“You can stay here as long as you need,” I promise.
“Thank you.” She manages a wobbly smile. “So, how’s West?”
My smile is genuine. “Amazing. Things are really good. We had a very basic version of the relationship talk on the phone yesterday, and we’re both on the same page.”
“That’s awesome! You deserve it, Serena.”
“Yeah, but now Tony’s making noises about wanting to be inJoey’s life,” I say with a scowl. “I don’t know how that’s going to go.”
“And technically, you can’t stop him.”
“No.”
“What are you going to do if he wants shared custody?”
“I don’t know, but the fact that he’s been absent up until now will hopefully be a point in my favor if we go to court. He offered me money, but I don’t want it. If he wins visitation of some kind, then he’ll definitely have to pay back child support, but unless it’s through official channels, I’m not taking shit from him.”
“Good for you.”
My phone rings, and I fish it out of my purse.
Norm.
I’ve already told him I’m not moving to L.A., and while he was disappointed, he understood, so I can’t imagine what he wants.
“Sorry, I have to take this,” I tell her. “Hi, Norm.”
“Serena!” He sounds excited. “I have incredible news.”
“Oh?” I’m intrigued.
“There’s been a change in plans. This just happened today, and I called you the minute I heard from the producers.”
“What’s going on?”
“Well, there are going to be quite a few animals in the show, and it turns out the laws in Georgia are much more relaxed in that regard. The animals can work longer hours and there’s just a lot less red tape. On top of that, the original series was filmed outside Atlanta and it turns out they can use the same set, which saves money. I think there’s more to it, but none of that is what’s important. What’s important is that they’re going to film in Atlanta! Serena—they’re doing a Zoom call with the original cast and want you involved. Are you available tonight around eight your time?”
“Of course,” I reply automatically.
My head is spinning, and I’m so excited I can barely breathe.
Filming in Atlanta changes everything.
I have a million questions but I can’t articulate any of them.
“And I know your financial situation is precarious, so I told them you’d need a guaranteed number of episodes, even if the show is canceled. Serena, they didn’t even hesitate.”
I blink.
That’s the opposite of my experience in Hollywood. Usually only really big names have that kind of power.
“I don’t understand,” I say finally. “Why are they being so nice to me?”
“Between you and me? The show went downhill after you left. That’s one of many reasons it was canceled. No one liked the new storyline. And George Simmons really likes you—in fact, he’s going to call you before the Zoom meeting. Is it okay if I give him your number?”
“Yes, of course.” George was one of the executive producers of the show, and we were always friendly. Not in a creepy way—he’s in his sixties and happily married—but he was a mentor. I was disappointed when he didn’t go to bat for me when I found out I was pregnant, but I haven’t thought about him in ages.
“Look, I have to go, but I need to know what you want me to do. Do I pursue this for you?”