Chapter Text
Allie sat in the green room of The Paul Devereaux Show, waiting to be called out as soon as the late night host finished his monologue. She took a sip from her water bottle and perused the photos of various guests over the years that lined the walls. They were a highlight reel of memorable moments, both serious and lighthearted. One in particular always caught her eye.
Before her thoughts went much further, there was a knock on the doorframe and then she was being led out of the room, down a hallway toward the stage.
From the wings, she listened to Paul introduce her. “You know my first guest tonight as Netflix’s Sweetheart.” He made a sappy face, to which the audience returned the appropriate awwws and a few laughs. “Here to talk about the new season of her wildly popular series, Scoop, please welcome Allie Novak!”
Applause and cheers went up as she walked across the shiny floor toward the raised platform and the guest couch. She knew that a lot of performers and personalities loathed doing appearances like this. But Allie enjoyed it. Paul Devereaux in particular was witty, kind, and a hell of a good sport. And she loved her fans. They were a supportive and loyal bunch, she knew, having met so many of them over the last few years.
Glancing to her right, she saw a girl sitting in the front row wearing an exact copy of the jacket Allie’s character wore throughout season one. She briefly turned toward the girl, giving a quick wink and a tap over her heart. The girl squealed and bounced in her seat. Allie laughed and continued up toward Paul’s outstretched arms, where they hugged and then sat down.
“Welcome back to the show,” Paul said while settling in behind the desk. “We’re always glad to have you on.”
“The feeling is entirely mutual, Dev,” she replied sincerely, throwing in the nickname as proof. She wouldn’t go so far as to say they were friends, but they knew people in common and were certainly friendly.
“Before we get into it, I’m sure everyone’s heard by now, but Scoop just got renewed for not one, but two more seasons!” he announced. “That’s quite a vote of confidence. I know Netflix doesn’t really release ratings info in the traditional sense, but judging from the excitement for the season premiere all over my socials, you’re more popular than ever.”
Allie addressed the audience, “It’s been amazing and I’m so grateful for all of you. Really. Thank you so much for all your support and enthusiasm. It means a lot, not just for the show, but to me personally. I promise, you are all so appreciated.”
Paul applauded along with the crowd.
“So, when we last saw Violet at the end of season two, she’d just got assigned to cover the mayor’s office. What can we expect when the first half of season three drops this Friday?”
Allie scrunched up her face and pretended to mull it over. “I can’t give too much away, but I’m sure she’ll get herself into, and hopefully out of, some tight scrapes. Trouble seems to find her, and now thrust into the world of local politics, I’d count on her having to use that quick wit and charm she’s known for.”
“You sure this isn’t autobiographical?” Paul joked.
She just rolled her eyes good-naturedly and chuckled.
“So, no details then?”
“Sorry, Dev,” she replied with an exaggerated pout. “I want to make sure they’ll keep me around for those two more seasons you mentioned.”
“Alright then,” the host continued as he held up a drawstring bag that looked as if a six year old had elaborately decorated it, “If we’re not going to get a scoop out of you, let’s move on to your favorite segment of our show. ‘Quick Qs’ of course is where I ask a random selection of questions, and you give me your honest first answer.”
Allie nodded. “I’m ready. Let’s do it.”
He drew a card out of the bag and studied it seriously for a moment. “How many pictures currently on your phone’s camera roll?”
“Best guess is close to 10k?”
Paul silently mouthed “Wow” and drew another card. “Have you ever dated a drummer?”
Allie smirked at that one. “No, but I had five dates with a bassist!”
“Five, huh?” he nodded in appreciation. “Interesting. Anyone we might know?”
“Is that your question?”
Paul narrowed his eyes and studied his guest for a moment. His curiosity getting the better of him, he dipped his head slightly in assent.
“Yeah, probably,” was her cagey answer.
He flipped the card over and grabbed a pen off the desk with a flourish. “Research bands with women bass players,” he narrated as he wrote the note to himself and then placed the card in his jacket pocket.
Everyone laughed at his antics, including Allie.
“What did you eat for breakfast this morning?”
“Doritos.”
“Last one.” Paul drew another card out of the bag. “Who is your serious celebrity crush?”
Immediately, Allie’s mind went to the photo on the green room wall. To the woman with both her hands in Paul’s from across the desk, the widest of smiles, and eyes closed. The stage light perfectly illuminating her upturned face so she was absolutely glowing. Though maybe it wasn’t the stage lights at all, Allie thought. Maybe it was just her.
That had been the first public appearance after her now ex-husband’s headline-making trial and their subsequent messy divorce. The stunning woman looked light and free. And happy. Allie remembered in minute detail everything about watching that night’s show.
“Allie? Allie!” Paul repeated yet again, trying to regain his guest’s attention.
Eyes still unfocused on her current surroundings, she smiled and sighed out her answer. “Bea Smith.”
Paul slowly turned to the crowd, eyes wide and the beginning of a mischievous smirk. “Oooh! You really know how to shoot for the stars,” he teased, invoking the name of the film star’s recently announced project.
“Well, I mean…” Allie dramatically fanned herself, then added to the audience, “Right?!” They cheered and clapped their agreement.
“Okay, okay, settle down,” Paul joked. “We have another bit of business to get to before we send Ms. Novak home to reflect on this evening.”
Allie’s cheeks flushed slightly at the not wrong implication.
“You’re going to be hosting a charity softball game, right?”
“Yes!” Allie did her best to bring her mind back to the important topic. “It’s going to benefit a really great place called Artemis House, which shelters, counsels, and supports abused women. Tickets will be going on sale in the next few weeks. We’re also auctioning off some really cool stuff, including props and costumes from Scoop, as well as one-of-a-kind items from the other players.”
“Sounds amazing,” Paul enthused.
“I’m so glad you think so because I’m gonna put you on the spot now with a little challenge.” They hadn’t discussed her idea beforehand, but Allie risked it anyway. “Why don’t you join us as a player? I’ll even sweeten the deal and make you captain of the other team.”
Paul stroked his chin in thought before answering, “On one condition. If I win, you have to come back on the show and talk about whatever I want.”
“And what if I win?”
“An extra $10,000 for Artemis House,” he replied, knowing he’d make the donation either way. “One dollar for each photo on your phone.”
Allie immediately turned and shook his hand over the desk.
“And where can people find more info about the event?”
“Everything is in story highlights on my Instagram,” she answered. “And of course I’ll be posting more as the participants are announced. I think you’re all going to be really pleased with what we have planned.”
“It’s been a pleasure, as always,” he wrapped up. “Allie Novak, everyone! And all you viewers, don’t forget to watch season three of Scoop, premiering this Friday on your Netflix.”