Introduction

“A sweet, funny, fun look at Hollywood behind the scenes, from a talented author.”--Lisa Wingate, bestselling author

Kat Jennings and Scott Murphy don’t just play two people who are secretly in love on a television sitcom—they are actually head over heels for each other in real life. When the lines between reality and TV land blur, they hope they can keep their relationship under wraps? Will their family and the media find out?

“Janice Thompson is a master storyteller who draws her readers into the tale along with the characters.”— Ane Mulligan, editor, Novel Journey

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Excerpt

“You want me to kiss him . . . where?” I stared at my director,
hoping I’d somehow misunderstood his last-minute change
to the script.

A look of exasperation crossed his face. “On the lips, of
course. This is a family show, Kat. Remember?”

“Of course.” I nodded and fought to keep my breathing
even as I rephrased my question. “I mean, where in the scene?
Beginning, middle, or end? What’s my cue?”

“Oh.” A look of relief passed over Mark Wilson’s face as
he sank into his director’s chair. “At the very end of the scene.
Right after Jack says, ‘This has been a long time coming,
Angie.’ At that point I want the two of you to kiss. On the lips.
In a passionate but family-friendly way. PG, not PG-13.”

“Ah.” My gaze darted across the crowded studio to Scott
Murphy, my love interest in the sitcom Stars Collide. He
raked his fingers through that gorgeous, dark, wavy hair of
his and flashed an encouraging smile. Apparently the idea
of kissing me on camera hadn’t startled him. Why should
I let it make me nervous? We’d both known for months this
moment would come. And now that it had arrived, there
would be no turning back. Kissing him—whether it happened
at the beginning, middle, or end of the scene—was
something the viewers had anticipated for three seasons.
Ironically, I’d spent almost as long waiting, hoping, and
praying for it myself.

Over the past two seasons, my off-screen friendship with
Scott had morphed into something more, and I knew he felt
the same. Still, we’d danced around each other for months,
neither of us willing to open up and share our hearts. And
now that the opportunity had finally presented itself, I felt
like slinking back to my dressing room and diving under the
makeup table. Would anyone notice if the show’s leading
lady skipped out on the scene?

“Kiss him, Kat! Kiss him!” The voices of the youngest cast
members rang out, and my cheeks grew warm as I realized
the sitcom’s children had a vested interest in this too. They’d
worked for two full seasons to push the characters of Jack
and Angie together, after all. A kiss seemed inevitable, even
to them.

Only now, it just seemed impossible. How could I kiss
Scott, passionately or otherwise, with my heart in my throat?
And how—I gulped in air as I thought about it—how could
I kiss him when my feelings offstage were as strong as those
my character Angie faced when the cameras were rolling?
My heart did that crazy junior high flip-flop thing, and for
a moment I thought I might faint. Squeezing my eyes shut, I
invited the opportunity. If I hit the floor, we could probably
avoid filming the scene altogether.

Nope. No such luck. After a few seconds of feigning diz-
ziness, I realized I was as steady on my feet as ever. Opening
my eyes, I contemplated my options. Now what?

From across the studio, Scott smiled again, offering me a
glimmer of hope. Was that a “come hither” look in his eyes?
Mm-hmm. A sense of peace flooded over me and I whispered
a prayer of thanksgiving.

I can do this. I can do this. With the eyes of the masses
watching, I took my place on the set, ready to begin filming.
Scott continued to tease me with a smile. Oh yes, this certainly
made things easier. His baby blues stared deep down
into my soul, giving me the courage I needed.

At this point, everything began to move in slow motion.
I heard the director yell, “Action!”

Managed to speak my opening lines, then listened for
Scott’s impassioned response.

Watched as the cameras overhead swung near for the big
moment.

Felt my heart race when Scott—as the character of Jack—
took a step in my direction.

Heard him whisper those magic words: “This has been a
long time coming, Angie.”

Sensed the studio audience members holding their breath.

Closed my eyes in anticipation.

Then, just as Scott swept me into his arms for that magical
moment we’d all been waiting for . . . the power went out.
Studio B faded to black.
... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

1). Kat lives with her aging grandmother Lenora, who struggles with memory issues. Have you ever cared for someone in Lenora’s condition? If so, how did you cope? Did humor play a role?

2). Lenora loves to quote old movies. If you could pick your favorite quote from any movie, what would it be? Why is it so important to you?

3). Lenora was once quite popular and famous, but now she feels like a has-been. What would you say to someone who feels her best days are behind her?

4). Scott’s parents live in Arkansas, a far cry from Hollywood. When they come for a visit, they are completely out of their element. How far from home would you have to travel before being out of your element? What might you do to feel more at home in that place?

5). Kat struggles with issues related to her absent father. What advice would you give a young woman whose father has abandoned her?

6). Sometimes the lines between fiction and reality blur in Kat’s life. Have you ever been through a season like that, where your life felt more like a television show than reality? How did you cope?

7). Rex and Lenora have a deep, dark secret from the past. How would you feel if you received news that your family situation wasn’t what you thought it was? What would you do?

8). Lenora’s last name is Worth, yet she struggles to find value in herself. Have you discovered that your worth comes from your relationship with the Lord? How has this helped you through the rough times?

9). Kat and Scott run into trouble when Grandma Lenora thinks they’re really engaged. What would you do in their situation?

10). Kat eventually has an opportunity to talk to her father. What would you say if you were in her shoes?

11). Lenora loves to dress in gowns worn by famous stars from old Hollywood. Why do you suppose she finds comfort in this? What do you turn to when you need comfort?

12). When things in her life get difficult, Kat imagines herself moving away to the Amazon. Where do you imagine running off to when things get tough in your life? Don’t you love the fact that the Lord encourages you to run into his arms?

13). Lenora keeps a trunk in her bedroom with all sorts of memorabilia from days gone by. If someone opened a trunk with memorabilia from your life, what would they find?

14). Kat and Lenora have vastly different views about the paparazzi. Lenora loves the attention; Kat’s not keen on it. How would you react if you found your personal stories blasted across the headlines of a gossip magazine?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Author Janice Thompson's blog

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