Sugar and Spice_ An L.A. Candy Novel - Lauren Conrad [42]
Trevor used to be annoyed by leaks to the press about upcoming L.A. Candy story lines. But after a while, he realized that they were actually good for the show and for ratings. Viewers read the stories in the tabloids, then tuned in, curious to see what would happen: Was Jane getting back together with her old high school boyfriend? Would Jane’s best friend and Caleb’s best friend hook up? Who was spotted kissing, and where?
This was especially important right now, since the footage from Jane and Caleb’s official first date as a newly reunited couple needed some . . . editing. Their chemistry wasn’t exactly obvious. Hopefully that would change. In the meantime, their story line would have to get by on media hype, clever editing, the right music (A Fine Frenzy?), and Caleb’s classic good looks.
Trevor knew that Annabelle Weiss, Gaby’s publicist, had also been feeding stories to the press—about Gaby and Madison allegedly feuding with Jane and Scarlett—which had not only helped ratings but increased Gaby’s visibility as well. Speaking of Gaby, he wondered when she was due back from her “vacation.” He would have to check with Annabelle so he could arrange the shooting schedule.
Trevor turned back to his desk and pulled out his notebook, a brown crocodile-skin Smythson, definitely a step up from a spiral Mead. His wife had given it to him for his birthday so he could start “keeping a daily journal” and “learn to be more in touch with his feelings” or whatever. Of course, he had no interest in writing down his moods . . . but the notebook was useful for jotting down ideas about the show.
Trevor opened it to a clean page and wrote:
S & N. (Same episode as La Dolce Vita date.)
Underneath, he wrote:
(1) C & N came over to J & S’s apt. last Wednesday for an intimate dinner party. Imply there is something between S & N. Need quote from J or S re “double date.” (2) Do S & N have a history? Maybe dated briefly in high school? Shoot a scene with J & S to discuss. (3) Scene with S & N. Gym?
Of course, Trevor had no idea whether Scarlett and Naveen had any history. Regardless, he knew it would be difficult to persuade Scarlett to film alone with Naveen. He would have to sell it to her as production needing a scene of two people talking about Jane and Caleb—and who knew them better than their best friends? And if all else failed . . . well, the “accidental” run-in always worked.
Someone knocked on his door. “Trevor?”
He closed his notebook and tucked it away in a drawer. “Yes?”
Madison walked in, looking less put together than usual in a pair of faded jeans, a pink hoodie, and minimal makeup. Trevor wondered whether she was feeling okay; maybe it was just another late night of partying? “Good morning! You’re right on time,” he greeted her, standing up.
“Thanks for meeting with me on such short notice. I . . . wanted to introduce you to somebody.”
Trevor raised his eyebrows. “Oh? I thought it was just you and me today.”
“Sorry. I know. It’s just that . . . well, it’s kinda important.”
Madison stepped aside, and a young woman walked in. No, not just a young woman . . . one of the most stunning young women Trevor had ever seen. And that was saying a lot, considering his line of business.
Trevor studied her, scrutinizing every detail of her appearance, not as a guy checking out a girl (although no one would blame him for doing so) but as a producer checking out potential talent. She oozed sensuality, everything from her all-black outfit (leather skinnies, suede platform ankle boots, and a sheer, oversize T-shirt that showed off her slender yet voluptuous figure) to her features (big, brown eyes darkly rimmed with smoky eyeliner, full, lush, glossy lips, high cheekbones, and a sleek, shoulder-length platinum bob).
Madison spoke up. “Trevor, this is my little sister, Sophia.”
“Your . . . sister?” Trevor did a double take. Hmm, okay, he could see a slight resemblance. Maybe. “Nice to meet you, Sophia,” he said, extending his hand.
Sophia shook his hand, gazing at him with an expression