big meeting of the day.  He had assumed that it was a perfunctory chat about protocol and procedure expected at the initial fall schedule meeting that afternoon.  With the press coverage he now assumed this meeting could be about anything.

Once the usual handshakes were exchanged, Ian was introduced to a third, unexpected party in the room.

“Ian I would like you to meet Lance Crockett, from our publicity department.”

Ian shook his hand, “You were named after a cracker?”  He smiled, wishing he had said something else.

The man’s coal gray eyes flashed, “Who taught you how to spell your last name?”  The man retorted.  Ian liked him.

“Have a seat” Tolan motioned, and everyone took the cushy chair motioned to.  “Ian, I understand you had a rather interesting weekend…”

“Sir, some friends took me out for my very first real night on the town, and I ran into some old band buddies and ending up singing a song or two with them.  I had no idea, and I realize now rather naively, that things would steam roll the way they did.”


Jack nodded his head, “Of course son, I’m sure you are still realizing how small a town LA really is, and that even though everyone is entitled to their private lives, there is very little private about any one’s life, especially here and especially in our positions.”

“Of course, sir.  I will be happy to do any kind of damage control that you see fit.”  Ian was ready to swallow his pride and do whatever was necessary. He in no way wanted to damage the reputation of HRT. No matter what it cost of his.

“Well, I think little damage control has to be done.”  Ian was surprised.  “Now I will admit, it was a little unorthodox, but blown way out of proportion, probably compounded by the leak of my own little announcement.”

“The two probably just fanned each other’s flame.”  The publicity guy added.

“Precisely” Tolan agreed.  “Actually, other than a few rumors that are totally unbelievable there is nothing to control, and the phones have been ringing off the hook since early Sunday morning.  You have generated more excitement for this network than people paid handsomely for quite a long time have managed to.”

“That’s where I come in.”  Crockett jumped back in.

“Lance and I had planned to have this meeting with you a little later, but now seems like the perfect time to act, while the iron is hot, so to speak”

“So to speak...” Crockett yes manned.

“I don’t understand.”

“May I?”  Crockett asked.

“Certainly”   

“Even before this little public display became so public, your charisma and charm have not gone unnoticed, something that our demographics say aren’t usually associated with our network. It has been discussed that perhaps now is the time to use you to help change that.”

“I’m still lost.”

“Ian,” Tolan deliberately chose his words, “We would like you to be the new face of HRT, a spokes person for a simplistic term.”

“You mean turn the letters while you get the contestants to spin the wheel?”  Ian was wishing Wella were there.  He was a lot confused and a little insulted and wasn’t sure he even wanted to bother with protocol.

Tolan, laughed.  “Not exactly.  We would like you to be the