Beautiful Liar (The Reed Rivers Trilogy 2)

“Yeah, Gary said it’s going to be the coolest party of the year.”

Well, clearly, she’s trolling for an invitation. Which isn’t going to happen. Hell no. Indeed, I open my mouth to say as much, when an idea slams me. Georgina. I bet she’d give her right arm to interview Isabel for Dig a Little Deeper! In fact, I bet Georgina would pick the world’s current “It Girl” as an interview subject over me, any day of the week, if she were forced to choose only one of us. Granted, CeeCee sent Georgie to peel my onion, but I can’t imagine CeeCee would complain if Georgina came back, instead, with an in-depth interview of the world’s biggest movie star!

The only problem with this plan? Isabel’s a notoriously wooden interview subject. She’s renowned in the industry for giving great soundbites—which is a skill in itself—but, otherwise, giving rote, formulaic interviews filled mostly with PR talking points. It’s actually a fantastic thing when Isabel’s on a press junket, where she’s tasked with answering the same questions over and over to plug her latest movie. Or on a talk show, where the goal is being superficial and fun. But ask the woman to let down her guard and provide thoughtful, honest answers to less predictable questions, and she’s a fucking train wreck.

But, still, I think this idea is worth a shot. I can’t imagine a better “get” for Georgina than somehow managing an exclusive, in-depth interview of Isabel Randolph. Talk about something that will take the sting out of Georgina’s disappointment at the end of the summer, if I wind up nixing most of her article about me. Of course, I’m not stupid. I’m only willing to invite Isabel to the party—a party attended by Georgina—if Isabel will be bringing the great love of her life as her plus-one, to ensure Isabel isn’t all over me like a cheap suit.

“Hey, why don’t you and Howard come to the party on Saturday?” I suggest. “If you want buzz about the engagement, then this party is the perfect place to get it. Photos of you two partying with rock stars and Hollywood A-listers will go a lot more viral than an Instagram post.”

“Oh, that’d be great. Thanks.”

I decide to give myself a bit of insurance that Isabel will actually show up to the party with Howard. “I’ll even say a toast to you and Howard.”

“Oh, that would be awesome. Thank you.”

“You know what? I just got a great idea for an invaluable PR opportunity for you. Are you familiar with the magazine, Dig a Little Deeper?”

“Yeah. My PR woman keeps trying to nab a cover feature for me in that one, but no dice. Apparently, I’m not ‘forthcoming enough’ for the kinds of interviews they feature, especially for the cover slot.”

“Did you know Dig a Little Deeper and Rock ‘n’ Roll were both founded by CeeCee Rafael?”

Isabel gasps. “Oh! Will CeeCee be at the party? I’d love to chat her up and convince her to give me that cover slot.”

“No, CeeCee won’t be there. She’s out of the country this week. But just the other day, CeeCee told me, in confidence, she’s considering a ‘Women in Hollywood’ special issue of Dig a Little Deeper.” It’s bullshit, but sometimes, the end justifies the means. “Don’t tell her I told you about this, Isabel. CeeCee hasn’t fully decided to do it yet. If she does, though, she said she’s leaning toward putting Gabrielle LeMonde on the cover.”

“Gabrielle?” She scoffs. “That’s so inside the box. Yes, Gabrielle has three Oscars. But she’s never secured a four-picture deal like mine. Nobody has. I’m a trailblazer, Reed.”

“I couldn’t agree more. That’s exactly why I brought it up. You should be on that cover.”

“Damn straight.”

“This is confidential, too, but I happen to know CeeCee has assigned one of the two Rock ‘n’ Roll writers coming to the party, CeeCee’s personal favorite, to gather content for Dig a Little Deeper. How about I introduce you to her, and you can charm the hell out of her—so much so, she wants to do an in-depth interview of you she could submit to CeeCee? If the interview is kick-ass enough, I’m sure CeeCee would want it as her cover feature for a ‘Women in Hollywood’ issue.”

Isabel squeals. “I love it!”

“Apparently, this writer is some sort of phenom. Fresh out of college, and yet CeeCee said she’s the best writer she’s ever hired. I’m positive she’ll be able to cook up something spectacular with you.”

Isabel starts babbling about how excited she is. But as she talks, I hear Georgina’s footsteps in the hallway—and, instantly, just knowing Georgina is in the house is making my dick buzz like a neon hotel Vacancy sign that’s just been flipped on

“Hey, I’ve got to go, Isabel. I’ll see you and Howard on Saturday.”