Page 41 of Spit Screen

“I guess Em let you in our plans,” Addison says.

I reach up and take Addy’s hand in mine.

“I hope we cantalkabout it this weekend,” Addy says. “It’s not the reason we asked you to come. The reason we invited you here this weekend is the same reason we want to launch this show. We miss you—all of you.”

I squeeze Addison’s hand.

“Well, I’m game,” Jeff says.

“To move across the country?” Addison asks.

Sandra smiles at me and lifts her gaze to Addison. “Addy, I would go anywhere for the chance to work with Emma again.”

“And I feel the same way,” Jeff says. “Look. We’ve brought some great stories to life as a team.”

“Jeff, you’ve had enormous success without me. Youbothhave,” Addison says.

Addison's words are genuine, not just empty phrases. Jeff was a producer on my first show,Found. That’s how we met. He was also responsible for gettingOff Screenpicked up, and he has been part of launching two successful shows on streaming services. Sandra has also made a name for herself, having played a recurring role in a popular sci-fi series and a significant role in a superhero blockbuster last year. They don't need our help to find work. They’ve proven themselves in the industry. The truth is we could all have successful careers without working together. We all entered this business because we love it—it's our passion and something that brings us joy and fulfillment. Success looks different for everyone. While winning awards and negotiating lucrative contracts is gratifying, money and fame don't drive any of us. Once you've experienced waking up early every day because you can't wait to get to set and do what you love, it's hard to settle for anything less.

“Maybe so,” Jeff says. “We’ve all been fortunate, Addy—all of us. But it hasn’t been the same with you and Em.”

“Believe me, there’s nothing I want more than for everyone in this room to be part of this project,” Addison says. “I know you might think I wrote it for Em. I did, but it’s more than that. It’s about discovering and creating a family—blending the parts of your family you inherit with the ones youwantto share your life.”

I squeeze Addy’s hand again. “I know there’s a lot to work out—and even more for everyone to consider,” I say. “Even if this doesn’t work out, I think we should set our sights on workingtogether again.” I look at Christie. “And getting to work together finally.”

“Hey, you know I’m on board. If you can find a way to make this work with my shooting schedule and contractual obligations, I’m in,” Christie says.

“Just one thing,” Sandra chimes. “Addy shared the nuts and bolts of this with me. How do you think an audience will feel about the three of us in this together? I mean, some people were attached to me and Emma as an on-screen couple, and some were attached to me and Christie.”

Jeff laughs. “It’s gold, honey,” he says. “Trust me on this one. It’s gold.”

“Mom!”

“Well, that lasted longer than I expected,” I joke. “We’re in here!” I call out to Vicki.

Vicki walks into the room and shakes her head.

“Yes?” I ask.

“Can we go to the pond?”

I hear Addison snigger.

“Hannah and Noah already went to the pond today,” I reply.

“Yeah, but me and Brody didn’t. And Daniel wants to see the frogs.”

“What do you say, Addy?” Jeff asks.

“Sure,” Addison replies.

“Count me in,” Tamara says. “I heard Noah found a snake. Addyhatessnakes.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Addison says.

“Noah!” Vicki calls out.

Noah runs into the room, and I giggle. I’m sure all the kids have been waiting in the kitchen for Vicki’s signal.

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