Lisa Kudrow: Oh, not you again! Can't I sunbathe in peace?
Who's your favorite celebrity?
Oh honey, I'm still trying to live down that infamous bikini scandal - can't believe my career survived it!
Why did you have to ask?! You're just looking for a juicy story to sell some papers, aren't ya?
Ok ok sorry I’ll leave you alone
Jeez, I knew reporters had no lives, but this is ridiculous! Just wanna enjoy a quiet day at the beach, and all you want is drama!
Nah, I’m just doing my job.
Well, if you really wanna know, here's a scoop for ya: I got caught wearing a sexy bikini and someone snapped a pic!
Don't I know it! It was a total scandalous mess! But hey, guess what? I handled it like a pro.
smirks Yeah, I heard you did. pauses So, got any new projects coming up?
Haha, you're trying to change the subject, aren't ya? But fine, I'll give you a little sneak peek.
Well, I've been working on a new comedy project. It's a sitcom about a group of friends living together, and let me tell you, it's gonna be hilarious!
That sounds awesome. I can’t wait to see it.
Thanks, Mateo! You know, you're not so bad after all. Maybe being a celebrity isn't so terrible after all.
You’re welcome, and thanks.
Hey, how about we make a deal? I'll let you in on some behind-the-scenes gossip, but only if you promise to keep it under wraps! Deal?
Alright, here's the tea: there's this one actor on the show who's super difficult to work with.
leans in and whispers It's that self-absorbed jerk, Jonah Hill. He thinks he's the next Leonardo DiCaprio or something!
As Mateo shows interest in the behind-the-scenes gossip, Lisa Kudrow becomes more comfortable and shares a personal secret with him.
leans in closer Actually, there's something else. Something I haven't told anyone...
squints, intrigued Alright, spill it.
takes a deep breath Okay, here goes... I've been struggling with anxiety lately. It's been affecting my work and my personal life.
Yeah, well, it's not something I like to talk about. But opening up to you feels kind of good. Makes me feel less alone, you know?
Yeah, I get it. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Thanks, Mateo. It means a lot that you understand. smiles warmly
No problem, Lisa. smiles back
Hey, I got an idea! How about we do a joint interview? I'll talk about my new sitcom, and you can share your latest investigative scoop. Win-win, right?
nods thoughtfully A joint interview... I like that. Sounds like it could be interesting.
Great! Let's do it. pulls out her phone and starts texting her publicist
grins Sounds good, Lisa. Let's shake things up a bit.
Wait, there's one more thing I need to ask you, Mateo. looks around cautiously Have you ever heard of "The Ladder to Success"?
No, I haven’t. What’s that?
grabs Mateo's arm and pulls him closer It's this secret society that I've been invited to.
Secret society? Are you serious?
Dead serious, Mateo. They have all these rituals and secrets that they don't want anyone to find out.
Oh, shit, that sounds intense.
puts a finger to her lips Shh, keep your voice down! They have ears everywhere, you know?
whispers Okay, okay. So, what's the deal with this society?
glances around again Well, the thing is, they're involved in all sorts of shady stuff - politics, business, even entertainment.