“Norm, here’s the deal—I can’t quit my job for a maybe. I need to know the filming schedule and exactly how much money we’re talking. I have a kid to think about.”
“I know and I’m going to handle that. Trust me—they want you and are willing to do anything reasonable to get you on board.”
“I’ll need an advance,” I say automatically. “And I want it in writing that I’ll be paid for ten episodes, even if we’re canceled after six. I know that’s not standard, but those are my terms.” My heart is pounding because this truly isn’t how it works but once in a while, exceptions are made.
“Got it. I’ll be in touch.” He disconnects, and I just sit there for a moment, staring at the phone.
“What just happened?” Holly demands.
“I think I might be going back to acting,” I whisper, completely overwhelmed.
Then I burst into tears.
“Oh, honey, don’t cry.” She hugs me again, laughing against my hair. “This is amazing news—it’s everything you never dared to dream about.”
“But I don’t understand,” I whisper. “Why do they want me after all this time?”
“Who knows? Someone wants to sleep with you. Someone made a bet that a reboot would fail and now it’s a pissing contest. But who cares what’s going on behind the scenes? Even if it’s something like that, take the money and get yourself back in front of people! You were popular, talented, and had fans. This could be your second big break.”
“I know.” I’m dying to call West, but he’s on a plane at the moment, so it’s going to have to wait.
Besides, it’ll be better if I can surprise him once the contract is signed.
“It’s going to be okay,” Holly says warmly, squeezing my hands. “You’ll see.”
“I really hope so.”
An hour later, my phone rings again as I’m on my way back to West’s house.
“We’ve got a deal, baby doll!” Norm yells into the phone. “They’re going to wire you the advance this week. This is happening, Serena. I’m going to overnight you a bunch of documents—do you need an attorney?”
“Absolutely.”
“Let me send you some names.”
He rattles off a bunch of information, but I’m barely listening.
This is happening and I don’t know if I’m more excited or afraid.
I haven’t acted in four years. I’m the same weight I was before I got pregnant but my body’s shaped a little different. My hair is shorter. I’molder. And even five years can make a difference in Hollywood.
What if I don’t look the same on camera?
What if Roland—the actor who played Henry, my love interest—and I don’t have the same chemistry?
I’ve suddenly got a million questions, a dozen things to do, and I can’t imagine the conversation I’m going to have with my boss. She’s not going to be happy.
One step at a time.
Once I sign the contract, I’ll talk to West and I know he’ll soothe my ruffled feathers. If anyone can talk me off the ledge, it’s him.
After all, he told me he would be my person.
I’m starting to believe it.
Chapter
Thirty-Five