Page 95 of Love on the Byline

“And you,” Val replied before turning to her. “You must beBlake Dillon.”

She froze, hovering above her seat. “You know me?”

“Have you two met already?” Bran asked, eyeing Blake withsomething like suspicion.

“No, not yet,” Val replied.

Blake remembered to sit down. She wasn’t one to getstarstruck, or so she had thought. She’d been an admirer of Val’s for a while,ever since seeing her first film years ago. It had been inspiring to watch abeautiful Black woman in a leading role of a major motion picture that wasn’tabout trauma or struggle, but joy and hope. And had made her believe thatanything was possible, that she could create a space for herself to shine, too.

She stuck out her hand. “It’s such an honor to meet you.”

Valerie Saunders was beautiful, with hair as dark asmidnight and eyes the color of melted chocolate. Many of the women in the roomappeared flawless, and Val was no exception, but her makeup, unlike others, wasminimal. Her hair hung in loose waves above her bare shoulders, her simpleblack gown merely a showcase for her luminous, medium-brown skin.

The actor smiled, accepting the handshake. “It’s nice tofinally meet you. We have a mutual friend.”

Blake glanced at Bran, who was watching the exchange withsharp interest.

“We do?”

“Yes,” Val replied. “Deanna Lopez?”

“Oh, of course,” Ollie said, touching his hand to hisforehead. “How did I not put two and two together?”

“Who is Deanna Lopez?” Bran asked, looking thoroughlyconfused.

“Deanna runs the community center Adam and I told youabout,” Val replied before turning back to her. “I’ve been trying to get Branto come volunteer.”

Bran’s shoulders, which had tensed, relaxed. “And I told youboth I will, when time permits.”

Val gave him a chastising look. “If you wait for that,you’ll be a hundred years old. Make time.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He held up his hands in surrender.

“I didn’t realize you volunteered with Play L.A.,” she saidto Val.

“It’s a cause that’s near to my heart, working withdisadvantaged youth. Especially in the arts.”

Bran tilted his head and crossed his arms as he spoke. “Ihad no idea you were helping out at the community center, Blake.”

She glanced at Ollie, wondering why he hadn’t mentionedrunning into her. “I’m working on a story.”

“Yes,” Val replied. “Deanna said you’re looking into apredatory agency that’s been targeting the kids.”

“They lure them with promises of fame and cash, and then getthem to sign contracts with horrible terms. Or worse.”

“Worse?” Ollie asked.

“There’s suggestion of trafficking. Drugs. I’m onlybeginning to get anywhere with the story.”

“That’s fucked up,” Bran said, scowling. “Only assholes preyon kids.”

“It’s more common than you think,” Ollie said, a note ofsomething in his voice that she couldn’t pinpoint.

“If you need anything, access or contacts, please reach outto me,” Val offered. “Brandon has my information.”

He nodded, still frowning. “Yeah, anything you need.”

“I’ll do that, thanks.”

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