Play My Game (Stark Trilogy 3.3)

“Of course.”

“Damien told me they were done by a local photographer. Out of Santa Monica, I think. Do you know his name?”

“Sure, but can I ask what’s up?”

“Valentine’s Day,” I admit. “I’ve got this idea to do a photograph of me. Kind of artsy—I have a pose in mind. And then I’ll adjust the color on Photoshop and add a caption. I know I’ve waited till the last minute, but I’ve set up the self-timer a dozen times, and I just can’t get the composition right without me being behind the lens.”

“He’ll love it,” Sylvia says. “Perfect for the man who just acquired the very last thing on earth that he wanted.”

“What’s that?” I ask, completely confused.

Sylvia laughs. “Duh. You.”

“Oh.” I feel a blush of pleasure rising up my neck because the truth is, I know that she’s right.

“His name is Wyatt Reed, and I’m happy to give you his number. But I happen to know that he’s out of town. He’s on a shoot in Australia until March.”

“Oh. Well, damn.” I consider my options. “Do you know any other photographers? Someone in the PR department or—”

“I could do it.”

“Really?”

“I don’t take a lot of shots of people, but I’ve been into photography for years. Architecture, mostly. But if you show me what you’re going for, I’m sure I can make it work.”

“That would be amazing,” I say. And not only because she would be solving my problem. How cool that she is into photography, too.

“Listen, I’ve got a call coming in. Shoot me an email and let me know when you want to do this thing, okay?”

I agree and end the call just as Mrs. Crane—the receptionist for my shared office suite—buzzes me. “Ms. Archer is here.”

“Really?” I’m not expecting Jamie, but I can’t deny that I’m glad to see her. I’d called her last night to schedule lunch and gossip for later in the week, and then, of course, I’d given her the quick-and-dirty rundown on Damien’s scavenger hunt, the first clue, and my frustration.

“So?” Jamie asks as she bursts into my tiny office. She looks around—as if shocked that the decor hasn’t changed in the few weeks since she’s been by—then flops down on the little sofa. “Has the cupcake come yet?”

I shake my head. “Why are you here?” Her condo is just a few miles away, but she’s been staying in Venice Beach, and that’s way the hell and gone from Sherman Oaks.

“One, I am loving this scavenger hunt thing—I’m totally stealing the idea.”

“You can love it without driving to the Valley,” I point out.

“Which brings me to reason number two. Audition,” she says, then holds her hand up for a high five, which I happily supply.

“Seriously? What for?”

“Pilot for a new drama. I’ve actually got a really good shot according to Evelyn,” she adds, referring to Evelyn Dodge, one of my absolute favorite people who is now also Jamie’s agent. Jamie makes a face. “Of course with my luck that means I’ll get the job, I’ll kick serious ass, and the network won’t pick the damn thing up.”

“Sorry,” I say. “This is a no-pessimism zone. Only positive thoughts once you walk through that door.”

She rolls her eyes, then curls her feet under her, tilts her head back, and starts to chant.

“Jamie, what the hell?”

“I’m visualizing. Shut up for a second. I’m about to give my speech at the Golden Globes.”

I snort back a laugh, but I’m saved from having to think of a snarky comeback by the sharp buzz of the intercom again. This time, Mrs. Crane announces a delivery for me, and Jamie and I both spring for the door.

“It’s okay, Mrs. Crane,” I say. “I’ve been expecting it.”

I yank open the door, probably terrifying the skinny guy standing there in a delivery uniform. Once I have the package and have sent the guy on his way with a tip, Jamie and I take the box back to my desk. I sit in my chair and she perches on the wooden desktop beside me.

“Well?” she says. “Open it.”

Since I’m not sure what I’m waiting for, I nod, then use a letter opener to slice through the tape that is holding the decorative pastry box closed. It’s only slightly bigger than a cupcake, and when I open it, I’m surprised to see that it holds exactly that—a cupcake.

Specifically, a lovely cupcake with green fondant icing and the numeral “4” printed perfectly across the top in blue icing.

I glance at Jamie, who looks just as baffled as I feel.

“That can’t be all of it.” I reach for the cupcake. “There must be a message underneath.”

But if there is more to the message, it’s not on the box beneath the cupcake where I expect it. So when Jamie very reasonably suggests that the clue might be baked into the cupcake, I use my iPhone to snap a picture of the treat—just in case—and then I use the letter opener as a knife and carefully cut the cake in half. There’s nothing hidden inside. No secret message baked in the cake.

But as soon as we’ve both picked up our halves to feast upon, I see the carefully printed website written on the bottom of the paper muffin cup.

“I knew it.” I am feeling so smug and triumphant that I have to battle the urge to call Damien and gloat. I don’t, though. I’m not home free just because I’ve found a website.

“Well?” Jamie sounds impatient.

“I’m on it.” I pull my laptop closer to me, then type in the URL as she comes around my desk to look over my shoulder, then mutters, “Well, fuck,” when all that pops up is an input box for a username.

I echo her sentiments as I lean back in my chair, thinking. “This has to be it,” I say. “Somehow, this leads to the next clue.”

“I adore Damien,” Jamie says, “but couldn’t he have just taken you out for dinner and a movie like a normal guy?”

“I thought you loved the scavenger hunt idea.”

“Well, sure. Until it got hard.”

I laugh and shake my head. Not only is Damien a far cry from your average guy, but I’m so delighted by this game—which plays to both my romantic and geek sides—that if I weren’t already full-up with love for my husband, I would fall even further.