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Brian joked, but Jake couldn’t tell if he was really joking or fake joking for deniability but actually expecting him to sabotage the project. He forced a laugh, hoping it was the right response.
“I’ll get this over to legal to clean up, but good work, Jake. Keep this up and you’ll have your choice of projects."
Counting on it, he thought as visions of future productions danced through his head. He wanted that Emmy in the next five years, and he wanted it for his created content, not his acting. He wasn’t going to get it for Million-Dollar Starter Home or Valenti Vineyards, but if they built his name within the network so he’d have freedom to develop his own projects, well, he’d take that trade-off. He'd do just about anything to have control and the career he'd chosen.
For now, he’d jump through whatever hoops they put in front of him.
* * *
Jake sippedhis Sonoma Imperial Stout and smiled. The smooth, creamy beer helped soothe the rough edges caused by the hectic production schedule. Starting a show at the same time one was ending might be great for crew retention, but it was hell on the nerves. But it was done.
The second season of Million-Dollar Starter Home, affectionately known as MDash, was filmed, mostly edited, and scheduled to air. Now it was up to other people to wrap things up.
He could sit back, enjoy his beer, and let all of his worries about Valenti Vineyards drop for the night. The wrap party was a time-honored tradition, and this one was just getting started. Jake loved and hated these parties. Celebrating a job well done was important, but it also signaled a goodbye.
He scanned the San Francisco Brewing Company, full of the cast and crew from the show enjoying the night and each other, and his throat clenched up. It would never again be exactly the same. People would move on to other gigs, half of his stars would be parents soon, and the new show would have its own energy. If there was a third season of MDash, it would be different. Change happened, whether he liked it or not, but one last party together helped ease him through the transition, even as he held himself apart and watched.
Against the burnished wood and exposed brick decor of the brewery, Lorena, his assistant director, and Rico faced off at the shuffleboard, while Enzo and Dom debated the offerings available on tap at the self-serve beer wall. Brian and Alex, his executive producers, had flown up from LA and were chatting with Trina and Winston, his carpenter with a voice of gold who had just gotten back into town himself. They were likely trying to convince him to do a spin-off show of his own instead of pursuing a solo music career.
Winston was the reason he'd be losing Trina after the vineyard project. They had fallen in love on set and were ready to settle down. Trina was eager to move into movie camerawork, and Winston's recent stay in LA had already snagged him agent interest and a few offers to get him in the studio. They had delayed a permanent move for him, and Jake was grateful. He'd help them out, of course, with his connections, but he felt like he was losing his right hand.
But not tonight. He had a commitment of six more months and another show before he had to cross that bridge. He took a sip of beer to push the lump back down his throat.
"You know, it's okay to join in the fun."
Jo Valenti's voice in his ear surprised the beer from his mouth up into his nose. He coughed and wiped his face, tears in his eyes.
"Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you." She tried, and failed, to hide her laughter.
He waved away her apology and laughed along with her. "Enjoying the party?" he asked once he could speak.
"We never get into the city. It's nice to have an excuse." Her eyes sought out and fixed on her husband. Jake was a pretty good judge of emotions, but he couldn't read the complex jumble glittering in Jo Valenti's expression. "It's good to have something to celebrate."
"I'm glad you came." Jake sipped his beer with exaggerated care, giving Jo the moment and the laugh she needed to collect her thoughts.
"Jake, I want to apologize." Jo fiddled with the rings on her left hand while she stared at his shoes.
"Jo, there's no need…"
"No, let me get this out. I'm sorry I haven't made more of an effort with the shows. You might have noticed my husband can be impulsive. When he signed on for these, I was ready for us to retire. These shows seemed like a hell of a lot more work."
"They are," Jake said, but Jo held up a finger.
"I hated you and this show for taking Dom further away from me."
"Ouch." Jake rubbed his free hand over his chest. "Tell me how you really feel."
"I'm trying to." Jo chuckled. "Over these two seasons, I've seen the changes that have come to our business and to Dom's state of mind. Your project has strengthened them both. He needed something to work on to get him through the worst of his grief, and the business is booming. My kids have found love and are starting families. Your work on this show played a big part in that."
Jake didn't know what to say, so he held his tongue and let Jo keep carrying the conversation.
"I won't say I understand why Dom needs to renovate a vineyard for someone, but Frankie is very excited for her chance to run the build. You've done so much for my family." She pinned him with what could only be described as a Mom Look. " I don't hate you anymore. I still want Dom to retire, but for the rest of it, thank you, and I'm sorry. If you need more from me on the vineyard project, I'll try."
Of course, on the one project he needed to keep a secret from her, she volunteered. Jake chuckled. "I will keep that in mind, though Frankie has things pretty well in hand. I might ask you for some design help once Sofia is out with the baby."
"Whatever you need."
"Thank you, Jo."
