Dream a Little Scream Read Free Page B

sidelines. “Sorry, I’m so frazzled, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Olivia Hudson, Sonia’s personal assistant.”
    â€œNice to meet you. We chatted on the phone,” Sara told her.
    â€œYes, I remember,” Olivia raced on, barely acknowledging the comment. “This is all very last-minute, but we’d like to get as much mileage out of the tour as possible. Is there a place Sonia could meet with some fans tomorrow morning for a quick photo op? Maybe a bookstore, or a cooking school? I know I can get a few photographers to show up and I’ve got some of her earlier titles we can use as giveaways. Nothing formal—it’s just a way for her to be seen chatting with the fans, you know. “
    â€œWhat about a candy store?” Sara interjected. She grabbed my arm. “Here’s someone you need to talk to. Taylor Blake. She and her sister Ali own a vintage candy store here in Savannah. It’s also a café. They’re both big fans of Sonia and recommend her cookbooks to all their customers.”
    â€œA candy store?” Olivia looked doubtful. “I suppose it’s a possibility.” She looked me up and down. “I don’t think Sonia has ever done an appearance in a candy store—”
    â€œIt has lots of charm and it’s right off the Historic District,” Sara interrupted. “It would be perfect, and it’s a big hit with the locals. I know they can guarantee you a good turnout, even on a weekday morning.” I bit back a smile at Sara’s eagerness.
If ever I could afford to hire a PR person, it would be Sara
, I thought. Meanwhile, Ali had joined us, a puzzled look clouding her face.
    Sara quickly explained the situation and Ali’s face lit up. “You know what would be fun?” Ali said. “We could offer a free sampling of classic Southern desserts for her visit. And, of course, we’d include some of her recipes. It would add a little interest to the event, and I think the fans would love it.”
    And it would be great publicity for Oldies But Goodies
, I thought to myself. Only our regular customers seemed to know that we’d added a café to the vintage candy store. An appearance by Sonia Scott would definitely help to get the word out.
    â€œNothing with peanuts,” Olivia said crisply. “She’s really allergic to nuts and seeds.”
    â€œNo peanuts, no nuts, no seeds,” Ali agreed. Ali was beaming, practically vibrating with happiness.
    â€œIt’s a deal, then,” Olivia said, pocketing Ali’s business card. “We’ll be there at nine sharp. Just a quick stop en route to the airport. See you then!” she added before scurrying away. We watched as she raced back to Sonia, who had pulled off her mic and looked irritated, hands on hips.
    â€œChop, chop,” I heard Sonia say in a snappish voice to one of her assistants. “Let’s get back to the hotel. I’m exhausted.” She pointed to the collection of dirty dishes and pans on the countertop. “Olivia, make sure these are cleaned and then pack everything up; you know which ones are mine. The cheap stuff belongs to the studio. And don’t forget my copper frying pan like you did the last time.” There was a sharp edge in her voice and Olivia immediately sprang into action like a well-trained greyhound. “Wake me at seven sharp with croissants and coffee. Skim milk, no sugar.” She turned a beady-eyed stare at Olivia. “Got it?”
    â€œI’ve got it,” Olivia said in a tired voice.
    â€œThat limo had better be waiting at the curb, or heads are gonna roll,” Sonia said, sweeping out of the studio.
    â€œWow, Sonia’s a bit of a surprise in person, isn’t she?” Ali asked as Lucinda walked up next to us.
    â€œThey call her ‘a force of nature,’” I said, reading from a publicity handout.
    Sara laughed. “Really? I’d