The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson Page A

just as I shared my heart with Kat. “I guess I’m a little jealous of my sister. Always have been, in fact.”
    â€œWhy?” Kat looked perplexed by this idea.
    â€œShe’s gorgeous, and she’s never had trouble finding a guy. Or two. Or twelve.”
    â€œWell, yeah,” Athena said, looking in the direction Benita had gone. “It’s the vibe she puts off. Trust me, if you started putting off that vibe, I’d be plenty worried.”
    â€œIt’s not that I’m even looking. My work keeps me busy. And I’m perfectly happy single.”
    Liar. You are not.
    â€œI used to think that.” Kat offered a delirious sigh. “But then God interrupted my plans with Scott.”
    â€œFunny. I was always the sort of girl who found satisfaction in her work too,” Athena said. “Figured if I wanted a romance I could pencil it in whenever I liked. But God had other plans. He sent Stephen when I least expected it.”
    â€œYou guys—girls—are different. You’re both so . . .” I wanted to say pretty , but I knew they would turn it around and claim that I was pretty too. Instead I just sighed.
    â€œWe’re not different from you, trust me,” Athena said. “Just at a different stage of the journey.”
    Kat patted me on the arm. “The excitement over your sister will wear off soon enough, I suppose. The guys will get over her in time.”
    â€œI’m not sure about Bob. He looks smitten.”
    â€œHe’s always smitten. Remember the Amish girlfriend? And the girlfriend before that? And the one before that? He falls hard and then licks his wounds.”
    â€œGuess you’re right. I’m sure it will be business as usual around here as soon as the fascination wears off.” The heaviness in my heart eased up a bit. Then just as quickly, it returned. I faced Kat. “Only, you’re leaving. So it really won’t be business as usual, will it?”
    â€œAw.” She shrugged and reached over to hug me—not an easy task with a basketball-sized belly in the way. “I’m going to miss being with all of you so much. And in case I didn’t make it clear yesterday, I really love this week’s script. It’s the perfect swan song for me, and I’m grateful. You have no idea how grateful.”
    â€œYou deserve the best, Kat. You really do. I . . .” Tears filled my eyes. “Well, I’m really going to miss you.”
    â€œAck! Now look what you’ve done.” Athena dabbed at her eyes. “You’ve made me cry.”
    â€œI’ll miss you both so much,” Kat said. “But I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” She giggled. “For that matter, I can’t wait to see what today holds. I know you’ll do a great job leading us.” She lowered her voice. “And just so you know, I think it’s a very kind thing you’re doing for your sister.”
    â€œThanks.”
    â€œBrave, even.” She gestured to the guys, and one of her brows elevated slightly. “If you know what I mean.”
    I knew, all right. But I didn’t feel brave. I felt like I’d just made a big mistake bringing Benita here. The potential for damage was huge. Still, we had to plow ahead. No rest for the weary, and all that.
    Minutes later, we were off and running. I pulled the team together again, reminded them of the basic outline of the episode, and began to give some stage directions, starting with the elevator scene—the most critical component.
    â€œThe elevator set piece is being constructed as we speak and should be ready for tomorrow’s run-through. But for now envision a space about eight by eight. Brock, you’ll enter first, followed by Scott and Kat. Brock is holding the bag of sandwiches from the gyro shop. He’s just picked them up to take to a meeting.” I snapped my fingers. “Ah, that