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"Jake! How are you?"A short woman with a silver-gray blunt bob latched onto his other arm, interrupting his search for something to say to make everything okay again.
He turned to hug her and patiently received her air kisses. Lila Finch was a powerhouse in the industry. President of their network by age fifty, she had a career path he admired the hell out of and would love to emulate. This was her party. "I'm well. Lila Finch, let me introduce you to—"
Lila beat him to the punch. She stretched her hand out toward a rapidly blinking Frankie. "Frankie Valenti. It's a pleasure. I’m so glad Jake was able to convince you to come. You're quite the sensation."
"Lila is the president of the network. This is her boat and her party," Jake explained.
Lila laughed. "Thisismy circus and thesearemy monkeys."
"Well, thank you for inviting me, and for taking a chance on the Valentis."
"I knew the minute I saw Adrian and Sofia on-screen that I'd made a good investment."
Frankie nodded and looked down into her glass. Jake wanted to pull her into his side, but he didn't think she'd appreciate it. He supported her with words instead. "The whole cast has really pulled together to make it a success."
"Don't get me wrong. I really love how your character has developed, Frankie. You are fresh and funny. And your version of the pilot for Valenti Vineyards is testing really well. Is everything on track to finish on time?"
"Um, yes. We'll be wrapping soon," Frankie answered hesitantly.
"Excellent. What's next for you?"
"I'm, uh, not sure." Frankie blinked rapidly, and Jake placed his hand at the small of her back, the only socially acceptable physical support he could offer.
"Well, I hope you consider continuing to work with us. We can shuffle the talent to cover hijinks on MDash if you want to keep doing solo projects. There are a few other rags-to-riches workups I've got sitting on my desk. We are very interested. I'll have my people send you a pitch." Lila turned her attention back to Jake, so he couldn't focus on making sure Frankie was okay. "You've done quite well for yourself, Ryland."
"Thank you."
"You've got a good eye for story and a deft hand. I'll be looking for your next proposal on my desk. Enjoy the rest of the party."
"Yes, ma'am."
She strolled away and Jake held himself real still until she was out of sight. Then he pumped his fist and growled, "Yes!"
"I take it that was good news?" Frankie asked dryly.
"Lila Finch asking for proposals? Yeah, that's the best news. That's what I've been working for. I'll finally have a chance to choose my own projects." The potential he read between the lines made him giddy. His mind was swirling with possibilities.
Frankie stepped back and crossed her arms. "I'm sorry that working on our little show has been such a trial."
She was mad? Now? Years of effort were coming to fruition, and he could hardly think straight himself. "Come on. You know it's not like that, Frankie."
"Sure. Of course it's not. I must not understand how this all works."
"Frankie—"
"I need some air. I'm going out to catch the fireworks."
What could he do but let her walk away?
He tucked his hands in his pockets and was watching her go when someone tapped him on the shoulder. He turned around and was instantly taken back twenty years. "Brittani! Hi."
She stepped into his offered hug but didn't squeeze him tight like she had when she'd played his little sister on Hudson House. Her limp arms felt all wrong. The years hadn't been kind, but she still had that innocent look about her eyes that had won her a place on the show and in the hearts of their fans. "Hey, Jake."
"How are you? How have you been?" His surprise pushed inane questions out of his mouth.
"I'm good. I'm good." She said it with varying emphasis, as if she was trying to convince herself of that as well.
"Okay…"
