Page 89 of Love on the Byline

“Not yet. You think they’ll show up?”

“I don’t know.” Bran sat back in his chair, drumming hisfingers against the table as he looked around at the crowd. “I came here to seeVal. You came to hang out with Blake. The night couldn’t be a bust for both ofus. Could it?”

After a few minutes, Bran left the table and Ollie watchedhim mingle, making note of the people in attendance. It was a veritable who’s whoof independent film, and a good place for Bran to be seen.

“Excuse me,” a voice said from over his shoulder.

He turned to find a tall, Asian man in his mid-thirtiessmiling at him. He had glossy black hair swept back from his forehead andbright eyes that seemed to miss nothing.

“You’re Oliver Benjamin, right?”

“Yes.” He frowned at the man, trying to place him. “Sorry.Have we met?”

“Not yet,” he replied, extending his hand. “Vincent Park.”

“Ah, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” He took the man’shand, giving it a firm shake. “You work with Lorna Verden.”

“On Blackbird, yes. And I’ve been wanting to meetyou.” He smiled, his gaze intense and inquisitive. He wore the air of someonewho could launch or kill a career with a flick of his wrist. Which, of course,he could. “I have to say, I’m very impressed with the work you’ve done withLorna.”

He frowned. “The work I’ve done?”

“The rewrite on episode three really tightened it up,especially Aaliyah’s dialogue. You captured exactly what I was hoping for.”

“I...” Ollie was a little stunned. “Honestly, it was only afew lines.”

Park smiled. “She said you would say that. Listen,” hereached into his jacket and pulled out his phone. “Could I give you my info?”

“Of course.” Ollie retrieved his phone from the table andheld it out. One tap later, the other man’s contact information appeared on hisscreen. “I’m happy to help anytime.”

“I’d like you to do more than help, but I’ll let Lorna twistyour arm on that.”

“Well, I look forward to it, Mr. Park.”

“Vincent, please,” he held his hand up. “Do you prefer Ollieor Oliver?”

“Either.”

The man surveyed Ollie from head to toe, taking in everydetail as his lips curved into an amused grin. “You’re either the most affableman in Hollywood, or the most cunning.”

“Neither,” he replied, laughing softly. “I promise, what youget is what you see.”

“How refreshing. Are you here alone?” He gestured behindhim. “I have a table over there.”

“I’m here with...friends.” Ollie wasn’t sure why he’dhesitated, but Vincent didn’t seem to notice.

“Well, enjoy yourself. I’d love to get your thoughts ontonight’s film, sometime.”

“I guess I’ll be in touch,” he said, his head spinning. Hewas genuinely surprised that the man seemed so interested in his work.

“Was that Vincent Park?” Bran walked up beside him,gesturing with the whiskey glass in his hand.

“You know him?”

“Mostly by reputation,” he replied. “Lorna introduced me tohim once when he came by the set.”

“Seems like a decent guy.”

“By all accounts he is, for someone in his position.” Branturned to him. “Did he offer you a job?”

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