Page 11 of Wildest Dreams

Then my cell phone rings.

No one ever calls me, so Patsy immediately turns the music down and runs to my open office door.

I look at the number. It’s a California area code, so it has to be Pierre or his assistant. I didn’t save either of their numbers and I’m not sure which one it is, but they’re the only California people I know.

I look up at Patsy, wide-eyed.

“Answer it!” she says, impatient.

“Hello?” I answer, trying to sound natural but bordering on shrill.

“Hi, Kendall?”

Oh my god. It’s Pierre. My heart stops.

“Pierre? Hi!”

Patsy starts jumping up and down and has to cover her own mouth to keep from screaming. I motion for her to get out of my office, but she shakes her head and tries to calm herself.

He clears his throat. “How are you?” he asks, sounding a little nervous, which is baffling.

“I’m okay. Is something wrong? I hope Bertha?—”

“No, everything is great. I got the rotisserie chickens like you suggested.”

“Great!”

Awkward silence. I rack my brain for something to say to him, but I come up blank. It’s like my mind is completely erased every time I talk to him.

“Uh, listen,” he says, “this may sound a little weird, but I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Sure. How can I help?” Me? What could I possibly do for Pierre Chatham, of all people?

Besides, you know, save him from an alligator.

“Well, I’ve been working on my accent for this movie, and I think it would do me some good to be around some locals to get a feel for it.”

“Um…okay?” I try not to sound confused.

“Is there a place where you guys like to hang out? Like a bar or restaurant or something?”

This is surreal. Anywhere I tell him to go is going to pale in comparison to places he’s probably been to in fancy places like L.A., New York, and Europe.

“Most people go to Cattywampus,” I say.

“Catty what?”

“Cattywampus. It’s a brewery.”

“Great! I love craft beer.”

“Great!” Again, awkward silence. I have no idea what to say to this man.

“Where is it?”

Surely he has a phone to look this up. I’m completely bumfuzzled. “On the river, close to the bridge.”

“Perfect! Are you free Wednesday night?”

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