Best of Nora Roberts Books 1-6: The Art of Deception / Lessons Learned / Mind Over Matter / Risky Business / Second Nature / Unfinished Business

And boy, oh boy, she thought, with a fresh gurgle of excitement, did it look impressive to have the Simpson Show listed on her itinerary. She offered a last-minute prayer that Carlo wouldn’t blow it.

She checked the little freezer backstage to be certain the dessert Carlo had prepared that afternoon was in place and ready. The concoction had to freeze for four hours, so they’d play the before-and-after game for the viewers. He’d make it up on the air, then voilà, they’d produce the completed frozen dessert within minutes.

Though Carlo had already gone over the procedure, the tools and ingredients with the production manager and the director, Juliet went over them all again. The whipped cream was chilling and so far none of the crew had pilfered any macaroons. The brand of dry sherry Carlo had insisted on was stored and ready. No one had broken the seal for a quick sample.

Juliet nearly believed she could whip up the fancy frozen dessert herself if necessary and only thanked God she wouldn’t have to give a live culinary demonstration in front of millions of television viewers.

He didn’t seem to be feeling any pressure, she thought as they settled in the green room. No, he’d already given the little halfdressed blonde on the sofa a big smile and offered her a cup of coffee from the available machine.

Coffee? Even for Hollywood, it took a wild imagination to consider the contents of the pot coffee. Juliet had taken one sip of what tasted like lukewarm mud and set the cup aside.

The little blonde was apparently a new love interest on one of the popular nighttime soaps, and she was jittery with nerves. Carlo sat down on the sofa beside her and began chatting away as though they were old friends. By the time the green room door opened again, she was giggling.

The green room itself was beige—pale, unattractive beige and cramped. The air-conditioning worked, but miserably. Still Juliet knew how many of the famous and near-famous had sat in that dull little room chewing their nails. Or taking quick sips from a flask.

Carlo had exchanged the dubious coffee for plain water and was sprawled on the sofa with one arm tossed over the back. He looked as easy as a man entertaining in his own home. Juliet wondered why she hadn’t tossed any antacids in her bag.

She made a pretense of rechecking the schedule while Carlo charmed the rising star and the Simpson Show murmured away on the twenty-five-inch color console across the room.

Then the monkey walked in. Juliet glanced up and saw the long-armed, tuxedoed chimpanzee waddle in with his hand caught in that of a tall thin man with harassed eyes and a nervous grin. Feeling a bit nervous herself, Juliet looked over at Carlo. He nodded to both newcomers, then went back to the blonde without missing a beat. Even as Juliet told herself to relax, the chimp grinned, threw back his head and let out a long, loud announcement.

The blonde giggled, but looked as though she’d cut and run if the chimp came one step closer—tux or no tux.

“Behave, Butch.” The thin man cleared his throat as he swept his gaze around the room. “Butch just finished a picture last week,” he explained to the room in general. “He’s feeling a little restless.”

With a jiggle of the sequins that covered her, the blonde walked to the door when her name was announced. With some satisfaction, Carlo noted that she wasn’t nearly as edgy as she’d been when he’d sat down. She turned and gave him a toothy smile. “Wish me luck, darling.”

“The best.”

To Juliet’s disgust, the blonde blew him a kiss as she sailed out.

The thin man seemed to relax visibly. “That’s a relief. Blondes make Butch overexcited.”

“I see.” Juliet thought of her own hair that could be considered blond or brown depending on the whim. Hopefully Butch would consider it brown and unstimulating.

“But where’s the lemonade?” The man’s nerves came back in full force. “They know Butch wants lemonade before he goes on the air. Calms him down.”

Juliet bit the tip of her tongue to hold back a snicker. Carlo and Butch were eyeing each other with a kind of tolerant understanding. “He seems calm enough,” Carlo ventured.

“Bundle of nerves,” the man disagreed. “I’ll never be able to get him on camera.”

“I’m sure it’s just an oversight.” Because she was used to soothing panic, Juliet smiled. “Maybe you should ask one of the pages.”

“I’ll do that.” The man patted Butch on the head and went back through the door.

“But—” Juliet half rose, then sat again. The chimp stood in the middle of the room, resting his knuckles on the floor. “I’m not sure he should’ve left Cheetah.”

“Butch,” Carlo corrected. “I think he’s harmless enough.” He sent the chimp a quick grin. “He certainly has an excellent tailor.”

Juliet looked over to see the chimp grinning and winking. “Is he twitching,” she asked Carlo, “or is he flirting with me?”

“Flirting, if he’s a male of any taste,” he mused. “And, as I said, his tailoring is quite good. What do you say, Butch? You find my Juliet attractive?”

Butch threw back his head and let out a series of sounds Juliet felt could be taken either way.

“See? He appreciates a beautiful woman.”

Appreciating the ridiculous, Juliet laughed. Whether he was attracted to the sound or simply felt it was time he made his move, Butch bowlegged his way over to her. Still grinning, he put his hand on Juliet’s bare knee. This time, she was certain he winked.

“I never make so obvious a move on first acquaintance,” Carlo observed.

“Some women prefer the direct approach.” Deciding he was harmless, Juliet smiled down at Butch. “He reminds me of someone.” She sent Carlo a mild look. “It must be that ingratiating grin.” Before she’d finished speaking, Butch climbed into her lap and wrapped one of his long arms around her. “He’s kind of sweet.” With another laugh, she looked down into the chimp’s face. “I think he has your eyes, Carlo.”

“Ah, Juliet, I think you should—”

“Though his might be more intelligent.”

“Oh, I think he’s smart, all right.” Carlo coughed into his hand as he watched the chimp’s busy fingers. “Juliet, if you’d—”

“Of course he’s smart, he’s in movies.” Enjoying herself, Juliet watched the chimp grin up at her. “Have I seen any of your films, Butch?”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re blue.”

She tickled Butch under the chin. “Really, Carlo, how crude.”

“Just a guess.” He let his gaze run over her. “Tell me Juliet, do you feel a draft?”

“No. I’d say it’s entirely too warm in here. This poor thing is all wrapped up in a tux.” She clucked at Butch and he clacked his teeth at her.

“Juliet, do you believe people can reveal their personalities by the clothes they wear? Send signals, if you understand what I mean.”

“Hmm?” Distracted, she shrugged and helped Butch straighten his tie. “I suppose so.”

“I find it interesting that you wear pink silk under such a prim blouse.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“An observation, mi amore.” He let his gaze wander down again. “Just an observation.”

Sitting very still, Juliet moved only her head. In a moment, her mouth was as open as her blouse. The monkey with the cute face and excellent tailor had nimbly undone every one of the buttons.

Carlo gave Butch a look of admiration. “I must ask him how he perfected that technique.”

“Why you son of a—”

“Not me.” Carlo put a hand to his heart. “I’m an innocent bystander.”

Juliet rose abruptly, dumping the chimp onto the floor. As she ducked into the adjoining rest room, she heard the laughter of two males—one a chimp, the other a rat.