Page 9 of Love Is…?

Isabelle seemed to soften, relaxing her shoulders. “I suppose it’s necessary. The requirements were explained whenCultureapproached us.”

“Us?”

“Yes. As her agent, I am first point of contact regarding all promotional opportunities for Ms Taylor. I sign off alone on the majority because I know what will benefit her career, however on the rare occasion, we will work together to make decisions.”

“So Abigail signed off on the profile?”

Another cheek twitch.

“Yes.” Isabelle breathed deeply. “She likes the theme of the series.”

“Love is.”

“Yes.”

It was definitely Isabelle’s favourite word, even if she delivered it in the manner of one who really didn’t want to say yes but had to because it was the only answer that worked.

“Well, that’s good. I’m sorry you’re not thrilled.”

“I do see the value of Ms Taylor’s inclusion.”

Jayde’s eyebrows lifted.

Isabelle delivered a long look. “Culturemagazine has extensive reach across a wide variety of demographics. Having Ms Taylor featured in such a manner will ensure that she will remain current even when she’s not on the red carpet.”

Jayde stared. “That’s not the point of?—”

“I will, of course, need to see the copy before it’s sent to Ms Morgensen so I can ensure that Ms Taylor is presented in the best light.”

Nope. Jayde shook her head. “No,” she said, and frowned. “I can’t do that. That’s not how this works. It annihilates all journalistic integrity from the profile and me as the writer. You have to trust me.”

They stared at each other for a moment, then Jayde broke her own rule.

“Look, I get that this impacts on Abigail’s time. I get that she’s really busy, but this is something that she clearly wants to do. It’s a profile that will be written with respect, I promise. I love this type of journalism and that will come through in the writing. I also like to honour the person being profiled. How can you not? If you’re worried about this piece making Abigail look…” Jayde stared past Isabelle’s head in search of the word. “Somewhat desperate, then please don’t be. It’ll be a great piece of journalism and therefore people will read it, which means Abigail is going to remain very…” Jayde raised an eyebrow. “Current.”

Isabelle smoothed away non-existent wrinkles in the skirt covering her thigh. “Well, we should deal with the paperwork, then discuss the schedule.”

Paperwork meant a non-disclosure agreement, probably signed with a droplet of blood squeezed from the cut in Jayde’s palm which had been created by the sacred knife of Hollywood agents.

Or signed with a pen.

Whichever was easiest.

Jayde beamed. “Excellent.”

Tessa skippeddown the six front steps, and stopped on the first line of sandstone pavers.

“Wow,” she breathed. Then said it again because one wow was never enough for news like that. She sifted through the pertinent facts from the scroll of dot points that unfurled in her brain.

Own bedroom and ensuite for when she needed to stay over because Grace was involved in something into the night. Therefore still living with Angel for the majority of time.

Sundays off.

One excellent teenager.

Two astonishingly famous adults.

One very lovely PA.

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