Page 49 of Spit Screen

“He thinks itistheir market. And he also thinks it will give you a little more freedom with the show.”

Don Bellson and the word freedom in the same sentence makes me chuckle.

“Addy, he was sincere. It’s a different ballgame these days than it was eleven years ago.”

“I know. Do you really think he wants to work with me again?”

“Different dynamic, love. We have to bring our A-game. It’s a season-to-season renewal, and I think he’s looking at 8 to 12 hour-long episodes, not 20 to 22.”

I lean against the counter. “Seriously?”

Emma nods.

“Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“Holy shit! Jeff will freak!”

Emma laughs. “He’s going to call you tomorrow.”

“Me? Why not Jeff?”

“Because, Addy, Don has always respected you. You came up with this idea. More than that, helikesyou.”

I howl. “He likesyou.”

“Yes,” Emma concedes. “But he’s always liked you, Addy. Believe me.”

“You think we should take an offer.”

“I think Don can be a son of a bitch at times,” Emma said. “But he knows the business and doesn’t bet on a project unless he intends to go all-in on it. He’ll help make the show better. I believe that—so do you.”

“And?”

“And I like the idea of limited seasons. It opens a door for Christie. And, Addy? It would be best for our family, too. If you can get an agreement signed, I think you should—yes.”

“Don Bellson,” I muse.

“Mm.”

Suddenly, I feel 100 pounds lighter. “It’s going to happen,” I say.

Emma smiles. She believes it, too.

“I guess that means we’re really moving,” I say.

“I guess so.”

“How do you feel about making this move?”

“It feels a little like when I found out we were having Vicki,” Emma says.

“How so?”

“Exciting, overwhelming, and scary as hell,” she replies.

I laugh.

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