Spotlight (41 page)

“Of course.”

“Why didn’t FilmInsanity.com put in a request for a set visit to the final Pierce movie?”

Devon seemed surprised by the change in topic. “Um, well, Lily and I talked about it. But we both felt that, at the time, it was best for us to take a step back. We thought asking for a set visit so soon would be imposing.”

Nate sighed knowing it was more than that. He was the reason Lily gave up the opportunity. “I truly am sorry your staff felt unwelcome. That was never my intention.”

Devon shook his head. “It’s water under the bridge. There will be other set visits.” He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “For what it’s worth, I hope you and Lily can find a way to work things out. You made her happy.”

She made me happy, too
, Nate thought.

He smiled and extended his hand. “Thanks. It was nice to meet you, by the way.”

Devon shook his hand and turned to leave, but didn’t get far before Nate stopped him. “Hey, Devon. Do you guys want a one-on-one with Daniel at the junket?”

Devon laughed. “Of course!”

Nate nodded. “Okay. I’ll set it up with Lily.”

Devon smiled and quirked an eyebrow in Nate’s direction. “Good.”

Nate debated for a moment between calling Lily’s cell phone or her office before taking a deep breath and hitting the send button.

“FilmInsanity.com. Lily Richards speaking. How may I help you?”

Nate paced the floor as he answered. “Hi, Lily.”

He heard her quick intake of breath before she spoke. “Hey, Nate. How are you?”

“I’m good, thanks,” he responded, grabbing the stress ball off his desk. “And you?”

“I’m fine,” she answered slowly. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, I know Film Insanity didn’t put in a request for a set visit for the last Grady Pierce film. But I wondered if you’re planning on covering the junket?”

“Yes, we planned on sending someone.”

“Oh. Someone?” Nate cleared his throat before continuing. “Well, I . . . hope you’ll be able to make it. We’ll be working on the schedule with the studio soon and I was wondering . . . do you want a one-on-one?”

Lily paused for a moment before answering. “Sure . . . thanks—but you know I don’t expect any special treatment.”

“I know. And it’s not. I just wanted to make sure you get on the schedule.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“I talked to Devon. He told me what happened,” Nate blurted out quickly.

“Oh . . . I—”

“I know you didn’t post the photos. And I’m sorry that I didn’t believe you.”

He held his breath as he waited for her response.

“Thank you, Nate.”

Nate didn’t bother fighting a grin. “You’re welcome. Um . . . I’ll be in touch about the one-on-one.”

“Okay. That sounds good.”

“Bye, Lily.”

“Bye, Nate.”

It took Nate quite some time to get back into a work-related frame of mind.

During the next few weeks, Lily and Nate took tentative steps toward reconciliation. It wasn’t much—an e-mail here or there and a sporadic phone call or two—but they were steps in the right direction.

Some of the color reappeared in Lily’s cheeks, and in an e-mail from Daniel, she learned that Nate seemed less moody and temperamental. They had yet to actually see each other, and their conversations often felt stiff and unnatural, but she still kept him on his toes, and he still challenged her. Even though neither one would say so out loud, they both knew a reunion was inevitable and anticipated that meeting with equal amounts of excitement and dread.

Work kept Lily’s mind occupied—so occupied, in fact, that she was startled when Olivia knocked on her partially open office door one afternoon.

“Hey, Lily, do you have a second?”

Lily shut off the interview she was listening to on her voice recorder and smiled. “For you? Of course.”

Olivia smiled gratefully. “Actually, I have a favor to ask. I inadvertently double-booked myself, and I was hoping you wouldn’t mind covering something for me.”

“Sure. Let me open my calendar.”

“Thanks so much. Here’s the problem, I have a series of interviews scheduled in Studio City next Friday, but I’m also supposed to go to a dinner in honor of some up-and-coming directors that night. I don’t think I’ll be finished with the interviews in time to make the dinner.”

Lily clicked to the appropriate date and scrolled through her reminders. “Looks like that won’t be a problem at all. I have some appointments scheduled that morning, but my afternoon and evening are clear. I’d be happy to cover the dinner for you. Send me the details, and I’ll be there.”

Eight days later, Lily stood in the ladies’ room at the Beverly Hilton, checking her lipstick and adjusting the multiple strands of black pearls lying against her red sheath dress. After smoothing the side of her up-do, she was ready to make her way to the ballroom.

She found the media table and spoke to a few industry representatives before taking her seat. She took her recorder and notepad from her black clutch.

A few tables away, Nate had no trouble spotting the lady in red. He was deep in conversation with some fellow publicists when he saw her enter and had been more than mildly distracted since then. Lily seemed focused on work and had not seen him.

In a way, Nate was glad she hadn’t seen him. It gave him the opportunity to look at her. He noticed how easily she conversed with the others at her table. He noticed—once again—how seriously she took her job. He noticed a single diamond among all the pearls, sitting in the hollow of her throat, causing him to smile. He also noticed that she looked just a little thinner and had faint circles under eyes. It didn’t matter—he still thought she was the most beautiful woman in the room.

The evening progressed slowly, with what seemed like an endless parade of people lauding the efforts of the three honorees. Nate should have been paying attention to what was being said about his new client, but he found himself unable to concentrate on anything other than Lily.

With one final round of applause, the dinner ended, and everyone headed toward the nearest exit. Lily took her time, knowing that waiting an extra ten minutes would make it much easier to get out of there.

A handful of people remained in the room while staff entered to clear the tables. As she put her things back into her clutch, she could feel someone’s eyes on her. More specifically, she felt
his
eyes on her. When she glanced up, her eyes found the soft green pair looking back at her.

Nate tipped his head toward her in greeting, a small smile gracing his lips. After she waved back at him, wearing a small smile of her own, she saw him move to stand up and assumed he planned to leave. Instead, he cautiously walked toward her table.

“Hi. Mind if I join you?” he asked.

“Not in the least,” she responded with a radiant smile as he took the seat beside her. “How are you?”

“Doing well. And yourself?”

She shrugged. “I can’t complain.”

The awkward small talk frustrated them both. They knew each other so much better than two acquaintances who exchanged pleasantries. Finally, the frustration broke through Lily’s think-before-speaking filter.

“You have no idea how good it is to actually see you.”

Her hand clamped over her mouth as soon as the words were out.

She felt relieved when she heard Nate’s light chuckle. “I feel exactly the same way.”

“Is it inappropriate of me to say that I’ve missed you? I’m still angry that you didn’t believe me, but . . .” She couldn’t look at Nate as she tried to explain. She instead focused on her nervous hands picking at the edge of her napkin.

Nate sighed. “No. Because I’ve missed you, too. And I know we have a lot to talk about. It doesn’t excuse my behavior, but please know that my reaction had nothing to do with you.”

Lily’s brows furrowed. “What does that mean?”

Nate cleared his throat. “Long story short, someone I dated before you took advantage of my work to further her own career. Logically, I know you would never do that, but the situation felt eerily familiar, and I handled it badly.”

Lily noted the sincerity in his eyes. “Thank you.” She blinked back tears as she changed the subject. “So what brings you here?”

He smiled. “I represent one of the directors. He’s a new client.”

“That’s wonderful, Nate.” She hoped he heard the pride in her tone.

“And I’m guessing you’re here covering it for the site?”

She nodded. “Speaking of, thank you again for scheduling a one-on-one for us.”

“I don’t mind at all. I’m glad you’re going to be there.”

“How is Daniel? I haven’t talked to him since he started filming the new movie.”

“He’s good. I actually just got back from New York last week. My family owns an estate close to where they’re filming. He’s staying there, and Anthony and I went up there for a few days to help him get settled.”

“That was nice of you. Did you have fun?”

“We did. It was a working vacation for me, but it was nice to get away for a few days—clear my head a bit.” Nate’s expression clouded over. “I know I overreacted to the photos. It’s something I’ve thought a lot about lately.” He stared intently at the tablecloth and mostly empty plates in front of him. “I have no idea where that leaves us, and I know this isn’t the time or place to discuss it. But I need you to know that I realize I was wrong.”