Page 7 of Call Sign: King
“And here she is, the lady of the hour,” Kathleen O’Malley welcomed into her microphone as Khloe approached.
“Hello Kathleen. Great to see you again,” she lied, leaning in to exchange European air-kisses — the official greeting of Hollywood.
“I love your gown, and I heard the diamonds you’re wearing tonight are on loan from Tiffany’s. Can you confirm?”
“Yes. I’m honored to be wearing this very rare set they acquired from a private collection,” she said, touching the heavy necklace for effect.
Khloe was relieved to have something superficial to talk about. She wanted to get through the three-minute interview tonight without getting dragged into personal conversations she would rather avoid.
I won’t be as lucky at the sit-down interview, I’m sure.
“I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to purchase your own diamonds for your next premier. Is the rumor true you’ll be making eighteen million for your next project?”
Khloe knew damn well Kathleen had all the details, but she played along for the rolling camera.
“While I’m thrilled with the compensation package my agent negotiated, I can assure you, having the opportunity to work with Spielberg and the amazing team he’s put together for the project is the most important reward for me. It’s the kind of juicy role that rarely comes around and I can’t wait to get started on filming in the fall.”
“That’s right, you still need to finishDangerous Liaisonsthis summer, don’t you? You must really enjoy working with Edward Rivera, since that’s the third project you’ve done with him.”
“I owe Edward and his team a great deal. He’s the first producer to cast me in a lead role and I’ll never forget that. Not to mention, he has his finger on the pulse of the industry, and if he calls with an offer, I always know it’s a project I’ll be interested in.”
“It must be nice to be in a position of being chased for roles instead of having to do the chasing.”
“I know how lucky I am to have my choice of some of the best projects available, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t work hard to get where I am.”
Khloe heard the defensiveness in her own voice but dammit, she hated when reporters made it sound like she didn’t have to work for all she’d achieved.
“Oh, anyone paying attention at all knows what a professional you are. From cameramen to art and costume designers… everyone I’ve ever talked to in the business says how great it is to work with you. Well, everyone except maybe Dean Reynolds.”
The mention of the ex-boyfriend she’d kicked to the curb over four years ago caught Khloe off guard. She did her best to hold her smile to avoid showing her displeasure and giving Kathleen the opportunity to ask an even worse follow-up question.
“I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t ask why you’ve chosen yet again to walk the carpet alone. Surely Khloe Monroe can get a date for her own premiers?”
She’d practiced answering this one many times.
“And limit my options to just one man? The second I appear in public with someone for even five minutes, the gossip rags tear into the poor person. No thanks. And anyway, I’m much too busy working to have time for a relationship.”
Kathleen chuckled a fake laugh before nodding in Ryder’s direction. “At least you surround yourself with the best eye candy. Looks like you’ve added someone new to your team.”
Khloe pushed down her aggravation. “As you know, since my stalker scare a few years ago, I’ve become very protective of my inner circle. I can assure you; my protection detail is much more than just eye candy.”
That’s the understatement of the century.
“Even better,” Kathleen said, ogling Ryder with an unprofessional glare.
“Ms. Monroe, I think it’s time we move into the theater.”
Ryder’s strong voice calmed her, reminding her that despite what the world saw in front of the camera tonight, she was far from alone on the red carpet.
The Rita Skeeter-esque reporter took the hint. “I appreciate you stopping in to chat. I’m looking forward to the premier this evening, and even more importantly, the time we’ve set aside when you finish filming in Toronto. I have many important topics I look forward to discussing when we have more time.”
Khloe didn’t like the reporter’s innuendo, but there was no time to worry about that now.
“Thanks, Kathleen, and I hope you enjoy the show.”
Ryder’s light touch on her elbow was reassuring, if not unexpected.
“Good girl fielding those questions,” he praised softly. “I get a hard-on just watching you handling the press.”
