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“Test audienceslovedit. And it crossed a lot of demographics. Now that Chris Remington is officially a Hollywood A-lister, the studio wanted to lock him into a three-year commitment as lead. He agreed, though one of his conditions was that you are part of the writing team. He liked the depth you added to the characters.”
That was flattering, considering she had only spoken to the actor for half an hour during filming.
“Once everything’s official, our marketing team will reach out to the Army about doing location shoots, using equipment, and running recruitment ads. We can always use AI and CGI if they shoot us down, but getting some stock footage would be helpful.”
“We won’t be able to get active-duty Special Ops guys on camera. That’s too dangerous for them and their families,” she warned.
“This would just be background stuff, so they wouldn’t need to be Special Ops. We’re talking with a former Green Beret to audition for a role and as a technical advisor. You’ll be an executive producer as the show’s co-creator. Are you still there?”
“Yes, I’m just . . .”
“Yeah, I get it. Many try, but you grabbed the brass ring. There’s one condition you need to be aware of.”
“What’s that?” Her racing heart braked hard.
“I know Levi said you wouldn’t have to be here full time, but they will want you here for several weeks while the writing team is plotting out the rest of the season and brainstorming a series arc in anticipation of future seasons. After that, you might be able to participate via video chat for the weekly meet-ups on occasion, but for the most part, he expects you here. I hope that’s not a deal breaker for you.”
“I can make it work.” If Graham got transferred to a base closer to LA, it could be another blessing in disguise. Or, if he were to retire, maybe she could get him involved with the series. That alternative beat taking an assignment overseas or one he wasn’t excited about.
“I’ll send over the contract once it’s complete.”
Cecilia’s warning played in her mind. “I’ll review it with my attorney, and we’ll get it back to you.”
“There is a confidentiality clause, so, until a formal announcement is made, other than the attorney, don’t say a word to anyone. We’re excited to have you on board.”
“Do you know how long until the formal announcement will be out?”
“At least a couple of weeks for negotiations and to get contracts signed. If word leaked out before then, it could jeopardize the entire series.”
“Got it.”
After Ian ended the call, Erin tried to wrap her brain around the fact this was happening. The timing of his call couldn’t have been better. This gave her the confidence to back her decision rather than rely onhopingthe series would come to fruition. Could it have happened a decade ago if she’d pushed harder? Maybe not, since she couldn’t have upped and moved or traveled to California weekly. But now she had the freedom, and she could have it all with Graham’s continued support.
Though Ian said not to tell anyone, Graham needed to know to make his decision about a future assignment. She planned to broach the possibility of him retiring if offered a technical advisor role. He could add a whole other layer of realism to the show.
She pulled up her music app and queued Pharrell’s “Happy.” She couldn’t care less if the drivers beside her laughed at her as she sang and jammed her way home. Her stars were finally aligning, and she was beyond happy.
ChapterForty-Three
Erin’s phonevibrated and rang loudly since she’d turned the ringtone to max volume. She dropped the bag of groceries in her right hand by the condo door to grab her phone from her purse. She was not missing another call from Graham.
Her screen read Potential Spam, giving her one more reason to hate robocalls. She unlocked the condo door and carried in the groceries. After stocking the pantry and fridge for the cats’ owners’ upcoming return, she started baking.
Two hours later, pans of brownies were in the oven while she mixed up icing for the cupcakes cooling on the counter. She might have gone overboard, but some would be a thank you for letting her pet sit, some would be a goodbye sendoff for the USO, and brownies might have time to get to Graham in Africa. If not, Captain Amaya’s men could enjoy them.
Once she began frosting the cupcakes, she put aside a half dozen for Megan, Reece, Jace, and Alex, recognizing she’d defaulted to guilt again. It wasn’t like Graham wouldn’t ever see his kids or grandbaby if they left Fort Liberty. They could video chat and visit. It’d only be two or three years. Graham had referred to them all being here as an unexpected blessing, and he’d been facing a transfer before she entered the picture. This wasn’t her fault. With the money she’d be making at least for the first season, and hopefully longer, they could fly here for long weekends and holidays.
While she loaded the dirty mixing bowls, her phone rang again. “Hello.” She answered the restricted call with her fingers crossed.
“Hey. I’m glad I caught you this time.”
“How’s it going over there?” There was a slight delay in the transmission, and the connection wasn’t great, but that she had Graham on the line sent a rush of energy through her.
“Not as well as I hoped.” Graham already sounded tired. “You get back home and start to forget what it’s like in this part of the world. The drought and food shortages. We send aid that gets waylaid and sold, putting money in the wrong pockets. It’s hard to see.”
“I can only imagine. Is there anything I can send you?” She eyed the brownies she’d baked for the care package.
“No, although it’s already looking like I may need to be here longer than I hoped. Sorry, I don’t mean to bring you down. It’s just that Thomsen made promises that he wasn’t around to keep. Without continuity, building trust, bringing peace, and making a lasting difference is hard. I won’t put my replacement on the hook for my promises.” His sigh carried across the miles.
