Read Online Showbiz, A Novel by Ruby Preston - Free Book Online

didn’t mention when we met that you are Margolies’ associate producer. That’s a big job. I’m impressed.”
                  “I don’t like to broadcast my job around industry people. When I do, they either want to give me the script to their new un-produced musical or regale me with horror stories about Margolies. Believe me, I don’t need to hear them.”
                  “I’m sure you don’t. You probably know him better than anyone these days.”
                  “Unfortunately for me, that’s probably true,” she said as their champagne arrived.
                  “Cheers to the girl with the best and worst job on Broadway.” He raised his champagne flute.
                  “And to the columnist with all the dirt.” She raised hers in return.
                  She eyed Reilly over the rim of the glass as she sipped her champagne. It was nice to meet a guy who asked questions and seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say. She figured it was probably due to that fact that he was a journalist and made his living interviewing people for gossip column fodder. A thought suddenly occurred to her.
                  “Is it safe to assume this evening is strictly off the record?” she asked.
                  “I never kiss and tell.” He was nothing if not charming.
                  “Seriously, though,” she said, “I probably shouldn’t even be talking to you, much less having dinner.”
                  “Look—I like you. I’m not going to screw this up by betraying your trust after our first date.”
                  Just then their fondue arrived. It smelled amazing. This evening has the potential to be the perfect date, thought Scarlett.
                  She changed the subject. “So, did you always want to be a journalist when you grew up?”
                  “Something like that. I liked writing in school and have always been curious and interested in getting to the bottom of things.”
                  “Well, it’s impressive what you’ve managed to do with your career so far. Your own column. A name in the business.”
                  He seemed pleased by the compliment. “Thanks, but I don’t see myself being a ‘gossip columnist,’ as you say, forever.”
                  “It sounds like a pretty good gig. And you certainly keep the rest of us on our toes.”
                  “It’s been fun,” Reilly said .
                  That was an understatement, Scarlett figured. You didn’t land a job like his without some major effort and a lot of politics.
                  He turned the conversation back to her. “Do you see yourself producing with Margolies until he drives you into the ground?”
                  “Not a chance!” she said, a little too emphatically.
                  “I see I struck a nerve.”
                  “As producers go, I’m glad I’m learning from the best. No one else has his track record of rave reviews and hits, as I’m sure you know. But as soon as I can get a project of my own off the ground, I’d love to have my own producing office.”
                  Their second round of champagne arrived.
                  “As you should. Cheers!” They clinked glasses for the second time.
                  “Rumor has it they’re taking applications for the critic position at the Banner ,” Scarlett said . By now, news of the contest had circulated the Broadway backrooms. There was no way Reilly hadn’t heard, but she was curious to know his thoughts as a journalist himself.
                  “Can I be honest with you?” he said.
                  “I assumed you were,” she said with a wry smile.
                  “You