C.O.Z.Y

Chapter 9: Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

            Amara adjusted her outfit again knowing damn well that it wouldn't help calm her nerves; to say this was the start of something great for Girl Talk was an understatement. If thing go to plan, Girl Talk could be at the forefront of the launch of the new face of the "American family". A new diverse and inclusive face that would also make a crap ton of money. Alternatively, this whole project could fail, they waste the network's money and then everyone is out of a job.

In the week since the lawyers and publicist for the Augustus bunch agreed to the contract with a few amendments, it was all hands-on deck. There was so much work to be done for this project plus Girl Talk's still had its own schedule of shooting and airing, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

"Is it just us two?"

Nolle questioned as they stood outside the SUV while crew members loaded the trunk with cameras and other production equipment. Amara looked away from her reflection in the shiny car and was about to respond to Nolle when Kit stepped out of the building. She wore a tight, green long-sleeved crop top, baggy black boyfriend jeans that sat on her hips and white air forces. Amara couldn't help but compare her long cardigan, tapered slacks and billowy white top; it was her attempt at a professional yet casual look.

Kit pushed up the mirrored sunglasses that sat on the bridge of her nose then headed right into the large vehicle. The other two women shrugged and followed behind her, it saves everyone time when you don't ask Kit questions.

Once seated and on the road Nolle pulled out her tablet and ran through the plans. Jamie wants to start filming this week at latest. That meant Amara had to finally put that media training certification to use and put the Augustus clan through the quickest training ever. Whether the show succeeded or flopped, everyone depicted in it would be shot into the public eye, every inch of their life combed through. It's best for GT's crew to do it first. The ride was silent before Nolle broke it with a question.

"Don't you think rolling in seven people deep might be intimidating...how many people are going to be there anyway?"

She looked down at the tablet one more time for notes but there was no specified amount of people. Amara responded with her suggestion.

"I don't know, I'm assuming like six maybe ten if we're being crazy. I can focus on the family and you two can help the tech guys process information."

Nolle shrugged.

"If you say so."

The conversation died and Maverick's building pulled into view, luckily for them it was only about forty minutes from the studio. They entered the underground parking lot designated for penthouse residents and per instruction from Maverick's assistant they parked near the elevator. The crew had just started unpacking the production equipment when the elevator doors opened and out stepped Maverick and his assistant Rissa. By the time he had reached them Kita was smiling a bright smile while greeting them.

"Hi gorgeous."

Rissa playfully rolled her eyes before pulling Kit into a hug.

"I was actually talking to your boss, but I guess you can hug me."

Rissa turned to Maverick "and you called me mean when I told everyone she's a bottle blonde."

Once they pulled apart Kit moved on to Maverick and pulled him into a tight hug while he responded to Rissa.

"You two are a match made in heaven."

After they separated, the hugs continued with Maverick giving Nolle a welcoming hug and finally moving on to Amara. The heavy scent of vanilla enveloped her before two arms pulled her into a solid chest. Her body was melting into his touch before her brain could catch up with the meaning of her actions. Maverick Augustus had to be warmth and comfort personified because when his jaw grazed her cheek her eyes closed without permission. Instinctively she reached to pull him closer, but that dormant brain started working again and she pulled out of the hug that was past unprofessional and bordering on inappropriate.