Darcy in Hollywood

It was odd. She had first pegged him as a typical Hollywood asshole, but her opinion had improved while working with him. She’d been impressed with his professionalism, and he’d treated her with respect. I just temporarily forgot what a jerk he’d been when we first met.

Now her memory had been jogged.

The words about her appearance were only a little disturbing; she knew she wasn’t the prettiest Bennet sister. But he had insulted her intelligence, her competence…after she’d been managing his on-set life for two weeks. He’d gotten the right script changes, the correct schedule updates, and all the director’s notes. He hadn’t thanked her, but he also hadn’t complained. Yeah, she got his coffee orders wrong, but surely by now he’d realize she was trolling him.

Maybe the coffee th

ing mattered more than she thought. Or maybe attractiveness was the only quality that counted in his world. Or maybe he resented that she hadn’t joined his cult of personality, complete with screaming and fainting whenever he drew near.

Why did I allow myself to think—for even one second—that he would be different from everyone else in Hollywood? I was deluding myself.

She supposed she should put the movie ahead of her personal feelings, be a “professional” and rise above the pettiness. But screw that; she wasn’t angling for a career in Hollywood. She didn’t need to swallow all the BS.

Apparently she had reached her limit.

On the far side of the set, her father watched as Roberta positioned some of the cameras. Elizabeth stood beside him and spoke in a low voice. “Dad, did you say you have a new PA coming on board this week?”

Her father started a bit, the way he always did when asked to switch gears. “Yeah. His name is Kurt, a real newbie. Eager to please, but he’s never worked on a set before.”

Perfect. “Can you assign him to Darcy and put me somewhere else? I don’t care where—as long as I’m not his assistant anymore.”

She had her father’s full attention now. “I thought things were going well. He’s been on time, hasn’t complained…”

Perhaps she didn’t need to tell her father the whole humiliating experience, but then she might not convince him. So she set the scene, related the story, and even did a passable imitation of Darcy’s voice when she quoted his insult.

Fortunately, she hadn’t expected any empathy from her father. He laughed. “Well, my dear, when you’ve been rejected by People’s Sexiest Man, you’ve really been rejected.”

Her cheeks burned, but she strove for a bored tone of voice. “I guess so.”

“It’ll be something to tell the grandchildren.”

Right after I describe how I strangled my father. “That’ll be a fun family event,” she said sourly. “‘Let’s all gather around the fireplace, and I’ll tell you about the time that Grandma was mocked by a famous movie star.’”

Her father’s eyebrows drew together in bewilderment. “You can’t take these things personally, Lizzy.”

His reaction only added fuel to the fire. “He only mocked my intelligence and my appearance. I can’t imagine why I’d think it was personal.”

He gave a little chuckle. “You know how these movie stars are. They think a different set of rules applies to them.”

Because they do. “Yes, I understand that,” Elizabeth said from behind gritted teeth.

“He’s powerful in Hollywood, and his family is even more powerful. Like it or not, we need to keep him happy.”

She rolled her eyes. “Dad, do you see me removing his kneecaps with a rusty spoon? No? That’s me keeping him happy.”

Her father grinned. “Good call.”

He was getting way too much pleasure at her expense. “Will you transfer me somewhere else, or should I quit?” She could find another way to earn money.

The smile slid off her father’s face. “Over something like this? Lizzy—”

She wasn’t interested in a guilt trip or a lecture. She was an adult, and she was also her father’s most competent PA. He needed her. “Bottom line, Dad.”

He sighed. “All right, fine. Roberta needs another PA, so she can have you. I’ll assign Kurt to Darcy.”

“Thank you.” Elizabeth stalked away; she needed to talk with Jane.

Chapter Five