Private Scandals

said. Because she was a perfectionist, because she demanded, and received, the best for her show, Angela Perkins had a reputation for being hard. And it certainly paid off. After six years in syndication, Angela’s had been in the number-one spot for more than three.
    Since both Angela’s and Midday News were taped at the CBC studios, Angela had been able to exert a little pressure to free up some of Deanna’s time.
    It was also true that Angela had been nothing but kind to Deanna. She had shown Deanna a friendship and a willingness to share that were rare in the highly competitive world of television.
    Was it naive to trust kindness? Deanna didn’t think so. Nor was she foolish enough to believe that kindness was always rewarded.
    Thoughtfully, she picked up the brush marked with her name and pulled it through her shoulder-length black hair. Without the cover of heavy theatrical makeup necessary for the lights and camera, her skin was as elegantly pale as porcelain, a dramatic contrast to the inky mane of hair and the smoky, slightly slanted eyes. To add another touch of drama, she’d painted her lips a deep rose.
    Satisfied, she pulled her hair back in a ponytail with two quick flicks of her wrist.
    She never planned to compete with Angela. Although she hoped to use what she learned to boost her own career, what she wanted was a network spot, someday. Maybe a job on 20/20. And it wasn’t beyond the realm of possibility that she could expand the weekly “Deanna’s Corner” segment on thenoon news into a full-fledged syndicated talk show of her own. Even that would hardly be competing with Angela, the queen of the market.
    The nineties were wide open for all manner of styles and shows. If she succeeded, it would be because she’d learned from the master. She would always be grateful to Angela for that.
     
    “If the son of a bitch thinks I’m going to roll over, he’s in for an unpleasant surprise.” Angela Perkins glared at the reflection of her producer in her dressing room mirror. “He agreed to come on the show to hype his new album. Tit for tat, Lew. We’re giving him national exposure, so he’s damn well going to answer some questions about his tax evasion charges.”
    “He didn’t say he wouldn’t answer them, Angela.” The headache behind Lew McNeil’s eyes was still dull enough to keep him hoping it would pass. “He just said he won’t be able to be specific as long as the case is pending. He’d like it if you would concentrate on his career.”
    “I wouldn’t be where I am if I let a guest dictate my show, would I?” She swore again, ripely, then wheeled in the chair to snarl at the hairdresser. “Pull my hair again, sweetie, and you’ll be picking up curlers with your teeth.”
    “I’m sorry, Miss Perkins, but your hair is really too short . . .”
    “Just get it done.” Angela faced her own reflection again, and deliberately relaxed her features. She knew how important it was to relax the facial muscles before a show, no matter how high the adrenaline. The camera picked up every line and wrinkle, like an old friend a woman meets for lunch. So she breathed deeply, closing her eyes a moment in a signal to her producer to hold his tongue. When she opened them again, they were clear, a diamond bright blue surrounded by silky lashes.
    And she smiled as the hairdresser swept her hair back and up into a wavy blond halo. It was a good look for her, Angela decided. Sophisticated but not threatening. Chic butnot studied. She checked the style from every angle before giving the go-ahead nod.
    “It looks great, Marcie.” She flashed the high-powered smile that made the hairdresser forget the earlier threat. “I feel ten years younger.”
    “You look wonderful, Miss Perkins.”
    “Thanks to you.” Relaxed and satisfied, she toyed with the trademark pearls around her throat. “And how’s that new man in your life, Marcie? Is he treating you well?”
    “He’s terrific.” Marcie grinned as she gave Angela’s hair a large dose of spray to hold the style. “I think he might be the one.”
    “Good for you. If he gives you any trouble, you let me know.” She winked. “I’ll straighten him out.”
    With a laugh, Marcie backed away. “Thanks, Miss Perkins. Good luck this morning.”
    “Mmm-hmmm. Now, Lew.” She smiled and lifted a hand for his. The squeeze was encouraging, feminine, friendly. “Don’t worry about a thing. You just keep our guest happy until airtime.