Page 45 of Indescribable Love
“Nope. Why would you even ask?”
“Because it took you forever to answer. I just figured maybe you were in the middle of something and couldn’t break away.”
Yes, a delicious lunch, a spectacular view, and the sexiest man I’ve ever met, but…whatever…
“Sorry. Simon and I were having lunch and discussing the schedule for Seattle, and I’d left my phone in the other room.”
“Wow! That is very unlike you!” Vanessa said with a laugh. “You normally have your phone in your hand at all times!”
“Well…lunch and all…”
“Not a big deal, Jules. I was really just calling to see how things were going.”
“Everything’s great,” she replied, sitting down behind the glass desk in the plushest office chair she’d ever put her butt in. The hum of approval was out before she could stop it.
“What was that noise?”
“What noise?”
“It sounded like you were humming or singing,” she said with another laugh. “What’s going on?”
Juliette laughed with her. “I think I may have found the world’s most comfortable office chair. It’s like sitting on a cloud but with lumbar support!”
“Ooh…get the brand and let me know! I’m always on the hunt for a good chair!”
“Will do!”
“So you’re gearing up for Seattle and filming is supposed to start up right away, correct?”
“According to the schedule, yes. We had a video call with Simon’s agent and the documentary producers and we’re all on the same page.” She smiled just thinking about how much of a badass she’d been on that call.
“That’s…sort of what I’m calling you about.”
“Oh?”
“I had a call earlier from Max Yearsley, and he—very nicely, but firmly—suggested that someone else work as Simon’s publicist because you were too rigid and rude.”
“What?!” she cried, jumping to her feet. “Are you freaking kidding me right now?”
“Jules…”
“No! No, do not tell me to calm down, Van! He’s just pissed because he’s not getting his way! Simon does not want a certain part of his life included in this project and none of it is relative to what he’s doing today! I don’t get why they’re harping on this one point!” Her stomach clenched and her lunch felt like it was on its way up.
“They have a vision for what they wanted this doc to be and you’re standing in their way,” Vanessa reasoned.
“Bullshit. Simon agreed to a very specific project, and Max and his team changed the rules. There is a contract that firmly states this is a concert film. They’re the ones trying to make this into a personal biography. Simon’s told them no repeatedly and he’s ready to pull out of the project all together if they go against his wishes.”
“Okay, okay, this is why I called you. I wanted to get your side of things and, obviously, you’re putting the client first. That’s awesome. But maybe you can…”
“Van, whatever you’re about to suggest, forget it. My job is to work on Simon’s behalf to get him portrayed in the best possible way. What Max and those guys want would not do that. I was firm and…gah! You know how this goes, a woman stands her ground and that means she’s rude or bitchy. I’m doing my damn job! Simon didn’t have a problem, and his team didn’t have a problem with what I said. So the next time Max Yearsley calls…”
“Got it. I’ll tell him to go to hell,” Vanessa said with a hint of amusement. “And for what it’s worth, I get what you’re saying. I felt he was a little condescending, and he even asked to speak to my father or grandfather. Clearly he did a little research into the firm and knows who started it. So…yeah, he’s a total douche.”
That made her relax, but only slightly.
“This is far from over,” she said wearily. “I know as soon as we show up in Seattle, he’s going to push the issue again and again and again. Honestly, I wish Simon would pull out of this project. It would make everything so much easier.”
“It would also put you out of a job,” Vanessa reminded her. “I’m still getting calls about the whole Roxie thing. Working for Simon Bennett was supposed to be a safe choice—a client that you couldn’t possibly have an issue with because he’s the nicest guy in show business.”