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“You’ve got to be kidding me?”
“What did I say?”
“Dad, I see young actresses out with producers and agents and managers all the time. Dating isn’t taboo.”
“True, and it never will be.”
“But I’m happy to look at the TV and Cable side of things if you think I should. The quality of the shows on cable is fabulous now.”
“I have to stop back up at the office before I return to the set. I’ll put another call into Jerry,” he promised. “In the meantime we need to discuss our birds in the hand, okay?”
“Yes, dad, okay.”
Though she pretended to listen attentively, and commented when she thought she should, she’d made up her mind. One way or another she would end up working at Continental.
“I’m sure The Moon Goddess will be nominated for an Emmy,” Justin said thoughtfully. “If you can work for that production company—“ then abruptly stopping mid-sentence, he said, “I’m wasting my breath, aren’t I, Emma?”
“What? No.”
“A few minutes ago you said I can read your mind, and you were right. You want to be at Continental, but not because of the terrific films coming out of there. You want Zach Taylor to notice you, and working there is the best way you make that happen.”
“Even if that is my agenda, does it matter. Continental is still a great company. It would still be a terrific place to put my feet under a desk.”
“And what happens if your plan works?”
“That would be great, wouldn’t it? I don’t see the problem. It would be a win/win.”
“Let’s say you did end up going out with Zach. If you get bored with him the way you get bored with all the guys you date, the situation would become difficult, then untenable. You’d have to start over again somewhere else. Taking it a step further, if you tick him off he might put the word out that Emma Hartman isn’t the easiest person in the world to deal with, then you’d have a problem. Zach is young, but he’s become a mover and shaker. People listen to him. I’m not saying he would do that, I’m just saying he could.”
“Good grief, dad, talk about doom and gloom.”
“I’m watching out for you, kiddo. I’ve been in this town a long time, and I know how things work, but if you’ve got your heart set on working at Continental, I know I can’t change your mind. I’ll do what I can, but for goodness sake, be smart about this.”
“Thanks, dad. I will.”
“That means if he’s not interested, don’t push, and if he is...”
“If he is, what?”
“Be prepared for the fallout if things don’t go the way you want them to, and handle the break up with dignity.”
“Ouch.”
“Just laying out the reality.”
“I know,” she said with a sigh, “but I still want to work there.”
“Of course you do. Let’s order, then I’ll go back to my office and call Jerry again.”
“Thanks dad, you’re the best.”
“Sometimes I wonder. Right now I want to buy Zach Taylor a one way ticket to somewhere far away.”
“But you won’t.”
“No, Emma, I won’t, and whatever happens I’ll be here for you.”
