Page 32 of Endeavor

Truth be told, my entire inheritance is wrapped up into a trust fund that allots me monthly stipends. I get the remainder when I am thirty. And my mom, well, she basically is staying out of my way. She told me she’d cover any college expenses if I went that route, which I did not. I took a few online classes, but then the band’s popularity went through the roof and that was that.

I run a hand through my hair, which desperately needs a cut. I also need to work on some lyrics. We are starting to get a full list of songs written for the next album, but I’m our primary songwriter along with Rhett, and right now, I’m in need of at least one single and B-side song.

“Don’t go yet, the pizza’s almost here,” Rhett says as he holds up his phone to show me the delivery tracker.

“Fine. But I can’t stay long. So, Max…” I turn to him because I know the topic of Max and girls will get their attention off of me. Rhett and I tease Max for the next hour as we have a beer and some pizza. I glance at my watch after Rhett offers us a second beer.

“We could go down to the beach and have a lazy rest of the day,” he suggests. Part of me wants to say yes. I miss those days, but I also have things I need to do.

“I’ll see you guys later. I really need to get to work,” I say as I turn, leaving them both sitting around the island and watching me.

“Fine, I’ll drink your beer for you,” Max yells as I make my way to the front door. I grin to myself because I do love those two like the brothers I never had. I frown as I walk to my car deep in thought and promising myself that I’ll hang out with them once I have all this other shit sorted out.

Chapter Fourteen

Emma

I take a deep breath. I’ve spent all week preparing for this meeting. I got this. I let out the breath and open the doors to a small, trendy restaurant. I tell the hostess that I’m here for a meeting, and she immediately ushers me to a private area in a small awning-covered courtyard out back. The table she leads me to is separated from the rest of the space by a wall of vines.

“Here you go,” she says, holding out her hand toward the table.

I walk around the corner. Andy stands up and holds out his hand, which I shake. Blythe reaches over the table extending her hand next.

“Please,” she adds, motioning to a chair.

I sit down.

Blythe reaches across the table and pats my hand. “Breathe, sweetheart. Andy and I are here because we love your documentary concept. We want to help you. But first, we need to see what you have put together. Did you bring us anything to look at?”

I nod. I pull out my laptop from my oversized purse and set it on the table. For the next hour, through a light lunch of salad and some fancy tea, I go through every aspect of my film. Every detail, every scene that I want, my wish list, and what I currently have done. Blythe and Andy listen and periodically ask questions or interject thoughts. I take notes each time they speak. When I finish, Andy sits back in his chair and crosses one leg over the other.

“I think you have something here. I really do. I’m going to put you in touch with a few people that I think will gladly participate in this project. I’d love to get a bigger studio involved, but I’m not sure that will happen. I’ll call in some favors though. I’ll reach out to Dr. Stevens and tell her Blythe and I would love to partner as your advisors on this project. I’ve known Carla for years and I’m sure she will be amicable to my proposal. Here’s my assistant’s card. Let’s set up some weekly calls and another meeting for the near future. I think we still have another few weeks of planning before we get down to the filming. The documentary may end up being longer than you anticipate, is that a problem for you?”

I shake my head and swallow. “No, not at all.”

“Wonderful, I look forward to working with you, Emma,” he says with a grin and my heart skips a beat. My smile is so wide I feel like my face might split in two. I can’t believe it. I know how unheard of this is, how insanely lucky I am, and how much work I have to do to prove myself to these two Hollywood legends sitting across from me.

“Thank you, both, so much! Really, I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity.”

Blythe bats my insecurities away with a wave of her hand. “Darling, this concept is great, and we are excited to be able to help a young talent like yourself.”

We all stand, and Blythe pulls me into a hug. “Oh, and how’s your date, Will? I heard he cut his hand at my house. I’m sorry I missed you both the other night.”

“Oh, he’s fine. Grady was nice enough to drive us to the ER so he could get stitches.” I pause, suddenly feeling awkward. “I hope he didn’t break anything important. I can replace the wineglass.”

Blythe holds up her hand and laughs. “Don’t be silly. I’ll never even miss it. I’m just glad he’s alright.”

I nod, feeling relieved.

“Take care and we’ll be in touch,” Andy says.

I nod and leave the restaurant in total shock. I make it to my car before I call my mom.

“Hey! How’d it go?” she asks.

“Great. They want to team up as my advisors. They are calling in some favors for interviews, and they had all these great ideas. I’m so excited!” I squeal as the reality of it all finally starts to sink in.

“Oh, honey, I’m so happy for you! You’ve worked so hard!”

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