Page 19 of Spit Screen

“Want to talk about it?”

“I don’t know,” I reply. “I’m excited for you.”

“I know you are. But you were hoping we might all work together.”

“Did Emma say something?” I ask.

“She told me a little about the new project you’ve been developing.”

“More like outlining,” I say. “I left a rough pilot script with Em. But it’s just a concept.”

I watch as Christie brings the mug in her hands to her lips and peers at me over the edge as she sips.

“What?” I ask.

Christie slowly sets the mug on the counter and sighs. “Addison, I know you well enough to know you don’t give Emma anything to review unless it’s a project you want to develop.”

I huff.

“Or to tell her something you’re afraid to say. Emma knows that, too.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“Why don’t you tell Emma what you want?” Christie asks.

“Because I’m not sure what I want.”

Christie nods.

“Chris, it’s true. I love living in Kansas.”

“But you also miss workingwithEmma. I don’t mean debating what ideas should become films, either. You miss writing for Emma—seeing Emma on a set.”

I collapse my face in my hands with a sigh.

“She misses that, too,” Christie says.

“I know.” I look back at Christie and shake my head. “Em misses being on a set. More than that, she misses being around people who understand her.”

“Addy, just because we’re moving to New England doesn’t mean you and Emma can’t come back to California. You both have loads of friends here. Jeff and Sandra would be deliriously happy if you lived closer.”

“Yeah. Maybe so. I’m not sure that would be enough to sway Emma to make that big of a move.”

“Do you realize how much she loves you?”

“What?”

“It’s a simple question, Addy. Do you realize how much Emma loves you?’

“Well, I?—”

Christie chuckles. “You know, you remind me of Tam sometimes.”

“Me?”

“Mm. She often fails to grasp that I love her as much as she loves me and thatyouand Emma love her as much as she loves you. Maybe you should tell Emma howyoufeel.”

“That’s it, Chris. I don’t know. I mean, I know how much she loves me—I do. I’m not restless. I know you and Tam both think I am. Work pulls me away. I spend more time with you and Tam than Emma has in a few years. Don’t misunderstand me. She loves being near her folks and Jackson. But I can feel it—Em’s restlessness. The kids are getting bigger—and more independent. Even Noah likes to go his own way.”

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