The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson

giggled and gave a little wave, her perfectly lined lips curling up in a sumptuous smile. “You can call me Beni.”
    â€œI’d like to call her, all right,” Bob, the youngest on our writing team, leaned in to whisper to Jason.
    I chose to ignore him. “With Nora leaving in a few days, we need someone to take over the hair and makeup department,” I explained. “Beni’s a natural. And she’s graduated from a very prestigious beauty school here in L.A.”
    â€œCosmetology school,” she whispered. She cleared her throat and spoke to the group. “I went to WBI.”
    â€œWBI?” Jason shrugged. “Don’t know that one.”
    â€œWestern Beauty Institute. I graduated with a cosmetology license. It’s officially recognized by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences. My primary focus of study was eyes and lips.” She went off on a tangent talking about eye makeup techniques, but I could tell the guys weren’t really interested in that. They were, however, interested in her eye makeup. Or maybe the lashes, which she fluttered at will as she spoke. And those outlined lips were apparently a draw too.
    The males in the room appeared to be hanging on her every word. She finished up her speech and gave a little giggle. “So I guess you could say I’m a beauty expert.”
    â€œHoly cow, is she ever,” Bob whispered. He elbowed a couple of the other guys. One let out a little snort.
    Ugh. How could I turn this ship around? Only one way. Take command.
    I upped my volume to be heard above the murmuring of voices. “We’ve made our introductions. Now it’s time to get to work. Erin, would you take Benita to the makeup department and introduce her to Nora?” I gave my sister what I hoped would be an encouraging smile. “Have fun.”
    â€œOh, I will.” She paused at Brock’s side, stammering something about his gorgeous hair, then kept moving.
    Thank goodness. We could finally get to work.
    Maybe. Jason drew near and touched me on the arm. I looked his way and he smiled. “She’s your sister? No joke?”
    â€œReally, Tia?” Bob asked. “You’re kidding, right? One of you must be adopted.”
    â€œOf course not. We have the same parents.” To the best of my knowledge.
    â€œWow.” Jason shook his head, glancing after Benita. “That girl is . . . well, you have to admit, you two are nothing alike.”
    â€œShe’s my kid sister,” I said. “Would you like to see her birth certificate?”
    â€œOnly if it proves she’s old enough to go out with me.” Bob wiggled his brows and everyone laughed.
    â€œVery funny. But I don’t think that’s a very good idea. Dating your co-workers rarely works out.” Cardinal rule, right?
    â€œOh, really?” Kat said, taking a couple of steps in my direction. She rubbed her belly. “I think I can prove otherwise.”
    Embarrassment flooded over me. “Well, you’re an exception. You and Scott were made for each other.”
    â€œWe were indeed.” She laughed. “And apparently so were Athena and Stephen.” She pointed at our two love-struck head writers and shrugged. “I’m of the opinion that God brought them together too.” She gave me a pensive look. “Kind of makes me wonder who’s next on this set.”
    â€œOoo, pick me!” Bob raised his hand and let out a childish squeal. “Beni and Bob! I like the sound of that.” He gazed after my sister and sighed. “And I like the looks of that.”
    The guys lit into an excited conversation about Benita’s assets. I groaned and turned away from them, wondering—for the first time in my life—if perhaps one of us really was adopted. Knowing my father’s history suddenly made that possibility seem all too real.
    Calm down, Tia.
    Athena approached