Page 33 of Spit Screen

“Maybe not. I know what you’re about to say.”

“Do you?” she asks.

“I think so.”

“And what am I about to say?”

I smile. “That we’ll always find our way.”

“We will,” Emma says. “But that isn’t what I was thinking.”

“No?”

“No,” she says firmly, taking a deep breath before continuing. “When we were first together, it felt like the ground shifted beneath our feet. It was like we were standing on a pile of sand, never knowing when it might give way and swallow us whole.”

I gently caress Emma’s arm as she shares her thoughts with me. I understand exactly what she means. The start of our relationship was intense and all-consuming, and not only in thebedroom. We spent countless hours learning about each other’s pasts, fears, hopes, and dreams. Being together felt like being in a private world where nothing else mattered. But whenever we stepped outside, the reality of our situation hit us hard. The lives we were leading seemed suddenly separate—almost incompatible. We had to put constant effort into nurturing our relationship and challenge ourselves to be open about our feelings. It wasn’t always easy, but we fought through the obstacles that came our way by being honest and open with each other. In the end, we found solace in each other—our solid ground amidst the chaos of the world around us.

“It’s different now,” Emma says. “I know no matter how unsteady I might feel—no matter how the earth beneath us rumbles, you’ll keep me steady.”

I smile and kiss her lips.

Emma sighs. “In some ways, Addy, I think we’ve been hiding here.I’vebeen hiding here.”

Emma’s words don’t surprise me, but I also don’t agree. “Em,” I whisper. “That’s not true.”

“Isn’t it?”

“No. We’re both private people who happen to have a public life—or, at least, a public-facing career. Don’t say anything yet. Just listen to me.”

Emma sighs.

“Finding the right balance isn’t easy for any couple or family. Let’s be honest. Fame adds a dimension to our reality most people will never need to consider. You worry about me. You worry about the kids. And I understand. More than you think I can.”

Another sigh passes Emma’s lips.

“But we all know who you are—not only me, the kids, too,” I tell her. “You’re my solid ground as much as I am yours. And we’re theirs.”

“I know,” she says. “Maybe I need to hear you say it. This project means more to you than anything sinceOff Screen,” she observes.

I nod. “I guess it does,” I reply.

Emma smiles.

“It’s about finding that solid ground,” I tell her. “About the gifts life lays unexpectedly at your feet, and how frightening it can be to embrace the change that goes along with them.”

Emma leans in and kisses me.

“What was that for?” I ask.

“Do I need a reason?”

“Never.”

“I love you so much, Addy.”

“Em?”

“When I read the pilot,” Emma pauses and shakes her head. “I laughed. But I also cried.”

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