"Just a joint session at this point. Horton's saving the individual interviews for the premiere. You know—Leno, Letterman, Conan, the works. You're going to be very busy, my dear. I also renegotiated the contracts for the three commercials you were supposed to do for the Volvo Corporation. Have to earn my keep, you know."
Carolyn had to laugh at her agent's obvious delight. She remembered how she, as a young actress, had practically stalked him until he agreed to see her. Their cooperation had been fruitful during the years, and now she considered him a friend.
"Good. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around the fact I'm going to play Maddox, let alone all the stuff that comes with it," Carolyn confessed. "I can't even begin to fathom the idea that this is just the beginning."
"You'll be identified as Maddox worldwide, sweetheart. The books have already been translated into ten languages. The Internet will probably overflow with rumors the next few days."
Carolyn smiled, shaking her head. "From what I experienced with the Maddox fans at the convention, there's no doubt about that." She reached for her bag. "Well, I'm on my way to have lunch, so I'll get out of your hair. Do you have the contracts I signed handy, by the way? I can take them with me."
Grey raised his eyebrows. "I told Camilla to send them by courier down to Supernova."
"I'm lunching with Annelie Peterson, so thought I'd give them directly to her."
Fortunately the courier hadn't arrived yet, so Camilla handed Carolyn the thick envelope containing Supernova's copies.
As Grey walked her to the door, he gave Carolyn's shoulders a friendly squeeze. "My best to the lovely Ms. Peterson, my dear."
"Of course."
Walking out the door and crossing the hallway to reach the elevators, Carolyn was already thinking about Annelie. It was only hours since they'd parted after a quick cup of coffee, and yet she couldn't wait to see her.
***
Annelie spotted Carolyn taking a sip of mineral water and smiled as she glided toward her famous friend.
"Hi, you."
"Hi." Annelie sat down next to Carolyn. "How's your day going?"
"Fine, thanks. Before I forget, I've got something for you." Carolyn reached into her bag. "Here are your copies."
"The contracts?" Annelie put them in her briefcase.
"Signed, sealed, and delivered," Carolyn quipped. "When I went by Grey's office, I realized how many plans I have to change to do these movies. It's a good thing I'd put off committing to any major projects after my last season."
"I'm glad you were available. I did check your schedule before I offered you the role, though. Just to be sure you wouldn't delay the project."
"I've never broken a contract in my life, but this could have been a first."
Annelie wrinkled her nose at the cheeky gleam in Carolyn's eyes. Knowing Carolyn's reputation for complete professionalism, she doubted it.
"Speaking of contracts," Carolyn continued, "I'm so glad to be working with some of the audiobook cast, especially Harvey and Helen." She paused. "Did they know during the convention?"
"Actually, they signed a few weeks ago, but they have a confidentiality clause too. Choosing Diana Maddox was the last piece of the puzzle. Your performance at the convention ended any doubts on that score."
"Thank you. So, how was your morning?"
"Very productive. We're trying to start new homeless shelters in several cities. It's just typical that several of my pet projects come to a critical point simultaneously." Annelie smiled and cocked her head. "And before you ask, yes, you're one of them."
Not sure how Carolyn would take the joke, she was delighted when the other woman tossed her head back and laughed. Several heads in the restaurant turned, and Annelie suddenly felt proud to be the one there with Carolyn. Of all the people who adored Carolyn Black, Annelie was the one who'd spent the night with her and was the center of her attention.
"So I'm a pet project." Carolyn grinned. "Well, I take that as a true compliment."
"Good. Now, have you ordered?"
"No, I waited for you. I peeked at the menu, though. The pasta looks tempting, but I don't know…Should I start watching my weight again?"
"Absolutely not. You're perfect, and if you're thinking of the role, remember your character is a real woman, not a supermodel."
Carolyn raised an eyebrow and pursed her lips. "So you mean I shouldn't try to look like something I'm not?"
Appalled before realizing Carolyn was yanking her chain, Annelie groaned. "Funny. You know what I mean. Be yourself. A little more you, a little less Carolyn Black."
As soon as she'd said the words, Annelie understood something about her final casting decision. It was not Carolyn's glamorous public persona that made her ideal for Maddox; it was her private self, the woman Annelie was coming to know. The fact that Carolyn could thrill the film's target audience would certainly help convince distributors to get on board with her, but the role itself needed the real person.
To her surprise, Annelie felt a soft caress along her stocking-clad leg under the table. Staring at Carolyn, she didn't see any indication the other woman was guilty of the furtive touch. "What are you up to?" she murmured, opening the menu.
"Me? Nothing. Except being myself, of course."
The foot kept up the caress, well hidden by the long white tablecloth. When it reached her knee, Annelie quickly grabbed it and tickled underneath. Watching Carolyn bite her lower lip, probably to keep from giggling, she let go after a stern look. "Behave."
"I would've, if you hadn't winked at me when you said it," Carolyn replied sweetly, but relented. "Okay, for now."
Amazed at Carolyn's unexpected playful side, Annelie tried to focus on the menu. Glancing up, she caught Carolyn looking at her with a warm expression.
"Are you going to the next convention?" Carolyn asked after they ordered pasta. "I went over the next month of commitments with Grey, and Los Angeles is coming up in less than four weeks."
"Yes, I'll be there. I haven't been to California in quite a while, so it'll be fun."
"I think so too. I usually stay there several months a year when I'm filming, but I haven't been at all this year."
Annelie gazed at her. "Do I take it you'd like me to be there?"
"Of course I would. I can't think of anyone I'd rather be with."
Feeling warmed inside by Carolyn's remark, Annelie fought to keep the exchange casual. "I'll arrange for all of us to travel from LaGuardia. This time, the crew from Florida won't go. Jem told me they're up to their necks with work. She sounded exhausted." Annelie shook her head.
"Jem's a good friend of yours from way back, isn't she?"
Annelie nodded. "I've known her since I was nineteen. When I moved to New York, she followed suit, and we shared an apartment the first months. And, no, Jem and I were never lovers." She smiled at Carolyn's sheepish look.
"I wasn't going to ask."
"But you wondered."
"Yes."
Annelie appreciated the honest reply and, slipping out of her shoes, gently tapped one of Carolyn's feet, making her jump. "It's okay to be interested."
As they ate in silence for a few minutes, Annelie wondered how much Carolyn knew of her past, how much Jared might have told her.
"What about you? Who's your oldest friend?" Annelie broke the silence.
Carolyn looked surprised. She opened her mouth as if to answer, but hesitated. "I guess my sister Beth is my best friend."
"I always wanted a brother or a sister." Annelie's voice was wistful. "I grew up in a neighborhood with lots of children, though. There was always someone to play with."
Carolyn only nodded and smiled. "I was a very serious child. I didn't have much time to play."
Though this last statement sparked Annelie's interest, she realized this wasn't the time or place to pursue it. She and Carolyn would have plenty of time to get to know each other.