Page 3 of Reckless
God, I’m going to miss them.
Mom pulls me into her arms first, almost upending my purse in the process. I bury my face in her hair and try to memorize her light citrusy scent. I’ll probably call her twice a day, but it won’t be the same as having her in the same town. “Call me when you land,” she orders when she’s done squeezing the life out of me.
“I will.”
Dad is next, and he doesn’t say anything, which is how I know how emotional he really is. He merely enfolds me in his arms for a few long moments and then kisses my forehead.
“You’ll come to California sometime?” I ask Cole after he gives me a crushing hug. “Maybe we’ll learn how to surf.”
“You got it. Make sure to make a lot of friends,” he adds with a playful eyebrow wiggle.
“Creep.” I gather my things and roll my suitcases to the door. “I guess this is it!” I announce with false confidence. “I’ll call when I get there safely.”
“We love you, firecracker,” Dad says as he takes my mom into his arms. She doesn’t cry, but her eyes are bright with unshed tears.
“I love you too,” I answer and then add, “Bye, guys,” before I chicken out and stay in their protective bubble for the rest of my days.
* * *
“We’re going to throw you right to the sharks,” Catherine Cole says with an easy smile. I try—and fail—to contain my admiration. Besides the fact that she’s beautiful, with long, dark hair and warm brown eyes, Catherine Cole fought her way to the top to become the COO of CJJ Public Relations. In a short time, she’s become a cornerstone in the entertainment industry. She has it all: a kickass career, a growing company, and a beautiful family.
Essentially, I want to be her when I grow up.
“Please do. I don’t back down from a challenge.” This is a make-or-break it chance, and break isn’t an option. I’ll prove to Catherine and my family that I have what it takes to succeed here.
“That’s what I like to hear. Normally, I’d let your direct superior give you this briefing, but this client has been with me since I helped open the West Coast branch of CJJ, so he has a special place in my heart.” Catherine shakes her hair over her shoulders and takes two manila folders from her desk. She keeps one and passes the other to me.
I nearly have a heart attack at the name on the label, which is embossed because CJJ is legit. Arthur Oswald. Arthur freaking Oswald. For a moment, I’m sure I’m hallucinating. Arthur Oswald hasn’t done a movie in decades. Not since his wife died of cancer, and he became a recluse—at least by Hollywood standards—to raise their two children.
Not only am I meeting with the biggest partner at the firm on my first day, but I’m also being assigned to one of the most influential actors in the history of American film. Am I being punked?
“Arthur is spearheading a new film based on a script he’s been working on for years. He’s nearly come to blows with many of the major studio heads. At this point, we’re thankful he’s managed to convince a smaller studio, who we also represent, to take him on.”
“He’s directing? Will he also be starring?” I hope I don’t sound like an obsessed, star-struck fangirl. I take out a pen and paper to take notes.
Catherine grins. “His directorial debut. That’s why this is such a big deal for him—and for us. He won’t be starring in the film, but they’ve chosen a great, if notunique, cast.”
“I’ve seen all his films,” I admit and make a mental note to watch themagain. “I’m excited to dive right in.”
“Then you’ll be perfect for the job.”
“You say he’s come to blows with the major studio heads? Does this mean we’ll have ruffled feathers to smooth?” I ask as delicately as I can. I’m used to dealing with passionate, intense types. Once upon a time, I thrived on adversity.
With a tinkling laugh, she says, “Possibly a few.”
“Then I’m your woman,” I say enthusiastically. “I come from a large family. My mediation skills have translated well to working with . . . difficult clients.”
I can’t help my enthusiasm. There’s a reason why I wanted to come to L.A. to work when there are publicity firms of all types across the U.S. I’ve been a movie lover since as far back as I could remember. When I was four, I was diagnosed with dyslexia. Though I went to therapy to catch up with my peers, who were already reading, movies were always the form of escapism I turned to the most.
“Wonderful,” Catherine says with a warm smile. “As the unit publicist for the film, you’ll be responsible for working with the cast and crew throughout production to generate interest before its release. It really is an interesting position, getting to be a part of the project from its inception instead of participating after the fact. As you know, the press kit, on-set photography stills, and early coverage from the press will help direct attention and interest toward the finished product. Because Arthur and the production company are both clients, they’re all entrusting us to make this film a success.”
“How amenable is Mr. Oswald to interviews?” I ask, already imagining how to best approach positioning his return to the industry. “I imagine everyone is curious about his vision and what he’s been up to. I know in the past he’s been tight-lipped when it comes to the press.”
Her smile transforms to a grimace. “I hope you’re up for a challenge. Arthur is the taciturn sort, and he was never overly fond of reporters. Even less so now than when he was in front of the camera.”
I assumed as much, so it doesn’t surprise me. It will make my job difficult, but I’m looking forward to it. Already I can feel my blood pumping with excitement. “I’ve dealt with similar clients.”
“I appreciate your excitement. That’s exactly what I’m looking for to help make Arthur’s return to the screen a success. I think your fresh perspective will be a real asset. Now, if you’ll open the packet, you’ll see some materials drafted by our marketing department. Initial releases announcing the project, a proposed synopsis of the script, the cast list, and important dates.”