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  The basement also had another bedroom that contained a treadmill and a weight set; another half bath and a utility room with washer and dryer, and a folding table.

  "Nice!" Trish said, "Living high on the hog, baby!"

  Upstairs, Nina and Trish hauled the luggage into the bedroom across from the master she and Joseph shared.

  "Eek! My own bathroom!" Trish checked out the large room tiled in blue. "Could things get any better than this? I feel beautiful and famous already!"

  "You are beautiful and you are famous. At least you’re famous to me."

  "That’s really cute, Nina. But you still have to tell me what the hell is going on."

  So, as they unpacked Trish’s bags Nina filled her in on the phone calls, the lunch with Laura, the girl that Joseph knew at the restaurant and the club where Nina was improperly introduced to Karen.

  Trish was silent for a while, studying several different outfits she had laid out on the bed. She plucked up a lavender colored skirt and dug through one of the bags until she found a matching lavender silk tank.

  "Okay. First of all, forget the chick in the restaurant. Technically you guys weren’t together when that happened. You can allow him that one mistake. One free pass, but no more." Hundreds of long braids swung forward as she leaned over the bed to pair a leopard print belt with a huge gold buckle and matching leopard print pumps with the lavender fabric. "Who are you Nina?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "Are you the kind of person that takes crap from anyone? This woman is obviously trying to break you guys up. She’s causing trouble and you’re falling right in with her plans. This is what she wants! She wants you to doubt Joseph. She wants you and Joseph to argue. She wants you to pack up and go home with your tail between your legs. I’ve known you for three years and I know that you’re not the kind of person who let’s anyone mess with you. Don’t give her what she wants! The best thing that you can do is show her that no matter what she does, you’re staying with Joseph. She’s pathetic, really. I mean, was she his wife? No. Were they living together? No. They just dated for a couple of years. After one month with you, he dumped her. Now she’s desperately trying to get him back. So she’s gorgeous and has big boobs and is a little intimidating that way, but when you get past all that what do you get? Who is she Nina?" She demanded.

  "She’s a whore," Nina said promptly.

  "That’s right! Now you’re getting it. She’s scum. One of thousands who flock to Hollywood and manage to get small acting parts, not because of talent, I bet, but because of their looks. This ain’t Angelina Jolie here. This is a sad, desperate, mean spirited woman. She’s no match for you! Who is Joseph?"

  "He’s… my man?"

  "Right again! He’s Nina’s man. And you wanna keep him, don’t you?"

  "Oh, yes indeed!" Nina was feeling better already.

  "Well, alright then. Now," Trish motioned to the outfit laid out on the bed. "Is this the right gear for mixing with all those yahoo’s tonight?"

  "That’ll do fine."

  Trish held up a dark green bikini speckled with tiny red hearts. "Let's get into that pool!"

  That afternoon Nina and Trish were getting dressed when they heard a car engine outside. "Joseph!" She ran out of the room.

  "Git him, Nina, git him!" Trish called after her.

  Nina greeted Joseph at the door, put her arms around him and kissed his mouth. "How'd it go?"

  "I’m pretty sure it went well," he said, referring the first day of shooting. The first days of the week were spent doing run-throughs, and today had been the actual camera work.

  "I’m so glad!" Nina was excited for him and he looked so much more relaxed. He'd been anxious the last couple of weeks. The TV series meant regular, full time work for him, and if it was successful, job security. He was in a good mood, Trish was here. Karen was a stupid bitch. Everything was going to be alright.

  "Is Trish here? I got a table at Ago's. We can go to Peter’s afterwards."

  "I think that sounds like a fine idea."

  He held up a sack. "I stopped by the store and got you a new cell phone and changed my number."

  "Sweet! Thank you, hon." Nina kissed him on the lips again and then peppered his cheeks with more kisses.

  "Don’t start, woman," Joseph teased. "We’ve got company. You’re gonna have to wait till later."

  "You wish," Nina said, and punched him playfully in the chest.

  Joseph headed to the kitchen. "Better not talk to me that way or you won’t get any at all," he said pleasantly.

  Later that evening Joseph sat at a table at the restaurant Ago with Nina, Trish, and Laura. He had called his sister because he knew her husband Tom was out of town. Laura readily agreed to join them for dinner and for the party that followed afterward.

  Joseph looked around at the women seated with him. All three were dressed to the nines. He felt like a pretty lucky guy right at that moment. "To the beautiful women at this table!" Joseph raised a glass of champagne and they all toasted.

  "Who is that?" Trish asked Laura, looking at a young man sitting nearby with a group of people.

  Laura was lovely in a black and gold embellished choker dress. Her dark hair was pulled back into a classic bun, emphasizing high cheekbones and porcelain skin. "That is Alex Pettyfer," she said. "I think he’s in town to do that Justin Timberlake thing."

  "He is hot! Young stuff!" Trish openly stared.

  "Yes, he’s a good looking kid, that’s for sure. But, quit staring! You have to be sneaky about it. Now, listen. Look to your right towards the kitchen. Okay? Now look a little more to the right of the plant. In the corner, if you just casually glance that way, you will see Courtney Cox."

  "Holy crap! You’re right!" Trish brought her attention back to the table. "People, I have arrived! Joseph, can I move in?"

  Everyone laughed.

  Joseph turned his head and looked at Nina in her black cocktail dress. "Did I tell you how much I like that dress?" He reached over and stroked her bare back. Nina scooted her chair closer and put her hand on his thigh under the table.

  "Could you guys please keep your hands off each other for ten minutes?" Trish said, "Give us a break."

  "Shut it, Trish." Nina said.

  "Um, no. I will not shut it. There’s something that’s been bugging me." She looked at Joseph, "This party tonight? Isn’t it likely that your ex-girlfriend will be there?"

  He sat up straight in his chair for a moment and then cradled his head in his hands."How could I forget? Yes, she’ll be at Peter's party. She wouldn’t miss it. Do you tell her everything?" He asked Nina.

  "Of course. It’s a female thing."

  Laura made an explosive sound of amusement and Joseph gave her a sharp look. All three women waited for him to say something more.

  Laura said, "Who cares? She can’t do anything. It’s four against one. I can't wait until she sees you walk in with your entourage of women. I won’t hesitate to give her a piece of my mind."

  "Please, Laura don’t make a scene," Joseph said. "I know how you get."

  "God, Joseph. You’re such a girl! Alright, I won’t …start anything." Laura said enigmatically.

  "Don’t worry about it," Nina said, squeezing his thigh. "We’ll completely ignore her. She isn’t worth thinking about."

  Joseph was surprised at Nina’s change of attitude. Obviously it was Trish and his sister’s influence. He was glad that she was so blasé now but, he knew Karen. The worst thing you could do was ignore her. The first course arrived and the woman chattered about their salads.

  "How did you get a reservation?" Laura asked.

  "Someone cancelled." He said shortly, and picked at his salad.

  Nina stepped outside onto the terrace to smoke a cigarette. The house was full of well-dressed, impeccably groomed people. Even in her new dress she felt frumpy and incongruous. She had nothing in common with anyone, and did not attempt to make conversation with the few people that Joseph had introduced her to
o. They lost interest quickly anyway. She wasn’t famous, or rich, or beautiful. They didn’t have to suck up to her because she couldn’t do anything for them. Animals at play, Nina thought churlishly. Trish and Laura disappeared soon after they arrived, and when Joseph entered into a long conversation with another actor, Nina had excused herself to go outside. So far, no sign of Karen.

  She looked out over the panoramic view and reflected upon how brown and boring LA was. The clouds colored the sky above the city a dirty pink shade. She liked the palm trees and the weather was great. Even now, with the sun getting ready to drop, she could feel warm air on her skin. But she preferred the beautiful scenery of Washington, with all its green forests and mountainous glory.

  She spotted another smoker standing near the pool. He was short, stocky and muscle bound with the kind of pumped up look that Nina found repulsive. He ambled over to her and said, "Hi, I’m Mick. Who are you?"

  "Nobody," Nina said. She recognized a familiar, lascivious gleam in his eye.

  The man appeared not to have heard her reply. "You tried the food?"

  "No, but I heard the spinach salad is good."

  "I hate spinach."

  "Oh?" Nina wished he would go away.

  "You know what I really like to eat?"

  "What’s that Mick?"

  "Pussy."

  "How nice for you. Your mother must be very proud."

  Mick looked truly offended at this statement. "What’s my mother got to do with it?"

  Nina knocked the cherry off her cigarette and was ready to split when Trish came out of one of the terrace doors.

  Sizing up Mick in one glance she flicked her fingernails at him, "Run along little doggy."

  Mick stomped off and Trish laughed. "What was that about?"

  "He introduced himself as Mr. Cunnilingus."

  "Wow, did you get his card? I’d love to hear the outgoing message on his voice mail. Not very attractive is he? Overcompensating for sure. That’s probably why the poor guy needs another skill for backup. Hey! I met this dude. His name is Lamont. He’s taking me out tomorrow night."

  "Trish, isn't Lamont’s a department store?"

  "He dabbles in real estate and is also some kind of a producer. Very successful from what I gather."

  "Leave it to you to zero in on the wealthiest guy here."

  "It's my God given right to relieve the fools of their money. He's probably not the wealthiest, but he's really quite nice. You know I could get used to this town."

  "Why don’t you stay awhile? George and Luke can handle the bar," Nina said, "George is so easy going, he'd just take it in stride, and Luke lives in a dream world. Has he noticed that I'm gone yet?"

  "He hasn't said anything."

  "Well, there you go."

  "So what are you saying to me? You're moving down here permanently?"

  "I wouldn't use the word permanent. How about indefinite?"

  "It’s obvious Joseph is really sweet on you."

  Nina blushed and said nothing.

  "You’re in deep, girl." Trish watched the blush stain Nina’s neck and face. "You got it bad. Shall we go inside and take a gander at Lamont?"

  "Yes, dear. Let's."

  Inside the hilltop mansion Nina breathed in the light, pleasant smell of gardenias. She searched for Joseph among the sixty some odd people who stood around in groups and assembled on the beautiful, white sectional sofa. In the dining area more people grazed the long buffet table that was set up against the backdrop of a wall mural depicting a sunset over a boat marina. The water in the picture looked so real that at first glance Nina had mistaken it for a window.

  "There you are!" Joseph said at her elbow.

  "Where'd you come from?" Nina asked him.

  "The john." Joseph pointed to a hallway on their left.

  "Hey JoJo!" Trish said.

  Joseph grimaced, "Don’t call me that."

  "’Kay. How ‘bout Joe DiMaggio?"

  "How about I call you Patty, Patricia?"

  "Alright, alright," Trish grinned. "Enough of that. You win."

  "Trish has made a conquest," Nina said and gestured towards a large black man coming their way. "Is that him?"

  "Yes, that’s my future husband." Trish introduced him to Nina and Joseph. Turned out Joseph was already acquainted with Lamont from previous social gatherings. After some polite small talk, Trish led him away.

  "She works fast," Joseph commented.

  "Is he a player?" Nina asked, concerned for her friend’s well-being.

  "Not that I know of," Joseph shrugged. "I’ve never seen him with any women or heard any stuff about him. He’s always very mellow. I believe he’s some kind of co-executive producer for indie films. The straight-to-video kind of films. Wait here okay? I don’t want to lose you again." He gave her hand a squeeze and set off to get them a drink.

  Feeling a draft from the door, she turned and saw Mick coming in. He gave her a nasty smile and said, "I'd like to try that spinach salad now."

  Could anyone be this dense? Nina wondered? Before she could move away, Mick took hold of her arm.

  "Why don’t we find somewhere private and have ourselves a conversation?"

  "No, thank you," Nina said, "let go of my arm."

  "Don't be so cold! I don’t know anyone here and I’d like to make a new friend."

  Joseph saw them from across the living room and hurried over, setting two glasses of wine on a nearby table. Nina tried to jerk her arm away, but Mick held on. She lost her balance and bumped into a potted plant.

  "Get your hands off her!" Joseph raged.

  "And who the hell are you?" Mick finally let go of Nina’s arm.

  Oblivious to the scene they were causing, Joseph stepped up to Mick. "I’m the guy who’s gonna kick your ass."

  "Joseph!" Nina cried, unable to believe what she was seeing.

  "What’s going on here?" They all turned as Peter Benson came up to the group and looked questionably at Mick. "I think you better leave. I’m not sure who you came with but I'm sure I didn't invite you."

  "Jesus Christ!" Mick blustered, backing up. "What is wrong with you people?"

  Trish came up with Lamont beside her. "What is going on here?"

  "He, he was bothering me," Nina said.

  "Then maybe he better leave," Lamont said.

  "He started it!" Mick yelled. He saw the threatening look on Lamont’s face. "Aw shit! What a bunch of psychos!" He opened the door and departed off into the night.

  Peter said, "Let’s sit for a while. I’d like to talk to you about the show, anyway. Come with me," he nodded towards Nina, "I don’t think we’ve been introduced yet. Come along," he urged, and Nina followed, leaving Trish and Lamont to themselves.

  "Yes," Joseph replied dazedly. "That’s probably a good idea."

  They settled on one end of a huge, snow white sofa, and Peter leaned over and took Nina’s hand in his. "I’m Peter Benson, and you must be Nina." His palm was warm and soft.

  "You have a beautiful home," Nina said.

  "Thank you," Peter murmured, and looked deep into her eyes. "Quite lovely, Joseph. Were you going to throw that ugly little man to the floor and smash his face in for her?"

  "I wanted to," Joseph replied.

  "I really don’t blame you, no, don’t blame you at all." Peter let go of Nina’s hand. "I must apologize, to both of you. Sometimes we get crashers and sometimes my friends bring in the riffraff. Did he harm you?" he said to Nina.

  "No, he just wouldn’t leave me alone."

  "Don’t worry about a thing, he’s gone and you did absolutely nothing wrong. Now, on to business" Peter waggled his finger. "Have you forgotten the job in Las Vegas this weekend?"

  Confused, Nina looked to Joseph and said, "Las Vegas?"

  "Yes," Joseph admitted. "I did forget. I have just one scene," he explained to Nina. "It should take only one day of shooting. I’ll be back on Sunday."

  Nonplussed, all Nina could say was, "Oh."

  "I
have another bit of news, and you’re not going to like it." Peter took a deep breath, "Karen has read for the part of Celeste. I haven’t heard yet whether she’s got it or not."

  "Celeste?" Nina thought that she really should pay more attention to Joseph’s business so she would know what the hell was going on. Mumbling one and two word sentences were making her feel like a nitwit.

  "It’s one of the cop characters," Joseph supplied, his good mood gone. "She’s not even right for that part! It’s so far out of her range. She did this on purpose!" He paused, "Does she have a chance?"

  "As good a chance as any. I understand the show needs some window dressing and although I think you might be wrong about her range of character, she can certainly play sexy. This is business," he said smoothly. "I want you to make nice with her and get along. I realize that Karen isn’t the easiest person to deal with. But, she made it clear to me that everything was quite right between you two. So, is it?"

  Before Joseph could answer, Peter gazed over his shoulder and said, "Ah, here she is now. Karen, my dear! You look ravishing, as always." He stood up and extended his hand toward Karen who was dressed in a sky blue strapless cocktail dress that contrasted beautifully with her tan skin, and assisted her to a seat on the other side of Joseph. Karen raised her hand, her chest rising, to pat her blonde coif. Nina searched the room. Where were her reinforcements?

  "Joseph! How are you, baby?" She smiled widely, put her hand on his thigh in a proprietary manner and shot Nina a triumphant look. "Hi! I’m Karen, and you are?"

  "You know who she is," Joseph said heatedly, removing her hand. "You met at Willie’s, remember?" He got up from the couch, "Excuse us," he said to Peter, "we’ll talk later."

  "It was nice meeting you, Peter." Nina gave a nod in Karen’s direction, acknowledging her presence for the first time. "Ronnie."

  She and Joseph walked around the house looking for Trish. "Let me text her," Nina suggested. "And then I would like to get out of here." She typed off a text and waited twenty seconds before she got a reply. "They're in the library." She followed Joseph up a grand staircase to a room on the second floor. Trish and Lamont were standing in front of a large book case looking at the photographs of Peter with various celebrities that sat on the shelves.