Page 7 of Obsession

“Fine.” Tessa took a sip of her drink. “I was thinking about going to the spa for a massage anyway.”

“That sounds like a plan.”

“You really aren’t going to let me look at it?”

“I’m really not.”

She leaned toward him, and in a quieter voice said, “In all seriousness, how good is it?”

“Honestly, I think it might be Peter’s best.”

“Now I really need to read it.”

“Didn’t you say something about a massage?”

She laughed. “All right, all right. I get the hint.” She grabbed her glass and stood. “Enjoy the read. Dinner tonight?”

“So you can continue to try convincing me?”

“I would never.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t. Unfortunately, I already have plans.”

“It was worth a try.”

???

Teddy returned to his suite by early evening and changed from Mark Weldon the actor into Billy Barnett the producer, with the assistance of his makeup kit. He was staying in a suite registered to the latter, as was his preference. A few doors down the hall was a smaller suite in Mark’s name. It was for appearances’ sake only, so no one would wonder where Mark was staying.

To avoid risking confusion about who was entering whose room, Peter and Tessa were the only other members of the cast or crew who had rooms on Teddy’s floor.

When Teddy’s transformation was complete, he headed down to the hotel lobby to meet Stone for dinner. But he had taken only a few steps out of the elevator when Stacy Lange intercepted him.

“I thought you weren’t coming back until next week.”

“Good to see you, too, Stacy.”

“Sorry. Nice to see you, Mr. Barnett.”

A former Centurion Studios production assistant, Stacy had been promoted to the position of Billy Barnett’s personal assistant. Teddy had not been keen on the idea, but Peter and Ben had insisted.

“Mark Weldon is spending more time in front of the camera, which means Billy is on set a lot less,” Ben had said. “Stacy will be Billy’s eyes and ears. Plus, if anyone is looking for him, they’ll have someone to talk to.”

She’d been at the job for two months now, and Teddy had to admit her involvement helped.

“Had a change of plans,” he told her. “How’s the shoot going?”

“Good. We’re on schedule and Peter says he’s happy with the footage.”

“And what do you say?”

“That he’s right. Everything looks great. Mark is doing a wonderful job. I think he might even get another nomination.”

“Did Mark pay you to tell me that?”

“I’m serious. He’s wonderful.”

“Do me a favor. Don’t let him know.”

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