Page 27 of Spit Screen

“What about the house?” Addison asks.

“Well, I suppose we could sell it. I thought we’d keep it as a place for summers and visits. It would be ideal for Mom and Dad to use for company when we’re not here.”

Addison bites her lip. “I never considered moving back east.”

“I know.”

“We don’t know if anyone will be interested in the show, Em. I mean, if Christie was on board, I’m pretty sure we’d get more than a few nibbles.”

I can’t conceal my grin.

“What?” Addison asks.

“What if I told you Sandra is interested?”

Addison shakes her head.

“Bad idea? Having Sandra playing my love interest again?”

“Bad idea? Are you kidding? Em, people have been begging for that for years!”

I nod.

“You talked to Sandra?”

“As a friend—yes. Jeff is tired of producing for other people, Addy. He wants to get back to creating something—writing.”

“Jeff’s work is based in California.”

“At the moment. It doesn’t need to be,” I say.

“Do you actually think they’d consider moving?”

“The business has changed. You know that. We don’tneedto be in LA. The answer is, I don’t know. I can’t promise you that Jeff and Sandra will want to move or agree to move. But I think for the right opportunity, they will. We all miss each other.”

“I know. But, Em, there’s no guarantee we can strike gold twice.”

“No. But if anyone can, it’s us. Jesus, Addy. If James Reynolds can launch one hit show after another, we ought to be able to have another commercialandcritical success. Why not? Who knows? Maybe Christie will come on board, too.”

“That’d be a neat trick.”

“Not really. There are ways to make that happen. If that’s something she wants, and it matters enough to you to work with her.”

“What about you?” Addison asks. “Are you sure about this?”

“I’m sure I want to discuss it with our friends—yes. And if we’re all on board, then yes—I’m sure.”

“And the kids?”

“The kids will be happy if they know we’re confident in our decision. And frankly, if we’re going to do this, now is a good time. In a few years, it’ll be harder for them to leave friends behind.”

“It’s a huge change, Emma.”

“Is it? It’s a new house, Addy. It’s a shift. We’ve made those before. And one day, we will make them again.”

“What about your parents?”

“They’ll understand. My parents have never tried to hold me back—to hold me here. You know that.”

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