The receptionist picked up the phone. “Let me speak with her assistant. Miss Corrigan is about to finish up a meeting in one of our conference rooms. I’m sure Erica can get you situated. Excuse me for a minute.”
She dialed a number and spoke briefly and then gave him a winning smile. “Erica will be here in a moment. In the meantime, is there anything I might be able to get you?”
“No, thanks.”
Wynn wandered over to a group of seats and sat, ignoring the stares of a couple waiting there. Within sixty seconds, a trim, petite Asian woman came around the corner and toward him.
“Erica Chang, Mr. Gallagher. Let me take those for you.”
“No, I’m fine, Erica.”
“Please, come with me.”
She led him along a maze of corridors. “I’m surprised Scarlett didn’t let me know you were coming in for lunch. She’s always on top of things.”
“We left it in the air,” he said vaguely. “She said she would be available for a working lunch today and I told her I was interested. Then too many people came up and the casino night got so busy, we never got back around to confirming our appointment. I hope that won’t cause any problems.”
“Not at all,” Erica said smoothly. “I had ordered Scarlett a sandwich from the cart. She’s awful about working straight through lunch. I’ll just eat it myself and save what I brought for tomorrow.”
They arrived at a door and Erica opened it, indicating for Wynn to come inside. He did, noting the spectacular view of downtown LA the corner office had.
“You can put lunch on this table,” the assistant said. “I’ll grab some plates. Would you care for anything to drink?”
“Iced tea if you have it. If not, water is fine.”
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” She glanced at her watch. “Scarlett shouldn’t be too much longer.”
Wynn opened the first bag and pulled out the steamed Thai dumplings, filled with pork, shrimp, water chestnuts, and mushrooms. For most women in LA, he would’ve ordered the veggie dumplings but Scarlett had attacked her steak and lobster Saturday night with gusto so he felt safe with his choice. He lifted out both soups and heard a noise behind him. Turning, he saw Scarlett standing in the doorway, a bemused look on her face.
“Hi,” he said, pushing aside the doubt that began to fill him. “I know we spoke about a working lunch today. I decided to follow up and come see you. My problem is pretty pressing.”
She composed herself and stepped into her office. Setting down an iPad on her desk, she said, “I’m happy you decided to keep our appointment.” Stepping toward him, she inhaled. “Mmm. Smells like Thai.”
“I hope that’s okay.”
Her smile reached her eyes, a rarity in a town filled with too many actors and sycophants. “Better than okay. It’s my favorite. Did I tell you that?”
“No. Just a lucky guess. Actually, I crave Thai and order it at least once a week.”
She opened the other sack and began removing cartons. He emptied his and indicated the two soup containers.
“I didn’t know how spicy you liked things. One is Tom Yum and the other Tom Kha.”
“I’ll definitely go spicy and take the Tom Yum. I adore lemon grass with all the spices and chili paste.” She opened the first entrée and sniffed. “Is this panang curry?”
“Yes. With bell peppers and lime leaf. Jasmine rice. The other is a pineapple curry duck.”
Scarlett frowned. “Hard decision.”
Wynn shrugged. “Why don’t we split them?”
Her face lit up. “Sounds like a plan. Are you sure you aren’t a lawyer and practiced in the fine art of compromise?”
“Not a chance.” Wynn removed the last containers. “Black rice pudding and mango sticky rice for dessert.”
“I’ll need a nap after this feast,” she said. “Have a seat.”
Wynn pulled out a chair as Erica returned with two large plates and two bottled waters. “I’ll hold your calls, Scarlett. Enjoy lunch.” She closed the door behind her.
He opened the appetizer while Scarlett plated half of each entrée for them. She handed him his plate and he thanked her. Wynn passed her a pair of chopsticks and she opened them, expertly holding them and lifting a dumpling to her mouth.
“This is heavenly. You’ll have to tell me where you ordered from.” After another bite, Scarlett’s gray eyes focused intently on him and he saw Business Scarlett kicking in.
“First, I need to establish if this is an exploratory meeting for switching representation, Wynn.”
“No. I’ve spoken with my brother and he faxed me this signed form. It should take care of any legal questions.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded sheet and handed it to her.
Scarlett opened it and skimmed the contents of the formal release. “You’re sure your brother is okay with this? I don’t want to cause any problems between the two of you.”
“Del’s in full agreement with me. He says I should’ve found an entertainment attorney years ago. He’s quite happy doing what he does. Frankly, he never enjoyed meetings with the studio’s lawyers.”
“What about the lost income? With his cut from your contracts, both as your agent and attorney, he’s losing more than what most people make in a year,” she pointed out.
“Del doesn’t need or want much. He likes to keep things simple.” Wynn left unsaid that he was cut from the same cloth as Del. He didn’t want to tell her that. He wanted Scarlett to discover it on her own.
“Okay. I’ll have Erica draw up the paperwork and Lymon McGraw will officially sign you today.” She rose and went to the door. Opening it, she spoke a moment to the assistant and then returned to the table. “With that in mind, what we speak about from now on is covered under attorney/client privilege. I need you to be open and honest about whatever led to you seeking different representation.
“Tell me about your issue, Wynn.”
Other than needing to win over her?
“I want out of my Alpha
