No Biz Like Showbiz Read online

  “I’m not on board with this theory.”

  “It’s okay. You don’t have to be on board. Just do what you need to do to catch the hacker and we’ll go home.”

  I closed my eyes. “Why is it so damn painful?”

  “It’s painful, yet oddly poignant, because all of you are way out of your comfort zone. Explain to me how is that a bad thing. Don’t we all grow and expand as individuals when we try new things in life?”

  “I like my life when it’s quiet, safe and alone.”

  “Not true. You like your life because you have friends, family and people who love you. Yes, they complicate it, but you are not alone. It’s called relationships and as much as you profess to abhor them, without them in any form, you would be a lonely, unhappy person.”

  I sighed. “I hate it when you’re right.”

  She hugged me. “No, you love me for it. Look, all of you on the show are beyond a-dork-able. Honestly, I can see why this show is popular. The audience will love you as much as they love the guys. Everyone wants you guys to find happiness. So, do your best, roll with the punches, and let’s trap this hacker. Okay?”

  I considered. Blew out a breath. “Okay.”

  “Good. No more hiding. Finish this and let’s go home.”

  I straightened. “You’re right. I can do this.”

  “Of course, you can. Now, go get ’em.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The final two interactions with Anson and Ray weren’t as bad as I’d anticipated. Other than discovering that Anson still lived with his folks, slept in the closet during thunderstorms, and liked to smell books in private, it went pretty well.

  The discussion with Ray was easily the best of the evening, mostly because we didn’t talk much. Instead, I insisted on him playing several songs for me on his guitar, which he happily retrieved from his room. He also talked about his love for music, songwriting, and the challenges of breaking into the music business. Cartwright didn’t seem overly happy that the conversation was actually normal, but considering I had actually returned from the bathroom and wasn’t putting anyone in danger, he kept quiet.

  After one final song from Ray, I stood and clapped (maybe a bit too enthusiastically), thinking the night was finally over. However, before we could leave the patio, Stone strolled out, a smug look on his face. I tensed.

  Stone clapped Ray on the shoulder. “Good show, my man. You’re quite talented. Thank you for gracing all of us, especially Lexi, with your considerable musical ability.” Before Ray could respond, Stone practically pushed him toward the French doors of the living room. “See you later.”

  Ray stumbled a step and threw me a questioning look over his shoulder. I lifted an eyebrow as Stone faced me, his smirk widening. “Sit down, Lexi. The night is not over.”

  “But Ray is the last guy.”

  “Not exactly.”

  Confused, I glanced over at Basia and Ace, both of whom looked as baffled as me. Basia lifted her hands in an I-don’t-know-what’s-going-on gesture.

  I returned my gaze to Stone’s face. “What do you mean, ‘not exactly’?”

  “It means that we are throwing you a bit of a curve ball, livening things up, so to say.”

  “I don’t want things to be more lively.”

  He laughed. “Of course, you do. You just don’t realize it yet.”

  I narrowed my eyes. I was definitely going to have words with Cartwright. “Get to your point.”

  The guys, backlit by the bright lights of the mansion, jostled at the doors, trying to get a better look at what was happening on the patio. I caught a glimpse of Barnaby and Gregg, both apparently having joined the group. Barnaby had a white adhesive strip across his nose and sported two black eyes, while Gregg appeared in good—as opposed to twitchy—health, at least from my vantage point.

  “My point, my dear lady, is that we’ve added a new suitor to the mix.”

  My mouth dropped open. “What?”

  The guys expressed their surprise with a series of choice words and phrases. I looked over at Cartwright, whose face was shadowed and impassive, then turned my attention back to Stone.

  “Why?”

  “Why?” Stone chuckled. “Why do you think?”

  “Because you want to heighten the drama. Or because you enjoy being a jerk.”

  Stone glared at me and one of the cameramen snickered so loudly that Cartwright glared at him across the patio.

  Stone narrowed his eyes. “I’ll tell you why. We wanted to catch you with your guard down, with no opportunity to prepare or think before a date. Lexi Carmichael, raw and exposed. No chance to prepare herself. How will she manage with a surprise guest? Will she be adept enough to juggle the remaining guys? More importantly, how will our surprise suitor woo the lady? Will the current group of guys be able to deal or compete with him? It’s all quite exciting. So, everyone, sit back in your seat and enjoy the experience.”

  He stepped to his side and swept out his arm in a grand gesture. “Lexi Carmichael, I present to you, Nelson Soddenbag, one of America’s youngest multi-millionaires and the reclusive owner of Frisson International, LLC in New York City.”

  A shadowy figure stepped out onto the patio. He was tall, but his posture was hunched as he walked. He seemed to have a limp of some kind. Despite his strange shuffle, something seemed familiar about the way he moved. He stepped up next to Stone and raised his head to look directly at me.

  A gasp escaped my mouth.

  Slash was nearly unrecognizable with what had to be a black wig, long sideburns, and a fake goatee. He wore some kind of retainer that made his teeth stick out. But I recognized those eyes. They sparkled with mischief, amusement and a warning. I had no idea what game he was playing, but I couldn’t call him out on it here.

  Stone, most likely mistaking my surprise for revulsion, clapped his hand on my shoulder, moving me closer. “Say hello to Nelson, Lexi.”

  I held out a hand. “Uh, nice to meet you, Nelson.” I hoped my tone was more polite than shocked.

  “Likewise, but the pleasure is all mine.” Slash had changed his accent to a more nasal New York one. He shook my hand and gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it. I fell, more than sat, in my chair.

  Slash took the chair across from me and smiled at Stone.

  Stone’s glee was almost palpable. “Well, I’ll let the two of you get acquainted. Have fun.”

  The ghostly waiter abruptly appeared, bringing a new already-opened bottle of champagne and two clean flutes. The cameramen quietly maneuvered in closer while I clasped my hands in my lap, not sure what to say.

  Thankfully, Slash took control of the conversation. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. How do you like being on the show?”

  “Honestly?”

  “Of course.”

  “Not much. The guys are nice though, and they put up with me, so there’s that.”

  “I can’t see how that’s a hardship on their part.”

  I glanced over and saw Basia and Ace had their heads together, talking softly. Basia seemed upset. Ace had his arm around her as he explained something in an animated fashion. I suspected Cartwright hadn’t told anyone about the surprise guest. I sincerely doubted Basia had been in the loop. She would have told me if she’d known.

  “Lexi?”

  “Huh? Ah, sorry. Did you say something?”

  “I said I’m glad to have this opportunity to meet you.”

  “Oh. Well, I’ll admit it is a big surprise to see you here.”

  “I’m sure it is.” He removed the champagne bottle from the ice bucket and filled our flutes. He handed me mine and then lifted his. “Let’s toast to surprises then.”

  “To surprises.” I held up my glass and we clinked them together.

  Slash took a
sip. “I’m actually a big fan of the show.”

  I studied him, doubtful. “Really?”

  “Really. Never more so than when you were unanimously selected by your peers to be on the show. It was quite an interesting development.”

  “Interesting being the key word here.”

  “Indeed.” He smiled and sipped his champagne.

  I looked to Basia for help, but she was still busy talking to Ace. So I turned back to Slash and took a deep breath. “So, tell me how you were selected to be the mystery suitor this week.”

  His eyes sparkled. “Ah, yes, that. I thought you might be curious. I’d actually been approached several times before about appearing on the show, but declined for a variety of reasons.”

  “No way.”

  “Way.”

  I set my glass down. “So, why appear now in the middle of the show?”

  “I saw you last week and was instantly smitten. I knew I just had to have the opportunity to see you in person. I had my people contact the show and fortunately for me, it worked out. Simple as that.”

  I narrowed my eyes. “Somehow, I don’t think it’s that simple.”

  He laughed. “I sense you suspect ulterior motives.”

  “I do.”

  “I assure you, I’ll be as transparent as you require.”

  “I require a lot.”

  He leaned back in his chair. “Excellent. I enjoy a challenge.”

  I caught a movement from the corner of my eye and saw Basia waving the dry-erase board.

  Ask him about his company. Who is he?

  Jeez, if she only knew.

  My mind raced. How and where to take this conversation?

  “So, Stone mentioned you are from New York. What exactly does your company, Frisson, do?”

  “Data integration, tactical computing, sensor management, simulation-based training, and fusion analysis. Among other things.”

  “You’re the CEO?”

  “Of course.”

  “Tell me what you mean by simulation-based training.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Testing me, are you?”

  “We’ve had some past frauds on the show. I’m just making sure you are the real deal.”

  “Ah, I assure you I am. I assume you already know what simulation-based training is. Otherwise, I could just make it up and you wouldn’t know the difference.”

  “I know what simulation-based training is.”

  He steepled his fingers together over the champagne flute. “Well, my company, Frisson, is developing and deploying a new generation of cryptologic simulation and training systems for the U.S. government. We have a unique approach to training, focusing on real-time operational simulations and training scenarios. Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of our work, I can’t say much more. Is that clear enough for you?”

  “Close enough.”

  “Did I pass the test?”

  “So far.”

  “I’m glad to hear that. I’m enjoying talking to you.”

  I was, too, but wasn’t sure if I should acknowledge it. I hadn’t even had a chance to decide how mad I was at him for his comments about the video of me in the shower. So, for now, I took a drink of my champagne and tried to figure what he was plotting by coming on the show.

  “Are you sure you don’t have any other motives for coming on this show?”

  He actually seemed to be having fun with the whole thing, the cad. “A man often has many hidden motives. But for you, I will be an open book. What would you like to know about me?”

  I considered a moment. “Are you based in New York?”

  “The company is. I’m more of a man on the move, you could say. In fact, I just recently returned from a trip to Europe.” His smile widened. “I was in Rome.”

  I nearly choked on the champagne. I coughed and then pressed a hand to my chest. “Ah, I...I guess that means you travel a lot.”

  “I go wherever the business takes me.” He played with the stem of his champagne glass. “Now, am I permitted to ask you a question?”

  I considered a moment. “Maybe. It depends on the question.”

  He set his glass down and leaned forward. “I’d like to know what you want in a boyfriend.”

  “What?”

  He leaned back in his chair, studied me. “I realize you came on this show unexpectedly. You didn’t exactly sign up. You were—more or less—voted in. You’ve had the chance to ask some of the contestants what they would like in a woman, and now I’d like to know what you’d like from a man and a relationship.”

  I heard some noise at the French doors where the guys were jostling for a better view at one of the monitors, and hanging on to every word we said. I saw the cameras swivel in their direction. They looked confused, anxious, and...oddly, interested.

  The cameras swiveled back to me. Slash waited patiently for my answer. I started to stammer. “I, ah, um...”

  “Well?”

  I let out a breath. “I...I’m not sure. I guess I’d like to have a relationship with a man that I could be really comfortable with. He’d have to be someone I could trust, someone who understands my quirks. A friend. No, not just a friend, a best friend, a person I could count on in any situation. But most importantly, it would have to be someone I could feel at peace with...a meeting of the minds and heart, so to say. That’s probably too much to expect from a boyfriend.”

  “Ah, but if you expect nothing, you get nothing in return.”

  He had a point. “True. No investment, no return.”

  I picked up my glass, swirled the champagne. “You know, I recently asked one of the guys on this show why he had put himself out in the public arena to do something as private as find a relationship. He told me there are benefits to being loved by someone else, no matter what. What do you think?”

  “I happen to be in agreement.”

  I sighed. “I wasn’t sure at first, but after thinking about it, I believe I am, too.” I folded my hands in my lap. “That being said, Nelson, I would also value a man who knew how to make amends if he messed up in some way. A man who knew how to eat humble pie if it were warranted.”

  “Humble pie?” Slash raised an eyebrow.

  Basia frowned and started whispering something to Ace, probably wondering what the heck was going on.

  “Yes, humble pie. A man who could admit he was wrong and be better for it.”

  “That can be a hard pie to swallow.”

  “Yes it can.”

  I realized my palms were sweaty, so I wiped them under the table on the tablecloth. As far as I could remember, this was the first time Slash and I had ever been so openly at odds. To have our discussion on this very topic broadcast on national television didn’t help matters much. But it was important to me. Slash had hurt my feelings and I still wasn’t sure how I felt about him after it.

  Perhaps disconcerted by the strange veering off of our conversation, Stone abruptly materialized at our table, waving an arm at the guys in the house. “Well, come on out, contestants, and meet the new mystery suitor.”

  Slash pushed back from the table. I marveled at how he stayed in character.

  Gregg reached us first and eyed Slash with mistrust. “You’d better not get in my way, bud. It’s obvious to everyone that Lexi has the hots for me. She kissed me.”

  “I did not kiss you.”

  “So she says. It was her plan all along to get me flat on my back. Baby, you could have just asked me instead of stunning me into it.”

  “I didn’t stun you either.”

  “Oh, but you did with your beauty and wit.”

  “For the love of God, shut up, Gregg.” Eldrick pushed his way past Gregg and held out a hand to Slash. “I’m Eldrick. Welcome to the nut house. May th
e best guy win.”

  I made the time-out signal. “Whoa. Hold it right there. Lest we all forget, I am not a prize, nor am I proposing anything to any of you. We’re here to get to know each other and that’s all. Are we all clear on that?”

  Truman shrugged. “Sure, but you’ve got to eliminate us one by one until your favorite is left.”

  “You all are pretty great guys. It won’t be easy to see anyone go.”

  Stone walked up to me smiling and put his arm around me, yanking me hard against him. I tried not to shudder.

  “Okay, audience, it’s up to you to help Lexi decide which guys stay and which one should be ejected. Vote for your favorite. Don’t let it slide. One vote might make all the difference. Don’t forget Nelson, our surprise guest, is now in the running, as well. Will the new suitor be the first off or will he be the new favorite? Vote now and tune in tomorrow for our results show.”

  I let out a sigh of relief just as Cartwright called out, “That’s a wrap. Now team, get to work putting the show together.”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Ace drove Basia and me to the studio. The two of them kept up a light chatter, but I was silent, thinking.

  Ace adjusted the rear view mirror. “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the hotel instead of the studio? You’ve got to be exhausted.”

  “No, I want to go to the IT room. I want to check something.”

  “How are you going to get to the hotel?”

  “Probably Kyle. We’re all working late tonight. Tony also said he’d be here tonight to do some work. Someone should be able to give me a ride. Don’t worry, Ace. I’ll be okay, really.”

  Ace sighed. “You’re the boss.”

  Basia twisted in the front passenger seat to look at me. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay?”

  “You’ve already asked me four times. I’m fine. I’m just thinking.”