Page 8 of Spit Screen

“Mm. How is everyone there?”

“Okay,” I say. “Enough with the pleasantries. You’ll see everyone who lives here in a week. What’s going on?”

Christie sighs. “I know Tam wanted to call you. She feels she needs to tell Addy this news first.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Nothing iswrong.”

“Is Tam pregnant?” I ask.

“No.” Christie sighs again. “Em, I got an offer last week.”

“That’s great. Isn’t it?”

“It is. It’s for a new James Reynold’s police procedural set in Boston.”

“Thatisgreat.”

“Em, it’s for the lead.”

I take a deep breath and flop onto the sofa. James Reynolds is one of the biggest creators/producers in network television. He has more than half a dozen hit shows running on a major network. Every show he’s launched in the last decade has enjoyed a good run. The shortest was five seasons. Christie’s newsisgreat. It also means she’ll need to relocate to the East Coast. Now, I understand why Tam wanted to talk to Addy in person before Memorial Day weekend.

“Em?”

“Does Tam want to leave the production company?” I ask.

“No. But she’ll understand if it’s what you and Addy need her to do.”

I’m at a loss for words.

“Emma?”

“I’m sorry. I’m trying to process.”

“I have to say, I didn’t expect this reaction. I knew you’d be?—”

“I’m not upset at all,” I explain. “It’s not that.”

“It’s something.”

“Addy gave me a new project to look at today,” I tell Christie.

“And you think it’s something you’ll need Tam to get greenlighted?”

I groan. “Tam is a huge asset with every project.”

“But?” Christie asks.

“I think Addy is hoping I’ll sign on.”

“Do you mean as an actor?”

“Yes.”

“Em, you’ve worked since you moved to Kansas. I’m sure you guys can make the schedule work. Features?—”

“It’s not a film.”

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