Lovescenes

‘So, what’s wrong with sharing some of the spotlight with you? Why doesn’t Morgan take you along with hi

m to some of these interviews?’

Shannon lifted her chin. ‘Come on, Claire, they’re interested in Cade, not me. He’s a star.’

‘Funny, but there was a time you used to turn that four-letter word into a real four-letter word when you said it.’

The kettle shrieked and Shannon shut off the burner. ‘I’m too tired to play games, Claire,’ she said, pouring the water for their tea. ‘What are you getting at?’

‘Doesn’t it bother you that he’s getting all the pub­licity on Tomorrows, sweetie? Especially since you’re the reason he’s America’s primo soap heart-throb.’

‘That’s not so. Cade turned out to be a good actor.’

‘Come on, Shannon. You made him look good, es­pecially at the beginning when he was all nerves.’

‘He’s not like that anymore. He’s been getting terrific reviews...’

‘Tell me about it,’ Claire said sarcastically. 'Which reminds me—Tomorrows’ ratings went through the roof again this week, did you hear?’

‘Yes, so Jerry said. That’s good news for all of us, isn’t it?’

‘Especially Morgan. He’s the one who’s reaping all the publicity. Seems to me he’d be willing to share a little of it with you.’

Shannon wrapped her hands around her mugful of tea, letting the warmth seep through her. ‘I’m getting publicity. TV Guide interviewed me, didn’t they?’

‘They’ll give you a paragraph, if you’re lucky.’ Claire pursed her lips thoughtfully. ‘Now, if Morgan intro­duced you to people, you know, if he showed them that the chemistry on-screen carries over off-screen..,’

Dark patches of crimson rose to Shannon’s cheeks. ‘Forget it.’

‘Well, that’s why Crawford matched you two up in the first place, remember? God, they’d eat it up! They’d...’

‘Stop it, Claire.’

‘Come on, Shannon, you can’t fool me. I’ve seen the way you look at him. Maybe you can pull the wool over everybody else’s eyes, but this is good old Claire, re­member? You don’t have to pretend with me.’

‘I know you mean well,’ Shannon said slowly, putting the mug down on the counter. ‘But...’

‘I’m trying to get some mileage out of all this for you.. But I can’t boost your career unless you help.’

‘I’m not going to use my private life that way.’

‘Hey, I’m not asking you to invite anybody into your bedroom. I’m simply suggesting you make the most of an opportunity. I’m just suggesting what Morgan should have...’

‘Did you want to see me for anything else?’ Shannon asked coldly. ‘If not, I’ve got things to do.’

The agent sighed. ‘Okay, take it easy. What I really want to settle is what comes next. This stint on To­morrows won’t last forever.’

‘It’s only December. You said this would go for months.’

‘Well, sure, I hope it will. But you’ve got to make plans for later—you know, trade on what little name recognition you’ve gotten. I told you I’ve had feelers from Rob Michaels about that revival he’s doing in LA in May. And then there’s Shakespeare in the Park this summer. I can’t put these guys off forever, kid. You’ve got to make some decisions while they still know who you are.’

‘I know, I know. I told you, I will.’

‘Yeah, but when? You know what this business is like. Today you’re hot, tomorrow you’re not. Once you and Tomorrows part company, we’ll be back to “Shannon Who?” That’s why you’re nuts to be so stubborn about this Cade Morgan thing. Let them know who you are.’

‘Goodbye, Claire,’ Shannon said firmly, shoving her agent’s still damp coat at her and leading her to the door. ‘I’d appreciate it if you’d call before you drop by in the future.’

‘Go on, get as huffy as you like. I’m still gonna tell you what’s on my mind. What’s good for you is good for me, but, I mean, if you don’t take my advice... Just think about it. You’ve got an opportunity, use it. Morgan sure is. The word around town is that his agent’s been out there shaking hands and slapping backs and doing everything but hiring a skywriter.’