âHmm, I donât see anything broken or inneed of repair, although I still keep plenty of bandages around.â
Rachel could only laugh. While growing up she had been a handful, a tomboy in her earlier years. And anytime she got hurt, she would run to her uncle to fix her boo-boo.
âCâmon, Uncle Jacob, itâs not like I never come to visit,â she defended herself, laughing.
âNo, but since youâve moved to the other side of town we barely see you these days.â
Rachel nibbled on her bottom lip. In addition to the enormous mansion her aunt and uncle owned in Beverly Hills, they also had this place, a luxurious oceanfront hideaway on Malibu Beach. A few months ago she had purchased a condo in the gated community of Friar Gate that was located on the outskirts of Hollywood. Before moving, she had lived in a condo that had been within walking distance of Rodeo Drive. It was fine until one of the Jonas Brothers had moved into the complex. There was no peace with the paparazzi, and sheâd figured it was just a matter of time before they added others to their list to harass.
âI needed more space,â she said and knew her uncle would understand. It was no secret she didnât like being in the spotlight.
He nodded. âAnd when will I get invited to your new place for dinner?â
She threw her head back and laughed again, knowing that was a joke since she didnât cook. The few times sheâd tried, she had made a complete mess of things anddecided there were too many restaurants serving good, tasty food to put herself through the agony of following some recipe.
âJust as soon as I get everything in its proper place. I still have a few boxes left to unpack, but Iâve been so busy on the set. And then thereâs that painting I want to finish before the gallery hosts that charity event next month.â
âI understand,â Jacob Wellesley said, leading her to the nearest sofa so they could sit down. âYou are a very busy lady, just like your mother was. We would try and convince her there were but so many hours in the day, but she was always determined to stretch them anyway.â
Rachel couldnât help but smile. She always liked hearing the stories her uncle and aunt would share about her parents.
âAnd how are things going for you at work? Frasier isnât working you too hard, is he?â he asked.
Frasier Glenn was not only an old friend of her fatherâs but heâd been close to her uncle as well and had been one of Limelightâs first clients. When sheâd interviewed for the position of makeup artist and wardrobe designer for Paging the Doctor, Frasier had been up-front and let her know it was her own merit and work ethic, not the long-standing friendship he had with her family, that had gotten her the job. She had appreciated that.
âNo, both Frasier and John are wonderful, and Iâm learning so much from them,â she said, leaning back against the sofaâs cushions.
âGood. I understand Eric Woodsâs contract didnât get renewed.â
âNo, but we were expecting it with his behavior last season. I hear heâs mouthing off to the tabloids that he had no idea he was getting the ax.â
Jacob shook his head. âOh, Iâm sure he knew. Frasier doesnât work that way. When he makes a decision to let you go, you know why. Ericâs just trying to save face. Everyone in the industry knows his last few movies bombed out, and because of his temperament, itâs hard to find a director in Hollywood with the patience to take him on.â
Rachel nodded. âThis season is going to have a new twist. They brought in a new doctor and I think his appearance will boost ratings.â
âReally? Who is he?â
âEthan Chambers.â
A slow smile touched Uncle Jacobâs lips. âIâve never met Chambers but Iâve heard of him. Wordâs out that