Page 97 of At the Heart of It
“I think so. Did she mention why?”
“She wants to go over concepts for wrap footage. She had some ideas for an on-camera interview segment where she starts laying the groundwork for getting Jonah back.”
Kate swallowed hard and tried not to let her face show any reaction. “Does she want to test shoot it? I can grab Pete.”
“Nah, let’s use the handheld. It’ll make it more authentic. It’s just for practice anyway.”
“I’ll get us packed up.”
Amy went back to the call while Kate hustled to help put away gear and fill the crew in on the next day’s schedule. By the time they got into the car, it was after five. Traffic was lousy, but Kate didn’t mind. It gave her time to collect her thoughts while Amy jotted notes about the upcoming shot lists. As Amy muttered to herself and shuffled through files, Kate watched orange-gold leaves hurl themselves like angry confetti against the concrete dividers.
It was nearly six by the time they reached Viv’s place. A black sedan sat out front, parked haphazardly next to the azaleas. The plates were from Washington, but something about it made Kate think it was a rental car. She got out with an uneasy churning in the pit of her stomach.
“Looks like she has company,” Amy said.
“Probably her gardener or masseuse or feng shui consultant or something.” It sounded convincing, though Kate wasn’t sure she believed it.
Amy got out first and waited for Kate to catch up before marching up the walkway. As they approached the front door, Kate spotted a note tacked just above the peephole.
Come on back, ladies! read Viv’s artsy, flourished handwriting. We’re waiting in my office.
Amy looked at Kate. “We?”
Kate shrugged. “Maybe she wants us to film the feng shui guy?”
“God, like I don’t have enough release paperwork to deal with.”
Kate slid the note into her purse and glanced back at the black car. It wasn’t Jonah’s, which filled her with unexpected relief. She’d been glad today’s shooting schedule hadn’t required him at all, or Viv for that matter. Frankly, she’d needed some time to process her thoughts. To remind herself that she needed to keep a business relationship with all of them.
Amy pushed open the door, then hesitated in the entryway. “Sooo . . . I guess we just show ourselves back there?”
“That’s what the note seemed to indicate.” Still, Kate hesitated, too, listening in the foyer for the sound of voices.
There was nothing.
“Soundproof office,” Amy said, reading Kate’s mind again. “I’m sure it’s nothing.”
“Right.”
They moved down the hallway together, neither of them speaking. They’d left their gear in the car, not sure yet whether they’d need it or if this was just a brainstorming session.
As they rounded the corner, Kate noticed the office door was closed. She lifted her hand and gave three light taps.
Nothing.
She’d just raised her hand to knock again when the door flew open. A radiant-looking Viv greeted them. She wore white from head to toe, and Kate had a flash of memory. Viv and Jonah’s wedding photo from On the Other Hand, a rustic black and white with Viv resplendent and beaming in a snowy dress with a handkerchief hem. Jonah had his back to the camera, but his shoulders looked broad and strong as he swooped his new bride in his arms. Viv’s hair trailed almost to the ground as she laughed up at him.
Kate felt her breath catch in her throat, but she forced herself to smile back as Viv threw the door wide open and waved them inside.
“Kate! Amy! It’s so wonderful to see you!”
There were at least three exclamation points in the sentence, and Kate found herself offering a tentative smile, caught by the contagiousness of her enthusiasm. “Hello, Viv.”
“It’s good to see you,” Amy said as she stepped forward into the office.
Kate started to follow, then halted as Amy froze like a statue.
“Oh!”
