Under the Lights by Dahlia Adler

episodes in the can and I can’t remember if I’ve ever worked this hard in my life. I’ve had to wake up at seven almost every day, and it’s killing me. I’ve barely gone out because I can’t stand the hangovers anymore, not to mention that my beer gut was getting a little out of control. I’ll be damned if Holloway maintains his rep as the show’s “body” while he’s basically on vacation in the Valley.
    I let myself into Holloway’s trailer—which he barely even uses these days—and let out a long, loud groan. I’m tired as balls, and all I want is a shower and a nap before I go out with the guys again tonight. I groan again as I drop onto his couch. Feels like it’s been fucking
hours
since I’ve gotten off my feet.
    A frantic knocking sounds at the door, and then I hear, “Liam, are you okay? It sounds like there’s an animal dying in there.”
    Pushing myself up off the couch, I realize K-drama’s on the other side of the door. I swing it open. “Just the party animal that once resided within me,” I say dramatically, leaning against the doorpost. “What’s up?”
    â€œWhat are you doing in here?”
    â€œI need a shower, and the guest stars get lousy digs,” I inform her, raking a hand through my hair. “They really don’t appreciate where the true talent lies.”
    She rolls her eyes. “How strange of them. But just as well I found you—your agent’s lurking around here. I assume she’s looking for you to tell you she’s had enough of you.”
    More likely she’s looking for me to nag me to pick a script for once this guest arc’s up. “Lemme just shower, and—”
    â€œIs that him?” I stifle a groan as Holly joins Vanessa. “There you are. Did you get that script I sent over?
Wings of Phoenix
?”
    â€œThat’s filming in Philly, right?” asks Van. “Aren’t you banned from there after that whole incident at City Hall?”
    â€œI swear, people have no sense of humor. You’d think they’d be more immune to innocent actor shenanigans, given that
Transformers
filmed there. I’ll read it anyway—I’m sure they’re over it by now. Probably. I paid for the fire damage, anyway. Or maybe it was the water damage. Whatever it was, I threw money at it.”
    Holly exhales sharply. “Meanwhile, everyone seems to think I’m also your publicist and manager. Have you thought about getting an actual publicist?”
    â€œAnd suppress his natural charm?” Vanessa says sweetly, laughing when I give her the finger.
    â€œWhatever gets me fewer e-mails. Dylan Mackenzie wants to make sure you’re still in for the celebrity golf thing next Sunday.”
    â€œTell him I wouldn’t miss it, and ask if his girlfriend will be back in that little argyle skirt.”
    â€œI’ll be sure to. Glory Thompson called to confirm your radio interview tomorrow—”
    â€œReschedule for Thursday. I’m back on set tomorrow.”
    â€œAnd I confirmed your dentist appointment for Thursday as well.”
    I shudder. “Can we reschedule that one for never?”
    â€œJoshua.” Vanessa fixes me with a
look
. “She’s not your assistant.”
    â€œNeither are you,” I remind her, “so unless you’re going to be helpful…”
    She rolls her eyes and leaves, and Holly walks in, closing the door behind her. I still need a shower pretty badly, so I’m hoping we can wrap this up soon. It’s hard to get whipped into a frenzy about picking up yet another job with early call times or…anything having to do with Philadelphia, really.
    â€œAny word from Val at Aspen on the fragrance shoot?” I ask.
    â€œI called her this afternoon. She says they’re still looking for a female model to pair you with. The one who did their last denim campaign has a