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“What?” He pulls into the closest parking spot and turns to look at me.
“My organizational talents aren’t at your disposal. We’re a team, working together to make this movie. I’m not going to be some hands-off producer who signs the checks. I thought I made that clear.”
“Of course not. That’s why I called to discuss this.”
“And I’m not going to be your office manager or administrative assistant, either. Been there, done that, and moved on.” Working first as Leo’s assistant and then moving to C&C Productions to work for Dave had been an amazing experience, but I’d grown since then and didn’t plan to spend the next few months answering phones and synchronizing schedules.
“That’s not what I meant at all. I’m sorry if it came across like that. I’m looking forward to working with you.” He put a lot of emphasis on the word with, taking my hand and squeezing it to make his point. “That’s why I want your take on the people I thought might be a good addition to our team. And I’ll rely on you to bring on more talent. You know a lot more east coast people than I do.”
“Alright.” I want to believe him, but I have a feeling I’m always going to be on guard around him.
“Good. How about you let me buy you a chocolate and peanut butter shake as a thank you for having my back and driving me all the way out here?”
“You remembered that one too?” I ask, surprised at how many of my favorites he remembers.
“Of course. I don't think I’ve seen you consume any other milkshake for as long as I’ve known you. Except for that one time when your cousin with the peanut allergy was in town.” He jumps out and dashes around the car, pulling the passenger door open when I struggle with the handle.
“Worst two weeks of my life. Mom wouldn’t let any of us get near a peanut product.” I shake my head, still not sure how I made it through. “I still think she faked it because, by Christmas, Sarah supposedly grew out of it. I don’t think you grow out of a peanut allergy.”
Joe shrugs and holds the door to Delucci’s open for me. The sweet smell of their fifty-two flavors of ice cream and homemade waffle cones hits me the moment I step inside the chilly building.
“Two large peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes. One with and one without whipped cream,” Joe says when we walk up to the counter.
“You don’t even like peanut butter,” I say when he keeps surprising me.
“I've gotten a taste for it since I’ve been gone. I basically survived on peanut butter my first year of college. Let’s just say the cafeteria food wasn’t my favorite. And they insist on putting avocado into everything out there.” He shakes his head, looking so disgusted it makes me laugh.
“We have a couple of avocado-based smoothies,” Isabella Delucci says, resulting in raised eyebrows from both of us.
“I think we’ll stick to peanut butter and chocolate ice cream in ours,” I say.
“Cherry on top?” Isabella asks, and I nod.
“Why don’t we take these outside and go over some names for casting directors,” Joe says when we have our shakes in hand.
“Sure thing. But this time, I’m taking notes.” I pat my purse. It holds my planner and a notebook dedicated to this project. I pull it out the moment we sit down. Then I pull the cherry out of its cloud of whipped cream and pop it into my mouth, because ... priorities.
His suggestions are decent, and it doesn’t take long to come up with a short list of casting directors for both the east coast and west coast.
“What’s next?” I ask after writing the last of the names on our top three list.
“Location scout?” Joe asks.
“I worked with Charles Hawkins on a couple of projects around here. He might not be a bad choice if he’s available.” I look at Joe to see how he takes the suggestion.
“Reach out to him. Anyone else? We should probably stick with people familiar with the area.”
I add two more names to the list, giving Joe a quick idea of what they are good at. “I guess we should check in with Dave about some of this. I’m not even sure what our budget is.”
“Call him,” Joe suggests, and I pull out my phone to dial.
The call is quick. “Don’t break the bank. Other than that, do what you need to do to get the ball rolling. I’ll set up a meeting with the accountants for next week. I have to run. Weekend getaway with my wife.” He hangs up before either of us gets another question in.
“I guess we reach out and worry about contracts later,” Joe says, taking a long draw of his shake.
“Works for me.” I make a note to send out a few emails as soon as I get home and put away my notebook and planner.
“Do you need to head back, or do you have time for a walk around the lake?” Joe asks.
