Page 41 of Collateral Damage
My mouth pops open, and I gape at them as Coop chuckles. Roxanna turns bright red, and she looks at me with wide, embarrassed eyes.
“Shit. Sorry, TMI,” she gushes. “Sometimes things come out of my mouth without going through my brain first.”
I hold up my hands and smile, though I’ll be the first to admit it’s a little forced. “I’m not here to judge. It was nice to meet you, Roxanna. I hope you find your phone.”
I hurry past her, heading to the dinner party and hoping my face isn’t beet-red. Why do I even care? I don’t normally blush over this stuff. I’m a sex-positive modern woman. And besides, Cooper used to have half a dozen of willing women on rotation, especially during our college years. He was,by far, the biggest playboy I knew. I’m not sure if he’s still that way, but I’d like for him to have a committed relationship with someone who loves him.
Don’t I?
I shake away the doubts creeping in and find I’m half-listening as I’m being introduced to the politician kids. I shouldn’t say kids—they’re grown adults, and Sloan and Dane McGuire are exactly the kind of people who are going to make our show more interesting. Their family is beloved by many, but like anyone in politics, they’re controversial. Perry says a little politics will help make our show a hit. I hope he’s right.
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, shaking Sloan and Dane’s hands. “I’m happy to have you guys on board.”
Sloan nods, and I immediately clock her as the politician's daughter that she is—groomed in media literacy and primpedto perfection. I understand her well. Being the daughter of a billionaire meant a constant awareness of my surroundings and occasional bodyguards. Luckily for me, I’ve been able to stay out of the spotlight.
“You know why we’re doing this, right?” she says over dinner, her eyes flashing to Perry. “This isn’t for your benefit. It’s for ours. We have goals that are bigger than a tv show. Top of the World is a stepping stone for us.”
“Sloan,” her brother Dane chastises. “Can you lay off for one night, please? Mr. Hargrove already knows all about your lofty ambitions.”
Perry nods, and I catch Benton’s rapt expression across the table—he’s staring at the brother and sister pair like they’re the most entertaining people he’s met in a very long time. Hell, they probably are, and I think that we probably should’ve waited to introduce them all on camera.
“So, tell us about the other cast members,” Benton turns to Perry. “Before I can take this to my manager, I need to know what I’m getting myself into. She’ll never let me sign anything without the cast list completed.” He turns to the McGuire siblings. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Dane deadpans. “But just so you know, I’m a New York City prosecuting attorney, so I’m not dumb enough to sign something without being sure about it first. Assuming you get the same contract I did, it’s fair. Though, I can’t be sure how much money they offered an NHL hockey player. Should be a lot, but not like you’re a Yankee.”
Benton’s jaw tenses. “Whatever it is, I’ll make sure it’s double what they’re giving you, being that you’re a city prosecutor and not the attorney general.”
Dane’s grin is somehow smug and charming all at once. Total politician. “Not yet.”
“Okay,” I intervene. “Save this drama for the cameras, will ya, boys?”
“Yes, please do.” Perry laughs. “We’re still working on a final location, but we’ll start filming within the month, so prepare yourselves. Tie up any loose ends so you can focus. Yes, you will still be working, but you’ll need to stay in the city and make time for the show. We’ll have cameras in your living space, which will make it easier for everyone.”
“How much of our living space?” Benton asks wearily.
“Kitchen, dining, family room, outdoor space. Don’t worry, you’ll have privacy in your bedrooms and bathrooms, and you’ll each get your own bedroom. That’s part of what’s holding us up on filming. We need a space large to fit all of you.”
“And all of us are… who, exactly?” Sloan asks.
Is he going to disclose?
Perry pauses, considering his options, then lists names. Benton’s rigid demeanor softens, and his eyes grow large. These aren’t b-list celebrities who are being cast forTop of the World. This show is the big time, and Benton knows it. We all do.
Eighteen
Sybil
Present - Age 27
I arrive early to the office on Monday morning since my workload has essentially doubled.Top of the Worldneeds loads of my attention, but I refuse to put the brakes on projects with the foundation. They’re too important to me, especially the fundraiser we have coming up in the fall to help raise money for disabled children.
We’re partnered withAble to Rise, an organization that teaches kids like my brother essential life skills, partners families with the resources they need, and they even have an incredible summer camp program Chandler adored while growing up. Mom met them through Chandler and quickly fell in love with their mission, helped them get partnered with The Laurence Foundation, and now, years later, we’ve become their main donor.
So this fundraiser? It has to go off without a hitch. There’s too much riding on the line for it to fail. Not only does Laurencedonate, but so do many of the generous patrons who attend the event.
Only a few minutes after settling in for the day, Lance Vale knocks on my glass door and lets himself into my office. “I thought I’d find you here bright and early,” he says, eyeing the stack of papers on my desk. “You always were a hard worker.”
My hands still on the keyboard as I offer him a bright smile. “Good morning, Mr. Vale. How are you? Anything I can help you with?”
