthecouch.

Shehadjustgoneonagreatfirstdatewithahandsomeinternationalmoviestar,andshethought
somethingwasmissing.Butshecouldn’tdenyit,somethinghadindeedbeenlackingintheirdate.

BecausenotasinglekisswithScottCaseyhadheldacandletoheronealmost-kisswithJason.

Taylorclosedhereyesinfrustration.Hell,shesupposed,itdidn’tmatterthathernightwithScotthad
endedwithonlyakiss.Becauseshewasasgoodasfuckedanyway.

Sheneededsomebodytotalksomesenseintoher.

Sheneededsomebodytogiveheraswiftsmackupsidetheheadandagood,strongkickintheass.

SheneededValandKate.

Quickly.

Twenty-one

THEWITNESS’SMONOTONEvoicedronedonendlessly.

Watchingfromthedefensetable,Taylorglancedovertoseehowthejurywasreactingtothe
woman’stestimony,whichhadbeengoingonforhourswithseeminglynoendinsight.

Shesawthatthreeofthejurorshadalreadynoddedoffandthattheremainingsixappearedreadyto
droplikefliesanymoment.Shewatchedasthejurorinthefarbackcornerbeganbobbingherhead
likeahighschoolstudentinhistoryclass.Wait...waitforit...

Thejuror ’sheaddroppedbackagainsttheseat,andhermouthfellopen.

Taylorgrinned.Anotheronebitesthedust.

Seeminglyoblivioustothesegoings-on,Frankstoodatthepodiumaskingonelong,drawn-out
questionaftertheother.Apparently,hewasunawareofthetorturehewasinflictinguponthesejurors
hewouldlateraskfor$30million.

“...AndlikeIsaidearlier,”thewitnessrambledon,“onmanyoccasions,Iwouldoverhearmy
managerrefertowomenas‘chicks.’”

“Howmanytimesdidyouhearyourmanagerusethatword?”Frankasked.

Thewitnesstookamomenttoanswer,asifneedingtocomposeherself.Taylortriedtokeepfrom
rollinghereyesatDerek,whosatnexttoheratthedefensetable.

“Oh,Icouldn’tevenguess,”thewitnesstearfullyresponded.“Mymanagerusedthatderogatoryterm
toomanytimestocount.”

Franknoddedsympathetically.“Thenperhapsweshouldgothroughalltheoccasionsyoucan
rememberyourmanagerusingtheword‘chicks.’Oneincidentatatime,indetail.”

Thiswastoomuch.Taylorrosefromhertable.

“Ihavetoobjecttothislineofquestioning,YourHonor.”

Thejudgepeeredoverather.“Grounds?”

“Well,forstarters,it’sentirelytooboringforfouro’clockonaFridayafternoon.”

Thejurors—theonesthatwereawake,anyway—laughed.

Frankpoundedthepodiumfuriously.“YourHonor—Ms.Donovan’sobjectionishighly
inappropriate!Iaskthatshebeadmonishedforherconduct,andImovetostrikehercommentfrom
therecord!”

Taylorshruggedamiably.“Fine—I’llmodifymyobjectiontoincludethefactthatnothinginthis
witness’stestimonyevenremotelyresemblessexualharassment.”

ThejudgehelduphishandbeforeFrankcouldrespondfurther.

“Allright,counselors,that’senough.Iagreethatit’sgettinglate.Itmightbeagoodtimetotakea
break.”HepeereddownfromhisbenchatFrank.“Counselor,doyouintendtocontinuethislineof
questioningonMonday?”

“YourHonor,ifImay,”Taylorinterjected,“inordertokeepthetrialmoving,thedefendantwill
stipulatethatthiswitnesswouldtestifythatsheheardtheword‘chicks’inherworkplaceonseveral
occasions.”

“Notseveral,YourHonor,numerousoccasions,”Frankrepliedpissily.

Taylorheldupherhandsinnocently.“Nowcounselisjustgettinggreedy,YourHonor.”

Moretittersoflaughtercouldbeheardcomingfromthejurybox.Thejudgerappedhisgavellightly.

“Inordertokeepthistrialonschedule,Iwillacceptthedefendant’sproposedstipulation.Therecord
willreflectthatthiswitnesswouldtestifythatsheheardtheword‘chicks’inherworkplaceonseveral
occasions.”HegaveFrankasternlook.“Mr.Siedlecki,you’vealreadyfallentwodaysbehindon
yourwitnesslist.Isuggestyoufindwaystostructuretheirtestimoniesmoresuccinctly.”

ThenthejudgeturnedtoTaylor.“Asforyou,Ms.Donovan,inthefuture,pleasetrytokeepyour
objectionswithintheconfinesoftheFederalRulesofEvidence.”Hiswordswerefirm,buthis

expressionheldatraceofasmile.

“Yes,YourHonor,”Taylorsaiddemurely.Sheknewwhenshehadpushedajudgejustfarenough.

“Good.Ladiesandgentlemen,youareexcuseduntilMondaymorning,”thejudgetoldthejury.“I
remindyouthatyouarenotpermittedtodiscussthiscasewithanyone,includingeachother,untilit’s
timeforyourdeliberations.”Hebangedhisgavel.“Thiscourtstandsinrecess.”

“Allrise!Thishonorablecourtisinrecess,”theclerkofcourtshouted.

Thejudgestoodtoleave,andtheentirecourtroomrosewithhim.Asthebailiffescortedthejurors
out,afewnoddedandsmiledastheypassedbyTaylor.

Derekleanedover.“Theyadoreyou,”hewhispered.

Taylorgrinnedproudly.God,shelovedthisstuff.

Afterthejurorsleftthecourtroom,shequicklybeganthrowingfilesintoherbriefcase.

“I’mlate—Igottarun,”shetoldDerek.“ButweshouldplantomeetonSundayeveningtogoover
nextweek’scross-examinations.”

Derekwatchedherwithamusement.Taylorsuspectedthathisknowingsmilehadsomethingtodo
withthefactthatshehadreceivedflowersonMondayfromScottCasey.Thenewshadspreadthrough
theofficefasterthantheclap.

“Bigplansfortonight,Taylor?”heinquired.“Letmeguess—happyhouratL’ErmitagewithJohnny
Depp,perhaps?”

Taylorlookedup,surprised.“Well,well,well...sothere’sasmart-asslurkinginsideyouafterall,
Derek.Ilikeit.”

Thejuniorassociategrinned.“IthinkI’mturningintoyou.AnotherweekandI’llbedroppingF-
bombsaroundtheoffice.”

Taylorpattedhisshoulderaffectionately.“Ithinkyou’resafe.Iwouldneverusetheterm‘F-bomb.’”
Withateasingwink,shegrabbedherbriefcase,wishedDerekagoodweekend,andleftthecourtroom
inahurry.

DRIVINGTOTHEairport,feelingherexcitementbuild,TaylorpracticedvariouswaystotellVal
andKateabouteverythingthathadunfoldedsinceshehadmovedtoLosAngeles.Unfortunately,
everyscenarioshehadcomeupwithsofarmadehersoundtotally,criminallyinsane.

“Hi,guys,”shesupposedshecouldalwayssay,“guesswhat’shappenedtome?I’vebeenworking
withJasonAndrewsonhisnewfilmandheflewmeinhisprivatejettoLasVegaswherewealmost
kissed,andthenIwenttothisglamorouspartywhereScottCaseyaskedmeout,andoh—bytheway,
heandIdidkiss,severaltimesactually,afterhecookedmedinnerathismultimillion-dollarhouseup

intheHollywoodHills.”

Nowtherewasasurefirewaytoearnastraightjacketandaone-waytickettoChicago’sfinestmental
institution.

Taylorrealizedthatthissituationhadtobefinesseddelicately,especiallytoavoidhurtingKateand
Val’sfeelingsfornottellingthemeverythingearlier.Shedecidedshewouldwaituntiltheygotback
toherapartment.Theycouldsettlein,andthenshewouldslowlyunravelthestoryforthem,inaway
thatsoundedatleastsomewhatplausible.

Drivingalongthehighwaythatafternoon,TaylorfeltforthefirsttimesincecomingtoL.A.as
thoughshefinallyhadamomenttocatchherbreath.Sometimetoherself,soshecouldreallytake
stockofeverythingthathadhappenedoverthepastmonth.

JasonAndrews.

ScottCasey.

Taylorsuddenlybeganlaughing.Reallylaughing,tothepointwheresheneededtowipethetears
fromhereyesinordertoseetheroadinfrontofher.

PassingbyherinagrayMercedes,atannedCaliforniacouplelookedatheroddly.True—shemust
havebeenquiteasight,aloneinhercarandlaughinghysterically.Foronecrazysecond,shewas
temptedtorolldownherwindowandshouttothem,“Butdon’tyouknowwhoIam?I’mtheMystery
Woman!”

ButtheMercedesdroveby,andthemomentpassed,andTaylor ’slaughtergraduallysubsided.

Buthergoodmoodlasted.

ItwasagorgeousdayinLosAngeles—notquitesunset—andshewasabouttoseehertwobest
friendsforthefirsttimeinalmosttwomonths.ShewasexcitedtoshowthemalltheL.A.sightsshe’d
beenmeaningtogettoandlookedforwardtosomequalitygirltime—somethingshedefinitelyhad
beenmissingasoflate.

Taylorwonderedhowherfriendswouldreacttohernews.

ShewonderedwhattheywouldsayaboutJason.Ohyeah,andScottCasey,too.

Shewonderedifstraightjacketscameinasize2.

TAYLORSTOODATthesecutitycheckpoint,waitingforKateandValerietoappear.ShesawVal
first,whoimmediatelybrokeintoarunwithherarmsoutstretched.

“TaylorDonovan!”shescreamedexcitedly.Valwaslikethat—sheworeeveryemotiononhersleeve.
Everypantleg,sock,andshoe,too.

Katefollowed,moresedatethanVal,butnolesshappytoseeher.“Lookatyou,Californiagirl,”she
saidtoTaylorwithawink.

Withinseconds,thethreeofthemwerejumbledupintheirhellosandhugs,alltalkingexcitedlyuntil
Taylorfinallysteeredthemawayfromthesecuritygates.

“Sohowwastheflight?”sheasked.“Didyoucheckanyluggage?”

“Valhadto,”Kateinformedher.“Shebroughtfifteenoutfitsfortwonights.Andninepairsofshoes.”

“Ignorehercrankiness,”ValtoldTaylor.“She’sjustmadthatIsawJoshHartnettsittinginfirstclass
andshedidn’t.”

“Thatwasn’tJoshHartnett;thatkidwaseighteenyearsold,”Katesaid.

“Itoldyou,theyageslowerouthere.It’sallthefreshCaliforniaair,”Valreplied.

“Yes,becausethat’sexactlywhatLosAngelesisknownfor,”Katesaiddryly.“Cleanair.”

Taylorstoppedandtookinherfriends.Itwaslikebeinghomeagain.“God,Imissedyoutwo,”she
said,takingthembothinwithacontentsmile.FirstValerie,withhershoulder-lengthcurlyblonde
hairandtypicalslightlyeclecticattireofjeans,aflowypeasanttop,andoversizedhoopearrings.In
starkcontrastnexttoherstoodKate,withherstick-straightebonyhairpulledbackinaseriousbun
andwearingagraypinstripepantsuitandno-nonsenseMarcJacobsone-inchheels.

ThefactthatthesetwowomenwerefinallyinLosAngelesleftTaylorfeelingquitesentimental.“You
guyslooksogreat.”Shesighedhappily.

Atthat,KateleanedoverandwhisperedloudlytoVal.“Ohno—Ithinkshe’sgonesoftonus.”

Valcoveredhermouthwithonehand,“ItoldyouaboutthatgiggleIheard,”shesaidtoKate.

“That’sright!”KatepointedatTaylor,suddenlyremembering.“You.Spillit.Giggling?Mysterious
eveningsout?What’sbeengoingonouthere?”

Taylorgesturedtotheirsurroundings.“Canweatleastgetoutoftheairport?Ithinkwe’regonna
needafewdrinksforthis.”

Valerieshruggedamiably.“Fine,Iwanttogetbacktoyourplacetofreshenup,anyway.”

Katerolledhereyes.“Freshenup?Youspenttwentyminutesdoingyourmakeupontheplanebefore
welanded.”

ValeriefixedKatewithanultraseriousstare.“Katherine.WeareinL.A.Onemustlooktheirbestatall
timesouthere.Youneverknowwhoyoumightmeet.”ValloopedherarmthroughTaylor ’sasthe
threeofthemheadedinthedirectionofthebaggageclaim.“Tellher,Taylor.”

Katepulledhersuitcasealong,keepingupwiththem.“Yes,tellme,Taylor,”shesaidteasingly.“Tell
mehowthecelebritiesarejustfallingoffthetreesaroundhere,likeoranges.”

Taylorstaredstraightaheadastheywalked,prayingshedidn’tlosehershitrightthereintheairport.

“Um,well...let’sgetbacktomyplace.ThenI’lltellyoueverythingyouwanttoknow.”

BACKATHERapartment,aftergettingKateandValsetupinherguestbedroom,Taylorpoured
themaroundoftheirusualmangomartinis.Shesippedherdrinkquickly,figuringthebuzzwould
helploosenhertongue,whichlatelyseemedtogetstuckanytimesheeventhoughtthenameJason
Andrews.

Ohyeah,andScottCasey,too.Ofcourse.

Realizingshecouldn’tdelayanyfurther,Taylorsatherdrinkdownonthekitchentable.Determined
togetthisoverwith.

“Okay,look—Ineedtotellyouguyssomething.Actually,nowit’sacoupleofsomethings.”Shetook
adeepbreath.Slowly,easeintoitslowly.

“Sohere’sthedeal:thefirmputmeonthisproject,andIhadtokeepthingsquiettoavoidany
publicityconflictswithmytrial.”Taylorstopped.Damn—thathadcomeoutwrong.“NotthatI
thoughteitherofyouwouldpurposelytellanyone,”shebacktracked,“but—”

“Ohmygod...”Katewhispered.Hereyeswidenedinshock.“You’renotcomingbacktoChicago.”

Taylorshookherhead.“OfcourseIam.That’snotit.”Sheregrouped.“Anyway,forthisproject,I
hadtoworkwithacertainsomeone,andhelphimoutwith—”

Valeriegaspedexcitedly.“Iknewit!You’redatingsomebody!”

Taylorpointedatheremphatically.“No.Wearedefinitelynotdating.Well,butthenthere’skindofthis
otherguy,butIjustmethimlastweekandIdon’treallyknowwherethat’sgoing...”

Seeingthatherfriendsweretotallylost,shepulledherselftogether.“Letmestartover.Aboutamonth
ago,Imet—”

Shewascutoffbyaloudknockatherfrontdoor.

TaylorheldafingeruptoValandKate.“HoldthatthoughtforasecondwhileIgetthis.”

Assheheadedintothelivingroom,sheoverheardKatemumbletoVal,“Holdwhatthought?Ihaven’t
understoodawordshe’ssaidyet.”

Taylorunlockedherfrontdoorandopenedit.Beforeshecouldreact,Jasonbarreledrightin,all
firedup.

“Wherehaveyoubeen??Itriedcallingyou—isyourcellphoneoff?Ineedyoutotellmewhothe
hellIcansue.IjustmetwithMarty—wegotbackthemock-upsforthenewpublicitypostersthe
studio’sgoingtousetopromoteInferno.”

Jasonstormedintothekitchen,soengrossedinhisranthedidn’tnoticeValerieandKate.Heopened
Taylor ’sfridgeandhelpedhimselftoabottledwater.

“Andgetthis,”hefumedangrily,“thedumbasseswhodesignedthepostershavemepicturedinthis
scenewhereI’mputtingoutafirewithalltheseotherfiremen.Butifyoulookattheposterfromthe
side,thewaterfromthehoseofoneoftheotherfirefighterslookslikeit’sshootingrightoutofmy
crotch.Andthebestpartis,theywanttoputthisposteroverthetheaterentranceforthepremiere.I
canjustseeit—”Hegesturedgrandlytotheair.“‘ComeseeInferno!GetpissedonbyJason
Andrews!’”

Withthat,hethrewTaylorawink.“Itshouldberightupyouralley.”

Finishedwithhisrant,Jasontookasipofwater.ThenhefinallynoticedKateandVal.Hesmiled
charmingly.

“Oh.People.Hello.”

KateandValsatinsilenceatthetable.Theystaredatthesightofthisgod,thisidealmanofmodern
time,standingbeforetheminallhisglory.

Intheirfriend’skitchen.

Valeriebegangigglingnervously.

Kateheldhermartiniglassaloft,stillfrozeninmidairafterJason’sgrandentrance.

“TaylorDonovan,”shewhisperedhoarsely.“Whatisthismandoinginyourkitchen?”

JasontippedhisEvianbottle.“Havingadrinkofwater.”

Taylorthrewhimalook—hewasn’texactlyhelpingthesituation.Sheturnedtoherfriendstomake
theintroductions.Somuchforeasingslowlyintotheconversation.

“Kate,Val—IthinkyouknowJason.Jason,thisisKateandValerie,myfriendsfromChicago.”

Valeriejumpedoutofherchair,finallyfindinghervoice.“Youlittleshit!”Shewaggedherfingerin
Taylor ’sface.“Howcouldyounottellusthis?”

Notwaitingforananswer,ValrushedovertoshakeJason’shand,gushingeffusively.“It’ssoniceto
meetyou,Jason.I’mabigfan—I’veseeneveryoneofyourmovies.Likesixtimes.”

Hearingthat,JasonproudlyfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandshotTaylorasatisfiedgrin.“Told
you,”hemouthed.ThenheturnedbacktoValerie,whostaredathiminadaze,stillholdinghishand.

“Thankyou.That’salwaysnicetohear,”hesaidwarmly.“SoyoutwoarefriendsofTaylor?”

KateandValmanagedmutenods.

“You’revisitingfromChicago,then?”

Morenodding.Chicago,yes,uh-huh,whatever.WesawyounakedinOverload.

JasonturnedtoKate,tryingtodrawherout.“Sowhatdoyouladieshaveplannedfortonight?”

ValandKateshrugged,sillygrinsstillplasteredontheirfaces.

Taylorintervened,gentlyextractingVal’shandfromJason’s.“ItriedtogetusreservationsatKoi,but
theywerebookedthiswholeweekend.We’llcomeupwithsomethingelse.”

Atthis,Jasonrolledhiseyes.Hewhippedouthiscellphone,unabletosuppresshissmile.“Younever
ceasetoamazeme,Taylor.”

Despiteherself,shefelthercheeksblushing.

JasonheldTaylor ’sgazeashespokeintohisphone.“Yeah,Marty,it’sme.GetmeatableatKoi
tonight.Partyof...”Helookedatherquestioningly.“Isthisagirls-onlynight,orareguysinvited,
too?”

“Ohmygod,guysaresoinvited!”Valeriecriedout,practicallybarrelingJasonoverinher
excitement.

OverVal’shead,helookedatTaylorteasingly.“Iguessthatmeansyou’restuckwithmeagain,Ms.
Donovan.”HegrinnedatValerie,toexplain.“Shethinksshehatesme.”

Hewinked,asiftosaytheyallknewthelikelihoodofthatbeingtrue.

Twenty-two

THEGIRLSSCRAMBLEDtogetready.Astheyrushedinandoutofthebathroom,tryingonvarious
outfits(Val’sfifteennowcameinveryhandy),Taylor ’sfriendsdemandedtoknoweverydetailofher
relationshipwithJason.Soshetoldthem.

Howshecouldn’tstandhimwhentheyfirstmet.

Howhewasarrogantandrude,andhowheinsultedheronnationaltelevision.

HowshefoughtandfoughtandfoughttogetofftheAndrewsProject,butnobodyatherfirmhad
listened.

“Andnow?”Kateasked,sittingcross-leggedonTaylor ’sbed.Theybothwerealreadydressed.Val,
however,stillfussedinfrontofthefull-lengthmirrorinthecornerofthebedroom.

“Andnow,Idon’tknow,”Taylorsaid,shrugging.“IguessIfindhim,youknow,tolerable.”

“Tolerable.”Valturnedaroundfromthemirror.“YoufindJasonAndrewstolerable.”

“Well...”shehedged.

“Wouldyouliketoamendyouranswer,Taylor?”Kateaskedinaslylawyer ’stone.

ThenshetoldherfriendsaboutVegas,andhowinamomentofalcohol-inducedweakness(thatwas
stillherstoryandshewasstickingtoit),sheandJasonhadalmostkissed.Untiltheywereinterrupted
byahordeofscreamingfans.

“Man,Ihatewhenthathappens,”Kateinterjected.“Screaminghordesoffansruineverything.”

ThenTayloralsotoldthemabouttheparty,describingindetailJason’samazinghouse.Butfor
whateverreason,shedidn’ttellthemabouttherun-inwithNaomi.Pride,perhaps.

“Sonowwhat?”Valasked.ShehadfinallysettledonaredsleevelesstopandTrueReligionjeans.
“What’sgoingonwithyoutwo?”

“Nothingisgoingonwithus,”Taylorsaid.

“Well,isn’tthatacrime...”Valmused.“YouneedtogetonthatASAP,Taylor.Liketonight.You’rea
foolifyoudon’t.”

BeforeTaylorcouldrespond,thedoorbellrang.Valjumpedupandranexcitedlyintotheliving
room.TaylorandKatefollowedandcaughtupwithValasshepeekedoutthefrontwindow.

Sheturnedaround,gesturingoutside.“Thismanyoufindtolerablejustsentalimotopickusup.What
doyouhavetosayaboutthat?”

Curious,TaylorandKatepeeredoutthewindow.

“Whatonearthhaveyoudonetohim?”Kateasked,takinginthelimooutside.

“Oh,youknow,slammedafewdoorsinhisface,hunguponhimacoupleoftimes,tossedarounda
slewofinsults.”

Katenodded.“Ah,theusualstuff.”

SheandTaylorsharedasmile.ThentheywatchedthroughthewindowasValeriehightaileditoutside.
ShepausedatthelimoandgrandlyblewairkissestoafewofTaylor ’sneighborsbeforeclimbing
inside.

EVERYWHERETHEYWENTthatnight,peoplestared.

AtKoi,asthefiveofthem(JasonhadbroughtJeremyalong)ateridiculouslyexpensivesushiand
knockedbackseveraldrinks,peoplestared.

AtTeddy’sattheRooseveltHotel,astheylaughedwhileattheirpoolsidetable,peoplestared.

WhentheyleftTeddy’sandwalkedrightpastthelineoutsidePrivilege,peoplestared.

Astheywereusheredintotheclub,withitswhitewallsandwhitefloor,byamanager(dressedallin
white),andseatedataprivatebooth(whiteleather,natch),peoplestared.

AndKateandValateupeveryminuteofit.

Ithadtobeoneofthebest,ifnotthebest,nightsoftheirlives.Andcertainlythemostglamorous.
Theyweretreatedlikeroyaltyeverywheretheywent.AllbecauseofJason.

Afterthewaitertookthegroup’sdrinkorders,TaylorfoundherselfthinkingaboutJason’sattitude
thatevening.Orrather,hiscompletelackthereof.Hewasbeingentirelygraciouswithherfriends.
Charming.Friendly.Downrightnice,actually.Throughoutthenight,hehadbeeneagertomakesure
herfriendswerehavingagoodtime.HetalkedatlengthtobothValandKate,makinganefforttoget
toknoweachofthem.Tothepoint,frankly,whereTaylorfeltasthoughshehadspentalmostthe
wholeeveningwithJeremy.

Whichwasperfectlyfine.HerfriendscouldhaveJasonAndrews—she’dspentenoughtimearound
himasitwas.

Hadn’tshe?

TheywereontheirsecondroundofdrinkswhenTaylornoticedthatathickcrowdhadgrownaround
theirtable.Whenasweatydrunkguywithoverlygelledhair—somefamous-for-being-famousoil
heirwhohungoutwithParisHilton(accordingtoVal’sknowingwhisper)—knockedintoTaylorand
nearlyspilledhisdrinkonher,Jasonappearedtoreachhislimit.

“Let’sheadtotheback,”hedeclared.

Taylortookadvantageoftheirchangeinlocationbyheadingovertothebartosettletheirtab.Jason
hadpaidforeverythingelsethatevening,andshefeltguiltycontinuingtotakeadvantageofhis
generosity.Hemayhavemoney,butshecertainlycouldhandlepayingforafewroundsofdrinks.

ShegothercreditcardoutofherpurseandwastryingtoflagdowntheirwaiterwhenJasonpulledup
nexttoheratthebar.

“Whatdoyouplantodowiththat?”Hepointedtohercreditcardwithamusement.

“Atleastletmepayforthedrinks,”sheinsisted.

“Why?Soyoucanturnaroundandexpensethemaspartofmylegalbills?”Jasongrinnedteasingly.

Recallinghowawkwardtheirearlierconversationonthesubjectofbillinghadbeen,Taylorblushed.
“Don’tworry—I’mnotgoingtoexpenseit,”shetoldhim.“IdoubtIcouldgetawaywithcallingthis
work.”Shegesturedtothebarandthecrowdsurroundingthem.

Jasonleanedagainstthebar.“No?Thenwhatexactlywouldyoucallthis?”Hegesturedtothebarand
crowd,imitatingher.

Rightthen,somebodybumpedintoTaylor,pushingherintoJason.Hesteadiedher,puttingonehand
onherhiptoprotectherfromthecrowd.Pressedagainsthim,Taylorglancedupandfoundhiseyes
staringstraightintohers.

Therewerehundredsofpeopleintheclubthatnight.

Butsuddenlyitfeltlikeitwasjustthetwoofthem.

ASTHEYSTOODtogetheramidstthelow,seductivecandlelightthatilluminatedthebar,Jason’s
mindracedinamilliondirections.

HewatchedasTaylortookastepback,puttingsomedistancebetweenthem.Sheseemedalittle
flustered.Good,Jasonthought.Itwasabouttime.

“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasked,tryingtocontinueonwithanormalconversation.“WhatwouldI
callwhat,exactly?”

Hepointedbetweenthem.“Ithinkyouoncedescribedthisasme‘pestering’you.”

Taylorsmiled.“Me?Thatdoesn’tsoundlikesomethingIwouldsay.”

Jasoncould’veswornheheardaflirtatioustonethere.“No,Idistinctlyremembertheconversation,”
hesaid.“WewereattheBellagio,ontheterrace...”

Taylor ’scheeksflushedtellingly,andJasonknewthenthatsherememberednotonlytheconversation
butalsowhathadhappened,oralmosthappened,immediatelyafterward.

Justatthatmoment,thecrowdsurgedagain.ToavoidcrashingintoTaylor,hebracedhimselfagainst
thebar,onearmoneithersideofher.Trappingherin.

HegrinneddownatTaylor,referringtotheirposition.“Yes,Ithinkthisisexactlywherewewerelast
time.”

Shegazedupathim.“Weshouldgetbacktoourfriends.”

“We’vealreadyspentalotoftimewiththemtonight.”

Shecockedherhead.“IthoughtyoulikedtalkingwithValandKate.”

“Becausethey’reyourfriends.”Jasonpaused.“It’sallforyou,youknow.”

Hesawaflashinhereyes,butitwasn’tangerthistime.“Jason...”shesaidinahuskyvoice.

Man,thatdiditeverytime.Forgettingwheretheywere,andeverythingaroundthem,Jasonleaned
downandwhisperedinherear.“Sayitagain,Taylor.Ilovethewayyousaymyname.”

Heheardthequickintakeofherbreathattheintimacyofhiswords.Hemovedhishead,sothattheir
lipswerejustinchesapart.Hereyesweredarkandsultry.Sheturnedherfaceuptowardhisand
slowlybegantoleaninasifshe,too,wasbeingdrawninandcouldn’thelpit—

“Jason.”

Butthistime,thepersonsayinghisnamewasn’tTaylor.

ItwasJeremy.

Jasonglancedoverandsawhisfriendstandingnexttohim.Hislooksaiditall—Youhavegottobe
fuckingkiddingme.

Jeremyworeasheepishexpression.“Sorry,buddy—butwe’vegottogetyouinback.Incaseyou
hadn’tnoticed,thesepeoplearegoingcrazy.”Hepointedtothecrowdbehindhim.“Idon’tthinkthe
club’sbouncerscankeepeveryoneawayfromyouformuchlonger.”

JasonpeeredoverJeremy’sheadandsawthathewasright.Athrongofpeople,bothwomenandmen,
surgedforward,tryingtoslippastthethreebouncerswhohadformedaperimetertoprotecthim.

Jasonnoddedinagreement.Normally,hewasverycautiousinpublicplaces,buthehadcompletely
forgottenhimselfinthepastfewmomentswithTaylor.

“Leadtheway,”hetoldJeremywhileeyingthefrenziedcrowd.HeglanceddownatTaylorandput
hisarmaroundherwaist.“StaybetweenmeandJeremy,”hetoldher.

Rightthen,awomaninhermidtwentiesbrokepastoneofthebouncers.ShelungedforJason,
shovingbothJeremyandTayloroutoftheway.

“Ohmygod!Jason—Iloveyou!”shescreamedfrantically.

OneofthebouncersgrabbedholdofthewomanrightbeforeshegottoJasonandpulledheraway.

JasonreachedforTaylor.“Areyouokay?”

Butsheseemednottohearhim.Hergazewasfixedonthewoman,whowasmakingascene,clawing
franticallyatthebouncerwhopulledherawayfromJason.“Wait—please!”thewomancriedout
desperately.“Ionlywanttotalktohimforaminute!Ijustwanttotalktohim!”

Taylorwasmesmerized.

Jasontookherbythearm.“Taylor,wehavetomoveawayfromhere.”

Hearinghiswords,shesnappedoutofitandnodded.“Sorry.Ofcourse.”

ThenshequietlyfollowedJasonandJeremytoaprivateroominback.

JASONBARELYGOTachancetotalktoTayloragain.

Shespenttherestofthetimewithherfriends,andhedidn’twanttointrude.Hesuspectedshe’dbeen
unnervedbytheincidentwiththewomanandwantedtogivehersomespace.Peoplearoundhim
unfortunatelyhadnochoicebuttogetusedtothatkindofthing.Evenifitwasmorethanalittle
weird.

Thegroupstayeduntiltheclubclosed.Astheywereleaving,thebarmanagertoldJasonthatamob

ofpaparazzihadformedoutfrontandsuggestedtheyexitoutback.Asthefiveofthemheadedtoward
thelimothatwaitedinthealley,Jasoncouldhearthegirlschattingexcitedlyabouttheirevening.

HewatchedasTaylorbrokeapartfromherfriendsandheadedover.Jeremysubtlywalkedaheadas
shefellintostridealongsidehim.

Afterwalkingamomentortwo,shestoppedandreachedouttohim.“Jason—holdon.”

Shepausedawkwardly,thenlookeduptomeethisgaze.“Thankyou.Fortonight.”

Withaslightsmile,Jasonnodded.

“You’rewelcome.”

Thetwoofthemstoodthere,andJasonnoticedthatforonce,shedidn’truinthemomentwitha
sarcasticcomment.

Nope,insteadthemomentwasdecidedlyruinedbyValerie,whoyelledovertothem.

“Hey!Slowpokes!”

JasonandTaylorlookedandsawValhangingouttheroofofthelimo.“Wouldyoutwomind
steppingitupabit?”sheasked,clearlytipsy.“YoucancontinueyoursecretlittlechitchatatTaylor ’s
—we’reallgoingbackthereforafterhours.”

JasonglancedatTaylor,curioustoseeherreactiontothisturnofevents.

Withashrug,shegrinned.

“Shallwe?”

Twenty-three

SOTHEGROUPadjournedtoTaylor ’s,wheretherewasmuchlaughinganddrinking.Merriment,
Katejokinglydeclared,that’showshewoulddescribeitwhenshetoldUsWeeklyallaboutthenightas
soonasshegotbacktoChicago.Ballyhoo,Jeremysaid,backingKate.Taylorwonderediftheywere
flirting.

Meanwhile,Valeriesprawledacrossthecouch.Inherinebriatedstate,shehadjustremembered
somethingthatnowdidn’tseemtomakemuchsense.

“Taylor,didn’tyousaysomethingearlierabouthavingadate?”Shewavedherglassaround,mango
martinisloshingprecariouslyinside.

Itwaslikearecordhadskippedtoastopintheroom.

Somehow,TaylorhadcompletelyforgottenallaboutScottCaseyfortheentireevening.

ReadingthefrozenlookonTaylor ’sface,amoresoberKatequicklyintervened.“Oh,whocares

aboutthataftereverythingwe’vedonetonight?Taylor—youcanfillusintomorrow.”

Butthenavoicespokeoutfromcorneroftheroom.

“Actually,IwouldliketohearmoreaboutTaylor ’sbigdate.”

EveryoneturnedandlookedoveratJason,whosatinthearmchairinthecorneroftheroom.

“Afterall,”hesaid,holdingTaylor ’sgaze,“it’snoteverydaythatawomanisluckyenoughtogoon
adatewithScottCasey.”

ThisnewswasjusttoomuchforValerietobear.

“ScottCasey?”shegasped.ShegrabbedTaylor ’shand,nearlycuttingoffthecirculation.Sittingnext
toher,eventheusuallycoolKateappearedshockedatthisunexpecteddevelopment.

Taylorstrovefornonchalance.“Itwasjustonedate.Iplannedtotellyouaboutitinthemorning.”

Andwiththat,masshysteriaerupted.

Valshriekedandleaptoffthecouch.Mangomartinifleweverywhere.Kateimmediatelybeganfiring
questionsatTaylor.Who?What?Where?

“Ohmygod,ohmygod,ohmygod,”criedVal,hercontributiontotheinterrogation.Katecontinued
firingaway,fullspeed.How?When?Andthenwhat?

AsTaylortriedtowaveofftheirquestions,shecaughtaglimpseofJasonoutofthecornerofher
eye.Toputitmildly,helookedpissed.Hisgriponthehighballglassgrewtighterandtighterwith
everyquestionasked.

Suddenly,Taylorfoundherselfabitannoyed.Firstofall,hehadbroughtupthesubjectofherdate
withScottCasey,nother.Second(andfarmoreimportantinTaylor ’smind),shehadn’tdoneanything
wrong.Infact,itwasjustrecentlythatJasonhadbeenflauntinghisdatewithNaomiinfrontofher.She
didn’tknowexactlywhatkindofgameJasonwasplaying,butshedidknowonethingforcertain:

Twocouldplayatit.

Sosheflungherhairback,happytoansweranyandallquestionsherfriendsmighthave.

Firsttheycoveredthebasics.IncludinghowScotthadcookedforher.

“Oh...howsweet.”Valeriesighedromantically.ThiswasaboutthepointatwhichJeremyexcused
himselftohaveasmokeinthecourtyardoutside.Jason,ontheotherhand,satquietlyinthecorner,
simplylistening,andforafewminutes,thegirlsforgothewasthere.

“So,whatdoesthismean?”Kateasked,movingontothemoresubstantivequestions.“Areyougoing
toseeScottagain?”

Taylorpaused.“Yes.ThisSaturday.”

Jasonglancedoversharply.“Youdidn’ttellmethat.”

Taylorshrugged.“Youdidn’task.”

ValerieturnedtowardJason,leaningtipsilyoverthearmofthecouch.“See,womenknowhowtoask
therightquestions,”sheexplained.

“Iseethat,”Jasonsaid.“Pleasecontinue.I’dliketoknowwhatelseI’vemissedaboutthisdate.”

Kateappeareduncertain.“Maybeweshouldfinishthislater.”

Jasonwavedheron,encouraging.“No,really—keepgoing.PretendI’mnothere.Whatwouldyou
ladiesnormallycovernext?Whatkindofshoeshewaswearing?Whattypeofdressingtheyhadwith
theirsalads?”Scoffing,hetookamachosipofhisdrink,allhaughtyman-like.

Kateshruggedmatter-of-factly.“Actually,I’daskifhewasgoodinbed.”

Jasonchokedonhisdrink.HeleaptoutofhischairandpointedatTaylor.

“Well,Icertainlyhopeyoudon’tknowtheanswertothat!”

Shestaredathim.“Why?Howmanyfirstdateshaveyouhadsexon?”

Jasonsatbackdown.Shuttingupnow.

“Exactly,”Taylorsassedhim.“Sodon’tactsoappalled.Youmenaskthesamequestions.”

Jasonsnickeredatthis.“No,generally,menstartwithwhethershehasbig...”Hetrailedoff,
consideringhisaudience.“...whethershe’swell-endowed,”herephrasedpolitely.

Kateshrugged,happytoplayalong.“Fine.IsScottCaseywell-endowed?”

JasongaspedandpointedatTayloragain.

“Notoneword.”

Taylorstudiedhimcarefully.Thiswasaninterestingdevelopment.Iftherewasindeedsomegame
beingplayedbetweenherandJason—whichofcoursetherewasnot—thenshewouldhavetosaythat
TeamDonovanhadjustscoredanotherpoint.

Shegotupfromthecouchandbeganpickingupthegroup’semptyglasses.“Isthereaproblem,
Jason?”sheaskedcasually.“Ithoughtyousaidyouweren’tjealousofScottCasey.”

Inresponse,Jasongrabbedsomeglassesandfollowedherintothekitchen.“It’snotjealousy,”he
said.“I’mjusttryingtorushusthroughthegirltalksowecanmoveontothepillowfightor
whateverotheractivitiesyouladieshaveplannedforyoursleepover.”

TheypassedbyJeremy,whowascominginfromoutside,havingfinishedhiscigarette.

“Becausewedon’thavetotalkaboutmydate,ifitbothersyou.”Taylorbeganstackingglassesinthe
dishwasher.

Jasonlaughedthisoff.“Goahead,talkallyouwant.Idon’tcare.”

Shelookedathim,tryingtodecideifhewastellingthetruth.

Jasonlookedatherearnestly.“Really,keepgoing.Ithinkmaybeyouwereabouttotelluswhether
yousleptwithScottCasey.”

Taylorwasabouttoanswerwhen,outofthecornerofhereye,shecaughtaglimpseof—

Kate,Val,andJeremy.

Thethreeofthemsatinarow,wide-eyed,staringoverthebackofthecouchatherandJason.
Mesmerizedbythescene.ValhadgottenholdofsomeM&M’sfromthedishonthecoffeetableand
waschewingthemdistractedly,asifwatchingamovie.

Taylorclearedherthroat.Ahem...

KateandJeremyblinkedandjumpedoffthecouch,realizingtheywerebusted.

“Oh,wow,lookatthetime,”Jeremysaidinarush.“Youknow,Jason,Ireallythinkit’stimeforusto
getgoing.”

KategrabbedValeriebythewrist,thinkingalongthesamelines.“Comeon,Val.It’stimetocrash—
there’salotwewanttodotomorrow.”Shepulledherreluctantfriendoffthecouchandledherdown
thehallway.Valeriedraggedherfeetthewholeway.“ButKatherine,thisshitisbetterthanGrey’s
Anatomy...”shewhisperedloudly.

Andsothepartycametoanend.

Taylorwalkedthementothedoor,whereJeremyheldouthishandingood-bye.“Taylor,itwasa
pleasure,asalways.”Withawink,heleft.

LeavingjustherandJason.

Jasonleanedagainstthedoorwithhisarmsfoldedacrosshischest.Hedidn’tsayanything,butTaylor
knewwhathewaswaitingfor.

“Notthatit’sanyofyourbusiness,”shesaid,“buttheanswertoyourquestion...isno.”Shebraced
herself,expectinghissmugcomment.

Butinstead,Jason’sreactionsurprisedher.Hisentiredemeanorchanged.Softened.

“Okay...”Heexhaled.Thenheheadedoverandstoodbeforehertosaygood-bye.

“Goodnight,Taylor,”hesaidgently.Helightlykissedhercheek.

Thekissandthesofttoneofhisvoicegaveherbutterflies.Amomentlater,hewasgone.

Taylorshutthedoorbehindhimandleanedagainstitforsupport.Thensheheadeddownthehallway
toherroom.

ValandKateweresittingonthebed,waiting,justassheknewtheywouldbe.Katepointedather.

“Talk.”

TAYLORFLOPPEDONthebednexttothemandsighed.

“Idon’tevenknowwheretostartanymore.”

“Fine,I’llstartthen,”Valsaid.SheseemedtohavesoberedalittlewhilewaitingforTaylor.“I’ll
beginwiththeobvious:he’sJasonAndrews.”

ShestaredatTaylorpointedly,makingsuretheywereonthesamepagewiththis.“He’sJason
Andrews.”

“Iknowthat,Val.”

“Doyou?”sheaskedskeptically.“BecausefromwhatI’veseen,I’mnotsosure.”

“Trustme,Iknowwhoheis.”

“Good—thenlet’smoveontothefactthathe’sgorgeous,smart,witty,and—Ihatetosayit—filthy
rich.”

Taylorstoppedherthere.“YouknowIdon’tcareaboutthat.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeanitcan’tgointhepluscolumn.”

“I’malreadyawareofallthesethings,”Taylortoldher.“Everywomanintheworldisawareofthese
things.”

“Buthedoesn’tlookateverywomanintheworldthewayhelooksatyou.”Valeriesmiled.“He’s
crazyaboutyou,Taylor.”

Sheconsideredthis.“Youknow,Val,foronebriefmoment,Ithoughtthesameasyou.Butyou’re
wrong.”

Valheldherhandsout,frustrated.“Howdoyouknowthat?”

TaylorwastemptedtotellthemaboutJason’spartyandherencounterwithNaomiCross.Butshe
knewthatNaomiCrosswasonlyasmallpartofamuchbiggerproblem.

“He’sJasonAndrews,”shesaid.“Icouldnameahundredwomen—veryfamousonesatthat—who

wouldtellyouthatheoncelookedatthemthesamewayyouthinkhelooksatme.”ShecaughtVal’s
skepticallook.“He’sanactor.Averygoodactor.”Taylorheldupafingerwarningly.“Don’tevertell
himIsaidthat.”

SeeingthatValremainedunconvinced,shecontinued.“Thinkaboutwhoheis.He’stheguywhosaid
onnationaltelevisionthatwomenshouldbetreatedlikefilmscripts:kickedtothecurbafteranhour
iftheydon’tholdhisinterest.”

Valerieshookherheadresolutely.“Butthatwasbeforehemetyou.”SheturnedtoKate,whohadbeen
strangelyquietthusfar.“Helpmeouthere.Talksomesenseintoher,”shepleaded.

Katepaused.Whenshefinallyspoke,herwordswerecautious.“Idon’tknow.I’mnotsurewhatI
think.”

“Ohno,notyou,too,”Valsaiddespairingly.“WhatamImissinghere?”Sheglancedbackandforth
betweenKateandTaylor.

TaylorsawKate’shesitation.“Goahead—youcansayit.”

“It’sjustthat...”Kateproceededcarefully,knowingthatshewasabouttoenterveryriskyterritory.
“Well,you’vebeendownthisroadbefore,Taylor.”

Valeriesnorteddisdainfullyatthis.“JasonAndrewsisnothinglikeDaniel.”

“You’reright—he’sworse,”Taylorsaiddryly.“He’sthelegendthatmenlikeDanielonlyaspireto
be.Youguysshould’veseenitatthebar—thiswomanwentcrazyjusttryingtotalktoJason.”

“AllofusweresoinfatuatedwithDanielinlawschool,”KatetoldValerie.“Andweallknewabout
hisreputation.ButthewayheactedwithTaylor...Ithoughthehadchanged.”

SheshookherheadapologeticallyatTaylor.“Wow—wasIeverwrongaboutthat,huh?”

“Weallwere,”Taylorsaid.“Mostofallme.Ishould’vetrustedmyinstincts.”

“AndIthinkthat’swhatyouneedtodothistime.”KatesqueezedTaylor ’shandreassuringly.“As
muchasImightlikeJason,asmuchIthinkitwouldbeadreamcometruetodateamoviestarlike
him,Ican’tbetheonewhotellsyoutogoforitthistime.You’renotgoingtogetanymorebullshit
frommeaboutlovechangingpeople.Theycansavethatstuffforfairytalesandmovies.”

Valwascrushedbywhatshewashearing.“IthinkthisisthesinglemostdepressingconversationI’ve
everheard.”SheturnedtoTaylorforassurance.“Tellhershe’swrong,Taylor.You’relivingproof
thatthesethingscanhappen.Tellheryoustillbelievethat.”

TaylorstaredintoValerie’shopefuleyes.Herfriend,theromantic,whoidolizedcelebritiesbecause
toher,theylivedthedream.Theglamorouslife.Beautifulpeoplewhohadadventuresandromance,
whofelldeeplyinlovewithotherbeautifulpeopleandlivedhappilyeverafter.

AndinValerie’smind,ifitcouldhappentoher—TaylorDonovanfromthesouthsideofChicago,
whodidn’tknowasoulinHollywoodwhenshegotthere—thenmaybe,justmaybe,itcouldhappento

anyone.

Buttherewasonesmallproblem.

Taylordidn’tbelieveit.

Shebelievedinlogic.Shebelievedinstudyingtheevidenceandfollowingittoitsnaturalconclusion.
Shedidnotbelieveinfantasiesandfairytales.Shehadlearned,alltoowellafterfindingDanieland
hisassistantandthenakedthrustingbuttcheeks,thatlifeisnotaromanticcomedy.

SosheturnedtoValeriewithheranswer.

“WhatIthink,Val,isthatthebiggestmistakeawomancanmakeisconvincingherselfthatsheisthe
onewhowillbedifferent.I’vemadethatmistakeonce—it’snotgoingtohappenagain.”

TaylorhadnothingfurthertosayonthesubjectofJasonAndrews.

Theconversationwasover.

Twenty-four

THEFOLLOWINGWEEKflewbyuneventfully.Businessasusualwithhertrial,andbeforeTaylor
knewit,anotherFridaymorninghadrolledaround.

Unfortunately,onthisparticularFridaymorning,TaylorwasstuckinsomeverynastyLosAngeles
traffic.Possibly,shewaslost.Mostdefinitely,shewaslate.

Trial-wise,thepastfourdayshadproceededsmoothly.Theplaintiffswerenearingtheendoftheir
case-in-chiefandhadbegunpresentingtheirfinalwitnessesinsupportoftheirclaimsforemotional
distressdamages.Fromtheskepticallooksshe’dseenonthejurors’faces,Taylorsuspectedtheyhad
asmuchproblemasshedidawardingsomeone$30millionforallegedsexuallyharassingbehavior
thatwasaboutassexualasaHilaryDuffmovie.Nowadays,andnowheremoresothaninLos
Angeles,jurieswantedtoseetrialsliketheonestheysawontelevision.Theywanteddrama.Scandal.
IntheeraofHBO,theyexpectedalittlebada-bangfor$30million.

Taylorthoughtagainabouthowmuchshewantedtowinthistrial.Actually,itwasprettyfairtosay
thatsheneededtowinthistrial.Becauselately,workwastheonlythinginherlifethatstillmade
sense.

ShehadbeenhopingthatValandKate’svisitwouldprovideherwithsomemuch-neededclarity.But
allitdidwasleaveherevenmoreconfused.

AftertheirconversationlateFridaynight,inasilentagreementtokeeptherestoftheweekendstress-
free,thethreeofthemhadavoidedthesubjectofJason.OnSaturdaymorning,theywokeupand
treatedthemselvestothefullCaliforniaworkup:shoppingonRodeoDrive,aridiculouslyoverpriced
lunchattheIvy,anafternoonatthebeach,anddinnerataquaintoutdoorbistroinSantaMonica.
Whilethenighthadn’tbeenasglamorousasthepreviousonespentwithHollywood’sSexiestMan
Alive,itwastheperfectwayforthegirlstorelax,talk,andleaveallcaresofmenbehind.

Sundaymorning,afteralatebrunchattheViceroyhotel,TaylorhaddroppedoffKateandValatthe
airport,shockedbyhowfasttheweekendhadflownby.Itwaswhentheyweresayinggood-byethat
Valfirstdaredtobroachthetopicofherlovelife.

“SocallusnextweekandtellushowSaturdaygoes.”ShehuggedTaylortightly.“Ican’twaittohear
allaboutyourseconddatewithScottCasey.”

Taylorsmiledtentativelyatherfriend.“It’sokay,Val,I’llsayitifyouwon’t.IknowyouthinkI’m
makingamistake.”

Valshookherhead.“Idon’tthinkyou’remakingamistake.IthinkthesamethingasKate—thatyou
shouldfollowyourinstincts.Ijusthopeyou’rewillingtolistentothoseinstinctsnomatterwhatthey
tellyou.”

Val’sfinalwordsonthesubjecthadstuckwithTaylorwellafterherfriendswavedgood-byeand
boardedtheirplanebacktoChicago.Thewordswereinthebackofhermindlaterthatevening,as
sheworkedalongsideDereklateintoSundaynight.Theyhadstuckwithherallweek,duringhertrial,
asshecross-examinedtheplaintiffs’witnesses.

AndtheystillechoedinherheadthatFridaymorning,asshesatinthatdamnL.A.traffic.

Taylortappedherfingersimpatientlyonthesteeringwheel.Shecheckedherwatchagain,growing
moreagitatedbytheminute.Shehadneveroncebeenlateforcourt.Butluckyher—thismorning
therehadbeenadetouronWilshireBoulevardthathadledhertothefreeway,whereshehadnoclue
whereshewasgoing.

Taylorpeeredoutthewindows,lookingforanysortofsignorstreetnamesherecognized.Bynow,
shehadturnedagainstthePTCruiser.What,thestupidthingcouldn’thaveanavigationsystem?

Trafficsuddenlybegantomove.ThisturnedouttobeevenmoreproblematicforTaylor,whohadno
ideawheresheshouldbemovingto.Figuringthiswasnotimetobeproud,shepulledouthercell
phoneanddialedupDerekfordirections.Heansweredfromhispostatthecourthouse,relievedto
hearthatyes,ofcourseshewasstillcomingandno,shehadnotrunofftoLakeComo,Italy,todo
backflipswiththeboysoffGeorgeClooney’syacht.

AsTaylorjotteddownthedirectionsDerekgaveheronavaletstickershefoundintheglove
compartment,shewentovertheday’sstrategy.Neveronetomissanopportunitytomultitask.

“Justmakesuretheexhibitsarereadytogo,oneontopofthenext,”shetoldhimassheprecariously
balancedaphone,apen,andthesteeringwheelallatonce.“Idon’twanttogivethewitnessesany
timetothinkbetweenquestions.”

“DoyoureallythinkFrank’sgoingtokeepputtingthemonthestand?”Derekaskedontheotherend
oftheline.“They’realldoingsohorribly.”

Glancingupattheroadahead,Taylorspottedtheexitshewassupposedtotake.Thankgod.She
guidedhercartowardtheofframp,stillholdinghercellphonewithonehand.

“YouandImayseethat,”sheansweredDerek,“butFrankseemstobelivingincrazy—”

Suddenly,shewascutoffasanothercarshotoutofnowhereintoherlane,tryingtomaketheexit
ramp.Withbarelyanytimetoreact,sheyankedthesteeringwheeltotheright,tryingtogetoutofthe
car ’sway,swervingintothenextlaneand—

—feltthejoltofanimpactasanothercarhither.

Everythinghappenedinalightning-quickblur:thewheelsofthePTCruiserspunoutasTaylor ’s
headstruckthedriver ’ssidewindowandeverythingspunaroundandaroundandaroundandthen—

Thecarsuddenlylurchedtoastopinaditchonthesideoftheroad.

Taylor ’sairbagexploded.

Well,atleastthestupidPTCruiserhadthose.

WITHAGROAN,Taylorpulledherheadawayfromtheinflatedairbag.Shegingerlytouchedthe
sideofherheadwhereshehadcrackeditagainstthewindow.Whileitfeltquitepainful,shedidn’t
feelanythingwarm,icky,orgushing,whichshetookasapositivesign.Shethenbeganmentally
runningthroughachecklist:fingersmoving,toesmoving,allteethappearedtobeintact.

Afterwhatfeltlikeonlyseconds,Taylorheardafranticknocktoherleft.Inherdaze,sheturnedin
thedirectionofthesoundandsawamiddle-agedmanwearingalightbluesuitandaMickeyMouse
tieatthedriver ’ssidewindow.Themanyankedopenhercardoor.

Taylor ’sfirstthoughtwasthatshe,TaylorDonovan,wasabouttoberescuedbyamaninablue
leisuresuitandMickeyMousetie.

Hersecondthoughtwasthatshe,TaylorDonovan,didn’tneedtoberescuedbyanyone.

Herthirdthoughtwasthatshewasoddlythinkingofherselfinthethirdperson,andthatcouldn’tbea
goodsign.

TheMickeyMouseguystuckhisheadintothecar.“Miss!Areyouokay?Areyouallright?”

Taylorsmiledreassuringly.Noworries,man.Afterall,shewasTaylorDonovan.Confidentthat,
throughhercustomaryhumorandwit,shecouldshowjusthowunfazedandconfidentaperson
TaylorDonovanwas,shehelduphercellphonefortheMousemantosee.

“CouldIbemoreofacliché?”sheaskedjokingly.

AndthatwasthelastthingTaylorDonovansaidbeforepassingoutcold.

“I’MTELLINGYOU,I’mfine.There’snothingtoworryabout.Ifeelgreat.”

Thedoctorscribbledsomethinginhischart,ignoringTaylor ’sassurances.Shesatontheedgeofthe
examinationtable,thinkingthattheLosAngelesemergencyroomcertainlymusthavehadmore
importantthingstoworryaboutthanthelittlebumponherhead.Wasn’ttheresomeLindsayLohan
“heatexhaustion”crisistotendto?

Taylorhadalreadycalledthecourthouseand,luckily,thejudgehadbeenveryunderstanding.Hehad
agreedtorecessthetrialuntilMondayandtoldhertotakecareofherselffortheweekend.Nowifshe
couldjustgetoutofthisdarnhospital.

Thedoctorfinallyfinishedhisscribblingandsnappedhisfileshut.

“Well,youhaveaconcussion,Taylor.AndthatmeansIcan’treleaseyouforthenexttwenty-four
hoursunlessyou’reunderthecareofanotheradult.”

“No,butlook—I’mfine,”Taylorinsisted.“See?”Shewiggledherfingersandtoesforthedoctor ’s
benefit,althoughbeingfullydressedinhersuitandhighheelsmeantthetoepartofthedemonstration
wasn’tparticularlyimpressive.

“I’msorry,butthat’shospitalpolicy.Blameitonyoulawyersformakingussocareful.”Hegrinned
atthejoke.

Taylorgroaned,notbecauseofthelameattackonherprofession,andnotevenbecauseherheadfelt
worsethanitdidwhenshewassevenyearsoldandherbrotherPatrickhaddroppedheronthe
sidewalkinachickenfightagainsttheO’Malleybrothersgoneawry,butbecauseshereally,really
hatedhospitals—possiblyevenmorethanairplanes.Theyhadafunnysmell.

ThedoctorlookedatTaylorsympathetically.“Isn’tthereanyoneyoucancalltocomepickyouup?”

Taylorsilentlydebatedtheethicsofaskingone’ssecretarytobabysitone’sconcussedselfonaFriday
night.Thenhercellphonerang.

Shesheepishlygesturedtoherringingpurse,whichsatonthechairinthecorneroftheexamination
room.“Sorry,”sheapologizedtothedoctor.“Iforgottoturnitoff.”

Thedoctorwaswhollynonplussed.“ThisisL.A.,Taylor.I’veseenwomendeliverbabieswhileon
theircellphones.”

Taylorjumpedoffthetableandpulledthephoneoutofherpurse.ShesawitwasScottcallingand
answeredwithsurprise.

“Hello?”

“Hey!Gorgeous!”Scott’svoicerangoutcheerfully.“IwasjustcallingtoseewhattimeIshouldpick
youuptomorrow.”

Shit—shehadforgottenallabouttheirdate.Again.

“Um...Scott,hi...there’saslightproblem.”Taylormovedtothecorneroftheroomandlowered
hervoice,notwantingthedoctortooverhear.

“Iwaskindofinacaraccident,”shewhisperedintothephone.“Nothingserious—butIguessIhavea
concussionorsomething.Theysaytheywon’treleasemetodayunlesssomeonecomestopickme
up.Iguessit’shospitalpolicy.”

Taylorpaused,debatingwhethertocontinue.Shedecidedtogoforbroke,drivenonbydreaded
thoughtsofstayinginthehospitalovernight.

“SoIdon’tsupposeyouhaveanyinterestinchangingourdatetotonight,doyou?”sheaskedScott,
laughinglightlytocoverhowstupidshefelt.“You’djusthavetomakesureIdon’tvomitaftereating
oranything.AlthoughIsupposeinLosAngeles,that’smoreasignofpeerpressurethana
concussion,right?”

Insteadofareciprocal(orevenpolite)laugh,therewasalong,silentpauseontheotherendofthe
line.

Okay,sothathadn’tbeenherfinestone-liner,Taylorthought.Shehadaconcussion,afterall.Cuther
alittlefriggin’slack.

Finally,Scottanswered,soundingevenmoreuncomfortablethanher.“Shit,Taylor,youknow...
normallyIwouldlovetohelpyouout,butsee—we’reinthemiddleoffilmingrightnow,andIcan’t
leavetheset.PlusIdon’tknowhowlongthedirectorwantstogotonight.Youunderstand,don’tyou,
gorgeous?”

Taylornodded.Whathadsheexpected,anyway?She’dhadonedatewiththeguy.“Sure,noproblem,”
shesaidlightly,hopingtocoverhersupremelameness.“Whydon’tIcallyoulater,whenthingssettle
down?”Shehurriedlysaidgood-byeandhungup.

Taylorturnedaroundandsawthedoctorwatchingher.Clearly,hehadheardeveryword.

“It’snotlikejail,”hesaidwithakindsmile.“Youcanmakemorethanonephonecall.Iknowyou’re
newintown,butyoumustknowsomeoneelse.”

Ofcourse,Taylor ’sminddidindeedturnrightthentotheone“someoneelse”inLosAngelesshe
knew.

Ohsure,likethatwasapossibility.

Maybe,inValerie’sfantasyworld,TaylorwouldcallupJasonAndrews,the(alleged)SexiestMan
Alive,andhewouldrideuptothehospitallikeaknightinshiningarmorandwhiskherofftohis
magnificentpalacefar,faraway.

Butthiswastherealworld.AndTaylorhappenedtoknowforafactthatJasonwastiedupatthatvery
moment,filming.Shecertainlywasn’tabouttoaskanothermanforhelp,onlytoagainberejected.
Especiallythisparticularman.

SoTaylortookherseatontheexaminationtable.Sheshookherheaddefinitively.

“No—Ican’tthinkofanyoneelsetocall,”shetoldthedoctor.“Atleast,nooneanylessbusy.”

“Notevenacolleaguefromwork?”thedoctoraskedinsistently.“I’dreallyhatetokeepyou
overnight.”

Taylorshrugged.“IguessIdon’thaveanychoice,doI?”

Thedoctornoddedreluctantly.Hesighedandopenedhismouthtosaysomethingwhen—

“She’llstaywithme.”

Thevoicecamefromthedoorway.Taylorturnedaroundtolook—

AndsawJasonstandingthere.

Ignoringthesurprisedlookonthedoctor ’sface,hesteppedintotheroom.

“You’llstaywithme,Taylor,”hesaidfirmly.

Shestaredathiminshock.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Jasonshruggedherquestionoffwithagrin.“Iheardyouwerehere,”hesaid,lookingalittle
embarrassed.

Andwhenhiseyesmethers,Taylor—whoasamatterofpridenever,ever,letpeopleseeherrattled
—suddenlyfoundthatshehadabsolutelynoideawhattosay.

Jasonwaitedforsomekindofreactionfromher.Whensheremainedsilent,heturnedtothedoctor
worriedly.

“Ithoughttheysaidshewasfine.She’stooquiet.”

Thedoctorshrugged.“Ms.Donovanseemedperfectlyfineuntilyoushowedup,Mr.Andrews.”

“Oh.Yes,well,that’sgenerallyhowitworkswithus.”Jasonrubbedhishandstogether.“SowhatdoI
havetodotospringheroutofhere?”

“IfyouagreetohaveTaylorreleasedinyourcare,you’llneedtowatchhercloselyforthenext
twenty-fourhours,”thedoctorsaid.“Mostimportant,whenshe’ssleeping,youneedtowakeher
everyfourhoursandaskherafewquestionstomakesureshe’sconscious.”

Thedoctorpeeredover.“Asforyou,Taylor,Iwantyoutopromisetotakeiteasythesenextcouple
ofdays.Ifyoudo,youshouldbeokaytogobacktoworkonMonday.”

ButTaylorcouldnotstopstaringatJason.“Howdidyouknow?”

“HowdidIknowwhat?”

“ThatIwasinthehospital.”

“Icalledyourofficelookingforyou.Lindatoldmeyouwerehere.”

Thedoctorinterrupted,turningtheirattentionbacktotheimportantmattersathand.“So,asIsaid,Mr.
Andrews,you’llneedtoaskTaylorafewquickquestionswhenyouwakeherup.Somethinglike
this.”Heturnedtohertodemonstrate.“Doyouremembermyname?”

Taylorgavethedoctoralook.Ofcoursesherememberedhisname,shewasfine.Didn’the
rememberthewigglingfingersandtoes?“Dr.Singer,”shetoldhim.

“Whatdidyouhaveforbreakfastthismorning?”

“Idon’teatbreakfast.Wait—doesagrandeskimlattewithtwoSplendascount?”

Thedoctorgaveheralook.No,indeeditdidnot.

“What’syourmother ’smaidenname?”heasked.

“Jennings.”

Boredwiththeinterrogation—thiswasreallybasicstuff—TaylorturnedherattentionbacktoJason.
“Whatwereyoucallingmeabout?”

Distracted,Jasonhadtothink.“Ihadaquestionaboutthecourtroomscenewewerefilming.”

“Youwerefilming?”sheaskedincredulously.“Andyoujust...left?Tocomehere?Forme?”

Atthis,Jasonturnedbacktothedoctorandspoketohiminalowwhisper.“Areyousureshe’sreally
okay?Becauseit’sbeenatleastthreeminutesandIhaven’tbeeninsultedyet.”

Butforonce,Taylorwasnotinateasingmood.SheputherhandonJason’sarm.“I’mbeingserious,
Jason.Youleftinthemiddleoffilmingtocomehere?”

Jasonlookeddownather.Suddenly,he,too,turnedserious.

“Theysaidyouwereinthehospital,Taylor.OfcourseIleft.”

Itwasthematter-of-factwayhesaidit.Andthewayhelookedatherrightthen.Taylorsuddenlyfelt
asthoughshewasbackinthePTCruiser,spinningandspinningandspinning.

JasonAndrews.

Herknightinshiningarmor.

Well,ifshebelievedinsuchthings.

ShelookeddownatthefloorsothatJasoncouldn’tseehersmile.Amomentlater,shefelthishandon
herchin,bringinghergazeuptohis.Hiseyessearchedhersworriedly.

“Areyousureyou’reokay,Taylor?Saysomething...normal.”Hegentlytuckedalockofhair
behindherear,beingcarefultoavoidthebumponherhead.

TaylorstaredupintoJason’samazingblueeyes.Hereallywasthemostgorgeousmanshehadever
seen.

Withgreateffort,shepulledherselfoutofthedreamydepthsoftheSexiestEyesAliveandsomehow
managedacasualsmile.Sheknewsheshouldatleastthankhimforcomingforher.

Butthenshenoticedsomethingshehadsomehowmissedearlier.ShepeeredmorecloselyatJason.
“Waitasecond—areyouwearingmakeup?”

Ohyes,thereitwas—alittletraceofpowderdustedacrosshisface.Andwasthatasmudgeof
eyelineralonghisbottomlid...?

Thiswastooprecious.

Taylorraisedaneyebrowteasingly.“Gee,Jason,it’sjustahospital—youreallydidn’tneedtogetall
gussiedup.”

Andwiththat,Jasonsmiled.Heturnedtothedoctor,finallysatisfied.

“Okay.She’sfine.”

Twenty-five

ATJASON’SINSISTENCE,beinglike-mindedwiththedoctorinthinkingthatagrandeskimlatte
definitelydidnotconstituteanadequatebreakfast,heandTaylorstoppedforlunchafterleavingthe
hospital.Givenherweakenedcondition,Taylordecideditwasonlyfairthatshegottopickthe
restaurant.Backwhenshewasyounger,anytimeoneoftheDonovanchildrengothurt(whichwith
threeboysandTaylorwasquiteoften),herfathertreatedthewholefamilytoMc-Donald’s
cheeseburgers,fries,andchocolateshakes.Feelingnostalgic,shetoldJasonshewantedtohonorthat
tradition.

TowhichhepromptlyrespondedthatAstonMartinsdidnotdoMcDonald’sdrive-thrus.

Butthenhewentanyway.

TheybroughtthefoodbacktoTaylor ’sapartmentsoshecouldpackanovernightbag.Whilethey
wereeatingtheircheeseburgersinherkitchen,Taylorjokinglypretendedtopassoutcoldonthetable
whilehandingherpickleovertoJason.

Ohboy,didthatlittlerusecausequiteabitofpanicandmayhem.

Comeon,shelaughinglyapologizedtoJason,she’donlybeenkiddingaround.Shestoodoutonher
driveway,wherehehadlockedhimselfinhiscarrefusingtospeaktoheruntilshesworetoneverdo
thatagain.

Butalittlewhilelater,astheadrenalinerushofthecaraccidentworeoff,Taylorbegantofeelin
earnesttheeffectsoftheconcussion.ShewasalreadyyawningastheypulledintoJason’sdriveway.
Asthemetalsecuritygatespartedgrandlybeforethem,shestaredinaweatthehousethatwouldbe
herhomeforthenexttwenty-fourhours.Shesuddenlyfeltoneofher“realizations”comingon,so

shemadeaquickjokeinquiringaboutthewhereaboutsoftheservants.WhenJasonrepliedthathe
hadgiventhemtheweekendoff,Taylorrealizedthatshehadnocluewhetherhewasbeingsarcastic
orserious.Whatshedidrealize,however,wasthatsheandJasonwouldbecompletelyaloneforthe
nexttwenty-fourhours.

Thankgodshehadjustgottenabikiniwax.

Hey—onlyincaseshewantedtogoswimminginJason’spool.

Ofcourse.

TAYLORFOLLOWEDJASONupthegrandthree-storystaircasethatledtotheupstairsbedrooms.
Halfwayup,shestoppedtorestonthelanding.Thedoctorhadwarnedherthat,inthenexttwenty-
fourhours,shemightexperiencedrowsiness,confusion,fuzzythoughts,andevenpotentialchanges
inherpersonality.Taylor ’ssymptomscouldpossiblybemoreextreme,hehadsaid,consideringthat
shehadbeensosleep-deprivedpriortotheaccident.

“What,doesn’teverybodygetbyonfourhoursofsleepnowadays?”shehadinnocentlyinquired.The
doctorhadgivenheranotheroneofhislooks.No,indeedtheydidnot.

Bynowafewstepsaheadofheronthestaircase,JasonlookedbackwhenherealizedTaylorhad
stopped.

“Whyaretheresomanystairsinthisplace?”shepouted,leaningagainstthewallforsupport.She
suddenlyfeltsotired.Atleastshewasn’texperegiginganyfuggythofts.

Intwobounds,Jasoncrossedthestepsbetweenthem.“Lookatme.”Withafirmgriponherchin,he
peeredintentlyintoTaylor ’seyes.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Shetriedswattinghishandaway.

Jason’sgazefixatedfirstonherrighteye,thenherleft.“Checkingtomakesureyourpupilsare
even.”Hepulledback.“Howdoyoufeel?”

“I’mtired,”shecomplained.“Can’tyoujustgetmetoabed?”

Damn.Eventhroughherfuggythofts,Taylorknewhowthatsounded.

Neveronetomissanopportunity,Jasongrinned.“Well,Ms.Donovan...allyouhadtodowasask.”

Taylorrolledhereyes.Shesurehadsetherselfupforthatoneallright.

Stupicconprussion.

JASONOPENEDTHEdoortotheguestsuite,carefullywatchingTaylortomakesureshedidn’t

stumbleoranythingasshesteppedin.He’dtriedtohelpherupthestairs,butafterseveralcranky“I
gotit,Igotits,”hefigureditwasbesttosimplyleaveherbe.Notthathedidn’tfindthewholething
prettydarnamusing,seeingheractingsoun-Taylor-like.

Jasonwalkedthroughtheroom,makingsureeverythinghadbeenproperlysetupforherarrival.He
haddesignedhisguestsuitetohavethefeelofaluxuryhotel.Lushcreamdamasksilkbedding
adornedtheking-sizefour-posterbed.Theadjoiningsittingroomboastedachaiseloungethat
stretchedbeforeacracklingfireplace.Herealizedthatthefireplacewasalittleunnecessaryand
flashy,butthenagain,sowerealotofthingsinBeverlyHills.

OnelookatthesittingroomwasapparentlyallTaylorneeded.

“Ooh...afire,”shesaid,wide-eyed.

Jasoncarriedhersuitcaseintothebedroom,keepinganeyeouttomakesureshedidn’ttripheadfirst
intosaidfire.Thankfully,shesettledsafelyontothechaiseandleanedbackagainstitspillows.

“Oh,excuseme?Mr.Andrews?”

Shecalledouttohimthroughsleepyeyes.Tiredthoughshewas,shestillmanagedtohavethat
deviouslittlegrinofhers.

“Whattimeistheturndownserviceatthisestablishment?”

Jasonheadedintothesittingroomtojoinher.“Anytimeyou’dlike.Doyouhaveanyspecialrequests
fortheturndownservicethisevening?”

Taylorcurledup,tuckingherfeetunderthecashmerethrowblanketthatrestedatthefootofthe
chaise.

“Ido,”shesaidcoyly.

Jasonkneltdowninfrontofthechaiseloungesothattheywereeyelevel.“Andwhatmightthat
requestbe?”heaskedhuskily.

Withherheadonthepillow,allsnuggledin,Taylorsmiledupathim.

“Warmcookies.Chocolatechip,preferably.”Thensheclosedhereyesandfellpeacefullyasleep.

Jasonsighed.He’dbeenhopingshemightsaysomethingelse...Ohwell.

Hepulledtheblanketup,drapingitoverhershoulders.Hestooduptoleaveandhadjustmadeitto
thedoorwhen—

“Jason?”

HeturnedaroundtoseeTaylorpeekingupathim,hereyesbarelyopen.Hewonderedwhethershe
wastalkinginhersleep.

“Youknow...ifyoulikewarmcookies,too,youcouldalwaysjoinmelatertonight.”Shewinked
coylyathim.

Thensheconkedout,fastasleep.

JASONPACEDINhisbedroom.

Okay.

So.

Thiswasaninterestingpredicament.

Shewasn’therselfthisevening,hetoldhimself.Shedidn’tknowwhatshewassaying.

Thedoctorhadwarnedthemaboutfuzzythoughts,confusion,andpossiblechangestoher
personality.Thiswasallpartoftheconcussion.

Orwasit...Jasonslylymusedthisover.

Allright,allright.Hepulledhimselftogether.Hemayhavebeenalotofthings,buthewasnotthe
kindofguywhowouldseduceahelplesswoman.

Well,atleastlatelyhewasn’tthatkindofguy.Truthbetold,untilaboutamonthago,hedidn’thave
muchofwhatsomepeoplelikedtocall“scruples.”Andthesans-scruplesJasonwould’veknown
exactlywhattodointhissituation.

Ashecontinuedtopaceinfrontofhisbed,Jasonranthroughseveralpointsoffacthebelievedtobe
highlyrelevant.

Factone:TaylorDonovanwashardlyanysortof“helpless”woman.Infact,she’dprobablyconsider
itanaffronttoherfeministsensibilitiesjusttobethoughtofthatway.

Facttwo:Wasitreallyseducing,perse,ifthewomaninitiatedthings?

Factthree...

Jasondrewablank.Wait—therehadtobeathree.Therewasalwaysathree.

Butindeed,therewasnothree.

Becausedeepdown,inhisheartofhearts,JasonknewthatlettinganythinghappenwithTaylorthat
nightwouldbethewrongthingtodo.He’dwantedhertostaywithhimbecausehe’dfeltthings
earlierthatdaythathe’dneverfeltbeforeaboutanywoman—firstwhenheheardshe’dbeeninacar
accident,andthentheenormousreliefhefeltwhenherushedintotheemergencyroomandsawshe
wasokay.

HehadnotinvitedTayloroversothathecouldtakeadvantageoffortuitouscircumstances.Evenif
theywereturningouttobesomereallyfortuitouscircumstances.

Jasonsatdownonhisbedwitharesignedsigh.

Fuckingscruples.

APHONERANGsomewhereinthedistance.

Taylorcametoonthechaiselounge.Sherealizedtheringingwascomingfrominsideherroom.Her
damncellphone.Shereallyneededtoturnthatthingoffonceinawhile.

Taylordraggedherselfovertohersuitcase,whereshe’dpackedthecellphoneinside.Shefellback
onthebedandanswered.ItwasDerek.

Yes,yes,sheassuredhim,shewasfine.Yes,shewouldbebackincourtonMonday.No,shewasnot
playinghooky,smokingpot,andbangingbongosnakedwithMatthewMc-Conaughey.Thatwasnext
weekend’splan.

Afterhangingupthephone,Tayloryawnedandstretchedoutonthebed,tryingtoshakethesleep
fromherhead.Funny—shedidn’tevenrememberlyingdown.Thelastthingsherecalledwas
climbingthatMt.EverestofastaircaseasshefollowedJasontoherroom.Andthen...nothing.
Althoughforsomestrangereason,shehadacravingforchocolatechipcookies.

Eventhoughshe’donlybeenawakeforafewminutes,Taylorfeltasthoughshecouldlayonthatbed
forever.MaybetheyhadroomserviceatCasaAndrews.Sheimaginedherselfpickingupthephone
ontheendtabletoorder.“Um...yes,hello.I’dlikeoneSexiestManAlive,please.HowwouldIlike
thatprepared?Hmm...naked,ifyouhaveit.”

Taylorcoveredhermouthandgiggledsneakily.Nowtherewasanidea...

Rightthen,therewasaknockatherdoor.

Jason!He’dsomehowreadhermind!Heknewthethingsshe’dbeenthinking,thenaughtythings
she’dbeenthinking!Aboutthebedandthechaiseandthenthesunkentubinthebathroomandthen
thatthingshe’dbrieflyconsideredaboutthetopofthedresserand—

Jasonknockedagain.Moreinsistentlythistime.

“Taylor?CanIcomein?”

Taylorranovertothechaiseloungetomakeitlookasthoughshe’djustwokenup.Shequickly
mussedherhair.Thensmoothedit.Thenstraightenedherclothesandcasuallypositionedherselfjust
so.

“Sure,comein,”shecalledoutcalmly.

Jasonpokedhisheadinsidethedoor.“Ohgood,you’reawake.”

“Yes,just.”

Jasoncockedhisheadquestioningly.“IthoughtmaybeIshouldorderusdinner.”

“Thatwouldbenice,thankyou.”

Hegaveherastrangelook.“Areyouokay?Youlookalittleflushed.”

“It’sthefire.”Taylorpointed.

Jasonnodded.Hepausedawkwardly.

“Pasta,then?”

“Yes,delicious.”

“Good.I’llseerighttoit.”

“Lovely.Excellent.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

Jasonleft,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.Taylorfellbackonthechaise,exhausted.

Sometimesthiswittyreparteeoftheirswassodamndraining.

ASPROMISED,THEYhadpastafordinner.WolfgangtoldJasonthathenormallydidn’tmake
personaldeliveries,butforhim,he’dmakeanexception.AslongasJasonwouldinturnbewillingto
dropbySpagosometimethatweekwithafewdozenofhispaparazzifriends.

Unfortunately,Jasonwasn’tsureTayloreventastedthedinnerhe’dsolovinglyandthoughtfully
commandedbebroughttothem.Aboutthreeforkfulsin,she’dabruptlystoodupfromthedining-
roomtableand,totteringaboutlikeadrunkperson,carriedherplateintothelivingroomwhile
declaringcouchestobefarmorecomfortableplacestoeat.BythetimeJasonhadfollowedherthere,
shehadalreadyabandonedherplateonthefloorinfrontofhiscouchandappearedtobesettlingin
foralongwinter ’snap.

Thinkinghemightaswellgetcomfortable,too,Jasontookaseatnexttoher.Withthepushofone
remotecontrolbutton,the110-inchscreenofhisprojectortelevisionsmoothlydroppeddownfrom
theceiling.HequicklyfoundtheLakersgameanddugintohislobsterdiavolo,thinkingTaylor
hadn’texactlybeenwrongaboutthewholeeatingonthecouchthing.

Somewhereduringthesecondhalfofthegame,Taylorshiftedinhersleepandrestedherheadon

Jason’sthigh.Helookeddownather,curledupnexttohimonthecouch,andrealizedtherewasno
otherwayhewould’veratherspenthisFridaynight.Despitethefactthatshewasessentially
comatose,shesomehowmadehiswholehousefeeldifferentjustbybeingthere.Beforeithadbeen
justahouse—averyimpressivehousenodoubt,butahousenonetheless.Butforsomereason,with
Taylorthereitfeltmorelikeahome.

Thegameendedand—asmuchashedidn’tparticularlymindhavingherheadinhislapforhourson
end—JasonfiguredheshouldprobablygetTaylorupstairswhereshecouldsleepmorecomfortably.
Sincewalkingobviouslywasn’tanoption,hescoopedherupinhisarmsandcarriedherupthe
staircasetotheguestbedroom.Taylorrousedatthisand,whenshesawwheretheyweregoing,
giggledandmumbledsomethingaboutGonewiththeWindandScarlettO’Haranotgettinganysex
fortwofinancialquarters.Thisapparentlymadealotofsenseatleasttoherbecause,withalazy
smile,shewrappedherarmsaroundJason’sneckandslowlyranherfingersthroughthebackofhis
hair.

Andthatwasprettymuchthepointwhenherealizedtherewastroubleonthehorizon.

JasoncarriedTaylorintotheguestroomandtothebed,thenstoodherdownbesideit.Hefiguredthat
wasfarenoughandthat,ifhewasseriousaboutbeingagentlemanthatnight,hewouldmakeafast
getaway.

Butinsteadoflettinggo,Taylortightenedherarmsaroundhisneck,pressingherbodyagainsthis.
Shegazedupathimfrombeneathherlonglashesasoneofherhandsdrifteddownfromhisneck.
Withafinger,shegentlytracedapathalonghischest,thendownhisstomach...Jasonsuckedinhis
breathashisabdominalmusclestightenedathertouch.Thiswascertainlynewterritoryforthem.

“I’vethoughtaboutthis,”shemurmuredinabreathlessvoice.“Whatitwouldbelike...”Shepeered
upathim.“Didyouknowthat?”

Withoutwaitingforananswer,shebegantokisshisneck,teasinghim.Bitingbackamoan,Jason
closedhiseyes.Itwastoomuch—herhandssuddenlywereeverywhere.

“Taylor...”Hisvoicecameoutinaraggedintakeofbreath.“Whatareyoudoing?”

“Shhh...”shewhisperedinhisear.“I’mthelawyer—I’mtheonewhoasksthequestions,
remember?”Thenshepulledback,herlipshoveringjustbeforehis.

“Doyouwanttokissme?”

Hiseyeslockedwithhers.

“Yes.”

Shecockedherhead.“Thenwhatareyouwaitingfor?”

Withthat,Jasontookherbythebackofherneckandkissedher.Herlipspartedeagerly,andtheir
tonguesmetasthekissdeepened.Jasondidn’tknowhowlongthatwentonfor,andhewasn’tsure
wholedwho,butatsomepointherealizedthattheyhadmadetheirwaytothebedandTaylorwas
lyingbeneathhim.Herhandswereathiswaistband,pullingimpatientlyathisshirt,andherlegs

wrappedaroundhim.Jason’smouthtrailedteasinglyalonghercollarbone,thendippedtowardtheV-
neckofhershirt.Nowitwasherturntomoan.

“Jason...”shewhisperedurgently.

Morethananything,hewantedthis.Wantedher,wantedtodoallthethingsheknewwouldhaveher
moaninghisnameallnight.Butsomethingmadehimpause.

Hepulledbacktolookather.HesawthatTaylor ’scheekswereflushed,herhairstrewnwildlyover
hershoulders.Shelookedgorgeousandalluringandhewastemptedasallhellbut—therewasone
problem.

Itwashereyes.

Likealways,hereyestoldhimeverything.Theyweredarkandintense,buttheyweremissingthat
knowinglittlegleamshealwayshad.Andwithoutthatgleam,Jasonknewitwasn’treallyher—the
Taylorhewanted—thathewaskissingrightthen.

Sohepulledback,unwrappinghimselffromher.“We’renotgoingtodothis.Notlikethis.”

Surprised,Taylorlookedupathimthroughhalf-liddedeyesasshestretchedoutacrossthebed.“Not
likethis?”Shesmiled.“Finethen,Icanbeontop.Unlessyouhadsomethingelseinmind...”

Withthat,shegiggled.

Andifhereyeshadn’ttoldJasoneverythingheneededtoknow,thatgigglesuredid.Hepulledthe
blanketoutfromunderher.

“You’regoingtosleep,Taylor.”

Shepoutedatthis.“Awww,comeon...don’tIgettoseetheSexiestManAlive’ssexybits?”She
crackedup,thoroughlyamusingherself.

Jasonpulledtheblanketoverher.“Ithinkitmightbebestifwesavethatshowforanothertime.”

Taylorreachedfortheblanketreluctantly,blinkingupathimwithonelastdisappointedlook.

“Nobits?”

Heshookhisheadfirmly.

“Nobits.”

Sheyawned,thenwithadramaticsighandahuffy“fine,”shedriftedoff.Jasonwasjustturningto
leavewhensheopenedhereyeshalfway.

“ButIjustwantedonenightwhereIdidn’thavetoseethesteps.”

Hehadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout,butthestrange,almostsadexpressiononherfacemade

Jasonsitdownonthebed.“Whatdoyoumean?”

Taylorgazedupathimassheexplained,speakinginasoftvoice.

“Ibetotherwomendon’thavetothinkaroundyou.ButIdo.BecauseIseethesteps:ifIdothis,then
thiswillhappen,thenthisandthis...”Shetrailedoff,thensighedexhaustedly.“It’salotofthinking
sometimes,”sheconfessed.

Jasontriedtofightbackhissmile.HekindoflikedConcussed-and-Nearly-ComatoseTaylor.She
gavehimgreatinsightintowhattherealTaylorhadgoingoninthatheadofhers.

“Ilikethatyou’realwaysthinking,”hetoldher.

Shefrowned.“YousaidI’mdifficult.”

“Yes.ButIlikethataboutyou,too.”

Seemingatleastsomewhatmollifieldbythisanswer,Taylornoddedsolemnlyandpulledtheblanket
overhershoulders.Shequicklydriftedofftosleepagain.Fromhersteadybreathing,Jasoncouldtell
shewasoutforgoodthistime.Hecheckedtheclockonthenightstand,makingamentalnoteofthe
timehewouldhavetowakehernext.Thenhegotupandheadedtothedoor.

Withonelastlookoverhisshoulder,JasonturnedoffthelighttoTaylor ’sroomandquietlyshutthe
doorbehindhim.

Tomorrow,hethoughtasheheadeddownthehallwaytohisbedroom.Theywouldtalkaboutallof
thisinthemorning.

Twenty-six

SUNLIGHTSTREAMEDINTOthebedroom.

Taylorwokeupslowlyinhercozysilkcocoon,andittookheramomenttorememberwhereshe
was.Sheglancedoveratthealarmclockonthenightstandandsawitwaswellafterteninthe
morning.Shesatup,unabletorecallthelasttimeshehadsleptinsolate.Definitelynotanytimesince
shehadstartedworkingatthefirm.

Likeacollegegirlwakinguphungoverinastrangedormroom,sheslowlysiftedthroughwhatshe
couldrememberofthenightbefore.Therewasn’tmuch;thewholeeveningwasjustablurofimages,
mostofwhichseemedmorelikeahazydreamthanreality.She’dcertainlysleptalot,thatshecould
recall.

Realizingshecouldn’tstayinbedforever,Taylorgotupandheadedintothebathroom.Herstomach
growled,andshetriedtorecallwhethershehadeatendinnerlastnight.Pasta—good,she
rememberedsomethingaboutpasta.Judgingfromthefactthatshewaswearingtheclothesshehadon
thedaybefore,sheguessedshemust’vedraggedherselfupstairsafterdinnerandpassedrightout.
PoorJason—shesupposedshehadn’texactlybeenthemoststimulatingofcompany.

Taylorshoweredquicklyandheadeddownstairs.There,shediscoveredthatJasonhadsettwoplaces

forthematthekitchentable.Shewastouchedtoseetheextentoftheefforthehadmade:hehad
carefullylaidoutorangejuice,coffee,milk,cereal,andfreshfruit.And,sittingmysteriouslyinthe
centerofthetablewasalargesilverplatterwithadomedcover.

Curious,Taylorheadedovertosneakapeakatwhateverhidunderneath.Touchingthemetalhandle,
shecouldtelltherewassomethingwarminside.

“You’reawake.”

Surprisedbythevoice,TaylorwhirledaroundandsawJasonstandinginthedoorwayofthekitchen.
Shegrinnedguiltily.

“Yes,finally.I’mfeelingalotbetterthismorning.Didyouhaveanyproblemswakingmelastnight?”

Jasonseemedsurprisedbythis.“Youdon’tremember?”

Sheshookherhead.“Idon’trememberalotaboutlastnight.”

Nowheseemeddownrightshocked.Hepeeredathercautiously.“What,exactly,doyouremember?”

“Hmmm...Iremembersomethingaboutpasta.”

SeeingtheexpressiononJason’sface,Taylorbegantofeelalittleuneasy.Ohshit—hadshedone
something...bad?

“IstheresomethingIshouldknowaboutlastnight?”sheaskedwithtrepidation.WhenJasonhesitated,
herstomachdropped.

Ohgod.

“Ohgod,”sherepeatedaloudinawhisper.“Tellme.Whathappened?”Whywasn’theansweringher?
Whywashestaringatherlikethat?“Didwe,um...didsomethinghappenbetweenus?”

Shecouldseeitinhiseyes.Hermindralliedaroundherexcuses.

Shewasconcussed.

She’dbeeninastate;shewasoutofit.

Shehadn’tbeenthinking.

Shewasaho.

ThenJasonfinallyendedhissilencewithachuckle.“Calmdown,Taylor,”hesaidreassuringly.
“Nothinghappened.”Hegaveheralook.“DoyoureallythinkIwouldletsomethinghappenwhen
youwerethatoutofit?”

Heheldhergazefirmlywithhisquestion,staringherdown,asiftosayhewasinsultedatthemere
accusation.Taylorinstantlyfeltsillyforbeingsoworried.

Sheexhaledinrelief.“Sorry.”Shesmiled,makinglightofhercrazythoughts.“Ididn’tmeanto
soundsoparanoid.Ithinkitmustbehungerdelusions.”

Oddly,forthebriefestsecond,shecould’veswornshesawaflickerofdisappointmentinJason’s
eyes.Butthenshefiguredshewasjustimaginingthings.Shepointedtothesilverplatteronthetable.

“So?CanIpeek?I’mstarving.”

Jasonnodded.“It’snothing—Itookaguess,Ithoughtitmightbesomethingyou’dlike.”Hespoke
quickly,asifnervous,andTaylorwonderedwhatthehellhehadstashedunderthere.Shegrabbedthe
handle,eagerwithanticipation.Sohungrywasshe,shecouldn’thavebeenmoreexcitedifwhatever
lurkedinsidehadbeenwrappedinablueTiffanybox.

Sheliftedthecover.

Foramoment,shecouldonlystareinwonderattheglorioussightbeforehereyes.

“Doyoulikeit?”Jasonasked.

Taylornoddedmutely.

Theplatterwasfilledtothebrimwithrich,butterysilver-dollarpancakes.Chocolatechipsilver-
dollarpancakes.Justlikeaplateofwarmcookies,allforher,ateleveno’clockinthemorning.

Catchingthescentofthewarmbakedgoodness,Taylorsighedhappily.“Howdidyouknow,Jason?
It’sexactlywhatIwanted.”

ABOUTANHOURlater,stuffedtothegillswithabout$10.79worthofsilver-dollarpancakes,
TaylorrolledherselfouttoJason’spoolandlanguidlystretchedoutononeoftheloungechairs.She
hadn’tpaidmuchattentiontothepoolduringhisparty,butnowshenotedthatithadbeenascarefully
designedastherestofthehouse.Anditcertainlywasnolessstunning:withacascadingwaterfalland
curved,flowingedgesthatranalongthesurroundinglushfoliageandrocklandscaping,itlooked
likeahiddenpoolonemightstumbleuponwhilehikingonatropicalisland.

“Nowthisisthelife.”Shesighedtoherselfwhiletakingasipofherdeliciouslycoldlemonade.

Shepulledhersunglassesdownfromherforeheadandeasedbackinherloungechair.Sheglanced
overatJason,whosatonthechairnexttoherreadinghiscopyofDailyVariety.He’dpeeledoffhis
T-shirtearlierandnowworeonlyapairofcargoshorts.AndhereTaylorhadthoughtthechocolate
chippancakeswereyummy...

“I’msorry?”Jasonlookedover.Taylorstarted,havingmomentarilyforgottenshe’dsaidanything
outloud.Shequicklygesturedtothepool.

“Iwasjustsayingthatthisisaprettynicesetupyouhavehere.”

Jasonnodded,abitdistractedly.Infact,Taylorhadnoticedhe’dseemedalittledistractedtheentire

morning.Everytimeshe’dsnuckapeekathim—hey,hewasJasonAndrewsandhewasshirtless,of
courseshe’dsnuckinafewpeeks—he’dbeenstaringoffatnothing.Asifsomethingwastroubling
him.

Theyfellintoacomfortablesilenceforamomentortwo,whenJasonturnedbacktoher.“Soyou
likebeinghere,then?”HepeeredatTaylorthroughthedarklensesofhissunglasses.

Hisquestioncaughtheroffguard.“Atthishouse?”

Itwasprobablyjustthesun,butshecouldhaveswornshesawJason’scheeksblush.

“ImeantCalifornia,”hesaidquickly.“Youknowhere,”hewavedhishand,referringtotheirgeneral
locale.“LosAngeles.”

Taylorsmiled.Itwaseightydegreesandnotacloudinthesky.“What’snottolike?”

Jasonturnedbacktohispaper.“Right,right.”Henodded.Amomentpassed,thenheglancedatTaylor
onceagain.

“Soyouwouldconsiderthisthen,asaplaceyoucouldlive?Youwouldn’tmissChicago?”

Taylorfoundhisquestionabit...strange.Shecould’veswornsheheardacatchinhisvoice,asif
theirconversationhadsomehowturnedintosomethingmorethanidlechitchat.Toobadthosedamn
sunglassesmadeitimpossibleforhertoreadhisexpression.

Thensheshruggedthesethoughtsoff.Shewasbeingtoosuspicious,shetoldherself.Toomuchofa
lawyer.Thiswasn’tadeposition;noteveryquestionhadasecretpurposeortrickbehindit.Jasonwas
justbeingpolite.Afterall,shehadbeenlivinginLosAngelesforacoupleofmonthsbynow;itwas
anaturalquestionforhimtoask.

“IsupposeI’dconsiderit,iftherewassomegreatopportunityformeinL.A.,”shesaid.“ButIguess
I’vealwaysassumedthatChicagoiswhereI’dlive.”

Withthatsaid,Taylorputhersunglassesbackontopofherhead,notwantingtogetraccoonmarks
fromthesun.Sheclosedhereyesandeasedbackinherchair.“Luckily,Idon’tneedtoworryabout
thatforalongtime,”shetoldJason.“Withthistrial,it’llbeacouplemoremonthsbeforeIhaveto
startthinkingaboutleavinghere.”

EnoughaboutChicagoalready,shethought,baskinginthewarmCaliforniasun.Thatworldwas
thousandsofmilesawayfornow.

Butstrangely,whensheopenedhereyesafewminuteslatertotakeanothersipofherlemonade,she
noticedthatJasonwasstaringoffdistractedlyonceagain.

Twenty-seven

ATFIVEO’CLOCKTaylor ’stwenty-fourhourswereup.Herstayinparadisecametoareluctantend.

JasonpulledtheAstonMartinupthedrivewayofherapartmentbuildingandshutofftheengine.The

twoofthemsatforamomentinhiscar.

“Backtoreality.”Taylorsighed.“Goodoldapartmentliving.”

“Youknow,youcouldjustaskthenexttimeyouwanttosleepover.Youdon’tneedtocrashyour
car.”

Taylorlaughed,relievedtoseehimjokingagain.He’dbeensoquietallday,shehadbeguntoworry
thatsomethingwasreallywrong.

“I’llrememberthat,”shetoldhim.Shewasabouttothankhimforlettingherstayoverwhenit
happenedagain—ashrillringblaredoutfromherpurse.Cellphonusinterruptus.

Despitetheinconvenienceofthemoment,Taylorfeltobligatedtocheckandmakesureitwasn’t
Derekwithsometrial-relatedcrisis.ShefeltJasonwatchingherasshepulledthephoneoutand
checkedthecallerID.WhenshesawitwasScottwhowascalling,shesaidnothingandtuckedthe
phonebackintoherpurse.

“It’shim,isn’tit?”Jasonasked.

“I’llletitgointovoicemail.”

Butherphonewasrelentless.Itbeganringingagain,immediately.Taylorsmiled,thinkingbackto
anotherpersonwhohadnotsolongagosimilarlypersistedintryingtoreachher.

“Igottasay,youmoviestarssurearetenacious,”shesaidteasinglyoverthephone’sring.

Jason’sfacehardened.“I’mnothinglikehim.”

Shehadmeantthecommentasajoke,butshesawthatshe’dinsultedhiminstead.You’reright,she
suddenlyfelttheurgetosay.Youaresomuchmorethanhim.

Ashercellphonecontinuedtoring,Jasonturnedawayandstaredstraightaheadwithastony
expression,hiseyesfixedonthewindshieldofthecar.

Sayit,Taylorheardthevoiceinherheadurgingher.Atleasttellhimthat.Aftereverythinghe’sdone
foryou,hedeservestohearit.

Butshecouldn’t.

Becausesheknewthatthosewordswouldleadtomorewords,andtherewerethingsgoingon
betweenherandJasonthatshewasn’treadytoface.Somuchhadhappenedinthelasttwenty-four
hours;sheneededtimetopullherthoughtstogether.

Soshehesitated.Seeingthis,Jasonsethisjawangrilyandthrewthecarintodrive.

“Youshouldtakeyourcall,Taylor,”hesaid,refusingtolookather.

Nodding,shegrabbedherbagandsteppedoutofthecar.ShehadbarelyshutthedoorwhenJason

threwthecarintogearandtookoff.Shestoodinthedriveway,watchingastheAstonMartinsped
aroundthecornerofherstreet.Ittookheramomenttorealizehercellphonewasstillringing.

Shit—Scott.Shehadforgottenabouthim.Yes,again.

Sheansweredherphone,havingaprettygoodideawhathisfirstwordwouldbe.

“Gorgeous!”heexclaimedenthusiasticallyasTaylormouthedalong.Sheinstantlyfelthorriblefor
doingthat.Afterall,lotsofwomenwouldbethrilledtohaveScottCaseycallingthem.

“Hey,Scott,”shesaid,tryingtosoundnormaldespitehowflusteredshewasbyJason’sangry
departure.Sheheadedupthewalkwaytoherfrontdoorandletherselfintoherapartment.

“I’vebeenthinkingaboutyouallday,gorgeous,”Scottsaid.

Taylorsuddenlywonderedifperhapsheactuallydidn’trememberhername.“Thanks,really,I’m
fine,”shetoldhim.“Iwouldhavecalled,butIdidn’twanttobotheryou.”Lies,lies,lies,shethought.
Butsomehow,“IknowwekissedfivetimesbutIcan’tseemtorememberyouexist”didn’thavequite
thesameringtoit.

“You’renotmadatmefornotpickingyouupatthehospital,areyou?”

“No,notatall,”Taylorassuredhim.Andthispartwastrue—sheofallpeopleunderstoodthatwork
oftenhadtotakepriorityoverpersonalmatters.

WhichiswhyshewouldneverforgetthemomentsheheardJason’svoiceandsawhimstandingin
thedoorwayofthehospitalemergencyroom.Inthatmoment,everythinghadchanged.

Upuntilthatmoment,Taylorcould’veatleastpretendedshe’dbeendoingapassablejobofkeeping
herfeelingstowardJasonincheck.Andmostofthatsuccesswasdueinlargeparttoherfirmbelief
thathisattractiontoherwaslittlemorethanapassingfancy,merelyaspoiledmoviestar ’sdesireto
havesomethinghe’dpreviouslybeentoldhecouldn’t.

Buttheemotionsshe’dseenonhisfaceintheemergencyroomhadbeenreal.Andseeingthatwas
somethingshehadnotpreparedherselffor.

Shecouldresisthischarmandwitanddevilishsmile.Shecouldtrytoignorethefactthathewasthe
mostattractivemanshehadeverlaideyeson,bothonfilmandinperson.Butshehadnodefense
againstthemanJasonwaswhenhewasn’tbusytryingtobeJasonAndrewsthemoviestar.Thatman
wassomeonethatsomebodycouldreallyfallinlovewith.

Andthatthoughtwassoverydangerous.

Fallinginlovewithanyonewasagamble.Fallinginlovewithaknownwomanizer—well,Taylor
hadbeenthere,donethat,andtheresultshadbeendisastrous.

Butfallinginlovewiththemostfamouswomanizerofall,acelebritywhoproudlyflauntedhis
bachelorwaysonnationaltelevision?Thethoughtwassheerlunacy.

Still...thatdidn’tmeanthesituationbetweenherandJasonneededtoendonsuchasournote.There
werethingsthatneededtobesaid,sherealized.

SodistractedwasTaylorwiththesethoughts,shebarelypaidattentiontoawordScottsaidashe
rambledonabouthisroughweekoffilming.Shefinallytunedbackinwhensheheardhimmention
somethingabouthomemadechickensoup,realizingthathewasaskingifhecouldcomeoverthat
evening.

“Oh,that’ssweet,”shesaidquickly.“ButIreallyneedtotakeiteasytonightandcatchuponwork.”

Thelinewentsilent.

“Butwehaveplanstonight.”

Fromhissharptone,Taylorsensedhewaslessconcernedaboutnotseeingherandmoreannoyed
overthefactthathewasbeingblownoff.Ormaybethatwasjusttheunappreciativebitchinher
talking.

“Iknow,I’msorry,I’mjustsoexhausted,”shesaiddramatically.Lies,lies,lies.“Canwedoitsome
othertime?”

Scottpaused.“Well,Iwasplanningonaskingyouaboutthisinperson,butsincethat’sapparentlynot
anoption...”Hepausedgrumpilybeforecontinuing.“HaveyouheardoftheBlackandPinkBall?”

TheBlack&PinkBall,heexplained,wasablack-tie(hencetheblack)charitybenefitthrownevery
yearatthehouseofTonyBredstone,headofoneofthemajorstudios.Thepartywasoneofthemost
elegantandlavishthrowninHollywood:afive-coursedinner,followedbydancingandasilentraffle.
Alltheproceedsweredonatedtoabreastcancerresearchfoundation(hencethepink).

Scottaskedifshewouldliketogowithhim.

Taylorhesitated.

BeingScottCasey,heassumedtherewasonlyonereasonanywomanwouldeverhesitatetogo
anywherewithhim.

“IsawthatyourfriendJasonwasontheinvitelist,”hesaidpointedly.“Perhapshealreadymentioned
thepartytoyou?”

Taylorcouldn’thelpit—shefeltastabofdisappointment.“No...no,hehadn’t.”

“Wellthen,gorgeous,”Scottsaid,hisconfidenttonerestored.“Howaboutgoingwithme?”

Andsoshesaidyes.

Intruth,heragreeingtogohadalmostnothingtodowithScottandprettymucheverythingtodowith
Jason.Afterthewayhehadspedoff,Taylorwasn’tsurewhenshewouldseehimagainandtheBlack
&PinkBallprovidedherwiththeperfectopportunity.

TherewerethingssheneededtosaytoJasonAndrews.

AndnextSaturdaywouldbethenight.

ACROSSTOWN,PERCHEDhighabovethecityinhisHollywoodHillshome,Scotthungupthe
phonehavingtheverysamethoughtasTaylor.

NextSaturdaywouldbethenight,hetoldhimself.

JasonAndrews’sMysteryWomanhadbeenthehotteststoryineverytabloidnewspaper,gossip
column,andentertainmentnewsprogramforthepastseveralweeks.Itseemedasthoughthewhole
worldwaswaitingwithbatedbreathtodiscovertheidentityoftheelusivedark-hairedwomanwho
hadsoobviouslycaughttheeyeoftheSexiestManAlive.

ScottknewthatSaturdaynightwastheperfecttimetointroduceTaylortoherpublic.AfterSaturday,
everyonewouldknowwhowasmerelythe“OtherContender.”LettheworldseethatJasonAndrews’s
MysteryWomanhadmovedontobiggerandbrighterpastures.

Him.

LandingtheleadroleinOutbackNightshadbeenonething.Butthiswasfarbetter—Scotthada
feelingthatstealingTaylorfromJasonwouldbeamuchbiggerblowtotheso-calledKingof
Hollywood’sego.

True,hedidn’texactlyseemtohavehereatingoutofthepalmofhishand.Yet.Butthissoonwould
change.Ofthathewasquitecertain.

AnditallwouldhappenonSaturdaynight.

ThethoughtputScottintoagreatmoodashesteppedoutontohisdeck.Thescenehadn’tchanged
muchsincehe’dlefttocallTaylor:thethreegirlshe’dpickedupearlierattheCoffeeBean&Tea
Leaffrolickedhappilyinthepool,splashingeachotheranddrinkingfrozenmargaritas.Offtothe
side,Robreclinedinaloungechair,eatingCheetosandusinghistowelasanapkin.

ScottresumedhisplaceintheloungechairnexttoRob.

“Howdiditgowithwhat’s-her-name?”

IgnoringRob’squestion,ScottlookedpointedlyattheCheetosbagthathadstartedofffulljusttwenty
minutesagoandnowappearedtobevirtuallyempty.

Robmadeafaceinresponse.“They’rebaked.”

“Whatever.Justdon’tgetintomypoolwiththatorangeshitalloveryourhands.”Scottleanedbackto
watchthegirls,whosmiledathimincollectiveinvitation.“Asforyourquestion,everything’sfine
withwhat’s-her-name.I’mtakinghertotheBlackandPinkBallnextSaturday.”

“Thatshouldatleastbeworthablowjob.”

“Youwouldthinkso,right?Butsheneedsto‘rest’tonight,”Scottsaidwithmockingfingerquotes.
Thenwithhisarmsfoldedcasuallybehindhishead,heeyedthegirlsinthepool.Hewonderedhow
muchlongerheshouldletthemgoonsplashingeachotherbeforehejumpedinandgavethem
somethingtoreallysplashabout.

“SoI’mgonnahaveMartymakesuresheandIarephotographedtogetherattheparty,”hetoldRob.
HehadofficiallysignedwithMartyShepherdthreedaysagoandwaseagertotakehisnewpublicist
outforaspin.“Thenhecanleakhernametothepress.”Hegrinned,proudofthisplan.“Taylor
Donovan—thegirlformerlyknownastheMysteryWoman.”

RoblookedoverashescruncheduptheCheetosbag.“Ithoughtyoutoldmeshehadissueswiththe
press—somethingtodowithhertrialorwhatever.”

“Shedoes.Butthat’snotmyproblem,isit?”

Scottglancedbackatthegirlsinthepool,whowerecoylygesturingforhimtojointhem.

“Ladies...how’sthewater?”

Inresponse,oneofthegirlstookoffherbikinitopandsmiled.Theothertwoquicklyfollowedsuit.

“Lookslikeitmightbealittlechilly,”Scottsaid,enjoyingtheview.Hegotupfromhisloungechair,
glancingatRobashewalkedby.“Nowthatyou’vefinishedyoursnack...Iassumeyouknowyour
wayout?”

Roblookedathimindisbelief.“You’vegottobekidding.”Hepointedanorange-tippedfingeratthe
threegirlsinthewater,whosebikinibottomshadnowgonethewayoftheirtops.“Whataboutme?”

Scottshookhisheadwithanoh-so-sorrygrin.“Sorry,buddy—butthisone’sallmine.Itoldyou,you
needtolayoffthedessertsanyway.”

Andwiththat,Scottdovecleanlyintothepool.Whenhesurfacedinthemidstofthethreenakedgirls,
TaylorDonovanwasthelastthingonhismind.

JASONHADAmeetingwithMartylaterthatweektodiscusshispromoscheduleforInferno,which
openedthefollowingFriday.Itwasawhirlwindofalineupthatwouldhavehimjettingallacrossthe
country:pressjunkets,photoshoots,theTodayshow,TheTonightShow,TheEarlyShow,TheLate
Show,Ellen,Oprah,andBarbaraWaltersonTheView.Allinthespanoffourdays.

SinceJasonwouldstillbeinLosAngelestheupcomingweekend,Martyaskedifheplannedtoattend
TonyRedstone’sBlack&PinkBall.Jasonwasjustabouttocausticallyreplythatindeedhewasnotso
planning—RedstonewastheheadofthestudiothathadgreenlitOutbackNightsandsupposedly
(accordingtoJason’ssources)themanwhohadbalkedathissalaryanddecidedtogowiththefar
lesstalented(again,accordingtoJason’ssources)andlessexpensiveScottCasey.

ButthenMartycasuallymentionedthatifJasonwasplanningtoattend,perhapshecouldbringNaomi
Cross.GiventhefactthatTaylorDonovanwasalreadygoingwithScottCasey.

Hearingthis,Jasonfeltapitforminhisstomach.

Hehatedthewayhe’dleftthingswithherlastweekend,buthe’dbeentoomadandlater,too
embarrassedtocallher.Hehadrealizedoverthepastcoupledays,however,thattheyreallyneededto
talk.Andnotoverthetelephone.

SoifSaturdaynighthadtobethenight,sobeit.FuckScottCasey—hewasacockylittlepissantand
Jasoncouldgiveacrapaboutthefactthathewouldbethere,too.Therewerethingsheneededtosay
toTaylor.Importantthings.

SohetoldMartytoputhimdownasayes.

Twenty-eight

TAYLORPRIDEDHERSELFinbeingavirtualexpertintheareaoflaborandemploymentlaw.She
hadworkedhardforthisdistinction:shesubscribedtothevariouslaborandemploymenttrade

publications,shekeptontopofthecaselawandlegislationandstudiedthetrendsandchangesinher
field,sheattendedconferencesandseminarsandwaseventhecochairwomanoftheYoungLawyers
EmploymentLawCommitteeoftheChicagoBarAssociation.

Inshort,whenitcametolaborandemploymentlaw,Taylorhadskills.

Ontheotherhand,whenitcametothesubjectofblack-tieHollywoodballs,Taylor ’sskillswere,well
...notsomuch.Inthisarea,sheneededreinforcements.Sheneededanexpertinthesubjectofall
thingsHollywood,someonewhoworkedhardtoacquirethatknowledge,someonewhosubscribedto
thevarioustradepublicationsandstudiedthetrendsandchangesinthatparticularfield.

SoshecalledValerie.

Thewomanwasapoplectic.

“TheBlackandPinkBall!”

Valscreamedsoloudly,Taylorhadtoholdthephoneawayfromherear.

“TaylorDonovanyouaretheluckiestgoddamnwomanintheworld!I’dcutoffmyrightarmtogoto
theBlackandPinkBall!”

“ThenI’drecommendastraplessgownforyouwhenthetimecomes.”

“Taylor!”Valerieyelledwarningly.“Youarenottakingthisseriouslyenough!Yourdress,your
shoes,yourhairandmakeup—yourveryexistence—needstobeplanneddowntotheabsolutelast
detail.”ThenValbegantofret,mumblingdistractedlyonherendoftheline.“Youcallandgiveme
threedays’notice?Itcan’tbedone—there’snotime.Allright,finethen—yes,Iwillhelpyou,you’ll
begorgeous,andyourfabulousmoviestarboyfriendwillbeunabletospeakattheverysightof
you.”Shepausedpointedly.“Wait—whoisityou’regoingoutwiththisweek?”

Taylorsmirked.Haha.“Couldn’tresistthrowinginthatlastpart,couldyou?”

“Withoutthesnidecomments,Imighthavetokillyou,I’mthatjealous.”ThenValgotdownto
business.“Okay—sofortheBlackandPinkBall,weneedtothinkclassicHollywood.Glamorous
old-schoolHollywood.ThinkAvaGardner.ThinkIngridBergman,AudreyHepburn,GraceKelly.
Youwillwearblack—”

“ButIalwayswearblack,”Taylorinterrupted.“Iwasthinking—”

“Taylor!Areyoutryingtokillme?Wedon’thavetimeforyoutorunaroundlookingforshoesthat
willmatchsomepeachnightmareyoupluckedofftheclearancerackatSaks!”

Taylorwashighlyinsultedbythis.Asifshewouldeverwearpeach.

“Speakingofshoes,”Valcontinued,“youwillgotoChristianLouboutin—writethisdown,Taylor..
.”

Andsoitwent.

Thankstothewondersoftechnology,TaylorfeltasthoughValeriewasshoppingrightalongsideher
whenshestoppedoffatRodeoDriveThursdayeveningafterhertrial.Whenthesalesclerksweren’t
looking,shesnappedphotoswithhercellphoneofthevariousdressandshoecontendersandsent
themtoValforimmediatecomment.

Thetwowomenexchangedseveralphonecallsoverthenexttwodays.Duringtheirfinal
conversationearlySaturdayevening,whenTaylorwasjustabouttostartgettingready,Valerieheard
thehesitationcreepingintohervoiceandaskedaboutit.

“Ifeelguiltyaboutgoingtotheparty,”Tayloradmitted.“IthinkImightbeleadingScotton.”

“Thinkofitthisway,”Valtoldher,“bygoingwithScottCaseytotheBlackandPinkBall,yousaved
ourfriendship.BecauseifIhadeverheardyouturneddownsuchaninvitation,Ineverwould’ve
spokentoyouagain.”

Taylorsmiledgratefully.“Thanks,Val,forthat.”

Valeriesighedwistfully.“Nowgotoyourbigfancyparty,andcallmetomorrowandtellmeevery
detail.AndTaylor—knockhimdead.”

Althoughitwentunsaid,Taylorknewfullwellthatthe“him”Valeriehadbeenreferringtowasnot
ScottCasey.

LATERTHATEVENING,whenTaylorsteppedoutontotheverandaofTonyBredstone’smansion,
sheinstantlysawwhytheBlack&PinkBallwasoneofthehottestticketsinHollywood.Shetriedto
takeineverydetailofthegrandnessoftheparty,thinkinghowshewoulddescribeittoValinthe
morning.

Thestudiohead’shomesatonasprawlingfive-acreestateinBelAir.Thegroundsbehindthehouse
hadbeenelaboratelytransformedintoanoutdoorballroom,completewithwhitelinensandcrystal-
setdiningtables.Lowcandlelightwassprinkledthroughout,creatingawarmglow.Twinklinglights
werestrungalongthesculpturedtopiariesthatsurroundedthemaindancefloor.Waiterswithbowties
carriedsilverplattersofchampagne,andastringquartetplayedclassicalmusicfromtheupstairs
balcony.

ToTaylor,itlookedlikeascenerightoutofamovie.Whichwasanappropriatethought,considering
agoodnumberoftheguestsminglingthroughoutwereactorsandactressesshehadseeninthose
verymovies.ForalawyerfromChicago,itwaslikebeingattheAcademyAwards.Onlywithoutthe
wholeI’m-just-honored-to-have-been-nominatedrigamarole.

ScotttookTaylorbythehandandledherintotheparty.Helookedgreatinhistux;therecertainlywas
nodisputingthat.Heheadedstraightforoneofthebars,sayingsomethingaboutneedingadrink.
Taylorbalkedwhenshespottedsomephotographershangingofftotheside.

“What’swrong?”Scottaskedher.Thenhesawthesourceofherhesitation.“Ohthat...don’tworry,
thosearejustindustryphotographers.Theycoverthesecharityeventsforthetradepapers.Nothing

yourtrialjudgewouldeversee.”

Taylorcontinuedtohesitate.“Idon’tknow...whydon’tyougoaheadandgetusdrinks?I’lljustwait
here.”

Shecould’veswornshesawaflickerof—disappointment?anger?—inScott’seyesrightthen.But
thenhesmiled.

“Don’tbesoparanoid,MysteryWoman.”Hehelduphishandinamock-solemnvow.“Yoursecret
identityissafewithme.Ipromise.”

ButtherewassomethingabouthissmilethatTaylordidn’tquitetrust...Shewastryingtofigureout
whatthatsomethingwas,whensomeonegrabbedScottfrombehind.

“Youwouldn’tbetryingtosneakbywithoutsayinghello,wouldyou,brother?”anIrishvoicesaid.

Turning,TaylorsawtwoguysintheirmidtwentieswhosherecognizedasScott’scostarsfromA
Viking’sQuest.

“Hey—whothehellletyouscrubsinhere!”Scottshoutedatthem.Inhisexcitement,hisAustralian
accentwasmorepronouncedthanever.

Taylorhadheardthetales—everyonehad—abouthowcloseScottandhisAViking’sQuestcostarshad
grownduringtheirgruelingthirteen-monthshoot.Therewereevenrumorsthatthecasthadgoneout
onenightafterfilmingandgotten“AVQ”tattoosin“secret”places.Valeriehadbeenhighly
disappointedtolearnthatTaylorhadnotgottenanyconfirmationofthis.

TaylorwatchedasScott’sboyspulledhimintoaroughtumbleofinebriatedman-hugs.

“Scrubs?Ahh...lookhereatthisguy,suchabigshot,”saidtheBritishactor.He,likeScott,had
gottenhisfirstbigbreakwithAViking’sQuest,andhetoowasdoingwellforhimself,havinglanded
aroleasarecoveringalcoholiconanewprimetimetelevisionshowthatboastedthebiggestratings
oftheseason.

“Whatthefuckisthisshit?”demandedtheIrishactor,thewordcomingoutas“shite.”Asfaras
Taylorknew,hehaddoneabsolutelynothingsinceAViking’sQuest.“Yougotnodrink—what’sup
withthat?”heaskedScottinhisthickbrogue.“Weneedtoaddressthatsituationimmediately.”

BeforeTaylorknewwhatwashappening,thetwoactorsdraggedScottofftothebarforaroundof
shots.Leavingherstandingaloneontheveranda.

Taylorlookedaroundandrecognizednoone.Somehow,thiskepthappeningtoheratthese
Hollywoodparties.Probablybecauseshewasthenoone.

Notwantingtostandontheverandaforever,Taylorheadedoffinsearchofawashroom,thinkingit
wastheonlyplaceforagirltobealoneatapartylikethiswithoutlookingpathetic.

WHATTAYLORDIDN’Trealize,asshecutthroughthecrowd,wasthatpeopleatthatpartywere
payingattentiontoher.Verymuchso,infact.

Sheneverknewit,butthereasonnoonedaredapproachherwasbecausetheyallassumedshewas
somebodytheyshouldknowandweretooembarrassedtoadmittheydidn’t.Soinstead,theyturnedto
oneanotherinlowwhispers.Remindme—Iknowthis,butthenameescapesmerightnow—whoisthat
woman?

Andwitheachpersonthatcouldn’tquiteplaceTaylor,themysterysurroundingherdeepened.

ShecamewithScottCasey,someonesaid.No,no—theyjusthappenedtowalkinatthesametime.See
—thereheis,overthere,laughingwiththeotheractorsfromthatmovie.IfScottCaseywasherewith
her,wouldn’theatleastgetheradrink?

Andthensomethingmagicalhappened.

Thevoicesdroppedtoahushedawe.

Wait—lookoverthere,isn’tthatJasonAndrews?Overbytheotherbar,sittingbyhimself.Lookathow
he’swatchingher.

Aquietfrenzysweptacrosstheparty.Doyouthinkitcouldbe—yes,yes,youcantellbythelong,dark
hair,it’sthesameasthephotographsinthemagazines,Ithinkyoumightberight...

ItwastheMysteryWoman.

Inperson,rightthereattheirparty.Thecrowdcouldn’thelpbutstare.Itwasgenerallyagreedshehad
beenexpectedtobealittletaller.

Thewhispersquicklyworkedtheirwaytothephotographerswhohoveredalongtheedgesofthe
party,snappingrelativelyunexcitingshotsofAlecBaldwinsneakinganothercheesepuffoffa
passingwaiter ’stray,orSalmaHayekspillingchampagneonherManoloswhiletoastingBradGrey.

Catchingwordofthewhispers,paparazziheadsshotupinastateofreadyalertness,likeaherdof
gazellethathadcaughtwindofalionesslurkinginthegrassnearby.Theirearstwitchedandtheir
eyesdartedsidetosideastheyscannedthevastSerengetioftheBelAirmansionuntiltheyspotted
her.

TheMysteryWoman!Nowtherewasthemoneyshot—easilyworthtwentytimesanotherphotograph
ofoneofthemGyllenhaaljokers.Butnotalone—sheneededtobewithhim.

Sonowthepaparazziwatched,alongwiththeinterestedpartyguests,astheMysteryWomanmadeher
wayintothehouse.Theystoodby,ready,asJasonsetdownhisdrinkandgotupfromthebarasifto
followher.

Thecrowdnudgedoneanother.Suchdrama!Suchexcitement!

Theycouldn’twaittoseewhatwasabouttohappennext.

Twenty-nine

TAYLORSEARCHEDINvainforJasonamongstthecrowdthathadgatheredinsidetheBredstone
mansion.SpottingthetimeontheRolexofamandrinkingamartini,sherealizedshehadleftScott
aloneforquitealongtime.Feelingguilty,sheheadedbackoutontotheveranda.

Perhapsshewasimaginingthings,butwhenTaylorsteppedoutside,shegotthedistinctimpression
thatpeoplestoppedtheirconversations.Assheworkedherwaytowardthebarwhereshehadlast
seenScott,shebecamemoreandmoreawarethattheotherguestswereindeedstaringather.Shedid
aquickchecktomakesureoneofherboobshadn’tpoppedoutofherdressoranything.Seeingthat
thegirlswerebothsecurelyunderwraps,sheshruggedandfiguredtheotherguestsmustsimplybe
wonderingwhatsomeonelikeherwasdoingwanderingaimlesslyamongsttheirfabulousness.

WhenTaylorgottothebar,shesawScottinthecorner.Laughingriotouslyinacirclewithhisboys,
heappearednottohaverealizedshehadevendisappeared.Tornbetweennotwantingtointerruptand
notwantingtowalkaroundthepartyanylongerlikealostchildinagrocerystore,Taylordebated
whethertojoinhim.

Butthenabetterideastruckher—sherealizedshehadn’tcheckedthesecondbar,theoneontheother
endofthedancefloor.PerhapsshewouldfindJasonthere.Afterall,hewasthereasonshehadcome
tothispartyinthefirstplace.

Sheheadedacrossthedancefloor,wheretheclassicalmusicportionoftheevening’sentertainment
clearlywasover.ShehadnoideawhoDJAMwas,butmanyothersapparentlydid,judgingfromthe
waytheyallrushedouttodanceassoonashisnamewasannounced.

Shegottothesecondbarandscannedthefacesofeveryonethere.ButnotoneofthemwasJason.
Frustrated,shetookadeepbreath.Yep—onceagainshewasstandingaloneatthisparty,withnowhere
togo.

Butthen,shehappenedtolookupjustasthecrowdshiftedandsuddenly,shehadaviewofthe
veranda.

ThereJasonstood,withhishandstuckedcasuallyintothepocketsofhispants.Inhistuxedo,he
looked...well,therewerenowords.HepeereddownatTaylorwithagrin,andfromacrossthebar,
shesmiledback.

Forthefirsttimethatevening,shefeltlikeshebelonged.

ASJASONMADEhiswaythroughthecrowd,hewascertainhewouldhavesomethingcleverand
nonchalanttosaybythetimehereachedTaylor.Butwhenhegotthereandsawherupclose,nothing
remotelycleverorevennonchalantcametomind.Infact,thoughts,ingeneral,wereabitbeyondhim
atthatpoint.

Itwasthewayshelookedthatnight.Hewouldneverforgetit.

SheworeashimmeringGrecian-stylewhitesatingownthatskimmedoverherbodyingraceful

gathers.Inwildcontrasttothetraditionalupdofavoredbyvirtuallyeveryotherwomanatthatparty,
sheworeherhairdownandlongandwavy.

Otherwomenattheball,withtheirblackgownsanddiamondchokers,lookedlikeprincesses.Butto
Jason,Taylorwasagoddess.

Hestoppedbeforeher,transfixed.Sheshiftedworriedlywhenhesaidnothingatfirst.

“You’resobeautiful,Taylor,”hefinallymanaged.

Hercheeksflushedatthecompliment.“It’sjustthedress.”

No—it’syou,healmostblurtedout.Buthekepthistongueincheck.

“Where’syourdate?”heaskedinstead.

Taylorgesturedacrossthedancefloor,whereScottandhisfriendswereclankingtheirbeerbottlesin
anotherrowdytoast.

“Overthere,hangingoutwiththeothermembersoftheFellowship.”

Jasongrinned.“Ithinkthat’sadifferentmovie.”

Taylorturnedbackandlookedhimover.“So...where’syourdate?”

“Idon’thaveone.UnlessyoucountJeremy,whichofcourseIdon’t.HehasacrushonBredstone’s
daughter,soIbroughthimalong.”

Taylornodded.Didsheseempleasedbythefactthathedidn’thaveadate?Therewasonlyonewayto
tell.Jasonheldouthishand.

“Dancewithme,Taylor.”

Shehesitatedforamoment.Thenshetookhishandwithoutsayingaword.

Jasonledheroutontothedancefloor.Coupleshadpairedoffas“FadeIntoYou”byMazzyStar
begantoplay.Throughthecrowd,hecaughtsightofsomephotographershoveringeagerlyonthe
othersideofthedancefloor.Scanningthearea,hespottedasecludedareathatwasshelteredbythe
lowbranchesofatreethatreachedoutoverthedancefloor.HeledTayloroverandpulledherinto
hisarms.

Theydancedslowlytogether,withthelightsglitteringinthetreebranchesabovethemlikestars.
Neitherofthemsaidanythingforalongmoment.JasonwantedtoenjoythefeelofTaylor ’shandin
his,thesnugnessofhisarmaroundherwaist.Inherheels,thetopofherheadrestedrightunderhis
chin.Hecouldwhisperanythinginherear,herealized,andonlyshewouldhear.

“I’vebeenthinking,”hebegansoftly.“Youmayfinallybefreeofme.”

Taylorturnedherfacetowardhis.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Well,yourworkwiththescriptisessentiallyfinished,wehavenomoredealsaboutkeepingthe
pressawayfromyou,andasfarasIknow,youdon’thaveanymorefriendsintown...”

Shesmiled.“Valerieisstilltalkingaboutthatnight.”

“Andunlessyouplantoknockyourselfovertheheadwithahammer,you’lllikelyremain
concussion-free,”Jasonteased.Butthenhisexpressionturnedserious.“SoIguessthere’snothingleft
tokeepyouaroundmeanymore.”

Taylor ’sgreeneyesprobedhisintently.“WhatifIjustlikebeingaroundyou?”

Jasonheldhisbreath.“Isthattrue?”

Shenoddedslowly.“Ineedtotellyousomething,Jason—IknowhowI’veactedtowardyou,things
I’vesaidinthepast,but...”Shetrailedoff,hesitating,thenlookedhimstraightintheeyes.

“Iwassowrongaboutyou.Thesepastfewweeks,I’verealizedthatwhenyoutakeawaythecameras,
andthereporters,andthebighouse,andthefancycar...theguywho’sleftisnottoobad.Infact,I
likehimquiteabit.”

Andthatwasit.ThosesimplewordsaffectedJasonmorethananyotherseverhad.

“Taylor...”hesaid,pullingherclosertohim.

Butsheshookherhead.“Don’t.Don’tsayanything.Ijustwantedyoutoknowthat.That’sall.”

Shestartedtopullaway,butJasonheldhertight.“Don’tpullawayfromme.Notthistime.”

“Ihaveto.”

“Why?”hedemanded.“BecauseofScott?”

Taylorlookedupathim.“WebothknowScottisn’ttheproblem.”

“Thenwhat?”

Shepausedatthequestion,hereyestroubled.

“It’syou,Jason—you’retheproblem.Ijust...Ican’tdothiswithyou.”

Jasonwasmomentarilytakenabackbyherwords.Beforehecouldsayanythingfurther,Taylor
pulledaway.Hefeltit—themomentherfingersslippedoutofhis.Thenshehurriedoff,disappearing
intothecrowd.

Jasonstayedthere,onthedancefloor,watchinghergo.Arushofemotionssweptoverhim,andhe
knewthenonething,theonlythingthatmattered.

Helovedher.

ALITTLEWHILElater,JeremyfoundJasonsittingaloneonabenchinfrontofafountainnearthe
backofBredstone’sgrounds.Thepartywasalittledistanceaway,backupthehill.Thesoundsof
livelymusicandlaughterdrifteddowninstarkcontrasttoJason’ssombermood.

JeremytookaseatonthebenchnexttoJason.Hesighed.“Yep,yep,yep...”

Thetwoofthemsatquietlyforalongtime.

“Iknow,Ihearyou,”Jeremyagreed.

Moresilence.

Finally,Jasonbrokeit.

“It’snotagamewithheranymore.Ifiteverreallywas.”HeglancedoveratJeremy.“Shedoesn’t
trustme.”

Jeremyconsideredthis.“Shouldshe?”

Jasonfacedthecold,hardtruth.“IsupposeIhaven’texactlybeenagoodguy.”

Jeremyspokehonestlythen,asonlyabestfriendcould.“Youknow,Irememberwhenwewerejust
twoguysdrivingcross-countrytoLosAngelesinthatcrappyyellowDatsunyouowned,hopingto
somehowmakealivinginHollywood.Andalsohopingthatthecarwouldactuallymakeitto
Hollywood.”

ThatgotaslightsmileoutofJason.Herememberedthatcarwell.

“Theseyearsthatwe’vebeeninL.A.,”Jeremypaused,asifthiswassomethinghehadbeenthinking
aboutforawhile.“I’vewatchedasyou’vesettledintothiscrazy,ridiculouslifeyou’vebeenblessed
with.AndI’mnotgoingtolietoyou—therewereplentyoftimeswhenI’vebeenworriedabout
you.Plentyoftimes.Gettingeverythingyouwantsoeasily,thatchangesaman.”

JasonwatchedJeremyintently,waitingtobejudgedbyoneofthefewpeoplewhoseopinionactually
matteredtohim.

“AndthenthisthingwithTaylor...”Jeremywhistleddisapprovingly.“Boy,didyoueverfuckthatup.
ThatstuntyoupulledwithNaomiwasashittythingtodo.Youknow,youreallycanbeaselfish,
spoiledpainintheass.”

Jasonnodded.Helookedattheground.

“Except...”

HeglancedupatJeremy.

“Exceptwhenitcomestothepeopleyoureallycareabout.Becausetothem,youaregenerousand

loyalashell.Aroundthosepeople,youareagoodguy,Jason.Andthosearethepeoplewho,atthe
endoftheday,willneverdoubtyou.Nomatterhowbigapainintheassyoucanbe.”

Jasongrinnedinrelief—andalsosurprise.Jeremynevertalkedlikethis.

Jeremypointed.“Don’tgetallteary-eyedonmenow.”

Jasonlaughed.“Wouldn’tdare.”

“So,now—aboutthisthingwithTaylor,”Jeremysaid.“Yes,you’vemadealotofmistakes.Weboth
knowwhatyou’vedoneinthepastwithotherwomen.ButI’mtalkingaboutthepersonyouare
withher.Soagain,myquestiontoyouis:Shouldshetrustyou?”

Atthis,JasonmetJeremy’sgaze.Hiseyesneverflinched.

“Yes.”

Jeremynodded.“Thenstopplayinggameswithher.Layitallontheline.Ifshelovesyou,she’llsee
therealyou.”

Jasonnoddedsolemnly.ThethoughtofactuallyputtingitallouttherewithTaylormadehimquite
nervous.Seeingthis,Jeremypunchedhimintheshouldergood-naturedly.

“Lookatyou,Mr.Hollywood,allsoftandvulnerable.”Hebeamed.“I’mproudofyou,man.”

Jasonpushedhimaway,embarrassed.“Getoutofherewiththat.”

“No,I’mserious,”Jeremytoldhim.“Asyourmoralsuperior,IcansayhonestlysaythatI’venever
beenmoreproudofyouthanIamrightnow.”

Jasonglancedover,eyebrowraised.“Notevenincollege,whenIconvincedthosetwinsyouwerethe
guitaristfromGunsN’Roses?”

Jeremypointedathim.

“Thatcouldbeaclosesecond.”

Thirty

“SOTHENWHAThappened?”

Taylorrolledherdeskchairovertohercredenzaandgrabbedafilefromthebottomdrawer.“So
thenIranoffthedancefloor,andIhaven’ttalkedtohimsince.”

ItwasSundayafternoon,andshehadcomeintotheofficetocatchuponwork.Tosavetimeonthe
Black&Pinkpost-gameanalysis,shehadthree-waycalledValandKate.

“AndwhataboutScott?”askedKate.

Yes...andwhataboutScott?Nowthatwasaninterestingquestion.Taylorfilledtheminonallthe
details.

AfterleavingJasononthedancefloor,shehadhurriedovertothebarwhereshehadlastseenScott.
Shewantedtotellhimshewasleavingtheparty,notthatshethoughthe’dmindterriblymuch,given
thefactthattheyhadexchangedabouttenwordstotalsincearriving.

Shewasmakingherwayacrosstheverandawhenshefeltsomeonegrabherbythearm.Shelooked
overandsawScott.

“CanItalktoyouforasecond?”

Withoutwaitingforananswer,heledheroffintooneofthegardens,wheretheywerehiddenbehind
sometrees.Hestaredatherangrily.

“Areyouhavingfunoutthere,makingafoolofme?”Hiseyesnarrowed.“Isawyoudancingwith
him,Taylor.Thewholefuckingpartysawyouwithhim.”

Despitethefactthatshedidn’tthinkScotthadexactlybeentheperfectdate,either,Taylorfeltguilty.
Sheknewitwastimetoputanendtothislittlecharadeoftheirs.

“I’msorry,Scott,Iwasn’ttryingtoembarrassyou.I—”

Hecutheroff.“Christ,Taylor,everyonehereknowsyou’retheMysteryWoman.Thepaparazzihave
beengoingnuts,tryingtogetashotofyouandJasontogether.”

Taylorstartedtospeak,thencaughtsomethingScotthadjustsaid.

“Paparazzi?Ithoughtyousaidthosewerejust‘industryphotographers.’”

“Yeah,well...whatever.Thepointis,theythinkyou’reherewithJason,notme.”

Tayloragaintriedtomakeamends.“LikeIsaid,I’msorry.Wewerejustdancing.”

Scottscoffedsarcasticallyatthis.“Ohwell,ifthat’sallitwas,don’tletmegetintheway.Perhapsyou
shouldgobackandfindhim.AlthoughIshouldwarnyou—JasonAndrews’sdancecardisusually
prettyfull.Hedoesn’tnormallymakeitaroundtothesamegirltwice.”

Suddenlytiredwiththewholescenario,Taylordecideditwasn’tworththeefforttorespond.“You
know,IthinkI’mgoingtocallitanevening,”shesaid.“I’lljustcallacabtopickmeup.”

Scottappearedsurprisedbythis.Thenhisexpressionsoftened.

“Youdon’tneedtocallacab,Taylor”hesaid,hisvoicefullofconcern.

Mockingconcern,asshelearnedwithhisnextsnidewords.

“Afterall,I’msureyour‘friend’Jasonwouldbehappytogiveyouaridehome,”hesaid.“Atleast
oneofusshouldgettofuckyouforgettingyouintothisparty.”

Taylornodded.Okay...sothat’showithadtobe.Atleastnowtherewasnothingmoretobesaid
betweenthem.

“Thankyouformakingthissomucheasier.Good-bye,Scott.”

Heseemedsurprisedwhenhesawshewasactuallyleaving,andblockedherway.

“Wait—areyouserious?You’rereallygoingtoleave,justlikethat?”

“Yep,justlikethat.”

HegrabbedTaylorbyherarm.Apparently,shehadstruckquiteanerve.

“Youthinkyou’resosmart,”hehissed.“Butdoyouknowhowmanywomenwouldkilljusttoget
onelookfromme?Whothehellareyou,youfuckingnobody?You’dwalkaway,justbecauseofone
dancewithJasonAndrews?Youthinkthat’sworthit?”

TaylorpeeredupatScott’sfuriousface.Therereallywasonlyonethingshehadtosayinresponseto
that.

“Absofuckinglutely.”

Finishedthere,TaylorpriedScott’sfingersfromherarmandslidby.Shecutthroughthegardenon
herwayout,beingcarefultoavoidthepaparazzi.

Andjustassuddenlyasshehadappeared,theMysteryWomanlefttheparty.

AFTERHEARINGTAYLOR’Sstory,KateandValweresilentontheirendsoftheline.

“What?Saysomething,”Taylordemandedanxiously.

Katerespondedfirst.“Youknow,endingyourdatewithanA-listmoviestarwithan
‘absofuckinglutely’reallyissoplayedthesedays.”Shelaughed.“Seriously,Taylor—wheredoyou
comeupwiththisstuff?”

Taylornoticedthatherotherfriendhadbeenuncharacteristicallysilent.“Val,you’reawfullyquiet.”

Valeriespokeslowly.“IjustwanttobesureIhavethisstraight.Youmanagetoscoreatickettothe
bestpartyoftheyearwithoneofthebiggestcelebritiesintown.Butthenyoudancewithanotherguy
—whojustsohappenstobe,like,thehottestmanintheworld—thenyouditchyourdateandrunout
ofthepartylikeanobsceneCinderella,nevertobeheardfromagain.”

Taylorsquirmeduneasilyinherchair.“Well,itreallywasjusttheoneobscenity—”

Valeriecutheroffsternly.“TaylorDonovan.”

Thenhertonechanged.Tooneofpride.

“Youareafriggin’genius!”Valshrieked.“Everyone’sgoingtobetalkingaboutyou!Youareso
goingtobeonthecoverofUsWeeklythisweek!”

Taylortriedtocontrolherfriend’sexcitement.“Don’tholdyourbreath,Val.Theydidn’tgetany
picturesofme.”

“That’swhatyoucelebsalwaysthink.ButthenyouenduptoplessonthecoveroftheEnquirerandyou
suddenlythink,hmm...maybeitwasn’tsuchasmartideatosunbathenudeinCaboafterall,maybe
thatwasacamerastashedunderneaththetowelsthatpoolboywascarrying...”

“SowhatareyougoingtodoaboutJason?”Kateinterrupted,gettingbacktothebusinessathand.

“Nothing.There’snothingelsetodo,”Taylorsaid.“IwantedtotellhimthatI’dbeenwrongabout
himbecauseIthoughtitwassomethingIneededtosay.That’sall.”Shepaused.Thensheloweredher
voice,eventhoughtherewasn’tasingleotherpersonintheofficethatSundaymorning.

“Why?DoyouthinkIshoulddosomethingelse?”shewhispered.

“YouknowIcan’tsaythat,”Katetoldher.

“Icansayit,”Valvolunteered.

Taylorspunaroundinherchair,frustrated.“WhatamIdoing?Seriously—I’vegotwaytoomuch
worktodo.Ican’tbeworryingaboutthisrightnow.”

“Ifallyouworryaboutiswork,”Vallectured,“thenonedayyou’llcomehomeandrealizethatit’s
theonlythingyou’vegot.”

“It’sbetterthancominghomeonenightandfindingJasonfuckingsomesupermodelonourdining-
roomtable.”

Thephonewentsilent.

Wow—thathadflownoutofhermouthbeforeshe’deventhoughtaboutit.

“You’reright,Taylor,”Valsaidquietly.“Ifyoureallythinkthatmighthappen,thenIthinkyoudidthe
rightthinginwalkingawayfromJason.”

Therewasn’tanythingelseherfriendscouldsay.Butafewawkwardminuteslater,whenTaylor
endedthecall,sherealizedthatshehadneverfeltlessvictoriousinwinninganargument.

HATINGTHEWAYherconversationwithValandKatehadended,Taylordidwhatshealwaysdid
whenshefeltoutofsorts:shethrewherselfintoherwork—atendencythatapparently(accordingto
Val)wasgoingtoonedayrenderheranangry,lonelyoldmaidwhoyelledcrazygibberishandthrew
rattygrayhouseslippersatneighborhoodkidsridingbicyclespastherhouse.

Fine—thatmaynothavebeenwordforwordwhatValhadsaid,butTaylortookthelibertyoffilling

intheimpliedinnuendoofherfriend’s“onedayyou’llcomehomeandrealizethatworkistheonly
thingyou’vegot”comment.

TaylorDonovan,expectedlifetrajectory:

Associate.

Partner.

Retirement.

Crazygibberish,rattyslippers.

Patheticdeath(alone,ofcourse),thinkingoftheonetimeshehadalmostkissedJasonAndrews.

R.I.P.

DeterminedtopushasideVal’swarningandallaccompanyingmorbidthoughts,Taylorturnedback
tothefilesonherdesk.Thenextmorningshewouldbecross-examiningthemostimportantwitness
intheEEOC’scaseandsheneededtobeready.Thiswitness,thenamedplaintiff,hadalwaystroubled
Taylor.Sheknewthewitnessplannedtotestifythatshehadsufferedsevereemotionaldistressbecause
oftheallegedharassmentshe’dbeensubjectedtoinherworkenvironment.Itwastestimonythat,if
believedbythejury,wouldhelpbolstertheEEOC’sdemandforsignificantmonetaryandpunitive
damages.

DerekchuckledwhenhedroppedbyTaylor ’sofficelaterthatdayandfoundherreviewingthefiles
fromthepsychologistwhohadtreatedtheplaintiffforherstress.

“You’rereadingthoseagain?We’vebeenthroughthosefilesamilliontimes.Trustme—thereisn’t
anythingwemissed.”

Taylorsetthefiledownonherdesk,rubbinghertemples.“Therehastobe—there’snowaythis
womanwould’vebecomesodistraughtbecauseofherworkenvironment.Evenifeverythingshesays
istrue,it’snotenoughtocausesomeonesevereemotionaldistress.”

“Butthepsychologistrandiagnostictestsandfoundhertobeclinicallydepressed.Howdoweget
aroundthat?Arguethatshe’saneggshellplaintiff?”

Taylorsighed,reluctanttogodownthatroute.An“eggshellplaintiff”defensivestrategymeant
arguingthattheplaintiffwas“fragile,”thatis,moresensitivethantheaveragepersononthestreet.
Thatamore“reasonable”personwouldnothavebeenbotheredbythesameconducttheplaintiff
claimedcausedherdepression.Suchargumentsgenerallydidnotgooverwellwithjuries—noone
likedtoseethebig-moneycorporatedefenseattorneycallingthepoordistressedplaintiff,inessence,
aweak-asslittlewimp.

“No,I’vebeentryingtocomeupwithsomeotherangleforhercross.”Taylorstoppedrubbingher
templesandpeeredoveratDerek.“Yousubpoenaedallhermedicalfiles,right?”

Dereknodded.“Thistheonlypsychologistshewastreatedby.”

“Howabouthergeneralpractitioner—dowehaveanyfilesfromhim?”

“Yep,andIalreadycheckedthem.Nothing.”

“Whataboutanyotherdoctorsshesaw?Herob-gyn?”Derekmadeaface.“Youwanttoreadher
gynecologist’sfiles?”

“Notparticularly,”Taylorsaid.Butatleastitwouldkeepherbusy,sothathermindwasn’tdrifting
offwiththoughtsofJason.

ThethingshehadsaidtoherattheBlack&PinkBall.

Howhelookedinhistuxedo.

Howitfelttobedancingthatclosetohim.

Alldangerousthoughts.Sheneededtostayfocused—shehadajobtodo.

SoTayloraskedDerektobringherthefile.Andtwentyminutesintoherreading,shehadabsolutely
noproblemstayingfocusedonwork.

Shepickedupherphone.

“Derek.YouarenotgoingtobelievewhatI’mreadingrightnow.”

“IFYOUDON’Tmind,Ms.Campbell,I’dliketoshiftgearsandtalkaboutyourclaimforemotional
distressdamages.”

Uponthewitnessstand,thenamedplaintiff,EmilyCampbell,satstraightanduprightinherchair.She
noddedtoTaylor,whostoodinfrontofthejury,justafewfeetawayfromthestand.

“SoifIunderstandyourearliertestimonycorrectly,Ms.Campbell,”Taylorsaid,“youarecertain
therewasnothingelsegoingoninyourlifeduringthetimeofyouremploymentwiththedefendant
thatcouldhavecontributedtoyourstress.Isthatcorrect?”

Ms.Campbellfoldedherhandsdemurely,lookingchasteandproperinhercreamsweatersetand
pearls.“That’scorrect—theonlystressIexperiencedwascausedbytheterribleworkenvironmentI
hadbeensubjectedto.Icouldn’teatorsleep.Ihadtoseeatherapistseveraltimesaweekjusttoget
by.”

“Andyou’repositivethatnothingelsecouldhavebeencausingthestressyouexperiencedduringthat
timeframe?”

“I’mpositive,”Ms.Campbellsaiddefinitively.

“And,accordingtoyou,thestresswassobadthatyousoughttreatmentfromapsychologist—aDr.
GaryMoore—isthatcorrect?”Taylorcrossedovertothedefensetable.Shepickedupafileand

broughtitbackwithhertothepodium.

“Yes—Iwenttoseehimbecause—”

“Asimple‘yes’or‘no’willsuffice,Ms.Campbell.”Taylorsmiledpolitely.Sheopenedthefileshe
hadbroughttothepodiumasshecontinuedonwithherquestioning.

“Ms.Campbell,aspartofyourclaimforemotionaldistressdamages,yousignedawaiverpermitting
ustolookatyourmedicalrecords,isthatright?”

“Yes.”

“Andthatwaiverallowedustolookatallyourmedicalrecords?”

“Yes,althoughDr.MooreistheonlypsychologistIsawfortheemotionaldistressIsuffered.”

“Iunderstandthat,Ms.Campbell,butforamomentI’dliketotalktoyouabouttreatmentyou
receivedfromaDr.MichellePhillipsat1089FirstStreetinSantaMonica.YoudoknowDr.Phillips,
don’tyou?”

Therewasascurryofactivityoverattheplaintiff’stableasFrankbeganrifflingthroughhisfiles.
Taylorheardhimmumbleunderhisbreathtohiscocounsel,presumablysomethingalongthelinesof
“WhothefuckisDr.Phillips?”

Ms.CampbelllookedatTaylor,confused.“ButDr.Phillipsismygynecologist—Ireallydon’tsee
whatshehastodowithanyofthis.”

“Yesorno,Ms.Campbell.”

“Yes,IknowDr.Phillips,”thewitnessgrumbled.

Carryingherfile,Taylorsteppedclosertothewitnessstand.

“DoyourecalltellingDr.PhillipsduringyourappointmentonFebruarysecondoflastyearthatyou
neededtobetestedforsexuallytransmitteddiseasesbecause—letmemakesureIgetthiscorrecthere
...”Taylorreadoutloudfromherfile,“Because,quote,‘yourweasel-dickhusbandsleptwitha
skankywhorestripperandthecheatingbastarddidn’tusearubber ’?”

Ms.Campbellshotupinherchair.“Sheactuallywrotethatdown?”

Thejurytitteredwithamusedlaughterandsatupinterestedly.Finally—thingswerestartingtolooka
littlemorelikeLaw&Orderaroundhere.

“Itakeitthat’sayes?”Taylorasked.

“Yes,”Ms.Campbell’svoicecracked.SheclearedherthroatasTayloraskedhernextquestion.

“Anddoyoualsoremembertellingyourgynecologistthatyouwere,quote,‘underextremeemotional
distressbecauseofyourunfaithfuldirtbaghusbandandcouldn’teatorsleep’?”

Ms.Campbellsunklowerinherchairasiftryingtohide.“Yes,”shewhispered.

Taylorpointedtothefile.“Andthen,accordingtoDr.Phillips’srecords,didyoualsotellher,‘Thank
godIatleasthavemyjobtogetawayfromthatlousysonofabitch,orI’dprobablykillthemboth’?”

Bynow,Ms.Campbellhadsunksofardowninherchairthattherewaslittlemorethantwoeyeballs
peekingoutoverthewitnessstand.

“Imayhavesaidthat,”shesaidmeekly.

Taylorsmiledpatiently.Ofcourseshehad.

“Well,then,goingbacktoyourearliertestimony,areyousureyouwanttotellthisjurythattheonly
thingcausingstressinyourlifewasyouremploymentwiththedefendant?Andnotthe”—she
consultedherfileonelasttime—“‘weaseldickunfaithfuldirtbag’youweremarriedto?”

ThetwoeyeballsblinkedatTaylorfrombehindthewitnessstand.

“Theremayhavebeenafewotherthingsgoingoninmylifeatthetime.”

Taylorsnappedherfileshut.“Okay—I’mgladweclearedthatup.”Shelookedoveratthejudge.“I
havenofurtherquestions,YourHonor.”Shereturnedtothedefensetableandtookherseatnextto
Derek.

“Youlovethisstuff,don’tyou?”Derekwhisperedteasingly.Taylorhidhersmile,notwantingthe
jurytosee.Shedid,shereallydid.

Seeingthatitwasagoodtimeforabreak,thejudgedecidedtorecessthetrialuntiltwo.Assoonas
thejudgeandjurorshadfiledoutofthecourtroom,FrankheadedovertoTaylor ’stable.

“Whydon’twegrablunch,Taylor?”hesaidcasually.“I’dliketotalkabouthowthecaseisgoing.”

Dereknudgedherknowingly.

Taylortookinheropposingcounselimpassively.“Okay.Butonlyifyou’rebuying,Frank.”She
watchedasthemangotallrigidandindignant.

“I’monlykidding,Frank.Sheesh.”

MIDWAYTHROUGHTHEIRbagelsandwiches,Franklaiditallontheline.

“Thiscaseisasinkingship,Taylor.TheEEOCwantsout.”

Theyweresittinginacoffeeshopacrossthestreetfromthecourthouse.Theplacewaspackedwith
lawyers,soTaylorandFrankhadchosenatableinthebackwheretheycouldtalkprivately.

“That’squiteanabout-facefromourlastsettlementnegotiations,”Taylorsaid.

“Whenyoutoldmetocallyouwhensomeonesawapenis.”

“Didanyeverturnup?”

TaylorstaredinnocentlyatFrank,whojustsatthere,glaring.Then—shockingly—heactuallycracked
asmile.Heshookhisheadruefully.

“Notaone.”

Tayloreasedbackinherchair.ShewasgladtoseeFrankfinallyactinglikeahumanbeingandall,
butbusinesswasstillbusiness.

“CanIaskwhatbroughtaboutthischangeofheart?”

“It’sthesewitnesses.Idon’tknowwhathappens,Igothroughtheirtestimony,Iprepthem,butthen
theygetonthestandandyoucrackthemlike...”Frankpaused,gesturing,searchingfortheright
word.

“Walnuts?”

“No.”

“Eggs?”

“No.”

“Littlebittypiecesofglass?”

Franklookedather,exasperated.“Areyoualwayslikethis?”

“It’spartofmycharm.”

Frankthrewhishandsup.“Imean—whoreadsthegynecologist’sfiles?Whohastimeforthat?Don’t
youhaveapersonallife?”

Taylornearlycougheduphercoffee.Shegrabbedhernapkintocover.Ahh,Frank...ifonlyyou
knewaboutlittleTaylorDonovanfromChicago.ShedancedattheballwiththeSexiestManAlive
andthenspenttherestofherlifehidingbehindworkinordertoavoidhim.

“Theproblemwithsettlingnow,”Taylorsaid,“isthatmyclienthasalreadyinvestedalotamountof
moneyindefendingthislawsuit.Atthispoint,wemightaswellridethetrialouttotheend.Theway
thingsaregoing,it’sabetterinvestmentforthemtopaymetodefendthiscasethantopayyour
clientstosettle.”

“Whatifyourclientdidn’thavetopayanythingatall?”Frankasked,takingasipofhiscoffee.

Taylortiltedherhead,surprisedbythis.“Whatexactlyareyouproposing?”

“Atthispoint,theEEOCjustwantstosaveface,”Franktoldher.“Thepublicitytheagencywillgetif

welosethiscasewillkillus.”Heleanedacrossthetable,outlininghisterms.“Here’sthedeal:no
money,butyourclienthastoagreetoyearlytrainingonharassmentanddiscrimination.Andthe
termsofoursettlementhavetobekeptconfidential—we’llissueajointpressreleasesayingonlythat
thepartieswereabletoamicablyresolvetheirdispute.”

ShockedasTaylorwasbythisproposal,shemanagedtomaintainherskepticallook.Itwasallpartof
thelawyerdance.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaid,shakingherhead.“Myclientreallywantsthistrialvictoryasvindication.
ButI’llletthemknowaboutyouroffernonetheless.”

Franksatbackinhischairwithaconfidentsmile.Hemayhavebeenapissylittlemanattimes,buthe
wasn’tstupid.

“Youdothat,Taylor.Butwebothknowthatthiscomesdowntoasimplebusinessdecision.When
yourfirm’sfeesalonewouldcostanothersixfigurestofinishthistrial,yourclientwillneverwalk
awayfromachanceatafreesettlement.Thatistheirvindication.”

Andasmuchasshehatedtoadmitit,TaylorknewFrankwasright.

Thirty-one

WITHALOUDpop,someonecrackedopenthefirstbottleofchampagne.Thepartyofficiallykicked
intohighgear.

Taylorstoodinacircleoflawyers,allofwhomwereeagertoofferhertheircongratulations.To
celebratehervictory,thefirmhadreservedoneoftheprivateroomsattheBeverlyHillsFour
Seasons.Thepartywaspacked,aslawyersatherfirmweregenerallyenthusiasticaboutanyeventthat
providedthembothanexcusetocutloosefromworkatsixo’clockandunlimitedfreealcohol.

Taylorhadasneakingsuspicionthat,onthisparticularoccasion,therewasanadditionalfactor
drawingeveryoneinlikemonthstoaflame.Forweeks,storiesaboutherallegedfantasticsociallife
hadspreadthroughouttheoffice(shesuspectedLindaandthecohortshadahandinthis),andshe
guessed,fromthewayeveryoneatthepartylookedeagerlyatthedooreachtimesomeonewalkedin,
thattheyallwerehopingacertainyou-know-whomightdropby.

Overandoveragain,TaylorrepeatedthestoryoftheEEOC’scapitulationtohercolleagues,which
(asFrankhadpredicted)hadledtoaquicksettlementofthecaseearlierthatafternoon.Indeed,the
eventsofthedayhadhappenedsofastthatTaylorfeltalittledizzystandingthereattheparty.Perhaps
shejustneededsomefreshair.

AssheslowlyinchedcloserandclosertotheFrenchdoorsthatledtoanoutdoorterrace,herrecapof
theday’seventsgotmoreandmoresuccinct.Luckily,Derekstoodbyhersideandpickeduptheslack
whenshefellquiet.Asheentertainedthecrowdwithstoriesofhertrialantics,Taylorsmiledalong,
relievedthatnooneseemedtonoticehowdistractedshewas.

Aboutmidwaythroughtheevening,shethoughtshemightgetabriefreprievewhensheheardthe
pointedclinkingofaglass.ShelookedacrosstheroomandsawSamBlakelyrisingintoast.

“SoIhavejustafewwordsI’dliketosayincelebrationofourfirm’svictorytoday,”hebeganwitha
proudglanceinTaylor ’sdirection.“Avictorybroughtaboutinlargepartbecauseoftheskillsand
dedicationofoneassociate,theunstoppableTaylorDonovan.”Sampausedasthecrowdclappedand
cheered.Thenheturnedtoaddressherpersonally.

“Taylor,whenyoufirstarrivedattheLosAngelesoffice,wehadbeentoldyouwerearisingstar.
AndfromwhatI’veseen,IwholeheartedlyagreewithallthepraisestheChicagoofficesangofyou.”

Sheblushedmodestlyatthecompliment.

“WehereintheL.A.officehavecometothinkofyouasoneofourown,”Samcontinued,“andyou
willbegreatlymissednowthatyourworkhereisfinished.Andsinceyou,ofcourse,willgreatly
missallofus”—Samheldfortheexpectedlaughter—“letmeatleastgiveyousomethingIhopewill
easeyoursadness.”

EveryoneintheroomwatchedasSamstrolledovertoTaylor.Shepresumedhewasabouttohand
hersomesortoffarewellgift.

Butwhathesaidnextsurprisedher.

Hestuckouthishand.

“Iknowit’stwoyearsearly,Taylor,andthat’safirstforthisfirm,butletmebethefirsttoofferyou
mycongratulations.BecausewhenyougetbacktoChicago,you’llfindtheyhaveamuchbigger
officewaitingforyou.”Hewinkedslyly.“Apartner’soffice,thatis.”

Thewholeroomeruptedincelebration.

Taylorstoodthere,stunned.

Shefeltpeoplepattingherontheback.Inherdaze,shenumblytookSam’shandandshookit.Oneat
atime,hercoworkerscameuptooffertheircongratulations.Witheachminutethatpassed,Taylor
feltdizzieranddizzier,untilsheliterallythoughtthewallswerespinning.Desperateforsomeair,
afterafewmomentssheexcusedherselffromthecrowdandsteppedoutontotheterrace.

Onceoutside,sheheadedtotheedgeofthebalcony.Tryingtocalmherselfdown,shetookinthe
viewofthehotel’slushgardens.Awarmeveningbreezerustledthedrapedbougainvillea.Pristine
whiteflowerssurroundedthemarblesculpturesandfountains.Itwasallso...California.Andsoshe
tookitallin,tryingtosavoreverylastdetail.

Becausehertimetherehadcometoanend.

Mid-trialsettlementswerenotuncommon,sosheshouldhavepreparedherselfforthepossibilitythat
shewouldbeleavingearlierthanexpected.Butblindly,shehadnot.

TherewouldbenomorefancyHollywoodparties.Nomoredinnersattrendyrestaurantsanddrinks
athotL.A.clubs.Nomoreapartmentbythebeach,sunnyCaliforniadays,orwarm,sultrynights.

AndtherewouldbenomoreJason.

ThiswasthereasonTaylorhadbeenwalkingaroundinafogsincethemomenthercasehadsettled.

Leaningagainstthebalconyforsupport,shetookadeep,steadyingbreath.Sheknewsheshould’ve
beenbackintheparty,enjoyingeverymomentofhersuccess.Itwasaphenomenalachievement,the
firmmakingherpartnertwoyearsearly.Itwaseverythingshehadworkedforsincegraduatingfrom
lawschool.Itwaseverythingshewanted.

Wasn’tit?

Taylorheardsoftfootstepsbehindher.SheturnedandsawLindaapproachingandwatchedasher
secretarypulledupnexttoheratthebalcony.

“Quiteanexcitingnight,huh?”

Taylornodded.“Youcansaythatagain.”

Lindastudiedherforamoment,thenstuckoutherhand.“Congratulations,Taylor.”

Shesmiled.“Thanks,Linda,foreverything.It’sbeenapleasureworkingwithyou.”

“Somehow,Ithinkthingsaroundtheofficearegoingtobealotquieteronceyou’regone,”Linda
saidteasingly.

Taylorlaughed.“That’sprobablytrue.”

Thenthetwowomenfellintoaquietsilenceastheylookedoutatthegardens.Afteramoment,Linda
glancedover.

“Whatareyougoingtotellhim?”

Taylorsoberlyshookherhead.“Ihavenoidea.”

Rightthen,SamfoundthemoutonthebalconyanddraggedTaylorbackintotheparty.Although
Linda’squestionweighedheavilyonhermind,Taylorhadnochancetogiveitanyfurtherthoughtas
shemovedfromonegroupofattorneystothenext,chattingandminglinganddoingtheroundsas
anygoodsoon-to-be-partnerwould.

Aftertheparty,asshedrovebacktoherapartment,hermindwasboggeddownwiththemultiple
logisticalissuesthataccompaniedherreturnbacktoChicago.Herapartmentandofficeneededtobe
packed,travelarrangementsneededtobemade,shehadtoterminateherapartmentsubleaseandcar
lease(andheretheChryslerpeoplehadjustbeenniceenoughtoreplaceherwreckedPTCruiserwith
another),sheneededtocalltheutilitycompaniesandgetarefundonthepackageofclassesshehad
justpurchasedattheSantaMonicaYogaCenter...thelistwasendless.

Needlesstosay,Taylor ’smindwastravelinginathousanddifferentdirectionsasshepulledhercar
intothedrivewayofherapartmentbuilding.

Whichisprobablywhyshedidn’tnoticeafamiliarblackAstonMartinparkedonthestreetoutfront
untilshegottoherfrontdoorandsawJasonheadingupthewalkwaytowardher.

Thirty-two

TAYLORSTOODFROZENonherdoorstepasJasonheadedovertoher.Heworejeansanda
lightweightnavysweaterthatbroughtouttheblueofhiseyesfromtenfeetaway.Helookedcasual
andrumpledanduncharacteristicallytousledabout.Taylorthoughthehadneverlookedbetter.

Hestoppedwhenhegottotheedgeofherdoorstep.

“Ineedtotalktoyou.”

“IthoughtyouwereinNewYork,”shesaid.ShehadwatchedhisliveinterviewontheTodayshowthat
morningbeforeleavingforcourt.Notthatsheneededtoadmitthattohim.

“Iflewbackthisafternoon.”Jasongesturedtoherfrontdoor.“CanIcomein?”

Taylornodded.AsJasonfollowedherintotheapartment,shenoticedthatheseemednervous.
Frankly,sowasshe.Thetwoofthemhadanawkwardmoment,fumblingaroundeachotherasthey
steppedthroughthearchwaytothelivingroomatthesametime.

TaylorstoppedandgesturedforJasontogofirst.Thenshepolitelyofferedhimsomethingtodrink.
Hepolitelyrepliedthataglassofwaterwouldbenice.

Apersoncould’vecutthetensionintheairwithaspoon.

Taylorheadedintoherkitchen,beratingherselfforactinglikesuchamoron.Miraculously,she
somehowmanagedtopouraglassofwaterwithoutdroppingorspillinganything.Whenshereturned
tothelivingroomshefoundJasonstandinginfrontofthefireplace,checkingoutthefamily
photographsshehadsetoutalongthemantel.

“Youlooklikeyourfather,”hesaidasshehandedoverhisglassofwater.

“Really?PeopleusuallysayIlooklikemymom.”Relaxingabit,TaylormovednexttoJasontosee
whichphotohewaslookingat.

“It’stheeyes.”Heturnedandstudiedher,asifsearchingforananswertosomeunaskedquestion.

“I’mgladyoucameheretonight,”Taylorfoundherselfsaying.ShesawthisputJasonateaseforthe
firsttimesincehe’dgotthere.“There’ssomethingIneedtotalktoyouaboutaswell.”

“Okay...”hesaidhesitantly,presumablyrememberinganearlierconversationbetweenthemthathad
begunthisverysameway.“Yougofirstthistime.”

SoTaylortookadeepbreath.“Isettledmycasetoday.It’sover.Done.”

Jasonwassurprisedbythis.“Over?Ithoughtyousaidyouwereonlyhalfwaythroughyourtrial.”

Taylornodded.“Andthenthereweresupposedtobeposttrialmotionsandthenlikelyanappeal,too.
Buttodaytheplaintiffmadeusanofferwecouldn’tsaynoto.It’sagreatresult.Infact,itwassucha
greatresultthat,well...thefirmsaidthey’regoingtomakemeapartner.”

Jason’sfacebrokeintoanenormoussmile.“Holyshit—you’rekidding!”

“ButIhavetogobacktoChicago.”

Thatwipedthesmilerightoffhisface.

Hesaidnothingatfirst.Hecarefullysethisglassofwaterdownonhercoffeetable,unnecessarily
adjustingitonacoasterasifneedingaminute.Thenhestraightenedupwithhisarmsfoldedacross
hischest.

“Sowhatdidyoutellthem?”

Taylormethisgaze.

“Itoldthemyes.”

Theybothfellsilent.

Jasonbegantopaceinfrontofthecoffeetable.Helookedshocked.Andangry.Heappearedtobe
strugglingfortherightwordstosay.

“But...whatabouteverythingyouhavehereinLosAngeles?”

Taylorshookherhead.“It’suporoutatmyfirm.IfIdon’tgobacktoChicago,Idon’thaveajob.”

“That’sthedecisiontheyforceyoutomake?Thenscrewyourjob.”

NowthatfiredTaylorup.“Ohwell,Isupposethat’seasyforyoutosay.Doyouevenrememberthe
lasttimeyousawanythinglessthansevenfiguresonapaycheck?”

Forhersarcasm,JasonrewardedTaylorwithaglare.Itmadeherfeelquitedefensive.

“I’veworkedreallyhardforthis,”shetoldhim.“Threeyearsoflawschoolfollowedbysixyearsof
killingmyselfatthatfirm.Iworkednights,weekends,evenholidays.Allthat,andyouronlyadviceis
‘screwyourjob’?”

Jasoncircledaroundher.Afloodgateseeminglyhadbeenopened.

“Oh,youwantmyadvice?Okay,let’ssee...Gee—Idon’tknow,Taylor,maybeyoucouldfindanew
job.Here.Haveyoueverconsideredthat?Didyouevenstoptoconsiderthepossibilityofnotrunning
backtoChicago?Didyouthinkaboutthefactthatyoumightbewalkingawayfromsomethingreally
goodhere?Didyouonceconsiderthepossibilityofgiving—”

Hestoppedsuddenly.CatchingTaylor ’sgaze,heshifteduncomfortablyandregrouped.

“—DidyoueverconsiderthepossibilityofgivingL.A.achance?”hefinished.

ButTaylorwasn’tfooled;sheknewexactlywhatJasonhadbeenabouttosay.Butshe,too,foundit
easiertodancearoundthesubjectratherthantoactuallysayoutloudwhattheybothwerethinking.

“TherearealotofthingsIlikeaboutL.A.’”shesaidcarefully.“ThingsIlikeverymuch.Butit’stoo
risky.Whatifthingsdidn’tworkout,Jason?”Hervoicecrackedalittleasshesaidthis.Shecollected
herself.“WithL.A.,Imean.”

ButJasonhadcaughtherhesitation.Hecrossedtheroomtoher.

“Taylor,lookatme,”hewhisperedhuskily.“Lookatme.”Hewaiteduntilhereyesmethis.“Youhave
nothingtoworryabout.LosAngelesisaperfectmatchforyou.Youbelonghere.Youknowthat.”

Hepaused.Thenhelookeddeepintohereyesandlaiditallontheline.“Youbelongwithme.”

Finally,itwasallouttherebetweenthem.Nomoregames.

AndasTaylor ’seyessearchedJason’s,sheknewhewasright.

Hewashermatch.

Rightfromtheverybeginning,evenwhenshehadtoldherselfthatshehatedhim,he’dmadeher
laugh.Fromtheverybeginning,hehadgottenher.Heknewher,heunderstoodher.Insomanyways,
theywerethesame.Shemayhavefussedandfought,butsecretlyshelovedeverymomenttheyspent
together.Hewassmartandwittyandsexyashell,butunderneathitall,hewasgenerousandkindand
—surprisingly—asvulnerableasanyoneelse.Mostimportant,hechallengedher.Andhedroveher
absolutelyfuckingcrazy.

Andthat’swhatmadehimperfect.

But.

AsshestaredintoJason’sdeepblueeyes,shefinallyfacedherdeepest,darkesttruths.

ShehadgottenluckywithDaniel,sheknewthat.Aftertheshockofhischeatinghadwornoff,shehad
beenabletomoveon.Ofcoursetherehadbeensomesadness,andmostlyalotofembarrassment,but
nothingthatshehadn’tbeenabletoisolateandcontrolwithherusualdegreeofcalmandcollected
coolness.

ButthatwouldnotbethecasewithJason.

IfshetrustedJasonandshewaswrong,andonedayshewalkedinonhimwithanotherwoman,she
didn’tthinkshecouldhandleit.Andevenifshedidn’tcatchhimred-handed,eveniftherewasn’tany
cheatingatall,evenifhejustgotboredwithheroneday—afterall,wasn’tthatinevitable,Hollywood
relationshipsneverworkedout—thesimpletruthofthematterwas—

Shewouldnevergetoverhim.

WithJason,therewouldbenocalmandcollectedcoolness.Nofeelingsthatcouldbeisolatedand
controlled.Itwouldbeallornothing,andTaylorfearedthatifshelosthim,shewouldneverfindher
wayback.

Sowithaheavybutfirmheart,shelookedupatJasonandgavehimheranswer.

“Ican’t.”

Hestaredatherknowingly.“You’reafraid.”

“Yes.”

Theywerebothsurprisedsheadmittedthis.Jasonreachedoutandtookbothofherhands.Helaced
hisfingersthroughhers.

“Tellmewhatitwilltake,Taylor.I’lldoanythingyouask.”

Sorawandnakedwerehiswords,shehadtolookaway.Deepdown,therewasapartofherwho
achedtohearhimsayexactlythat.Whichmeantthatthescaredpartofherneededtostophimfrom
sayinganythingelse.Shehadtofindawaytoremainstrong.

Hereyecaughtsomethingonhercoffeetable—somethingshehadplacedthereseveralweeksago,
oneSundayafternoonwhenshe’dbeenstraighteningherapartment.Perhapstoserveasareminder.

Peoplemagazine.“TheWomenofJasonAndrews!”article.

TaylorremovedherhandsfromJason’sandheldthemagazinebetweenthem.Theparadeofallhis
ex-lovers/dates/whatevers.

“Didyoutellallofthesewomenthesamething?”

Confrontedwithhispast,Jasonshookhishead.“No.Thosewomenhavenothingtodowithus.”

“Noteventhesupermodel?TheoneyoubroughttoLondon?”Taylorsawthathewassurprisedshe
knewaboutthis.“Didyoutellher—”

“I’llsaveyouthetrouble,incaseyouhaveawholecross-examinationprepared,”hesaid.“Yes,I’ve
donealotofbadthings.Idon’tdenyit.ButthatallchangedonceImetyou.Ihaven’tthoughtof
anyoneelsefromthefirstmomentIsawyouinthatcourtroom.”

Taylor ’sexpressionremainedsurprisinglyimpassive.

“WhataboutNaomiCross?”

Jason’sshoulderssaggedalittleatthis.“Naomiwasdifferent,”hesaidlamely.

Taylor ’sfacestayedfirm.Ithadto.“Isee.Naomi’sdifferent.”

Jasonshookhisheadinfrustration.“No—thatcameoutwrong.”Hetookastepcloserandpeered
downatherearnestly.

“WhatI’mtryingtosayisthatyou’retheonewho’sdifferent,Taylor.”

Ahhh...themagicwords.Theverywordsshehadpromisedherselftoneverbelieveagain.

ButwhataboutthelookinJason’seyes?Heseemedsoforthright.Soconvincing.

Taylorhesitated.

Sheneededtostayfirm.Shelookeddownatherhands.Atthemagazinesheheld.“TheWomenof
JasonAndrews!”

Seeingthis,Jasonyankedthemagazineoutofherhands.“Stoplookingatthisbullshit!”Hethrewthe
magazineagainstthewallanditcrashedtothefloorwithanoisyflutter.

Andthen...

Atinycardslippedoutfromthemagazine’sstrewnpages.

BothJasonandTaylorsawit.Hewalkedoverandpickeditup.Realizingwhatitwas,Taylorlooked
awayasJasonreadthewordsonthecardoutloud.

“I’msorry.AndIloveyou.Daniel.”

Jason’sexpressionchangedthemomenthereadthecard.Heturnedbacktoherwithastrangelook.

“NowIseewhattheproblemis.Tellme,Taylor,whosemistakesamIpayingfor?”

Taylor ’seyesnarrowed.Howdarehe.

Shepickedthemagazineoffthefloorandhelditup.Herwordswerecold.“Yourown.”

Andwiththat,Jason’seyesfilledwithhurt.Butthen,almostasquickly,theyturnedstony.Dead.His
voicewasflatandemotionless.

“Ifthat’showyoufeel,thenIguessthere’snothingmorewehavetosaytoeachother.”

Andwithoutsomuchasanotherlook,heturnedandwalkedoutofherapartment.

Whensheheardthedoorslam,Taylorsatdownonhercouch.Shefoughthardagainstwhathappened
next.Shetookadeepbreath.

There’snocryinginbaseball.

Sheblinked.

There’snocryinginbaseball.

Shewouldn’tdoit.There’snocryinginbaseball.

Butitwasafutilestruggle.Forthefirsttimeinheradultlife,atearrandownherface.Andthen
another.

Taylorsatquietlyonhercouch,alone.

Shedidnotbrushthetearsaway.

Thirty-three

LINDAHELDUPthelastoftheremainingboxes,onemarked“Miscellaneous.”Taylorgesturedto
thestacktheyhadcollectedbyherofficedoor.“ThatonegetsshippedtoChicago.”Lindanoddedand
puttheboxwiththeothers.

Theyhadbeengoingatthisforthepasttwodays.ForonlyhavingbeeninLosAngelesforafew
months,Taylorhadmanagedtocollectalotoffiles.

“Ithinkthat’sthelastone,”Lindasaid.

Taylornodded.Shefelttired.Probablyfromallthepacking,whichseemedendless.Whenshewasn’t
packingattheoffice,shewaspackingathome.Themoverswerecomingtoherapartmentfirstthing
thenextmorning,andthenshe’dbeofftotheairport.Shealreadyhadseveralmeetingsscheduledfor
tomorrowafternoonintheChicagooffice.Asanewpartner,shewantedtohitthegroundrunning.

AtthethoughtofbeingbackinChicago,Taylorlookedoutherofficewindow.SheknewLinda
wantedtoaskaboutJasonbutTaylorreallyhopedshewouldn’t.Itwasbadenoughthatshewasa
messathome.Everytimeherphonerang,sheranandcheckedthecallerID,hopingtoseeJason’s
number.She’devenskimmedthecableguideatimeortwo,lookingtoseeifanyofhismoviesjust
“happened”tobeon.

SensingthatTaylorneededamomentalone,Lindaturnedtoleavetheoffice.Butthenshestoppedin
thedoorway.“Ijustrealized,weforgottopackyourdeskdrawer.”

Thedeskhadonenarrowdrawerinthecenter.Taylorglancedatit,andthenwavedLindaoff.“It’sno
problem.I’lltakecareofitmyself.”

“Areyousure?”

Taylornodded.“Yep.There’snotmuchinthereanyway,justafewpensandnotepads.”

Lindanoddedandleft.Taylorstayedatherdeskuntilsheknewthecoastwasclear,thenwalkedover
andshutherdoor.Whenshegotbacktoherdesk,sheslowlyopeneditsonedrawer.Foldedinside
wasthe“ShitHappens”T-shirt.

Taylortooktheshirtoutandsetitontopofherdesk.Sheranherfingeroverthewords.Itwaswhere
ithadallbegun.

Shegotupandheadedovertotheboxmarked“Miscellaneous.”Beingcarefultokeeptheshirtneatly
folded,sheplaceditinsidethebox,smoothingittomakesureitdidn’twrinkle.

Shetookastepbackandnodded.Thatwasthat.

SheclosedthelidoftheboxandtightlysealeditwiththerollofpackingtapeLindahadleftbehind.

LATERTHATAFTERNOON,Taylorheardlaughterandexcitedvoicesoutsideheroffice:the
familiarchatterofthesecretarialcohorts.Sherealizedthatshewouldactuallykindofmissit.

Butthensheheardaman’svoice.Alazydrawlshewould’verecognizedanywhere.

“Well,I’mgladtoseeyouladiesmissedme,”thevoicesaidteasingly.

Jason!

Taylorflewoutofherdeskchairandranintothehallwayand—

—stoppedwhenshesawthesecretariescrowdedaroundLinda’sdesk,watchingtelevision.Onthe
screen,TaylorcouldseeJasonbeinginterviewedonTheView.Herfacefellindisappointment.

SeeingTaylor ’sexpression,Lindacameover.“I’msorry,”shewhispered.“Ijustgotbackfrom
droppingyourboxesoffinthemailroomandfoundthemwatchingtheTVagain.”

“It’sokay,Linda.”

Theothersecretariesturnedwhentheyheardhervoice.“Ohgood,Taylor,you’rehere,”thesecretary
nearestthetelevisionsaid.“Ithinkyoumightwanttoseethis.”

Taylorcouldn’thelpbutbecurious.“You’veseenthisbefore?”

“Irecordeditandbroughtitin.Ithoughtyoushouldwatchforyourself,”thesecretaryreplied.

Unabletohelpherself,TaylorwatchedasBarbaraWaltersbegantheinterviewwithsomestandard
chitchat,askingJasonabouthishecticschedule.Everthemoviestar,hesmiledandagreedthatthings
werecrazy,promotingonefilmwhileinthemiddleofshootinganother.

ThenWhoopijumpedinandtoldJasontocutthecrapandjusttelleveryonewhotheMysteryWoman
was.

Jasonlaughed.Heshookhishead.

“Ohmygod,he’sblushing!”oneofthesecretariesgushed,squeezingTaylor ’sshouldersexcitedly.
ShewatchedasWhoopirefusedtoacceptJason’ssilenceonthesubject.

“C’mon,Jason,tellussomething!”shedemanded.“TellusjustonelittlesomethingabouttheMystery
Woman.”

WhenJasonremainedcoylysilent,Whoopiraisedonehopefuleyebrow.“Notevenjustonetiny
word?Atleastgiveusthat.”

Jasonthoughtaboutthisforamoment.Thenonnationaltelevision,hesummedupTaylorDonovan
injustoneword.

“Amazing.”

Thesecretarialcohortsgaspedoutloud.Taylorfeltherstomachdoalittleflip-flop.

“Henevertalksaboutwomenlikethat,”thesecretarynearestthetelevisiontoldher.“Ijustthought
maybeyoushouldseethis.Youknow,beforeyougobacktoChicago.”

“Whendidyoutapethis?”Taylorquicklyasked.“Whatdaywasthisinterview?”

Thesecretaryhadtothinkforasecond.“Ummm...twodaysago,Ithink.”

Taylor ’sheartsunk.Jasonmusthavetapeditthesamedayhe’dbeeninNewYorkfortheTodayshow.
Themorningbeforetheirfight.Shehighlydoubtedhewoulddescribeheras“amazing”anymore.An
“amazing”bitch,perhaps.

Sheturnedbacktothetelevisionjustastheblondegirl,thatonefromSurvivor,steeredthe
conversationtoJason’snewestfilm.

“So,Jason,yournewfilm,Inferno,opensonFriday.Tellusalittlebitaboutthemovie.Whatwasit
thatdrewyoutothispart?”

“Mostly,itwasthechancetoworkwithSteveClarentini,”Jasonsaid.

“Andwhatwasthatlike,workingwithhim?Hehasareputationforbeingasomewhatdifficult
director—didyouexperienceanyofthat?”

Taylorlaughedatthequestion.Lindaglancedover.

“Ican’twaittoseehimanswerthis—Jasontoldmehehatedeverymomentheworkedwiththatguy,”
Taylorexplained.

SheandLindawatchedasJasonnonchalantlyleanedbackagainstthecouch.

“Steveisagreatdirector,”hesaidcasually.“Iwouldn’tsaywehadanyparticularproblemsgetting
along.Wehadthenormalactor-directorrelationship.”Ashesaidthis,heabsentmindedlyturnedhis
watcharoundhiswrist.

ThegesturecaughtTaylor ’seye.Shetookastepclosertothetelevision.

“Soallthoserumorsofthetwoofyounotgettingalongonset,noneofthatwastrue?”the
blondeSurvivorchickpersisted.

Jasonpooh-poohedthiswithasmile.“No,no—thetabloidsblewallofthatoutofproportion.Steve
andIdidn’thaveanyproblemsontheset.”Again,hetoyedcasuallywithhiswatch,turningitaround
hiswrist.

Taylorstoodinthehallwayofheroffice,stunned.

Sheknewthatgesture.

Thatthingwiththewatch,itwasthesamegesturehe’dmadethatfirstdaythey’dmet,duringher

cross-examination,whenhesaidhe’dhada“filmemergency.”Itwasthesamegesturehe’dmade
whenhe’dbeenflirtingwithNaomiandsaidtherewasnothinghe’dratherdothangotoNapaValley
withher.

Suddenly,Taylor ’seyeswidenedknowingly.

“Helied,”shewhispered.

Hearingthis,Lindawavedherhanddismissively.“Oh,theseactorslieallthetimeaboutproblems
theyhaveontheset.It’swhattheirpubliciststellthemtosay.”

“No—heliedaboutNaomi.”

Lindalookedather,confused.“Naomi?NaomiCross?”

Distracted,TaylorignoredLinda’squestion.WhywouldJasondothat?Sheturnedandslowlyheaded
backtoherofficeandtookaseatatherdesk.

HehadbeenlyingaboutNaomi.

So?Whatdidthatmean?

Well,itmightmeanthathe’dbeentellingthetruthwhenhesaidhe’dthoughtonlyofhersincethe
momenttheymet.

Whichthenmeant...what?What,exactly?

Shewaspackedandreadytogo.She’dbeinChicagotomorrow.She’dbeapartnerinChicago
tomorrow.

Taylorneededaminutetothink.

Hesaidshewasamazing.

Hesaidshebelongedwithhim.

Maybethoseweren’tjustwords.

Butitwastoolate.Shehadalreadyacceptedthefirm’soffer.Therewasnothingshecoulddo.Fine—
nothingshewoulddo.Nothingshewantedtodo.

Wasthere?

Taylorbracedherselfagainsttheedgeofherdesk.

Herlegbegantobouncenervously.

Ohgod.

TAYLORKNOCKEDONSam’sdoor.Helookedupandsmiled.“Heythere,Partner.”

Taylorgulpednervously,hesitatinginthedoorway.“Gotaminute?”

Samwavedherin.“Sure,sure.Comeonin.”Hegesturedtothechairinfrontofhisdesk.“Havea
seat.”

Taylorchosetoremainstanding.Shefidgetednervously.“Um,so...wow.”Shelaughedshakily.At
Sam’soddlook,shepulledherselftogether.

“Iwantedtothankyouagain,Sam,forthepartnershipoffer.Iknowyouhadalottodowithit.”

“Youdidityourself,”hetoldherinallseriousness.“Youshouldbeveryproud.”

Taylorstruggledwithhernextwords.“ButI’vejustbeenwondering,doesitreallyhavetobe
Chicago?”

Samsighed,asifhehadbeenexpectingthis.“TheheadofouremploymentgroupisinChicago.You
knowit’swhereyou’rethemostmarketable.”

Taylornodded.Shedidknowthis.Shewalkedovertothefloor-to-ceilingwindowsthattookupan
entirewallofthepartner ’sofficeandlookedoutattheviewofLosAngeles.Thecitywasrightthere
atherfeet.Waiting.

Samapproachedherfrombehind.“Idon’twanttoplayhardballwithyou,Taylor.Irespectyoufar
toomuchforthat.Butthefirmhasneverbeforemadeanofferforearlypartnershiptoanyassociate.
They’vegoneoutonalimbhere.Ifyoudon’ttakethisnow,they’llneverofferittoyouagain.”

Taylorgazedoutthewindow.“Iknow.”

“Thenwhat’stheproblem?”

“Theproblem...isthatitseemsI’vebecomeratherattachedtothiscity.”

Samwasn’tfooled.“Iknowwhatyou’reattachedto,Taylor.Butyouneedtobepragmaticaboutthis.
Youknowhisreputation.”

Sheremainedsilent.

Sampersisted.“Comeon—whatdoyouthink?Thatitwon’tbethatwaywithyou?Thatyou’re
different?”Heshookhishead.“Youcan’thonestlybelievethat.”

WhenTaylorstilldidn’tanswer,Samlookedover.

“Doyou?”

Taylorstaredoutatthecitybelow.

Actually...yes.Shedidbelieveit.

Hervoicewassoft,barelyaudible.“Ido.”

Sam’sheadsnappedback,surprised.“Doyoureally?Areyouwillingtoriskyourcareeronthat?”

Taylorturnedaround.“Ithinkthatforhim,I’driskeverything.”

Withthat,sheapologizedtoSamandwalkedoutofhisoffice.Shefeltasthoughanenormousweight
suddenlyhadbeenliftedoffhershoulders.Andshefeltsteadier,moreconfidentthaneverinknowing
exactlywhatshewanted.

Okay,JasonAndrews,shethought.Gameon.

TAYLORRUSHEDBYhersecretary’sdeskonherwaytotheelevators.

“Linda—Ineedyoutogotothemailroomandputaholdonalltheboxeswe’reshippingto
Chicago.”

Hearingtheurgencyinhervoice,Lindajumpedtoattention.

“Why?Ohmygosh,what’shappening?Wait—doesthismeanyou’restayinginLosAngeles?”She
hurriedafterTaylor,followingherdownthehall.

Whentheyhittheelevatorbank,Taylorpushedthedownbutton.“Idon’tknow—Iguessthat’swhat
I’mabouttofindout.”

TheelevatordoorsopenedandsheturnedtoLinda.“Wishmeluck,”shesaid,steppinginside.She
stoppedaftertakingtwostepsintotheelevator.Andsteppedrightbackout.

Taylorglancedoverathersecretary.“Whatdayistoday?”

Lindahadtothinkforamoment.“Thursday.Thefourteenth.Why?”

Taylorimmediatelycheckedherwatch,thensworeunderherbreath.

“What?Whatisit?”Lindaasked.

Taylorturnedtoher,hereyesfilledwithhorror.

“He’sathispremiere.”

Thirty-four

THESPECTACLEINfrontofGrauman’sChineseTheaterwasunlikeanythingTaylorhadeverseen.

Cameras,reporters,mediavans,evenahelicopter—everyformofentertainmentcoverageand
accoutrementtheretohadshownupforthebigJasonAndrewsevent,thepremiereofhissummer
blockbuster,Inferno.

Andthefans.Ohmygosh,thefans.Taylorwarilycheckedthemoutaswell.

Anenormousscreamingcrowdhadgatheredinfrontofthetheater,liningupalongbothsidesofthe
redcarpet.Theycheered,theyclamored,theyswarmed.Allinthehopesofcatchingjustoneglimpse
oftheirhero.

Standingacrossthestreetfromthemobscene,Taylorwonderedforthetwenty-seventhtimesince
hoppinginhercarwhatthehellshewasdoing.Itwasmadness.Pureinsanity.

ButitwasalsoJason’slife.

Andifshewantedtobeapartofthatlife,she’dbetterstartgettingusedtoit.Like,immediately.

Suddenly,sheheardthecrowdroarwitharenewedfervor.Thechaoticscreamsandcheerscould
meanonlyonething.

Jasonhadarrived.

Taylorwatchednervouslyfromacrossthestreet.Shehadneverbackeddownfromanythinginher
lifeandwasn’tabouttostartnow.Itwastimetorisetothechallenge,tofaceherfears.Itwastimeto
womanup.

Sowithadeterminedlook,shecrossedthestreetandheadedovertothetheater.

Ohgod.

TAYLORFOUGHTHERwaythroughthecrowd.Thiswasnosmallfeatgiventhattherewere
somereallystubbornpeopleatthatpremiere,allwhoseemedtothinktheyhadsomesortofrightto
seeJasonAndrews.Ittookalotofpushingandshoving,butshefinallymadeherwaytotheentrance
oftheredcarpetwalkway.

Whereanimpenetrablewallofsecurityguardsloomedbeforeher.

Theirbulgingarmswerefoldedovertheirmassivechests.Theirfacesnevercrackedasmile.They
stoodsidebysideinarowandglareddownatTaylor,whosuddenlyfeltabouttwoinchestall.

Thecenterguardraisedoneeyebrowdisdainfullyather.

“CanIhelpyou?”

Tayloralmostlaughedoutloudatwhatshehadtosayinresponse.

“Yes,well,youprobablywon’tbelievethis—andIapologizefortheunoriginality—butit’svery
importantthatIgetinsidethispremiere.”

Theguardrolledhiseyes.Oh,ifhehadadime.

“Areyouonthelist?”heaskeddispassionately.

“Nowthat’stheinterestingthing,”Taylorsaid,pointingforemphasis.“Iwasonthelist.But,see,then
wehadthisargument,andIsaidsomereallyawfulthingsandIprobablyshouldhavecalledhimtwo
daysagobutifIhad,thenyouandIwouldn’tbeherehavingthislovelymoment,hehe...”She
attemptedtocharmtheguardwithasmile.

Itdidn’twork.

Taylornervouslyclearedherthroat.“Anyway,asapointoffact,hisassistantcalledmeyesterdayand
mentionedsomethingtotheeffectthatIwas,um...specificallyuninvitedtothispremiere.”

Theguardeyedherwarily.

“It’sreallykindofalongstory,”Taylorexplained.

“AndI’msureit’squitetouching.”Dismissingherwithalook,theguardmovedontotheperson
standingbehindher,someslick-lookingschmoewithsunglassesandsomekindofspecialpass
aroundhisneck.Taylorfoughtthetemptationtoriptheschmoe’spassrightoffhimandmakearun
forthetheaterdoors.

Asshewasshovedupagainsttheredropebytheimpatientcrowd,Taylorcontemplatedheroptions.
Butasshetookintheenormoussecurityguards,allshecouldcomeupwithweredifferentversions
ofadistract-then-scramble-through-the-legsmaneuveroftheTomandJerryvariety.

Butthenfateintervenedonherbehalf.

Thatis,“fate”intheformofJeremyShelby.

“Well,well,ifitisn’ttheillustriousTaylorDonovan,”hesaidhaughtily,strollingoveronthe“in”
sideoftherope.Helookedslightlyuncomfortableinhis“dress”clothes,meaningashirtthatactually
hadbuttons.Fromthewayheeyedherwarily,TaylorguessedhehadheardallaboutherandJason’s
argument.

Jeremytookacigaretteoutofhispocketandstuckitinhismouth.Taylor ’snewbodyguardfriend
quicklyputthekiboshonthat.

“Hey,buddy—there’snosmokingaroundhere,”hesaid.

Jeremygavetheguardalook,thenputthecigarettebackinhispocketandturnedtoher.

“Sowhatbringsyououtthisevening,Taylor?IthoughtIheardyouwerespecificallyuninvited.”

Taylormovedascloseasshecouldgetwiththered-ropebarrierbetweenthem.“Helpmeouthere,
Jeremy,”shesaidpleadingly.

Hegaveheralook.“WhyshouldIdothat?”

“Becauseonce,nineteenyearsago,youwerewrongabouthim,too.”

Jeremystaredatherstoically.Afteralongpause,hisfacebrokeintoasmile.

“Aw,hell,youcrazykid,youknewIwasgonnaletyouin—I’masuckerforthisstuff.”Heturnedto
thesecurityguardandgesturedforhimtoletTaylorin.“It’sokay,she’scool.”

Thesecurityguardperkedhisheadup.“Oh,that’snicetoknow.Andwhoareyou?”

Atthetoneofcondescensionintheguard’svoice,somethinginsideJeremysnapped.

“WhoamI?WhoamI?”heaskedinannoyance.“I’lltellyouwhoIam—elevenofthescriptsI’ve
writtenhavebeenproducedasfeaturefilmsbymajorstudios.”

TheguardlookedJeremyoverskeptically.“Whatfilms?”

“Well,forstarters,IwroteVampireNation,”Jeremysaid,proudlyreferringtooneoftheprior
summer ’sbiggestblock-busters.

Theguardsmiledenthusiastically.“Youwrotethat?Man,Ilovedthatmovie!Holyshit,Idoremember
younow—IsawyouspeakatComic-Conlastyear!”

JeremyfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandthrewTaylorawink.“So?Nowdoyouthinkyoucanlet
herin?”heaskedtheguard,gesturingtoTaylor.

Theguardheldouthishandshelplessly.“I’dloveto,buddy,really.But...well,comeon.You’rea
writer.It’samiracleyousomehowgotyourselfintothispremiere.”

TaylortriedtostiflehersmileasJeremy’sfacefell.

Astheguardstartedtoturnaway,Jeremyreluctantlychangedtactics.“Fine.IalsohappentobeJason
Andrews’sbestfriend,”hesaidgrumpily.

Theguardgrinned.“Youandaboutfivehundredotherpeople,buddy.”Hegesturedtotheteeming
crowdtryingtopushtheirwaypastthered-ropebrigrade.

JeremyglancedoveratTaylorandsighed.“Ireallyhatethistownsometimes.Fuckit—we’regonna
havetocallinthebigguns.”Hewavedtoamaninasuitwhostoodabouttwentyfeetaway.“Marty!
Marty!”

TaylorwatchedastheinfamousMartyShepherd,publicisttothestarsandeighthmostpowerful
personinHollywood(excludingtalentandstudiosheads),turnedaroundandslowlywalkedtoward
herandJeremy.Hewasshorterthanshehadexpected,andolder.Hishairwasgrayaroundthe
temples,buthiseyesweredarkandshrewd.

AsMartywalkedover,hecarefullylookedherupanddown.“YoumustbeTaylorDonovan,”hesaid
beforeJeremycouldintroducethem.Hecockedhisheadquestioningly.“IthoughtIheardyouwere
specificallyuninvited.”

Taylorglancedover.

“Therewasamemo,”Jeremyexplained.

“Ihaveaproblem,Ms.Donovan,”Martycontinued.“Thisisamoviepremiere.Theworldpremiere
ofafilmthatispredictedtobetheblockbusterofthesummer,starringmynumberoneclient.”He
pointeduptheredcarpet.“Butrightnow,mynumberoneclientisoutthere,rudelysnappingat
reporters,refusingtosmileforthecameras,andgenerallybeingatremendousprick.”

Hegaveherahardstare.“Ihaveneverseenhimactlikethisbefore,Ms.Donovan.Isuspectithas
somethingtodowithyou.”

“Marty,ifyoucouldjustletmeinsideforaminute—”

“WhyonearthwouldIwanttodothat?”

Taylorbithertongue.Ifonemorefriggin’personaskedherthat...

ShesuspectedthatMartyrequiredaslightlydifferentanswerfromJeremyinorderforhertopass.

“Becauseitwillmakeforgoodpublicity.”

Martyseemedtempted.Heraisedoneeyebrow.“Goodpublicity?”

“Greatpublicity.Thebest.”

Heconsideredthis.“Allright,Taylor,”hesaidcautiously.“Let’sseewhatyou’vegot.”Heturnedto
theguardandgestured.“Letherin.”

TheguardimmediatelysprungtoattentionandletTaylorinside.Beforeshecouldthinktwiceabout
whatshewasdoing,shesprintedherwaythroughtheredcarpet,weavingaroundactorsand
actresses,producers,studioexecs,andthelike.Shewasablurasshebreezedbyallofthem,andthey
inturn—catchingmerelyabriefglimpseofadark-hairedwomaninasuit—ignoredher.

Taylorhadmadeitnearlytotheentranceofthetheaterwhenshespottedhimacrosstheway.

Overthepastfewmonths,astheyhadgrowncloser,therehadbeenmomentswhenshehadnearly
forgottenthatJasonwasaninternationalmoviestar.

Thiswasnotoneofthosemoments.

Therehestood,thehub,thecenterofallactivity,thepersonthateveryoneatthepremierewantedto
see.Themassescircledaroundhim,paparazziscrambledtogettheirshots,andthefansfrantically
screamedhisname.Somehow,hehoveredaboveitall,seeminglyimperviousandunfazedbythe
blindingcameraflashesandtheendlesslineofmicrophoneswavedinhisface.

Inthatmoment,thereontheredcarpet,TaylorsawJasonthewaytherestoftheworldsawhim.She
sawJasonAndrewstheactor,thecelebrity,theidol.TheSexiestManAlive,themanworshippedby
womenaroundtheworld.

Taylorsuddenlyfeltuncertain.Shetookastepback.

Shefeltagentlehandonhershoulder.SheturnedandsawJeremyatherside.

“It’sstillhim,Taylor,”hesaid.

Shenoddedandtookadeepbreath.Okay,shecoulddothis.Thecrowdshifted,andshesuddenly
caughtsightofsomeoneelse,someoneshehadn’texpectedtoseeatthepremiere.

NaomiCross.

ThegracefulblondeactresslinkedherarmthroughJason’s.Shewavedhappilyassheposedforthe
cameras.

Taylortookinthesightofthetwoofthemstandingtogether.Shehadbetterberightaboutthis.She
glancedoveratJeremy.

“WhydidJasonlieaboutNaomi?”

Jeremyclearedhisthroatnervously.“Oh.That.Um...well,youknow,uh...toseeifyou’dget
jealous.”HecaughtTaylor ’sexpression.“Hisplan—notmine,”headdedquickly.Thenhecockedhis
headcuriously.“Howdidyouknow?”

Taylorcouldn’thelpbutsmile.“Thewatchthing.”

“Ahh,yes...thewatchthing.”Jeremygrinnedaswell.“Themightyhavesuchsimpleweaknesses.I
liketothinkit’sGod’swayofkeepingthingsfair.”

TaylorwatchedasNaomileanedoverandwhisperedsomethinginJason’sear.Thecameraswent
crazyastheknotsinherstomachtightened.

“Areyousurethere’snothinggoingonbetweenthem?”

Jeremysqueezedhershoulderreassuringly.“Taylor—Ithinkthere’ssomethingyouprobablyshould
knowaboutNaomiCross.”

JASONSTAREDDISPASSIONATELYatthecamerasandthereporterswhowavedtheirmicrophones
athim,desperatetogetasoundbiteortwo.

Duringthelimorideover,hehadtoldMartyhewouldn’tbedoingthepresslineatthepremiere.He
gavehispublicistnoexplanationforthis.NordidheexplainhissullenmoodwhenMartyhad
jokinglyofferedhimtwenty-fivemillionforhisthoughts.

“Atleasttrytolooklikeyou’remildlyinterestedinbeinghere,darling,”Naomiurged,speaking
softlyinhisearsothesurroundingmediacouldn’thear.“Yourpublicdemandstobeentertained.”She
wavedelegantlytoagroupoffanscallinghername.

Jasontookastepclosertothetheaterdoors,hopingtoendthecharadeassoonaspossible.Naomi
reluctantlyfollowed.Evertheprofessional,thesmileneverleftherfaceassheandJasoncontinued

theirprivateconversation.

“DidImentionhowsurprisedIwastogetyourpublicist’scall?”sheasked.

“Imadeyouapromise,”Jasonsaid.

“Ohright...forhelpingoutwiththatlittlesituationatyourparty.Withthatlawyerfriendofyours.”
Naomigavehimalook.“Howisshethesedays?”

“Idon’twanttotalkabouther.”

“Troubleinparadise?”Naomigrinnedwickedly.“PerhapsIshouldcallherthen.Youknow,I’m
alwayslookingforagoodattorney...”

Jasonglared.“You’renothertype,Naomi.”

“Hmm,pity.Thenwhatwentwrong,darling?Whyisn’tsheherewithyou?”

IttookeveryounceofOscar-winningactingtalentJasonpossessedtokeephisexpression
emotionless.Intruth,itkilledhimtoeventhinkaboutTaylor.

“She’sgone.ShewentbacktoChicago,”hesaidflatly.

Naominodded,thengrinnedaffectionately.“Areyousureaboutthat?”Shepointedtosomething
behindJason’sback.Confused,heturnedaround—

AndsawTaylor.

Shestoodbeforehimontheredcarpet,justafewfeetaway.

ThecrowdsuddenlycaughtsightofJason’sshockedexpressionandeveryonefellsilent.It’sthe
MysteryWoman,somebodywhispered.Alowmurmurofexcitementspreadthroughout.

NexttoJason,Naomiclearedherthroat.“Well.Lookatthis—nowIgettoplaythepartofthejealous
woman.”Sheglancedover.“AndjealousIam...ofyou,Jason.Bloodyheterosexuals—you’re
almostcomingbackintostylethesedays.”

Sheproudlypulledbackhershoulders,readytodoherthing.“Thanksforthepublicity,darling.Iowe
you.”Andwiththat,NaomispunaroundandstormedangrilypastTaylor.Whenshegotcloseenough
sothatonlyTaylorcouldsee,shethrewherawink.Thenshepushedherwaythroughthecrowd,
hammingitupforthecameras.

LeavingJasonandTayloralone.

Withthousandsofpeoplewatching,thatis.

JASONSPOKEFIRST,inanemotionlesstone.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

Taylorsmilednervouslyatthequestionandtriedforajoke.“I,um,heardyouwerehere.”

Jasonshookhishead.“Notthistime,Taylor.Nosarcasm.”

Shepanickedatthis.Nosarcasm?But...thatwasherthing.Withoutit,shewasnaked.Defenseless.

Justthen,acameraflashedbrightly,rightinTaylor ’seyes.Anotherimmediatelyfollowed,and
another,thenten,twenty—shelookedaway,tryingtoadjusttotheflickeringlights.Asshedid,she
sawthatthecrowdandeveryoneontheredcarpetwasstaringather.

Waiting.

WhenJasonsawherfallsilent,hisfacewentfromexpressionlesstocold.Heturnedandwalked
towardthetheaterdoors.

Taylorreacted.“Jason—wait.Justgivemeach—”

Hewhirledaroundfuriously,cuttingheroff.“Whyareyouhere?It’saverysimplequestion,Taylor.
Foronce,I’dlikearealanswerfromyou.”

Taylornodded.Itwasasimplequestion.Butshewashorribleatthiskindofthing.Beingopenandall.

ButsheknewthatthiswasTheMoment.Heronechancetodoitright.Sowiththousandsofpeople
watching,shegatheredhercourageandcheckedherprideandturnedtoAmerica’smostnotoriously
womanizingbachelorandsaid—

“I’mhereforyou,Jason.BecauseIrealizedthattheonepersonwhocouldbreakmyheartistheonly
onewhoshouldhaveit.”

Thecrowdfelldeadsilent.

Jasonblinked,stunnedbyherwords.

Intheexcruciatinglylongsilencethatfollowed,Taylor ’sheartpoundedfiercely.Okay—maybeshe’d
shotoverthemoonwiththatone.

Ormaybeshe’djustbeenwrong.

Butsuddenly,Jasonstormedacrosstheredcarpet.HewalkeduptoTaylorandgrabbedherbythe
waistandwithoutthinkingshewrappedherarmsaroundhisneckasthecameras,thereporters,the
wholeworldfellawayand—

Hekissedher.

Andthecrowdwentwild!

Itwasquiteakiss.Somewhereinthedistance,Taylorthoughtmaybesheheardthescreamsofthe
crowdandthunderousapplause,butfrankly,shecould’vecaredlesswhosawherrightthen.With
Jason,inthatmoment,wastheonlyplaceshewantedtobe.

Hepulledbackfirst,gazingdeepintohereyes.

“Iloveyou,Taylor.IthinkthatI’vebeenwaitingforyoutocomeintomylifeforalong,longtime.”
Hegrinnedself-consciously.“Ididn’tthinkyou’devergivemethechancetosaythat.”

Deeplytouchedbyhiswords,Taylorgazedupathimandsmiledtenderly.

“YouhadmeatShitHappens.”

Jasonburstoutlaughing.HepulledTaylorintohisarmsandkissedhersoftlyontheforehead.

Andthatwasthepicturethenewspapersranthenextday,undertheshockingcaption,“JasonAndrews
inLove!”

Suddenly,Martyappearedfromoutofnowhere.

“Jason,you’vegottogivethepresssomething.They’redemandingtoknowtheMysteryWoman’s
name.”

JasonglancedoveratTaylor.“It’suptoyou.”

Afteramoment’sdeliberation,shenodded.Itwashislife,afterall.

SoJasongesturedtothepressline,thethrongofwaitingreporters,whofranticallyreachedoverthe
ropethemomentheandTaylorsteppedover.Tenthousandmicrophoneswereshovedinstantlyinher
face.

“Whoareyou?”thereporterfromE!demandedtoknow.

“TaylorDonovan,”shesaid,abitawkwardly.Suddenlysheknewwhatitfeltliketobecross-
examined.

“Areyouanactress?”

“Areyouamodel?”anotherreportercalledoutfromthebackofthecrowd.

“No,I’malawyerfromChicago.”

Thereporterswhisperedamongsteachother,confusedbythis.

TheintrepidcorrespondentfromAccessHollywoodpushedoutfront,microphoneinhand.“Areyou
andJasondating?”shedemandedtoknow.

Taylorhesitated.Wow—nothinglikehavingtodiscussyourpersonallifewithafewthousand
strangers.

Farmoreusedtothisthanshe,Jasontooktheleadonthatparticularquestion.“No,Iwouldn’texactly
callitdating,”hesaid.EveryonelookedatJasoninsurprise.IncludingTaylor.

Hewinkedather.

“Ms.Donovanismyfiancée,”hedeclared.

Andthecrowdwentwild!

Again!

Thefrenziedpaparazzisnappedoneshotaftertheotherasthefanscheeredriotouslyatthis
revelation.

TaylorstaredatJason,shocked.

Whenshedidn’tsayanythingforamoment—alongmoment—heshiftednervously.Perhapshehad
overshotabitwiththatone.

“Well?Whatdoyouhavetosaytothat?”Jasonasked.

Taylorcockedherhead.“Don’tyouthinkweshouldhavesexfirst?”

Jasonlaughed,hard.Heyankedthepenoutofthehandofthereporternearestthem,whohadbeen
scribblingeagerlyinhisnotebook.“Don’tprintthat,”hesaidfirmly.

JasonturnedbacktoTaylorwithaslygrin.“Well,yes,Iwashopingwecouldgetworkingonthat.”

Sheraisedaneyebrow.“Isee.So...whatarewewaitingfor?”

Jasonpulledhercloseandwhisperedhuskilyinherear.“Oneofthesedaysyou’regoingtolearnthat
thatquestioncangetyouintoallsortsoftrouble.”

Taylorturnedherfacetohis.“Howlongdoyouhavetostayatthispremiere?”shewhisperedsoftly.

Theylefttwentysecondslater.

ASITTURNEDout,TaylorDonovanwasanaughtylawyerindeed.

Firstshewasnaughtyinthecar,asJasonracedalongthestreetstoherapartment.

“Ifyoukeepdoingthat,you’llbeturninginanotherwreckedPTCruiser.”

“Yousaidyouwantedtodrive,”Taylorwhisperedteasinglyasshenibbledathisneck.

“BecauseI’mtheman.”

“Fine.I’llstopthen,ifthat’sreallywhatyouwant...”

Thecarcareenedwildlyasittookthenextcorner.

“Fuckit,”Jasongroaned.“I’llbuyyouanewcar.”

THENSHEWASnaughtyinherapartment,inthefoyerinsidethefrontdoor,ontopoftheconsole
table.

“Mybedroom’sjustdownthehall,”TaylorgaspedasJasontoreopenhershirt.Buttonsflew
everywhere.

“We’llgetthereeventually,”hesaid,pushingupherskirtwhileslidingonehandalongherthigh.He
smiledwickedlyashisfingersslowlyinchedtheirwayup.Shemoanedandarchedherbackagainst
thewall.

“Let’sgotherenow,Jason,”shecommanded.

“My,my,aren’twepushy...”

WHENTHEYFINALLYmadeittothebedroom,shewasnaughtythere,too.

“Andyousaidyou’dhatemeforever,”JasonteasedashetossedTaylorontothebed.

Shereachedimpatientlyforhisbeltbuckle,yankinghimontothebedwithher.“Thisisangrysex—I
actuallydon’tlikeyouatall.”Shewrappedherlegsaroundhim,tryingtogetontop.Hegrabbedher
handsandpinnedthemoverherhead.

“Areyousureaboutthat,Ms.Donovan?BecauseyouseemtolikeitanawfullotwhenIdothis...”

LATERON,SHEwasevennaughtyonthekitchencounter,afterJasoninnocentlypointedoutthat
theyhadfortyminutestokilluntiltheirChinesefoodarrived.

“Areyousureyou’renottootired?”Taylortaunted,lacingherfingersthroughhishairandpulling
himbetweenherlegs.“Althoughyoudoseemtohavealotofenergyforathirty-nine-year-old.”

Jasongrabbedherbythebackofherneck,pullinghermouthtohis.“Thirty-eight,smart-ass.Ihavea
Decemberbirthday.”

Hijinksensued.

FINALLY,WHENTHEYwerebothsospentthattheyliterallyfellintobed,Taylorrestedherheadon
Jason’schest.Hewrappedhisarmstightlyaroundher,andtheyfellasleepinstantly.Adeepand
peacefulsleep.

Andinthemorning,theywerenaughtyalloveragain.

Thirty-five

“SOYOUREALLYquityourjob?”

JasonhandedTayloranotherdoughnut,thedoublechocolatewithsprinklesperherrequest.Earlier,
shehaddiscoveredtheonedrawbackofsleepingwiththeSexiestManAlive:inthemorning,shehad
tobetheonetogooutandhunter-gatherbreakfast.Unless,asJasonputit,shewantedasideof
paparazziwithherorangejuiceandmuffins.

“Yep,Ireallyquit,”shetoldhim,bitingintothechocolatelygoodnessshehadwrangledfromthe
bakerydownthestreet.

“Butyou’resocalmaboutit.”

Taylorshruggednonchalantly.“Somethingelsewillcomealong.”

Whenshesaidnothingfurther,Jasongaveheralook.

“Look—itwasasimpledecision:youorthem.Ichoseyou,”shesaid.

“Aww,honey...that’ssosweetofyou.”Heleanedinandgaveherakiss.Thenhepulledbackwitha
knowinggaze.“Youalreadyhaveanotherjoboffer,don’tyou?”

Taylorsmiledproudly.“Three,actually.”

“Hmm...whendidallthishappen?”

Sheshrugged.“Imadeafewcallsonthewaytogetthedoughnuts.”Shecaughthislook.“Well,Ican’t
justsitaroundandbeunemployedforever.”

“It’sbeentwelvehours,”Jasonsaidwithagrin.Thenhebrokeoffapieceofhismarbledfrosted
doughnutandhandeditover,havingnoticedtheslightglareshe’dthrownhimafterhe’dpickedthat
oneoutofthebox.

“Socomeon,tellmeaboutthesethreeoffers,”hesaid.

“Well,they’relargefirms,likemyoldone.AndsinceGrayandDallasmademeapartnershipoffer
beforeIquit,theyallsaidthey’dbewillingtomatchit.”

“Notbad,”Jasonsaid,impressed.“Youcanpickuprightwhereyouleftoff.”

Taylornodded.“Mmm-hmmm.”

Hecaughthertone.“What?Nowwhatareyouupto?”

Taylorgrinned.“Well,I’vebeengivingthesethingsalotofthought—”

“—Youreallyhavebeenbusythesepasttwelvehours—”

“—andIfeelasthoughI’vepeakedinthelargefirmenvironment.Afterall,there’sonlysomuchyou
canlearninoneplace—”

“—I’mprettysurethat’salinefromasong—”

“—andsoIwasthinkingthatmaybeIshouldstartmyownlawfirm.”

Withthishavingbeendeclared,theybothfellsilent.Afteralongmoment,Jasonspokefirst.

“Ithinkthat’sagreatidea.”

Taylorjumpedoffthecouchexcitedly.“Iknow!Icanseeitnow—TaylorDonovanandAssociates.
Thathasaniceringtoit,don’tyouthink?”

Jasongaveherthestrangestlook.“Don’tyoumeanTaylorAndrewsandAssociates?”

Taylorlaughedasifthiswasthemostridiculousthingshe’deverheard.

ShestoppedabruptlywhenshesawJason’sseriousexpression.“Ohh...Iseeourfirstfightasa
marriedcoupleisgoingtobeabigone.”

Jasongotupoffthecouchandwalkedover.Hegaveheranaffectionatekiss.

“I’llstartpreparingnow.”

Rightthen,theywereinterruptedbyaknockatthefrontdoor.

Taylorlookedover.“Shit—Iforgottocallandcancelthemovers.Oh,theyaregonnabepissed.”She
smiledsweetlyathim.“Maybeyoucouldanswerit,honey?Go...signsomeautographsforthemor
something.”

JASONGRUMBLEDHISwholewaytothefrontdoor.

Thiswaswhatassistantswerefor.Andmanagersandagentsandvarioussortsofhousehelp.Taylor
quicklyneededtogetusedtohernewwayoflife,beforeshestartedsendinghimtothestoreformilk
ortamponsorsomething.

AndJasonAndrewsdidnotdomilkortampons.

However...hemusedtohimselfwithasmile,somebodywasgoingtohavetotrekouttothestorefor
somemorecondoms,thewaytheyweregoing...

Withthisthoughtinmind,Jasonopenedthedooringreatspirits.“Gentlemen—I’mafraidthere’s
beenachangeofplans.”

Hequicklyexplainedthesituation,paidthemoversfortheirtime,tippedthemanextragrandfor
agreeingtokeepTaylor ’saddressprivateinformation,andyes,hedidalsosignanautographortwo.
Asthemoversgotbackintotheirtruck,oneofthemcongratulatedJasononhisengagement.

Jasongrinned.Ofallthethingshe’daccomplishedinhislife,thatmayhavebeenthecongratulations
hemostenjoyedreceiving.

Heshutthedoorandheadedbackinside,intothekitchenwherehecouldhearTaylorcleaningup.She
wasrinsingoutaglassatthesinkandglancedoverwhensheheardhimcomein.

“How’ditgowiththemovers?Iseverythingokay?”

Watchingher,Jasonsmiled.

“Everythingisgreat.”

HewalkedoverandscoopedTaylorup.“Stoppretendinglikeyouknowwhatyou’redoingatthat
sink,”heteased.Thenhecarriedheroffintothebedroom.

Theydidn’tleavetheapartmenttheentireday.

FINALLY,LATETHATnightastheylayinbed,TaylorrestedherheadonJason’sshoulder,looking
upathim.

“Iloveyou,”shesaidsoftly.

Jason’sarmstightenedaroundher.Hegrinnedsleepily.“Iknow.”

Taylordriftedoffcontentedly.Until,throughthedarkness,sheheardalow,sneakywhisper.

“Mrs.TaylorAndrews...”

Shedidn’tbothertoopenhereyes.

“Stillnotgonnahappen.”

Butthenshelaythere,awake.Sheopenedhereyesand,foralongtimethatnight,watchedJasonashe
sleptpeacefullybyherside.

Onlybecauseshewantedtobesureshehadgotteninthelastword.

Ofcourse.

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Tomygrandfather

forinspiringmetostartthejourney,

andtomyhusband

forbeingmypartneralongtheway.

GAMEON

“AmIcorrectinunderstandingthatyoudislikeme,Ms.Donovan?”heaskedcoyly,circlingaround
herinamusement.

Taylorfollowedhimwithhereyes,hervoiceeven.“Iwon’tletmyfeelingsaboutyoucompromise
mycareer,Mr.Andrews.Yougotmeinalotoftroubleatwork,youknow.”

Jasonstopped,surprisedtofindhimselfuncomfortableatthethought.“I’lltellyouwhat,”hesaid
magnanimously.“Letmebuyyouadrink.Wecanstartover—gettoknowoneanotherproperly.”He
flashedherthesmilethatmadeheartsflutterworldwide.Fiveandahalfbilliondollarsinlifetimebox
officegrossforhis“littleprojects.”Takethat.

Taylorcockedherhead,appearingtoconsiderhisoffer.Then,withherarmsfoldedacrossherchest,
shetookafewstepstowardhim.Whenshewascloseenoughthattheywerepracticallytouching,she
staredupathim,hergreeneyesboringdeepintohis.Jasoncouldfeelthewarmthofherbody,andhe
wonderedifsheknewwhathewasthinkingrightthen.

Apparently,shedid.

“Let’sgetsomethingstraight,Mr.Andrews,”shesaidsteadily.“Thisisbusiness.Nothingelse.”

BeforeJasoncouldgetinonewordedgewiseonthematter,Taylorbackedawayandturnedtoleave.
“AndI’llexpectyoutobeatmyofficefirstthingtomorrowmorning.Dotrynottobelate.”

Turnthepageforapreviewof

thenextromancefromJulieJames

PracticeMakesPerfect

ComingsoonfromBerkleySensation!

PAYTONREVIEWEDTHEscheduleofeventsfortheGibson’sexecutivesasecondtime.

Tosayshewasdispleasedwouldbeanunderstatement.

Shehadbeenswampedthisweek,preparingforboththeGibson’spitchandasexualharassmenttrial
thatwassettostartthefollowingWednesday.J.D.hadcaughtherataparticularlybadtimewhenhe
stoppedbyherofficeyesterdaytodiscusstheagendaforwininganddiningJasperConroyandhisin-
houselitigationteam.She’dbeenarguingallmorningwithopposingcounseloverlast-minute
additionstotheexhibitlist.Shehadhungupthephone,spottedJ.D.standinginthedoorway,and
sensedhermorningwasonlyabouttogetworse.Butinstead,inararemomentofapparent
helpfulness,J.D.hadofferedtotaketheleadinsettinguptheGibson’sschedule.

And,inajust-as-raremomentofreceptivenesstoanythingJ.D.-related,asherphonebeganringing
offthehookandshesawthefamiliarnumberofheropposingcounselonthecallerIDandshe
realizedshewasabouttobeginround137withhim,sheacceptedJ.D.’soffer.

Bigmistake.

Clutchingtheagendainherhand,Paytonlookedupathersecretarywithamixtureoffrustrationand
trepidation.

“Isthisreallytheagenda?”sheasked.

Irmanoddedintheaffirmative.“J.D.’ssecretaryjustdroppeditoff.”

“Okay.Thanks,Irma.”

PaytonpretendedtoresumetypingathercomputerasIrmaleftheroffice.Shewatchedasher
secretaryheadedbacktoherdesk,waitedamomentortwomore,thencasuallygotupandwalked
acrossthehalltoJ.D.’soffice.

J.D.peeredupfromhisdeskwhenheheardtheknockonhisdoor.

“Gotasec?”Paytonaskedpleasantly.Oneneverknewwhowaswatching.

“Foryou,Payton—anytime.HowcanIbeofassistance?”heaskedmagnanimously.

Paytonsteppedintohisofficeandshutthedoorbehindher.Theybothinstantlydroppedthecharade.

Paytonheldouttheagendaaccusingly.“YoutoldmewewerehavingdinnerwiththeGibson’sexecs
tomorrowevening.”

J.D.easedbackinhischair,gesturingtotheagenda.“Andasyousee,weare.”

“Butyou’realsoplayinggolfwiththemtomorrowafternoon.Whywasn’tIinvited?”

“Doyouplaygolf?”

“No,butyoudidn’tknowthat.”

J.D.grinned.“Actually,Idid.IoverheardyoumentionittoBenlastsummer.”

Stunnedbythesnub,Paytonopenedhermouthtorespond.Sheclenchedherfistasshesearchedfor
someresponse,someinsult,anything,andamomentpassed...andthenanother...and—

Nothing.

J.D.smiledvictoriously.“Tellyouwhat—whydon’tyouthinkaboutitforawhile?Comebackwhen
you’reready—makeitagoodone.”ThenheusheredPaytonoutofhisofficeandshutthedoor
behindher.

Shestoodthereinthehallway.Staringatthatstupidname-plate,J.D.JAMESON.Shewasseriously
temptedtotearitoffthewallandchuckitstraightathisface.

Itwastruethatshedidn’tknowsquataboutgolf;shehadneverevenswungaclub.Heravoidancewas
purposeful.Shehaddistinctopinionsregardingthesportand,moreimportantly,thosewhoplayedit.

Paytonconsideredheroptions.Ontheonehand,shehatedtheideaofJ.D.gettingthebetterofher.
AndshereallyhatedtheideaoflookinglikeacluelessnoviceplayinggolfinfrontofJasperandthe
Gibson’steam.

Ontheotherhand,thethoughtofbeingleftoutfortheentireafternoonwasnotappealing.Withthe
partnershipdecisionlooming,sheneededtoensureshewasanintegralpartoftheefforttoland
Gibson’sasaclient.Andshesimplydidn’tthinkshecouldstomachplayingthepartofthelittle
womansittingbackattheofficewhilethementalkedshopatthetwenty-firstorwhatevertee.

SoasfarasPaytoncouldsee,shehadnochoice.

Despitethefactthatshewasalreadyinternallyworryingoverhowshewasgoingtosqueezeina
quickat-least-I-won’t-look-like-a-total-jackassgolflessonthatevening,Paytonstrodeconfidently
backintoJ.D.’soffice.

J.D.glancedupfromhisdeskasthedooropened,surprisedbyhersuddenentrance.

“Thatwasfast.”Heleanedbackinhischairandbeckonedwithhishand.“Okay,let’shearit,Kendall.
Givemeyourbestshot.”

Paytonsawthestaplerneartheedgeofhisdeskandhadtofighttheurgetotakehimuponhisoffer.

“I’lldoit,”sheannounced.“Countmeinfortomorrow’sgame.”

J.D.staredather,surprised.Heclearlyhadnotexpectedhertosaythis.

Paytonnoddedinresponsetohissilence.“Good.That’ssettled,then.”Sheturnedtoleave,hermind
alreadyrunninginahundreddifferentdirections.Sheneededtofindasetofclubs;perhapsLaney
hadsomeshecouldborrow.Andofcoursetherewasthematterofattire—shouldshewearshorts?A
poloshirt?Ajauntylittlecap,perhaps?Werespecialshoesrequired?Thedetailssurroundingthis
kindofeventwere—

“Youcan’tgo.”

J.D.’swordsstoppedPaytonrightasshereachedthedoor.Sheturnedaroundtofacehim.“Youcan’t
beserious.You’rethatdesperatetogetsomealonetimewiththeGibson’sreps?”

“No,that’snotit,”J.D.saidquickly.Hehesitated,andforthebriefestsecondPaytoncould’vesworn
helookeduncomfortable.

Sheputherhandonherhip,waitingforhimtofinish.“Thenwhat,exactly,isit,J.D.?”

“We’regolfingatButler,”hesaid.

Butler?Oh...ofcourse,Butler,Paytonthoughtsarcastically.Thatmeantbupkisstoher.

“And?”sheasked.

“ButlerNationalGolfClub?”J.D.said,apparentlybelievingthisshouldringsomesortofbellwith
her.

Paytonshookherhead.Noclue.

J.D.shiftedawkwardly.

“Myfamilyhasamembershipthere.Bensuggesteditbecauseit’sanationallyrankedcourse.But,as
ithappens,it’saprivateclub.”Heemphasizedthislastpart.

Paytonfailedtoseewhattheproblemwas.“ButifyoucangettheGibson’speopleinasguests,I
don’tseewhyIcan’tcome,too.”

J.D.clearedhisthroatuneasily.Heshiftedinhischair,thenmethergaze.

“Theydon’tallowwomen.”

Thewordshungawkwardlyintheair.Drawingalinebetweenthem.

“Oh.Isee.”Payton’stonewasbrisk,terse.“Wellthen,youboyshavefuntomorrow.”

NotwantingtoseewhatsheassumedwouldbethesmuglookonJ.D.’sface,sheturnedandwalked
outofhisoffice.

“WILLISOUNDlikeatotalcrybabyifIsayit’snotfair?”

LaneypattedPayton’shand.“Yes.Butyougorightaheadandsayitanyway.”

Withafrustratedgroan,Paytonburiedherheadinherarmsontopofthecoffeeshoptabletheyhad
justsatdownatmomentsago.

“Ihatehim,”shesaid,hervoicemuffled.ShepeeredupatLaney.“Thismeanshe’sgoingtogettwice
asmuchtimewiththeGibson’sreps.”

“Thenyouwillhavetobetwiceasgoodwhenyoumeetthemfordinner,”Laneyreplied.“Forget
aboutJ.D.”

“Screwhim,”Paytonagreed.ShesawLaney’seyescastnervouslyaroundthecoffeeshopatthis.

“Imean,it’sbadenoughheplaysthiscardwiththepartners,”Paytoncontinued.Sheloweredher
voice,doingabadmaleimpersonation.“‘Hey,J.D.—youshouldcometomyclubsometime.Ihear
youshootatwofifty.’”

“Ithinkthat’sbowling.”

“Whatever.”

Paytonpointedforemphasis.“Theproblemis,gettingbusinessispartofthebusiness.It’slikearitual
withtheseguys:‘Hey,how’boutthoseCubs,’”—thebadmaleimpersonationwasback—“‘let’splay
somegolf,smokesomecigars.Here’smypenis,there’syours—yep,theyappeartobeaboutthesame
size.Okay,let’sdosomedeals.’”

Whenthewomanseatedatthenexttablethrewthemadisapprovinglookoverthefoamofherjumbo-
sizedcappuccino,LaneyleanedintowardPayton.“Let’suseourinsidevoices,please,whenusingthe
p-word,”shewhisperedchidingly.

Ignoringthis,Paytontookanothersipofhervanillalatte.“Inthebusinessworld,what’sthefemale
equivalentofgoinggolfingwithaclient?”

Laneygavethissomethought.Paytonfellsilent,too,contemplating.Afterafewmoments,neitherof
themcouldcomeupwithanything.

Howdepressing.

“Well,that’sit.IguessI’lljusthavetosleepwiththem,”Paytonsighed,feigningresignation.

Laneyfoldedherhandsprimlyonthetable.“IthinkI’muncomfortablewiththisconversation.”

Paytonlaughed.Actually,itfeltgoodtolaugh—she’dbeenquitecrankysinceherencounterwithJ.D.
Shecouldn’tbelievehehadmanagedtoexcludeherfromthegolfoutingwiththeGibson’srepsby
takingthemtoaclubthatdidn’tallowwomen.Wait,backup:whatshereallycouldn’tbelievewasthat
therewasactuallystillaclubaroundthatdidn’tletwomenin.Oncetheexistenceofsaidclubhadbeen
established,however,shehadnoproblembelievingthatJ.D.wasitsGrandPoobah.

ButenoughaboutJ.D.already.Paytonresolvednottolethimruinanotherminuteofherday.Besides,
shesawaprimeopportunitytoengageLaneyinanotheroneoftheir“debates.”Thetwoofthem
couldn’thavebeenmoreoppositeonthesocial/politicalspectrum.Havingbeenraisedbyanex-
hippiesinglemotherwhowasassociallyradicalasonecouldgetwhilestayinginsidetheboundaries
ofthelaw(mostofthetime,anyway),PaytonfoundLaney’sprim-and-properdemeanorfascinating.
Andstrangelyrefreshing.

“Ididn’tmeantomakeyouuncomfortable,Laney.Iguessbeingaconservativemeansyoudon’t
believeinfreespeech,”Paytonteased.

“Don’tgetonyourliberalhighhorse—ofcourseIbelieveinfreespeech,”Laneysaid,toyingwith
theheart-shapedlocketshewore.

“ThenIshouldbeabletosayanythingIwant,right?Eventheword‘penis’?”Paytonasked.

Laneysighed.“Dowehavetodothisrightnow?”

“Youshouldtrysayingthewordsometime.”

“I’llpass,thankyou.”

Paytonshrugged.“Yourchoice,butIthinkyou’dfinditliberating.Everybodycoulduseagood
‘penis’nowandthen.”

Laneylookedaroundthecoffeeshop,thenglaredatPayton.“Peoplearelistening.”

“Sorry—you’reright.Goodruleofthumb:ifyou’regonnathrowouta‘penis’inapublicplace,it

shouldbesoft.Otherwiseitattractstoomuchattention.”

Thewomanatthenexttablegapedatthem.

Laneyleanedover.“Iapologizeformyfriend.Shegetsthiswaysometimes.”Sheloweredhervoice
toawhisper.“Tourette’s.Sosad.”

Thewomannoddedsympathetically,thenpretendedtomakeacallonhercellphone.

LaneyturnedbacktoPayton.“Ifyou’refinishedwiththeFirstAmendmentlesson,Ithoughtmaybe
weshouldturnbacktothesubjectofJ.D.BecauseIdohaveasuggestionastohowyoucansolve
yourproblem.”

Paytonleanedforwardeagerly.“Great—let’shearit.I’mopentoanything.”

“Okay.Mysuggestionis”—Laneypauseddramatically—“learnhowtoplaygolf.”Sheletthissinkin
amoment.“Thenyou’llneverhavethisproblemagain.”

Paytonsatbackinherchair,toyingwithhercoffeemug.“Um,no.”Shebrushedoffthesuggestion
withadismissivewave.“Playinggolfisjustso,Idon’tknow...snooty.”

Laneygaveherapointedlook.“Youknow,whenyoumakepartner,you’llhavetogetusedtobeing
aroundpeoplewhogrewupwithmoney.”

“Idon’thaveanyissueswiththat,”Paytonsaidhuffily.

“Ohsure,right.Youdon’tthinkthatmoneyhasanythingtodowithwhyyou’resohardonJ.D.?”
Laneyasked.

“I’mhardonJ.D.becausehe’sajerk.”

“True,true...”Laneymused.“Youtwodoseemtobringouttheworstineachother.”

Ineachother?“Ihopeyouaren’tsuggestingthatIsomehowcontributetoJ.D.’sbehavior,”Payton
said.“Becauseifso,wereallyneedtogetthisconversationheadedinasanedirection.”

“It’sjustkindofodd,becauseJ.D.haslotsofqualitiesthatyounormallylikeinaguy.Aguywho
maybeisn’tquiteso...youknow...”Laneygestured,trailingoff.

“Sowhat?”Paytonprompted.

“Rich.”

Paytonrolledhereyes.“Firstofall:please—likeIsaid,Idon’tcareaboutthat.Secondofall:What
aretheseallegedother‘qualities’J.D.has?”

Laneyconsideredheranswer.“He’sverysmart.”

Paytonfrownedandgrumbledunderherbreath.“Ichangedmymind—Idon’twanttotalkaboutthis.”

Shegrabbedthedessertmenusittingnexttoherandstaredatitintently.

Appearingnottohearher,LaneykeptgoingwithherlistofJ.D.’sattributes.“He’salsopassionate
aboutthelaw,interestedinpolitics—albeitontheoppositesideofthespectrum.Which,interestingly,
doesn’tseemtobotheryouaboutme.”

Paytonpeeredoverthetopofhermenu.“Youhavecharm.”

“That’strue.Ido.”

“It’squicklyfading.”

Laneywenton.“AndJ.D.workshard,justlikeyou,andhecanbefunnyinthatsarcastickindofway
that—”

“Iobject!”Paytoninterrupted.“Lackoffoundation—whenhasJ.D.eversaidanythingfunny?”

“Thisisn’tacourtroom.”

Paytonfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Fine.Totalcrap—howaboutifIjustgowiththatinstead?”

“Gee,sorry,Payton—Ididn’tmeantomakeyousouncomfortable,”Laneysaidwithagrin,throwing
Payton’swordsbackather.“Iwon’tsayanythingelse.”

Laneypickeduphermenu.“Let’ssee,now.Whatlooksgood?Thatflourlesschocolatecakewesplit
lasttimewasdivine.”SheglancedatPayton.“ExceptjustonelastthingonthesubjectofJ.D.:he’s
totallyhot.”

Justintime,fightinghersmile,Laneyputhermenuuptoblockthenapkinthatcameflyingather
face.

“Hot?”Paytonnearlyshouted.“Thatsmarmy,prep-school-attending,pink-Izod-shirt-wearingjerk
who’sbeenhandedhiscareeronasilverplatter?”Shecoveredhermouth.“Well,lookatthat—maybe
Idohaveoneortwoissueswithmoney.”

Laneynoddedencouragingly,asiftosaytheyweremakingprogress.“Butyou’reabouttobenamed
partner.Igetwhyyou’vebeenguardedinthepast,butyou’vemadeit.Youdon’thavetokeeptrying
sohardtoprovethatyoufitinwiththeseguys.”

Paytonwassurprisedbythis.“YouthinkIcomeacrossasguarded?”

“Atwork,youcansometimes...haveabitofanedge,”Laneysaidcarefully.“Likethisthingwith
J.D.,forexample.”

Paytontriedtodecidewhethersheshouldbeoffended.Butasmuchasshemightnotwanttoadmitit,
apartofherknewthatwhatLaneywassayingwasn’tcompletelyoffbase.

“Isupposethis‘thing’withJ.D.hasgottenalittleoutofhand,”shesniffedreluctantly.“You’reright—
Ishouldbethebetterpersoninthis.”Shesmirked.“Thatshouldn’tbetoohard,incomparisonto

J.D.”—shecaughtLaney’slook—“isexactlywhatEdgyPaytonwould’vesaid.ButtheNewPayton
won’tgothere.”

Laneytippedhercoffeemugapprovingly.“Goodforyou.TotheNewPayton.”

PaytonclinkedhermugtoLaney’s,wonderingwhatshewasgettingherselfinto.

“TheNewPayton.”