In truth, he didn't need Rachel's help at all. A little more forcefulness, a little more directness from Landon, and Tracy's seemingly solid defenses would crumble. Her so-called flirtatious tug-of-war was nothing but self-deception—classic ostrich-with-its-head-in-the-sand.
Make no mistake: Tracy's desire burned no less hot than Landon's.
Unfortunately, Landon had no idea.
He could only rely on a man's intuition to sense the growing heat in Tracy's eyes and the occasional intimacy that spilled past the bounds of Agent and talent.
Tracy's real talent lay in slipping back across the line at the last possible instant, cloaking the moment with shop talk or a joke.
And so the final, paper-thin membrane between them stayed bizarrely intact—never torn, never thickened.
Landon and Tracy both seemed to savor the ambiguity, as though they'd slipped into that heady, maddening prelude lovers know: mutual probing, racing hearts, nothing yet declared.
---
With the Delmont shoot wrapped, McCann Advertising dove into post-production.
Eric had made it clear: Delmont wanted to ride the fading heat of the Convenience-Store Hero story and air the spot fast.
The editors would burn midnight oil; within a week the ad would hit TV and every other screen in town.
Director Eric was confident the finished film—with its ripped-from-the-headlines hook, Landon's sharp moves and sharper face, and Rachel's effortless charm—would light up the blogs.
But plans changed: Landon's part on 24 hours ballooned from a few lines to a multi-episode tactical lead. Shooting days multiplied, and he had to bail on his ER audition.
Tracy personally phoned ER's casting director, explained, apologized, and left the door open for next time.
After that, Landon's life pivoted to prepping for 24 hours.
As CTU tech Tony Almeida, Landon spent early episodes barking orders from a headset—light duty.
Once the character turned, the action spiked: high-speed chases, firefights, brutal hand-to-hand brawls with Jack Bauer.
Stunts weren't the problem; the spiral into darkness was. Landon needed to play older, smarter, colder—and sell every year of it.
While he burrowed into the role, someone he never expected knocked on his door.
That afternoon the apartment was silent except for the whisper of turning pages.
Then a sharp rap shattered the quiet.
Landon frowned. Rachel should still be at an audition Tracy had arranged.
He set the script aside, stepped to the door, and asked cautiously, "Who is it?"
No answer—only more urgent knocking.
He peered through the peephole: a petite figure in a ball cap, hoodie, and jeans, brim pulled low.
But the trademark spill of gold hair and pointed chin made his pupils contract.
He yanked the door open.
The visitor sprang, flinging herself against him, arms locking around his waist, face pressed to his chest.
Landon!" A clear, aggrieved voice rang out.
Blood turned to ice water in his veins.
It was Amanda Seyfried—the underage girl who'd nearly got him killed at hello.
Panicking, he slammed the door shut and threw the deadbolt in one fluid motion, one arm still keeping her from falling.
The memory of cold shotgun steel and the blister of a bullet grazing his scalp flickered back.
Amanda ignored it all, sobbing against his shirt.
Landon… don't you love me anymore? You never called. I kept waiting…"
She was already in the business; her debut on Law & Order as Lily had aired October '99.
She'd followed up with daytime's immortal As the World Turns, playing adopted Lucy Montgomery, premiering January 31.
Eleven-thousand-plus episodes and counting, the show gave her steady exposure.
That early start was how she'd met Landon at the party.
I saw you on the news!" she chirped, mood flipping like a switch. Tears still clung, but her blue eyes sparkled. "You were incredible—like a superhero! I almost cheered, but Mom and Dad were watching."
She mimed stifled excitement, adorable and ridiculous.
Landon's pulse spiked again.
Your parents… know you're here?" he asked, voice cracking, eyes flicking to the window as if Jack might appear with that shotgun.
Relax! I snuck out," she giggled, delighted by his terror. "Told Mom I was studying at a friend's."
Landon groaned inwardly; this was playing with nitroglycerin.
Enough, he thought. I used to have no choice; now I want to be a good man.
He drew a steady breath, set his hands on her shoulders, and eased her back so he could meet her eyes, forcing gentleness into his expression.
Listen, Amanda," he said softly. "We can't go back. If your dad finds out, he'll kill me—or have me locked up. Is that what you want?
You don't like me anymore?" Her lip quivered; tears welled instantly.