Page 32 of Perfect Assumption

Carys meanwhile shuffles and stacks her notes, avoiding her husband’s gaze. Finally, she mutters, “I’m under an NDA. And it wasn’t my secret to share.”

David’s lip curves at the corner. “I know.”

“But it is mine.” Becks begins describing about his life back in Texas before he hitched a ride as a roadie with a summer music festival after his high school graduation. By the time Becks finishes explaining, Carys has tears in her eyes, and David has stood and crossed to the window. “This sucks, Becks. There’s no other way to say it.”

“If the media suspects it, I don’t know what it could mean for Kensington’s career. It could go either way.”

“It’s going to sound cold, Becks, but that’s show business. If she’s serious about it, she’d better learn that now.” Carys is brutal but truthful.

“Oh, come on. I’ve known you for years, Carrie. What’s the big deal?”

“Gee, I don’t know.” She slams her fists on the table. “My reputation? I only represent a certain level of clients.”

“She’s good. Damn good,” Becks boasts.

“And right now, you know I can’t take your word for it. And that’s business, not personal.”

Becks cedes the point. “You always go check out your talent to make sure they’re on the up and up.”

Carys bites her thumb, conceding, “True.”

“Then have someone to go listen to her. Tonight, before she moves on to wherever she’s going to,” Becks urges.

I pipe up again. “Her website says Milwaukee.”

Becks turns pleading eyes on Carys. “If you represent her, Carys, then I have time to talk to Kensington. Build some trust. See if I’m right about my suspicions without a million people wondering why we’d be seen together. You know how these scandal sheets are. They’d speculate we’re engaged to be married or something. Fucking ridiculous the way they gossip about my life, but I know I bought that. Christ, if I could just walk up to Paige and ask…” Becks leans forward and drops his head into his hands.

“Why can’t you?” David asks, always logical.

“Because I left. And she’s moved on with her life,” Becks says flatly.

“Ouch,” David sympathizes.

Becks nods sharply, but the pain lingers beneath the surface, making me wonder just who this woman was to him beyond his high school sweetheart.

“Regardless, if Kensington is seen coming or leaving here, there won’t be the same kind of questions because it would just be a normal day here at the office. Everything is speculated about what happens behind these doors,” Carys sums up.

“That’s about it. I mean, you’re my counsel of record as well as being my friend, Carrie.”

“Angie? Do me a favor?” Carys asks.

“Of course.”

“Pull as much data as you can on Kensington. See if she’s presently being represented by anyone which would through a complete wrench in this. Then find us all something to eat. I suspect this strategy session is going to go long.” Carys’s voice is full of fire.

“On it. Any preferences?” When no one voices any, I pull up our favorite bistro’s online ordering. Knowing everyone’s favorites, I don’t bother to interrupt the conversation swirling around me. Then I begin gathering as much information as I can on Kensington before printing it out to the discreet printer that Carys had David haul in earlier.

I tune back in when Carys, David, and Becks begin arguing about the best method to make an approach. “I think if she’s performing at Redemption, she’s going to be infuriated her night’s being trampled on. And Marco isn’t going to welcome the intrusion,” Carys states for at least the fourth time.

“What the hell am I supposed to do, then, Carrie? I need for someone to see what I did. To tell me I’m not fucking crazy,” Becks yells.

David stands and places a hand on Becks’s shoulder, likely to keep him from yelling at his wife as much as to offer comfort.

And before I can think too much about it, I offer, “I’ll do it.”

Three sets of incredulous eyes focus on me. “Angie, I know you acted as my eyes and ears for those few events when I was on maternity leave and no one else could make it, but this is entirely different. There’s no way for you to prepare for this. It’s going to be loud music, inside. Are you sure?” Carys asks me.

Loud music. Inside. Likely dark…