Page 13 of Endeavor

“Did you have fun?” I ask him, truly curious.

“It was…interesting.”

“Interesting, good? Or interesting, bad?”

He laughs again. “I mean, it was a little strange being surrounded by so many of Hollywood’s elite in such a small space. But I did manage to find this film editor that I totally admire, and I was able to get his card. So that’s cool.”

“That’s great, Will!” I know Will is really into editing. And I’m generally happy he got to make a valuable networking connection tonight.

He grins. “Yeah, it was pretty cool. He said his company is hiring some interns this summer and to email him about it.”

“Will! OMG! Why didn’t you start with that? That’s amazing!”

He shrugs. “What about you? You were talking with Andy Westin and Blythe Daniels like they were old friends.”

I giggle. “Blythe wanted me to tell Andy about my documentary.”

“And?”

“And Andy wants to hear more. I’m going to set up a lunch with him and Blythe for next week.”

“Damn!” Will whistles. “You just struck gold, my friend.”

My friend. Should I take that as he is not interested? Am I reading too much into that? My mind goes into auto-drive.

“Earth to Emma!” Will waves his hand in front of my face, and I blink.

“Uh, sorry. I spaced out there for a moment.”

“You OK? How much did you drink tonight?” His voice is laced with concern.

“I’m fine. Really. I just was remembering the conversation. I can’t believe Andy wants to talk with me. It’s just…crazy. I mean, I had a few minor celebrities lined up to interview, and I am going to interview that indie production company that I told you about, but I never imagined people like Andy and Blythe would care about my project. It could be a real game-changer. Hell, it could change the whole direction of the project.”

“Does that bother you?” he asks, glancing over at me.

I curl my legs beneath me and settle into the seat like I’m at a therapist’s office. “I don’t know. I mean, I was planning on filming over the spring, editing over the summer, and presenting it in the fall, but now…I’m not sure. If I can get some major celebrities to work with me, I don’t want to miss that opportunity, you know?”

“You shouldn’t. It could change the trajectory of your project.”

I nod. “I know.” I bite my lip as I consider this. It could change the whole trajectory of my life.

“You look a little green over there. You sure you are OK?”

I shake off the nerves I’m suddenly feeling. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed.”

“It’ll be fine. You’ll see. How about some tunes?” Will switches on his music, and we chat about the celebrities we saw tonight. It takes an hour to get there, but the drive along the coast is peaceful this time of night. I make Will roll down the windows, so I can hear the ocean waves.

As we approach Malibu, I rattle off the address and use my phone to find the house. It doesn’t look overly huge like I had anticipated. In fact, it seems too small to host an after-party. Will manages to find street parking not far away, which is a miracle of sorts. He gives me a piggyback ride as we walk over there, after I complain about my shoes.

At the gate, I ring a buzzer and give the man on the other end our names. A moment later, the gate opens, and we are greeted by an enormous guy. I mean, like a sumo wrestler, a giant, and a professional weightlifter had a baby. He’s HUGE!

“Miss Baldwin and guest?” he asks.

I nod and swallow.

“Follow the lights up to the house.” He motions to the front door beyond a small lit pathway.

“Thanks,” I murmur as I head toward the door. I take a breath before pushing it open, unsure of what lies on the other side.

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