Scarlett gestured across the table. “Last is Dash DeLauria and Sydney Revere.”
Sydney eyed Wynn with interest. Scarlett knew exactly what that look meant. No one could work a crowd like Sydney, who was always on the lookout for new talent—or convincing known talent to part ways with other studios.
“If you’re ever interested in doing something beyond Alpha Tharra, let me know.”
“I’m a step ahead of you, Syd,” Cassie teased, holding up her cell. “I just set up dinner with Wynn, Breck, and me for next Wednesday. If that works for you, Wynn.”
“I’m free and would be happy to meet then.”
Sydney’s intrigue grew. “Is this about the new screenplay you and Breck started last week?”
Cassie nodded. “It is. We’ve been struggling to get a grip on the lead and his narrative. I think working with Wynn in mind might give us a definite direction.”
“Maybe this better be an RCDS meeting,” Rhett suggested. “Everyone could come to our place for dinner and talk about Wynn possibly working with us.”
“I haven’t discussed business with Wynn yet but that would be a conflict of interest for me,” Scarlett interjected.
“How so?” Wynn asked.
“I represent RCDS in all of their negotiations,” she explained. “I can’t also rep you if you move into contract talks with them.”
“We’re not that far along yet,” Cassie reminded her. “This is just an exploratory meeting. You could still take on Wynn as a client. Down the road, if we choose to work together on a project, one of the partners in your firm could negotiate on his behalf, while you still repped him in other matters.”
“I’m fine with that,” Wynn interjected quickly. Looking to her, he said, “Maybe we could meet Monday and talk about you representing me.”
“I’m curious,” she began. “You’re a big name, Wynn. Who currently handles you?”
“My brother, Del. He’s a great attorney and the finest man I know but he specializes in family law. With the direction I want to move in, I need an expert in entertainment law.”
“Excuse me,” Rhett interrupted. “Miranda’s frantically motioning me to begin.” He rose and headed toward a microphone.
Scarlett opened her clutch and withdrew her card. Handing it to Wynn, she said “I don’t have any openings Monday. Call my assistant so we can set something up.”
“Are you busy for lunch on Monday?” Wynn asked.
“I don’t think so.”
“Let’s do a working lunch,” he suggested. “My problem is pretty pressing. I need it solved next week. I’ll bring takeout to you so you won’t even have to leave your office.”
“Okay,” she said, wondering what huge problem haunted megastar Wynn Gallagher and what the urgency was involving it. She turned to give her attention to her brother.
Rhett looked over the crowd and gave his megawatt smile. “Good evening, everyone. I’m grateful to each of you for coming tonight because your presence at this event drums up publicity we need. Your generous donations are also appreciated as we continue the fight to end cancer. One hundred percent of your dollars go toward research.”
Wynn leaned close to her and Scarlett inhaled the subtle cologne he wore. “How can everything go to research?” he murmured into her ear, causing a shiver to ripple down her spine.
She turned and whispered, “Rhett funds everything else out of his own pocket. Employee salaries. Office space and overhead.” She sat back up, Wynn’s spicy scent lingering in her nose.
“Many families are touched by cancer,” Rhett continued. “Or I should say invaded by cancer because it is a sneaky, vicious enemy. My sister, Carreen, battled breast cancer successfully almost ten years ago and she’s the inspiration for this foundation. Today, Carreen is still cancer-free—and the only battles she fights these days are with her two teenagers.”
Appreciative laughter rippled across the room.
Rhett’s expression turned serious. “My mother, Nadine, wasn’t so lucky. Four months ago, she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest of cancers. It’s hard to detect because it can be hidden deep in the back of your abdomen. Mom had a little abdominal pain but brushed it off to being lactose intolerant. She lost some weight without trying but told everyone she was happy to get rid of a few pounds. By the time she became jaundiced, we knew something was wrong and sought immediate care. We found she was in Stage Four. That the cancer had spread and it was too late to eliminate it.”
He paused and Scarlett held her breath, hoping Rhett could get through this.
“Despite the best efforts of her amazing doctors and her strong will to live, Mom lost her battle two months later. Every morning I wake up, I’m hit anew with how heavy my heart is because Mom isn’t here to interact with her family. Her kids. Her grandkids. She was a vibrant, interesting woman who helped make me the man I am today. I miss her more than I can say.”
Scarlett felt her throat thickening with tears. She gripped her hands in her lap.
“I don’t want others to miss their loved ones. With your help, we will find a cure—and share that cure around the world.”
Resounding applause broke out. Scarlett wiped away a tear before it fell. Her mom had been her biggest cheerleader, whether it was watching her daughter compete at a track meeting or urging her to apply to law school. Like Rhett, Scarlett had been heavily influenced by their mother and she missed Nadine Corrigan every day.
It surprised her when Wynn’s hand found hers. He squeezed it gently. She looked at their joined hands and comfort filled her. Wynn released her hand but something lingered. Something different.
Scarlett wondered where her acquaintance with Wynn Gallagher might lead.
Rhett concluded his remarks and returned to the table. As everyone congratulated him, Scarlett switched her salad and dessert plate and took a bite of the cheesecake.
“Do you always go for dessert first?” Wynn asked, a smile tugging at the corner of his very sexy mouth.
“I attend far too many boring bar association lunches and other dinners. It always takes forever for
