"Roberts, Nora - Private Scandals" - читать интересную книгу автора (Roberts Nora)

"California? I didn't know you were going on location."
"No, I'm speaking at the commencement exercises at Berkeley." Not bad, Angela thought, for someone who waited
tables to get through Arkansas State. "I'll be back for Monday's tapings. You know, Dee, since you stopped by, you
might take a look at my speech. You know how I value your input."
"Sure." Miserable, Deanna sipped at the water. "I can't do it until after five, but--"
"No problem. You can fax it back to me at home. I'll give you a copy."
"All right. Angela--" The only way to handle this was straightforwardly. "I'm here to talk to you about your offer."
"I was hoping you were." Relaxed, satisfied, Angela slipped off her shoes and reached for a cigarette. "I can't tell you
how much I'm looking forward to the move to New York,



Deanna. That's where the pulse of this business is, you know." She snapped on her lighter, took a quick drag. "That's
where the power is. I've already got my agent looking for an apartment."
Her eyes lost their calculating edge and turned dreamy. Inside she was still the girl from Arkansas who wanted to be
a princess. "I want something with a view, lots of windows and light, lots of room. A place where I can feel at home,
where I can entertain. If I find the right place, we may even shoot some of the specials there. The viewing audience
likes to get a peek at our personal lives."
She smiled as she tapped her cigarette. The soft look in her eyes sharpened. "We're going places, Dee. Women
have finally gained a solid foothold in broadcasting, and we're going right to the top. You and me." She reached over
and gave Deanna's hand a quick squeeze. "You know, your brains, your creativity are only part of the reason I want
you with me." Her voice was persuasive and ringing with sincerity. "I can trust you, Dee. I can relax around you. I don't
have to tell you what that means to me."
Deanna closed her eyes a moment while guilt churned in her stomach.
"I don't think there's ever been another woman I've felt so close to," Angela concluded.
"Angela, I want--"
"You're going to be more than my executive producer; you're going to be my right hand. In fact, I should have my
agent looking for a place for you, too. Nearby," she murmured, envisioning the late-night girl talks she'd never been
permitted during her youth. "It's going to be wonderful, for both of us."
"Angela, slow down." With a half laugh, Deanna held up a hand. "I think I understand how much this deal with
Starmedia means to you, and I'm thrilled for you. You've been wonderful to me, your help, your friendship, and I wish
you all the success in the world." Leaning over, Deanna took Angela's hand. "But I can't take the job."
The gleam in Angela's eyes dimmed. Her mouth tightened. The unexpected rejection nearly stopped her breath. "Are
you certain you understand just what I'm offering you?"



"Oh yes, I do. I do," she repeated, squeezing Angela's hand between both of hers before she got up to pace. "And
believe me, I've thought about this carefully. I've had a hard time thinking of anything else." She turned back,
gesturing with her hands. "And I just can't do it."
Very slowly, Angela straightened in her chair. She crossed her legs. The simple gesture eradicated all the softness.
"Why?"
"A lot of reasons. First, I have a contract."
With a sound caught between disgust and amusement, Angela waved it aside. "You've been around long enough to
know how easily that's dealt with."
"That may be, but when I signed I gave my word."
Taking another contemplative drag, Angela narrowed her eyes. "Are you that naive?"
Deanna understood it was meant as an insult. But she merely lifted a shoulder. "There are other factors. Even
knowing you don't plan to take Lew, I'd feel guilty stepping into his shoes--particularly since I don't have his
experience. I'm not a producer, Angela. And though it's awfully tempting to forget that and jump at the offer--the