Lovescenes

The woman glanced around her and then leaned to­wards Shannon. ‘Cade Morgan,’ she whispered dra­matically, ‘that’s who.’ She ran her tongue across her lips and her voice dropped even lower. ‘ Crawford’s just about signed him for a role in All Our Tomorrows

'What?'

' He was going to do a few days’ work— you know, a guest shot thing—but then today, after what happened between you and Morgan.’

‘Nothing happened! I lost my temper. And Morgan retaliated by making a fool of me.’

‘That’s not the way other people saw it.'

’ ‘Never mind what other people saw! ‘Cade Morgan and I... ’

‘Cade Morgan and you set tongues wagging on a set where people are so blasé they don’t react to anything! That’s pretty damned impressive.’

‘Look, I’m not going to argue about it. It’s over and done with, and—'

‘Shannon, just listen, okay? Jerry and the producers had a meeting this afternoon. They’re thinking of playing you and Morgan together.’

Shannon stared at her agent in disbelief. ‘You can’t be serious. You mean, Cade Morgan would play op­posite me instead of Tony?’

Claire smiled. "Exactly.'

'No. That's impossible. That’s Tony’s part. It’s set...’

‘So they’ll unset it. There’s time; your storyline doesn’t take off until next week. God, this is so exciting!’ Claire leaned forward and placed her hand on Shannon’s. ‘Everybody would be watching, and I do mean everybody. Hollywood people, Broadway people, inter­national film people—they’d all see your work and know your name. This could shoot your career into orbit.’

‘No. No! Claire...’

‘And, of course, your part would be expanded. You might end up one of All Our Tomorrows' featured players, if things go the way Crawford expects.’

Shannon shook her head. ‘What this might end up is a disaster!'.

‘Disaster? Sweetie, Crawford says you and Morgan will be dy­namite together. He says he has Morgan half-convinced to take the part. He says...’

‘Did he say what would happen if Morgan bombs? The man’s not an actor. Crawford wants him because he has an enormous following. And if Morgan bombs, so do I!'

‘Nobody's gonna bomb. Think of the publicity! Every fan Morgan has would tune into Tomorrows..'

Apprehension filled Shannon with cold dread. ‘Claire, listen to me,’ she said desperately. ‘You know what happens each time the camera’s on Rima. She’s not an actress—everybody in the scene with her has to carry her.’

‘You think that’s what will happen with Morgan Well, I guess it’s possible, but even so, he'll draw zillions of viewers.'

'What you're telling me is—you're telling me I don't have anything to say about this.'

'No,' her agent said bluntly, 'you don't. This is Crawford's decision.'

Shannon felt tears of anger burn behind her eyes.

‘It isn’t fair,’ she said in a low voice. ‘I’ve worked damned hard for this chance. Just think of how many good actors have cut their teeth on soaps. If you can make it in daily daytime drama, you can certainly make it in films or prime-time TV. I mean, what are half the big nighttime TV shows but soaps?'

‘You don’t have to sell me on soaps,’ Claire said patiently. ‘I don’t think anybody has to sell Morgan, either. That’s why he wants this part of Tony’s. I’m sure he’s got his eye on bigger and better things.’

Shannon’s eyes flashed. ‘And what happens to Tony? Does he get dumped?’

Claire sighed. ‘That’s one of the advantages to all those characters and plotlines. They’ll find another part for Tony. Not that the

y have to—you know how it is in a soap. Nobody’s indispensable.’

‘Which brings us back to square one. Have you thought about what might happen to me if this over-the-hill guitar player doesn’t work out?’