"Sleeping With The Enemy"
*******************
Scarlett was soon released from the hospital and from her obligation to Stein's musical as well. She was free again to make necessary changes in her life and had to do it quickly before depression had a chance to set in. She had already caught herself brooding several times, which was something she was not comfortable with. Distraction was the name of the game here. She decided to take Lady Jaye out to lunch to share her new plans with her.
"I have exciting news," Scarlett cheerfully told Lady Jaye as she reached into her Prada tote bag and pulled out a large manuscript then set it down on the table. "I'm going to get the rights to this property and produce it myself."
"Where did you get that?" Lady Jaye gasped.
"From Frankenstein's office," Scarlett answered matter-of-factly. Frankenstein was their nickname for their producer James Stein. "He had a stack of manuscripts on his desk from prospective authors that he was just going to toss so I offered to dispose of them for him. I took them home instead."
Lady Jaye laughed in amusement. "Frankenstein always was too arrogant for his own bloody good! So what is this play and why is it so special?" she asked Scarlett. It had been weeks since she had seen Scarlett look so happy. Not since before her miscarriage weeks ago. Her old friend seemed to be on her way back and wanted to encourage her.
"It's called "For Love And Honor" and basically it's a forbidden romance in the military during combat - sound familiar? This story is US Allie!" Scarlett told her enthusiastically. "Especially after I put MY touch on it. I'm going to make this story happen."
"You'd be the person to bring it to life," said Lady Jaye. "This is right up your alley."
"Actually, I was thinking you'd be the person to bring it to life. Nobody could play this lead like you could. By the time this gets going you should be done with Frankenstein's musical - if you're interested that is."
"That sounds perfect, and I'd love to," said Lady Jaye then questioned, "But what about your funding?"
"I have enough to start up the company and get it noticed but I'll still need to get financial backing for the play production itself."
"Oh Scarlett not your inheritance! It's such a huge risk!" Lady Jaye cautioned her.
"I know it's risky but I don't care. It's only money, and I really need this," Scarlett told her as her voice turned more solemn. "It takes my mind off of - I need to stay busy. And I love this story; it's something I can really sink my teeth into."
Suddenly, a too familiar smug eastern European accented voice piped up from the next table. "Darling, if you use your name and distinction with the Joes to get publicity then your company will go 1000 times further and come light years quicker. It will be fabulous," boasted the Baroness, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. Scarlett and Lady Jaye snapped around to look at her. They hadn't recognized her with her hair coiffed and eyes covered with oversized Chanel Jackie-O dark sunglasses.
"Baroness!" Lady Jaye exclaimed. "What are YOU doing here!"
"Having lunch just like you two," Baroness casually replied. "It's a free country darling."
"Free - Hmph! Something you shouldn't be," Lady Jaye retorted before Scarlett finally piped up.
"I want to hear what she has to say," said Scarlett. "Come sit with us Baroness."
"What!?" Lady Jaye was flabbergasted and looking at Scarlett in disbelief. "You're joking right? For the love of God WHY?"
"Because right now I hate myself more than I hate HER," Scarlett hissed at Lady Jaye, keeping her voice low so the Baroness couldn't hear. Lady Jaye's expression fell and she looked down, not knowing what to say to that. "Look, if I don't like what she has to say then I send her on her way. No harm done," Scarlett reassured her then called out to the Baroness, "Well what are you waiting for Baroness? Come talk to us!"
The Baroness beamed triumphantly as she took her seat at their table. "Thank you darling, I knew you had some sense somewhere in there." Scarlett let out an exasperated sigh at the Baroness' insulting compliment.
"Start talking Baroness, before I change my mind," Scarlett warned her.
"Yes, enough with the pleasantries," said Baroness as she took off her sunglasses. "I have a plan that will benefit us both. You need publicity to get your new company off the ground. Your name on the production is what will or will not sell tickets. If nobody is familiar with you then you are destined for failure. And darling, you have not been doing your PR lately. You need to get back into the papers immediately. You can start by allowing me to "leak" to the press about your latest tragedy, eliciting public empathy. And let me say that I was very sorry to hear of your miscarriage, that was quite unfortunate," she said with indifference. Scarlett's eyes widened in shock.
"Excuse me?" Scarlett turned to Lady Jaye, who was just as surprised at the Baroness' knowledge. Scarlett glared back at the Baroness resentfully. "I don't know what you're talking about so move on to the next publicity stunt before I dismiss you," she warned Baroness.
"Darling! Is that any way to speak to me after the lovely arrangement I sent to your hospital room?" Baroness feigned insult then proudly added, "I picked out the vase myself."
"What are you talking about? You didn't send flowers," said Scarlett dismissively. "And furthermore, why WOULD you?"
"Technically it was from my firm, to get your attention of course. Ten large scale sunflowers in a Baccarat crystal urn?" Baroness reminded her. "Surely you could not have missed it."
"Of course I saw it. It was from the production crew. Please don't be so tacky to try to pass it off as yours."
"Uh, that arrangement wasn't from the production crew," Lady Jaye told Scarlett. "We sent you roses."
"Yes, and then there was another one - ."
"No, there was no other one, just the roses," Lady Jaye told her then regretfully added, "I hate to say this, but I think she might be telling the truth."
"No, Duke read the card and - ," Scarlett started to say then paused as it occurred to her that she never actually saw the card for herself. She started to realize that Duke had lied to her.
"Oh! Well if your Duke says so," said Baroness mockingly as she let out a hearty laugh. "Oh darling, I cannot even blame him. I'd have done the same thing, except I would not have got caught of course."
"Dammit!" Scarlett cursed as she slammed her fist on the table. "How could he lie to me!"
"Look, I'm sure he was just trying to protect you," Lady Jaye told Scarlett. "You had enough to deal with at the time."
"I'll deal with him later," Scarlett sighed. "So what else Baroness?"
"Well if you're reluctant to my first idea - ," said Baroness.
"It's off limits!" Scarlett snapped.
"Well darling, you're dreadfully thin right now. You're like a hanger; it's fabulous. You should be photographed immediately before you put your weight back on. We can publicize your distinction with the Joes by doing a magazine layout that's daring and edgy: Something Joe-like, something fabulous."
"I'm like a hanger?" Scarlett asked as she tried to determine if she had been complimented or insulted. Knowing the Baroness, probably both since the word Fabulous was used. "And who says I need you to do this for me?"
"Really darling? I can't remember the last time I saw you on Page Six."
"Nobody reads Page Six," Scarlett scoffed at her.
"EVERYBODY reads Page Six, even if they say they don't," Baroness informed her. "And did you even know that Sports Illustrated wants you?"
"They do?"
"Yes but - oops! You wouldn't know that because you haven't been doing your PR."
"I swear if you say the Swimsuit Edition - ," said Scarlett in a warning voice.
"Ahem - well that is one of the options," Baroness explained.
"Baroness!"
"Cool it darling, they are not the only game in town and I am not even closed to finished yet. Now as I was saying, you will do something fabulously edgy that shows off your distinction with the Joes - something that sets YOU apart from the rest. And you will need to start making your rounds immediately: Galas, cocktail parties, grand openings, and anything else that is reported on Page Six. I shall make sure you are invited to everything under the sun, even if it's the opening of a fucking envelope."
"Okay, I can handle that," Scarlett admitted. "Sounds good so far. Now what's in it for you?"
Baroness smiled out of the corner of her mouth as she took a slow drink from her Bloody Mary before going into her explanation. "Right now you are about B-list status but when your production succeeds you will be my first A-list client and success story, building my firm's prestige. Once that is established all the rest of the A-listers will follow you to me like sheep. And I will show those High Society fools who owns this fucking town!"
"Understandable," said Scarlett. "But I'm taking a big risk here. This is my life we're talking about. So I'll need something from you to ensure you won't fuck me over."
"Like what?"
"I don't know, you tell me," Scarlett suggested. "Information, Baroness. Now where are you getting yours about me?"
Baroness smirked at her while slowly tapping her finger on her cheek. "Careful what you wish for darling, you just might get it," she taunted her.
"Tell me or no deal," Scarlett gave her ultimatum. Baroness let out a subtle laugh before finally answering the question.
"Vincent Falcone, better known in your circle as Falcon," Baroness proudly told her. Scarlett and Lady Jaye froze in their seats, stunned at Baroness' information.
"You're lying," Scarlett accused her.
"Are you so sure darling?" Baroness challenged her. "Was he not at the hospital and privy to the information about your miscarriage? Does he not come to the city every few weeks under the pretense of visiting his dear brother only to spend maybe one fucking day with him? Does he not fly here first class and stay at The Plaza for his visit here? Surely you did not think such extravagance was his style or in his budget?"
"I wondered about that," Lady Jaye admitted. Scarlett nodded in agreement.
"So you've been sending for him," Scarlett pieced together as her disappointment in Falcon started settling in. "But why would he do this, unless you're paying him or - Are you having an affair with him?"
"Hmm, you catch on quick!" Baroness told her in mock pride. "Yes darling, and if my Destro ever found out he would hang me out to dry. So now you have my fate in your hands. Is that enough insurance for you?" she offered to Scarlett. She knew she actually had nothing to worry about since Scarlett didn't have it in her to try to ruin her life, not even out of spite. It wasn't her style.
"Maybe. All I need is verification," said Scarlett as she pulled out her cell phone and started dialing Falcon's number.
"He's in room 834 for this visit dear, at The Plaza of course," Baroness informed her. Scarlett scowled at Baroness' correct information. Then Falcon answered his phone.
"Did you sell me out to the Baroness?" Scarlett barked accusingly into the phone. "And don't even think about lying to me Vincent."
"Uh, ah, sell?" Falcon stammered. "Well technically not sold - ."
"Vincent how could you!" Scarlett yelled at him.
"You don't understand, she's actually pretty cool and - aw I'm sorry please don't be mad at me Shana," Falcon pleaded. "We were just talking and - ."
"THAT"S what you have to say for yourself?" Scarlett asked him lividly.
"Please don't tell Duke," Falcon requested. "I don't want him upset with me, I care a lot about the guy."
"Fuck you Vince. You should have thought about that before you replaced your brain with your dick," Scarlett angrily replied then snapped her phone shut and looked up at the Baroness. "I'm going to kill the little punk, but it looks like you have yourself a deal Baroness."
"Fabulous! I knew you were smart dear," said Baroness as she held her hand out then added, "and don't be too hard on the boy. He's still young and impressionable to my charm, not that there's an age limit on that mind you."
"You just worry about my PR," said Scarlett as she shook hands with the Baroness.
"Well in that case darlings, I must get going. There is much to do," said Baroness as she got up from the table.
"Don't tell me YOU'RE going to put in an honest day's work?" Lady Jaye asked skeptically.
"Bah! Do not be ridiculous!" Baroness exclaimed in dismay. "That is what my lackey agents are for," she told them then left the restaurant.
"I don't know about this Scarlett, shouldn't you have talked to Duke about this first?" asked Lady Jaye, still apprehensive over Scarlett's decision.
"You mean the way he consulted me before censoring my get-well cards? I know he means well and I love him but he's not lord and emperor over my life," Scarlett snapped then explained, "Yes, Baroness is in a nutshell - pure evil - but as a businesswoman she is extremely savvy and a force to be reckoned with. She knows the game well and will play it ruthlessly. And she isn't in it for the money because she already has plenty of hers and Destro's to burn, this is more personal to her. She's still angry about that co-op snub. THAT'S the kind of person I want in my corner working on my behalf."
"You'll have to deal with her probably on a daily basis," Lady Jaye warned her.
"It's just business. It's not like we're going to become best buddies."
*******************
*******************
Scarlett was soon released from the hospital and from her obligation to Stein's musical as well. She was free again to make necessary changes in her life and had to do it quickly before depression had a chance to set in. She had already caught herself brooding several times, which was something she was not comfortable with. Distraction was the name of the game here. She decided to take Lady Jaye out to lunch to share her new plans with her.
"I have exciting news," Scarlett cheerfully told Lady Jaye as she reached into her Prada tote bag and pulled out a large manuscript then set it down on the table. "I'm going to get the rights to this property and produce it myself."
"Where did you get that?" Lady Jaye gasped.
"From Frankenstein's office," Scarlett answered matter-of-factly. Frankenstein was their nickname for their producer James Stein. "He had a stack of manuscripts on his desk from prospective authors that he was just going to toss so I offered to dispose of them for him. I took them home instead."
Lady Jaye laughed in amusement. "Frankenstein always was too arrogant for his own bloody good! So what is this play and why is it so special?" she asked Scarlett. It had been weeks since she had seen Scarlett look so happy. Not since before her miscarriage weeks ago. Her old friend seemed to be on her way back and wanted to encourage her.
"It's called "For Love And Honor" and basically it's a forbidden romance in the military during combat - sound familiar? This story is US Allie!" Scarlett told her enthusiastically. "Especially after I put MY touch on it. I'm going to make this story happen."
"You'd be the person to bring it to life," said Lady Jaye. "This is right up your alley."
"Actually, I was thinking you'd be the person to bring it to life. Nobody could play this lead like you could. By the time this gets going you should be done with Frankenstein's musical - if you're interested that is."
"That sounds perfect, and I'd love to," said Lady Jaye then questioned, "But what about your funding?"
"I have enough to start up the company and get it noticed but I'll still need to get financial backing for the play production itself."
"Oh Scarlett not your inheritance! It's such a huge risk!" Lady Jaye cautioned her.
"I know it's risky but I don't care. It's only money, and I really need this," Scarlett told her as her voice turned more solemn. "It takes my mind off of - I need to stay busy. And I love this story; it's something I can really sink my teeth into."
Suddenly, a too familiar smug eastern European accented voice piped up from the next table. "Darling, if you use your name and distinction with the Joes to get publicity then your company will go 1000 times further and come light years quicker. It will be fabulous," boasted the Baroness, who had been eavesdropping on their conversation. Scarlett and Lady Jaye snapped around to look at her. They hadn't recognized her with her hair coiffed and eyes covered with oversized Chanel Jackie-O dark sunglasses.
"Baroness!" Lady Jaye exclaimed. "What are YOU doing here!"
"Having lunch just like you two," Baroness casually replied. "It's a free country darling."
"Free - Hmph! Something you shouldn't be," Lady Jaye retorted before Scarlett finally piped up.
"I want to hear what she has to say," said Scarlett. "Come sit with us Baroness."
"What!?" Lady Jaye was flabbergasted and looking at Scarlett in disbelief. "You're joking right? For the love of God WHY?"
"Because right now I hate myself more than I hate HER," Scarlett hissed at Lady Jaye, keeping her voice low so the Baroness couldn't hear. Lady Jaye's expression fell and she looked down, not knowing what to say to that. "Look, if I don't like what she has to say then I send her on her way. No harm done," Scarlett reassured her then called out to the Baroness, "Well what are you waiting for Baroness? Come talk to us!"
The Baroness beamed triumphantly as she took her seat at their table. "Thank you darling, I knew you had some sense somewhere in there." Scarlett let out an exasperated sigh at the Baroness' insulting compliment.
"Start talking Baroness, before I change my mind," Scarlett warned her.
"Yes, enough with the pleasantries," said Baroness as she took off her sunglasses. "I have a plan that will benefit us both. You need publicity to get your new company off the ground. Your name on the production is what will or will not sell tickets. If nobody is familiar with you then you are destined for failure. And darling, you have not been doing your PR lately. You need to get back into the papers immediately. You can start by allowing me to "leak" to the press about your latest tragedy, eliciting public empathy. And let me say that I was very sorry to hear of your miscarriage, that was quite unfortunate," she said with indifference. Scarlett's eyes widened in shock.
"Excuse me?" Scarlett turned to Lady Jaye, who was just as surprised at the Baroness' knowledge. Scarlett glared back at the Baroness resentfully. "I don't know what you're talking about so move on to the next publicity stunt before I dismiss you," she warned Baroness.
"Darling! Is that any way to speak to me after the lovely arrangement I sent to your hospital room?" Baroness feigned insult then proudly added, "I picked out the vase myself."
"What are you talking about? You didn't send flowers," said Scarlett dismissively. "And furthermore, why WOULD you?"
"Technically it was from my firm, to get your attention of course. Ten large scale sunflowers in a Baccarat crystal urn?" Baroness reminded her. "Surely you could not have missed it."
"Of course I saw it. It was from the production crew. Please don't be so tacky to try to pass it off as yours."
"Uh, that arrangement wasn't from the production crew," Lady Jaye told Scarlett. "We sent you roses."
"Yes, and then there was another one - ."
"No, there was no other one, just the roses," Lady Jaye told her then regretfully added, "I hate to say this, but I think she might be telling the truth."
"No, Duke read the card and - ," Scarlett started to say then paused as it occurred to her that she never actually saw the card for herself. She started to realize that Duke had lied to her.
"Oh! Well if your Duke says so," said Baroness mockingly as she let out a hearty laugh. "Oh darling, I cannot even blame him. I'd have done the same thing, except I would not have got caught of course."
"Dammit!" Scarlett cursed as she slammed her fist on the table. "How could he lie to me!"
"Look, I'm sure he was just trying to protect you," Lady Jaye told Scarlett. "You had enough to deal with at the time."
"I'll deal with him later," Scarlett sighed. "So what else Baroness?"
"Well if you're reluctant to my first idea - ," said Baroness.
"It's off limits!" Scarlett snapped.
"Well darling, you're dreadfully thin right now. You're like a hanger; it's fabulous. You should be photographed immediately before you put your weight back on. We can publicize your distinction with the Joes by doing a magazine layout that's daring and edgy: Something Joe-like, something fabulous."
"I'm like a hanger?" Scarlett asked as she tried to determine if she had been complimented or insulted. Knowing the Baroness, probably both since the word Fabulous was used. "And who says I need you to do this for me?"
"Really darling? I can't remember the last time I saw you on Page Six."
"Nobody reads Page Six," Scarlett scoffed at her.
"EVERYBODY reads Page Six, even if they say they don't," Baroness informed her. "And did you even know that Sports Illustrated wants you?"
"They do?"
"Yes but - oops! You wouldn't know that because you haven't been doing your PR."
"I swear if you say the Swimsuit Edition - ," said Scarlett in a warning voice.
"Ahem - well that is one of the options," Baroness explained.
"Baroness!"
"Cool it darling, they are not the only game in town and I am not even closed to finished yet. Now as I was saying, you will do something fabulously edgy that shows off your distinction with the Joes - something that sets YOU apart from the rest. And you will need to start making your rounds immediately: Galas, cocktail parties, grand openings, and anything else that is reported on Page Six. I shall make sure you are invited to everything under the sun, even if it's the opening of a fucking envelope."
"Okay, I can handle that," Scarlett admitted. "Sounds good so far. Now what's in it for you?"
Baroness smiled out of the corner of her mouth as she took a slow drink from her Bloody Mary before going into her explanation. "Right now you are about B-list status but when your production succeeds you will be my first A-list client and success story, building my firm's prestige. Once that is established all the rest of the A-listers will follow you to me like sheep. And I will show those High Society fools who owns this fucking town!"
"Understandable," said Scarlett. "But I'm taking a big risk here. This is my life we're talking about. So I'll need something from you to ensure you won't fuck me over."
"Like what?"
"I don't know, you tell me," Scarlett suggested. "Information, Baroness. Now where are you getting yours about me?"
Baroness smirked at her while slowly tapping her finger on her cheek. "Careful what you wish for darling, you just might get it," she taunted her.
"Tell me or no deal," Scarlett gave her ultimatum. Baroness let out a subtle laugh before finally answering the question.
"Vincent Falcone, better known in your circle as Falcon," Baroness proudly told her. Scarlett and Lady Jaye froze in their seats, stunned at Baroness' information.
"You're lying," Scarlett accused her.
"Are you so sure darling?" Baroness challenged her. "Was he not at the hospital and privy to the information about your miscarriage? Does he not come to the city every few weeks under the pretense of visiting his dear brother only to spend maybe one fucking day with him? Does he not fly here first class and stay at The Plaza for his visit here? Surely you did not think such extravagance was his style or in his budget?"
"I wondered about that," Lady Jaye admitted. Scarlett nodded in agreement.
"So you've been sending for him," Scarlett pieced together as her disappointment in Falcon started settling in. "But why would he do this, unless you're paying him or - Are you having an affair with him?"
"Hmm, you catch on quick!" Baroness told her in mock pride. "Yes darling, and if my Destro ever found out he would hang me out to dry. So now you have my fate in your hands. Is that enough insurance for you?" she offered to Scarlett. She knew she actually had nothing to worry about since Scarlett didn't have it in her to try to ruin her life, not even out of spite. It wasn't her style.
"Maybe. All I need is verification," said Scarlett as she pulled out her cell phone and started dialing Falcon's number.
"He's in room 834 for this visit dear, at The Plaza of course," Baroness informed her. Scarlett scowled at Baroness' correct information. Then Falcon answered his phone.
"Did you sell me out to the Baroness?" Scarlett barked accusingly into the phone. "And don't even think about lying to me Vincent."
"Uh, ah, sell?" Falcon stammered. "Well technically not sold - ."
"Vincent how could you!" Scarlett yelled at him.
"You don't understand, she's actually pretty cool and - aw I'm sorry please don't be mad at me Shana," Falcon pleaded. "We were just talking and - ."
"THAT"S what you have to say for yourself?" Scarlett asked him lividly.
"Please don't tell Duke," Falcon requested. "I don't want him upset with me, I care a lot about the guy."
"Fuck you Vince. You should have thought about that before you replaced your brain with your dick," Scarlett angrily replied then snapped her phone shut and looked up at the Baroness. "I'm going to kill the little punk, but it looks like you have yourself a deal Baroness."
"Fabulous! I knew you were smart dear," said Baroness as she held her hand out then added, "and don't be too hard on the boy. He's still young and impressionable to my charm, not that there's an age limit on that mind you."
"You just worry about my PR," said Scarlett as she shook hands with the Baroness.
"Well in that case darlings, I must get going. There is much to do," said Baroness as she got up from the table.
"Don't tell me YOU'RE going to put in an honest day's work?" Lady Jaye asked skeptically.
"Bah! Do not be ridiculous!" Baroness exclaimed in dismay. "That is what my lackey agents are for," she told them then left the restaurant.
"I don't know about this Scarlett, shouldn't you have talked to Duke about this first?" asked Lady Jaye, still apprehensive over Scarlett's decision.
"You mean the way he consulted me before censoring my get-well cards? I know he means well and I love him but he's not lord and emperor over my life," Scarlett snapped then explained, "Yes, Baroness is in a nutshell - pure evil - but as a businesswoman she is extremely savvy and a force to be reckoned with. She knows the game well and will play it ruthlessly. And she isn't in it for the money because she already has plenty of hers and Destro's to burn, this is more personal to her. She's still angry about that co-op snub. THAT'S the kind of person I want in my corner working on my behalf."
"You'll have to deal with her probably on a daily basis," Lady Jaye warned her.
"It's just business. It's not like we're going to become best buddies."
*******************