The Set Piece Read Online Free Page B

doesn’t want to meet me first?”
    “We’ll get to that. But you’re his type. If he had this kind of type,” Knight said, but he wouldn’t meet Amy’s gaze. “Let’s just say, he understands the severity of the situation. All Diego needs to do is look like a movie star and produce on the field. We take care of the rest. That’s what he pays us for. And that’s why we’re prepared to pay you very handsomely, too.”
    Amy gave him her best withering gaze.
    “He’s met you on paper,” Horowitz added. “He likes what he’s seen.”
    “Well, I would have to meet him in person first. And if I like him, how long would this contract last? We wouldn’t actually get married, would we?”
    “We would contract you to six months, and no, you wouldn’t actually get married. But we do reserve the right to renegotiate as we go along.” Horowitz smoothed a non-existent wrinkle on his sleeve.
    “Of course you do.” Amy bit her bottom lip.
    “Not to flatter you into a decision here, Ms. Kimball. But we have been looking for some time now. We’re convinced that we have finally found the right person.” Horowitz retrieved another set of papers from his desk. He held them out to Amy. “So what do you say? This is a great opportunity for someone in your position. Are you ready to sign the real contract?”
    That was the million-dollar question. She should just get up and walk out of the office without looking back and leave the contract on the table. But what was she walking out to? Wasn’t something better than nothing at all? Her mind ran through the potential outcomes, but what it really came down to was whether to jump off this particular precipice or not. The jump wouldn’t kill her. But the landing might, and that was the real problem.
    “Can I think about it?”
    “You can, but this offer expires at six tonight. Sharp.” Horowitz returned the papers to his desk. His expression, so eager and friendly before, had hardened.
    “Gone like it never existed.” Knight waved his hand through the air as if he were performing a magic trick. “Face it. You only get one shot at this fairy tale. And the castle doors are closing fast.”
    “So until you sign, I believe our business is concluded.” Horowitz pushed a button on his desk.
    Rachel appeared at Amy’s side. “I’ll see you out, Ms. Kimball.”
    Without a signed contract, Amy lost what little leverage she had in that room. Horowitz sat at his desk, already lost to his computer screen. Knight whipped out his phone to check his messages. Rachel directed her through the double glass doors with a grip of steel. The outer office seemed noisier now. Everyone had a reason to be here, a purpose to their day, except her. Rachel hurried her toward the elevators where Jenna stood waiting.
    “Good day, Ms. Kimball.” Rachel handed her over.
    “Hey.” Jenna smiled the moment Rachel turned her back. “Did it go well?”
    “Not sure yet.”
    “Well, they’re really good here. They’ve lots of famous clients. You never know who you’ll meet.”
    Amy realized Jenna assumed she was interviewing for a job. In a way, she was.
    Jenna hit the elevator button and leaned in close. “That’s Kevin Wilson over there,” she whispered, and pointed to another glass-walled office. “He does all his business here. See? That’s how good they are.”
    Amy had heard of Kevin Wilson, the lead guitarist for Krippled Kids. Who hadn’t? Before she turned her head to gawk, she took a quick peek down Jenna’s top. She couldn’t help herself. Jenna threw her breasts around like an engraved invitation. They were large and firm and maybe even real, and were well worth the shame that flitted through Amy at peeking. At some point, she would have to get back on the romance wagon, but for now she was content to run alongside of it.
    “Oh! I think they closed a deal.” Jenna’s breasts jiggled with excitement.
    Amy forced her gaze toward the office.
    Kevin Wilson, in jeans and a