Scared Scriptless (20 page)

“And talk about ‘demographics’? There’s a whole team of blasters who risk their lives to set off explosions after every
snowstorm to prevent avalanches during the season. There are ski bunnies in bikinis at the hot springs. It’s a guy’s fantasy—things that blow up and hot chicks, right? And women will love watching the way everyone supports each other, how couples support each other to find their way through these tough financial times. Tons of sports advertisers would love to have a show like this to buy time on. Never mind the integrations we could organize, the clothing sponsors, the equipment we use… I can’t imagine a sponsor who wouldn’t want in on this show.”

Through it all, my new friend sits and listens, his eyes widening slightly, the only give-away that my passionate defense of my show surprises him. I’m sure this is not quite what he was expecting when he asked to hear the pitch.

“I worked so hard on the sizzle. I didn’t sell out and fake shit that didn’t happen.” I don’t even care that I cursed; I don’t care what anyone thinks of me anymore. “I fought for this show, and then I get here and no one even wants to see it.”

“I want to see it.”

“Well, sure you do—it doesn’t matter to you,” I say dismissively. “Here.” I pull the iPad out and slam it in front of him. He has to find the video and press
PLAY
himself as I’ve turned back to the bartender to order myself another round. “You want another?”

He doesn’t take his eyes off the screen. “Yeah, sure.”

Our second drinks come as he’s wrapping up the video. He thoughtfully closes my iPad and hands it back.

“It’s really good. What’s your name? We haven’t formally met yet.”

“Maddy. Hi. Sorry about my outburst. This has been a tough couple days. I’m not normally this worked up. I swear.”

“That’s okay, Maddy. I know what it’s like to know you have a good idea no one will listen to.”

“Yes, that’s it exactly. I know it would be a great show, if someone will just give it a chance.”

“I love your show.
Never Cry Wolf
? It’s great. Different. And warm and exciting. I was really drawn in.”

“Well, how ’bout we go back to all those rooms today and you can tell those idiots to buy my show?”

“Why would I want to do that?” He looks up as people start milling into the bar. It’s almost time for the cocktail hour/networking event, and this place is going to fill up soon. I want out of here before that happens. I’m completely burnt.

“What do you mean?” I try in vain to flag down the bartender to get the check.

“Why would I want to convince anyone else how great your show is? As it is now, I know I don’t have any competition.”

I stare at him, uncomprehending.

“I want to buy your show,” he clarifies.

“What?” I am sure I must have misheard.

“It’s perfect for my network. It’s the best pitch I’ve heard today. And in fact, I’m shocked you weren’t on my pitch list.” He gets the bartender’s attention while I’m trying to understand what just happened. “Put her drinks on my tab. Suite 920.”

“Of course, Mr. Greenling.”

Greenling? Ed Greenling? Oh my God. Even I know that he’s the billionaire tycoon who invested in a struggling cable network a couple years back and turned it into the Outdoor Network, a major competitor in the adventure programming genre, a cross between Discovery and Nat Geo. In other words, the perfect network for
Never Cry Wolf
. And I was a total raving lunatic to him.

“Oh, Mr. G-Greenling,” I stammer as he turns back to me “I’m so sorry. I had no idea…”

“Clearly.” He smiles. “I haven’t had anyone be so straightforward with me in years.”

“Oh, God.”

“I liked it. We do this show together, you promise me you will always be so forthright with me.”

“I promise,” I dutifully echo.

“Good. We’ll work on the paperwork next week. In the meantime, shake my hand. I’m old-fashioned that way.” We shake, and then I get up and start to reach for my things, still completely stunned by the turn the night has taken. It doesn’t feel real yet.

“Well, um, thank you…”

“Where are you going?”

“Well, I just thought…”

“Stay. You must.” Without waiting for my reply, he takes my coat and sets it back down on the bar stool. “Everyone is going to be gathering here. You should get to know the players.”

“Well, if you think I should…” I look around at the growing sea of people drinking, talking, laughing. I had nothing to laugh about ten minutes ago. I look at Ed Greenling again, and it’s starting to sink in that I have a big reason to smile now.

“That’s better, my dear. Take my card; we have lots to discuss on Monday. For now, let’s go share with people your good news.” He takes my elbow and leads me toward a tall guy who is telling an elaborate story involving loud helicopter sound effects to an entranced group.

“There are some show-runners you should meet. Maybe someone we want to engage for
Never Cry Wolf
? You’ve got a show to get off the ground.”

I’ve got a show
. And now I’ve got
to get it off the ground?!?!

“To Maddy!”

“To Maddy!”

“MADDY!!”

“Yay, Maddy!!”

I am beaming as all my friends toast me. “Thank you, everyone! Seriously, I don’t know how to thank you enough. Everyone here helped make this happen.” I look around the table and know it’s the truth. Billy is sitting next to Janine, who is seated next to Sophie Atwater, who brought her gorgeous husband, Jacob. Brian came down from Wolf with Lily, and Matthew surprised me by coming along. And on the other side of Matthew, seated to my right, is Adam Devin. I’ve lived in LA for ten years and never ventured over the hill into Malibu, but Billy and Sophie insisted that Nobu would be the perfect place to celebrate selling a show. And it is.

Feeling unexpectedly sentimental, I continue my impromptu toast. “If you’d asked me six months ago about doing a reality show, I would’ve laughed in your face. I never thought I was a creative type—and yes, Brian, I see you rolling your eyes at me. It’s just that I’ve always been good at the numbers, the details. You know me, I could organize and make lists, endlessly. But
Never Cry Wolf
… the chance to have my own show… it’s an opportunity I didn’t even know I was looking for and I am so grateful to have. It’s going to be an amazing ride.

“Billy, Adam, Sophie…” I lump them all together and throw Adam in the middle on purpose. I don’t want Brian or my brother to see him getting any special attention from me. “Thank you for helping prep me for the presentation, for dressing me so well, and for everything else this week. I’m so glad to have you on board as the show’s publicist, Sophie.” She raises her glass in salute.

“Janine, thank you for your tireless work getting that sizzle reel ready. I almost passed out more times than I can count, but you kept going. Your talent as an editor is only outmatched by your Energizer Bunny endurance.

“Brian, Matthew, Lily, you all paved the way for me at home. I know you went out of your way behind the scenes to get people on board and willing to be a part of it. And I promise to never let you down. I will protect the town and the people and tell the true story of Wolf every episode.”

“Of course you will, Maddy,” says Matthew, always with unwavering confidence.

“Okay, enough from me! Let’s eat!” The food comes out in waves, a vast array of sushi and seafood. Those of us who don’t normally go to five-star ocean-side restaurants can’t stop commenting on the sound of the waves crashing right next to us as we enjoy our delicious dinner.

I take a deep breath and realize it’s probably the first time I’ve been still for this long in a week. Ever since I met Ed Greenling, my life has been completely hectic. We’re powering through the final episodes of the season for
The Wrong Doctor
, and during my off hours, I’ve been in meetings and conference calls regarding
Never Cry Wolf
. I don’t think I’ve slept more than four hours total all week. I plan to sleep till at least noon tomorrow. Even Ed Greenling can’t work on Sundays, right?

“Great speech, Maddy. You told me you’d never done any public
speaking. Liar.” But the way Adam says “liar” sounds like an endearment, and he brushes my shoulder as he reaches across me to scoop up a spicy tuna roll.

“It’s true, I hadn’t. But spending all day pitching to strangers definitely immunizes you to speaking in front of a group.”

“No doubt. Trial by fire, right? But you did it. You should be so proud.” Given how absolutely crazed it’s been this week, I haven’t had a lot of time to talk with anyone, including Adam. Our kiss seems like a lifetime ago.

“I wasn’t kidding. It was a brutal day. All those rooms. Some of those executives were even colder than your practice session. But if I hadn’t prepped with you, I wouldn’t have made it into room two. I would have fallen apart. So thank you, again.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” He sets down his chopsticks and turns to look at me. “I was glad to help.” I am completely lost looking in his eyes. I don’t hear my brother’s laugh, or feel Lily splash me with soy sauce as she clumsily tries to use chopsticks for the first time. I just stare at Adam. The spell isn’t broken until the waiter clears his throat and I realize he’s been standing there for a while.

“Would you like another cocktail?” Apparently, he has already gotten everyone else’s drink order.

“Yes. Please. Another mai tai.” Because as it turns out, I do like fruity drinks. Even though he’s taking a sip, I catch Adam’s smirk at my order.

“Shut up.” I lean in and shove his knee with mine, feeling completely at ease with our proximity.

“You’re not always right.” He focuses on scooping more rice onto his plate, his smile firmly in place.

Which reminds me…

“Speaking of being right. I forgot to tell you I saw Lola the
other day at Soho House. And you know who she was with?” I poke his arm. I could get used to this, touching him whenever I want.

“Mmmm… let me guess… Derek Jordan?” he says with a knowing grin.

“Exactly. And she was all over him,” I say with relish. “So, I guess I should pay for your next whiskey.”

“Well, that wasn’t the bet, Maddy. Technically, you have to come to my favorite bar and buy me a whiskey there. I’ll have my people text you what dates I’m available,” he deadpans.

It takes me a second to register that he’s joking.

“Isn’t that what we diva actors do… have our people call your people? Just trying to live up to your expectations.” Adam is laughing.

“Oh, I know you have a diva in you, Adam Devin.” It feels nice that we can tease each other like this. Adam puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. Everyone else at the table is deep in other conversations, but I look up and see that Billy is watching us. He winks at me, and I smile.

“When were you at Soho House, by the way?” Adam asks as I’m taking another sip of my mai tai.

“Um, last week? The night you helped me prep for the conference. I met with Hogan before I saw you.”

“Ooh, really?” Adam leaps on the information. “You’ve known you lost the bet all week and you’re just telling me now? There should be a fine for that. Withholding,” he announces as if he’s a referee at a football game. “It incurs a second date penalty.”

Adam and I are clearly lost in our little bubble, because suddenly all around us the group is gathering their things and getting up. Apparently Billy has paid the check and we’re all going to head to the lounge area.

Lily, Sophie, Janine, and I hold down some seats near the fire
pit while the guys get drinks. Minutes later Adam returns handing me another drink, this time with an actual umbrella in it. I smile back at him, knowing that he requested that especially for me, loving our inside joke.

I can’t tell if my giddiness is exhaustion or Adam or the three drinks I’ve had, but I feel lighter and looser than I have in months. It’s a good feeling. Janine is telling us a story about her latest date, when the guys head back to the bar. I guess when she got to the part about how the guy said he was going to run out for
smaller
condoms, it was TMI for them. I am still laughing as I head to the bathroom minutes later.

On my way back, I see the guys are in a huddle, chatting just off the side of the bar. They don’t see me as I approach, but I stop short when I overhear Billy say, “I’m just saying she doesn’t need someone else jerking her around. She’s been hurt enough.”

Instantly, I know they are talking about me. I am equal parts touched and mortified.

“I’m not going to do that,” Adam replies intently.

I can’t see my brother since he’s obscured by a row of tall lights, but I hear his voice loud and clear. “Just because I don’t live here, man, doesn’t mean I can’t come down here and kick your ass.” I am relieved when Matthew cracks a laugh, which Adam joins in on. These two are going to get along.

“Okay, guys, back on track. Let’s get to the part where we get to kick Craig’s ass.”

“I’m already on that, Brian. Don’t worry.” Billy’s Texas justice system is very straightforward.

“Hey, guys, what’s up?” I interrupt, stepping around the corner. I’m too embarrassed to look at Adam, so I choose instead to stare daggers at my brother, which he knows means “I’m going to kill you.”

“Oh, hey, Maddy.” Adam pushes away from the wall and puts
a proprietary arm on my shoulder. “We’re just talking about how much we adore you.”

“Well, some of us more than others,” jokes Matthew, looking pointedly at Adam.

“What do you mean?” I suppose it’s too late to play innocent, but I give it a go anyway.

“I like this one, Maddy,” Matthew says as if we’re alone. “But as your brother, I have to tell you, you haven’t always shown the best judgment… so I had to let him know”—he jerks his head at Adam and continues in his matter-of-fact tone—“if he hurts you…”

“All right, back off, Cujo. You’ve made your point.” Billy gives Matthew a friendly slap on the back. “Come on, guys, let’s leave these two alone. I’m buying the next round.” Matthew and Jacob trail Billy back to the bar, leaving Adam and me alone.

“I’m so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be; you’re lucky you have so many people looking out for you. Your brother is definitely a trip. He challenged me to some sort of Iron Man obstacle course. I guess that means he likes me?”

“It does. You may have to let him win, though.” We make our way over to the railing that looks out over the ocean.

“It’s a great night, huh?” Adam looks up at the stars in the dark blue sky.

“It really is. I’m exhausted, but I’m so excited about everything that I can’t even sleep.”

“You mean you
don’t
sleep because you’re working so much. I see you, Maddy Carson.”

“What does that mean?” I feel myself getting defensive.

“It’s not a criticism, that’s for damn sure.” He leans his forearms on the railing next to me so our faces are at the same level
and we’re both looking at the water. “You’re an amazing woman, Maddy. No question. But I’ve seen you on set. You are always doing nine million things at once. You think it has to all be on your shoulders or you’re failing.”

“That’s not true.” Except actually he hit the bull’s-eye.

“Just take care of yourself. That’s all I’m saying.”

“I will.” Although I really can’t imagine things slowing down anytime soon.

“I’d like to help.” He turns to look at me. “If you’ll let me.”

I think I know what he means, but I need clarity here. “You mean, you want to help me with the show?”

He smiles at my misunderstanding. I think he knows it was deliberate. “I want to take care of you, Maddy. And before you get all twenty-first century on me, I just mean…” His eyes roam my face. “Well, I guess, I just mean, I want you to give me a chance. And we’ll take it from there.”

There are a thousand things I could say, namely, “Yes, I’d like that,” but instead, I reach over and kiss him deeply and hope that says it all. We walk back to the table hand in hand and are met by smiles all around. Adam goes off to get us a drink while Lily, who is clearly a little tipsy, grabs me in a big hug. Brian, who is standing behind her, offers an indulgent smile. I guess Lily is making the most of her rare Mom’s night out.

“It’s just so beautiful here, Maddy. Thank you so much for inviting us. It means a lot to Brian and I to celebrate your big news with you,” she gushes.

“Of course. I’m so happy you’re here. I hope I get to come up to Wolf a lot this winter with the show. It’ll be great to see you all so much.”

“A lot of fun, Maddy. I’m going to picture you at dinner meetings here every night now. It’s just so glamorous.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, this is how I roll.”

“Well, you are dating a real live TV star.” She giggles and then hiccups.

“What are you talking about?” Again, I try to play dumb. “Matthew told us about Adam. He’s sooooo cute, and he really likes you. Brian and I are so happy. Aren’t we, honey?” She looks up at Brian, who is nodding and smiling.

“We are, kiddo,” he says with touching sincerity. “I just can’t believe you’re breaking your number one rule. Never thought I’d see the day. I guess not everyone in LA is a stereotype, as it turns out, huh?”

“I know, right? Well, I trusted my gut with Craig, and look how that turned out. Maybe I’ll try trusting my heart this time instead of my gut.”

Brian looks at me, and I can see the Santa Monica lights twinkle in the distance over his shoulder. “I think that’s a great idea.”