Page 33 of Interview with the Billionaire

Jamie: Did you miss the part about Nikki not giving a fuck about Hollywood? So no to the career. Yes to the life. She and Ollie have been my lifeline. Especially Nik because, well, you know, for part of the time, Ollie was part of my problem. I used to have a fucking-around problem.

[She has to be the most un-filtered interviewee I have ever spoken with. I understand she’s excellent at being on the reporter side of the microphone and that she has a knack for getting celebrities to reveal more than they normally would. I think I now understand how she manages that.]

Bridge: A fucking around problem?

Jamie: As in too much and with the wrong people. Sorry Ollie.

Ollie: Hey, gotta second the thought. Not that it wasn’t fun. It was. Sorry, Ryan.

Ryan: No worries. I’m well aware of the fun factor.

[They’re all completely comfortable. I feel my cheeks burn.]

Bridge: So, um, how did you get over that fucking around problem.

[She lifts her leg and lightly nudges Ryan.]

Ryan: I put a collar on her. Not to mention a wedding band. You could say I tamed me a wildcat.

Ollie: Ryan. Come on, man.

Ryan: Hey, it’s true.

Bridge: I get the feeling neither you nor your wife have many boundaries.

Jamie: I don’t have many filters, either.

Bridge: So I’m noticing. As entertaining as this is, I’d like to shift back to Nikki and Damien.

Ollie: Oh, yes, please.

Bridge: Ryan, what’s your perspective? I understand you and Damien have been friends for years. You met not long after Stark International was formed.

Ryan: That’s right.

Bridge: And do Nikki and Damien, um, have a similar relationship as you and Jamie. Or was that collar of the metaphorical variety.

Ryan: You’d have to ask them. As for the collar…

[He smiles. Jamie—unbelievably—blushes.]

Bridge: Jamie, you’d mentioned Matthew Holt. There are rumors he owns a secret high-end sex club. Masque.

Jamie: Guess it’s not so secret, huh?

Bridge: I’ve heard rumors that Nikki and Damien have been there.

Jamie: Well, gee. I’ve never seen him there. But I’m pretty sure the idea of a club like Masque would be to wear a mask. Not that I’d know. That just seems to make sense.

Ryan: Is this really a line you want to pull?

Bridge: Damien Stark’s private life sells magazines.

Ryan: Pretty sure that sex club isn’t the theme he’d want for an article meant to be celebrating his accomplishments, including the S&S Sports Center.

Bridge: Of course. I just wondered if Damien—never mind.

[I clear my throat, gathering my thoughts and pushing down memories.]