Well, if it wasn’t for Andy, she might not have Matt now thanks to the fake-girlfriend ruse.Matt brushed his knee against hers but folded his hands on the table as he asked, “Andy, you ran a studio before you became an agent. Can you explain to Ashley about set design?”
The waiter brought three plates, and he placed her chicken salad in a green pita in front of her as Andy asked, “Doesn’t the movie you’re working on now need a new set designer?”
“I’m not ready for that.”Ashley picked up her pita once the waiter left.
She ate her food as Andy explained the job. “Look, a set designer can use computers to sketch out the plans for the director, reads the scripts, budgets the buys, discusses the final look with the director, attends meetings, rehearsals, and film sessions. And oftentimes there is the craft of actually building. Most people have a degree indesign, interior design, or set design.”
Interesting. She wiped her lips with her cloth napkin. “I have a degree in interior design that I never used.”
Andy snapped his fingers like he’d solved a world problem. “Let me talk to the production designer on Matt’s film. I think there’s an opening for an apprentice.”
Her mind raced. Agents worked on percentages and commissions.“Do I have to pay you for that?”
Andy shook his head. “Not at all. You keep Matt happy. It’s good to check it out to see if you like it, with hands-on experience.”
True. Her heart pounded but she liked this idea.
In college, she’d liked setting a room. In a movie she could do it all the time and help create ambiance. “Thanks, Andy.” She turned toward Matt and said, “So I didn’tneed to talk to Brandon, after all.”
Matt finished his blackened chicken and put his silverware down. “Once you work your way up to production designer, then you’re working with the director.”
A laugh escaped her throat. She wasn’t ready for that. She wasn’t ready for anything that meant she was in charge. Not yet. “I’m just happy to try this plan.”
Andy’s phone rang and heleft cash over the bill, excusing himself from the table.
It must be important to leave his new super star. Matt moved his chair so it was just the two of them and then he kissed the tip of her fingers. “You don’t have to. I’m happy that you’re with me. You don’t have to do anything.”
She scooted closer as she didn’t want anyone to hear her, but said, “I’d be bored just sitting athome. Besides, making things pretty can be fun.”
He tilted his head like he was trying to talk her out of it. “Movie sets are temporary.”
“Then it’s perfect.” She squeezed his forearm. “And I get to come home with you.”
This time that smile of his that sold tickets beamed solely for her as he traced her arm. “Let’s go home.”
Goosebumps grew all over her body. She’dbeen his multiple times now, but still everything was awesome as she stood up with him and said, “I thought you needed to go to work.”
He ran his hands up and down her lower back like he wanted her, too, and said, “Tomorrow. Tonight we’re celebrating living together and getting that role.”
“With wine.” She imagined the perfect afternoon, with the pair of them enjoying the eveningair of Beverly Hills and the garden that now had a pretty patio for dinners outside.
She’d picked out the table yesterday. As the valet went for the motorcycle, her clutch purse buzzed. Matt said, “Your phone is ringing.”
Strange? She retrieved it and glanced at the caller ID. “It’s Jennifer.”
“You should answer,” Matt said. The valet returned with his motorcycle so he wentto thank the man and give him a tip.
Ashley had fallen for family guilt for years instead of chasing after her own happiness, but it had been two weeks of silence. She answered her phone. “Jennifer, I said I don’t want to talk.”
Jennifer’s words came quick like she thought Ashley might hang up on her, which had crossed her mind, “I wanted to leave you a message, at least, thankingyou and Matt.”
Matt returned and took her hand. Ashley pressed the button and said, “I’m putting you on speaker. Why are you thanking us?”
Jennifer spoke loud enough for everyone on the street to hear her. “Because Anthony and I officially just signed custody agreements. It’s over now.”
“What’s over?” She turned the volume down.
There was no reason to blast this newsacross all of Rodeo Drive.
