Total pages in book: 70
Estimated words: 67429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67429 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“I have confidence in you,” Bryn says as she helps me scoop up a spoonful of ice cream.
Suddenly I’m tired of feeling sad. Today has been a wreck. I just want to focus on the good things, the fact that I have someone to share a good tub of vanilla ice cream with. Someone who has her own dreams. “Good, ’cause I have confidence in you, too. Boss.” I grin, feeling a little better as we attack the ice cream, eating little pieces of the Godiva chocolate along with it.
Ian
“And it’s a wrap.”
Cheers and claps erupt around the set as both the cast and the production team of my latest documentary call it a wrap. My thirty-third production. I should be proud. I suppose I am. But I always put a lid on the celebration because there is always more I can do. More that I want.
“Congratulations, job well done,” I tell Jake Myers, my director, as I slap his back and hop to my feet from my chair beside his.
I take a moment to congratulate our actors, narrators, and film crew. Just a moment to pause before jumping back on the hamster wheel and doing it all over again.
“Before you leave,” Jake calls after me, bringing over a bottle of champagne he promptly opens. My assistant, Pepper, quickly appears with over a dozen plastic wineglasses that she distributes to the group. Jake raises his glass, and we all do. “To Ian fucking Ford,” he says.
“He means, to all of you,” I counter, shaking my head with a smile.
We all drink to a job well done. I toss a gulp down, enjoying the flavor for a hot second, but before my champagne glass is empty, I set it aside and plunge the script back into my briefcase.
“We’re going to miss you, Ford,” Georgiana, our female narrator, says.
“Won’t be gone permanently,” I tell her with a wink.
“But you’re still moving back to New York?”
“Gotta get that next documentary done. Easier if I stay there until it’s wrapped.”
“Good and tight as a burrito,” Jake adds, closing in on us before Georgiana gives me a hug and thanks me.
“For letting me work for you. For all the opportunities you’ve brought my way,” she tells me.
I’m always touched whenever one of my team shows gratitude. To be honest, I’m more grateful to them—well, most of them—for putting up with my need for perfection and retaking shoots to the point of exhaustion.
“It’s a pleasure, considering each one of these things is well deserved,” I tell her.
Jake watches her as she leaves, respect shining in his eyes before he turns back to me. “About New York. Wouldn’t have anything to do with that lady who brought you back with a smile last time?” He sounds genuinely curious. Anticipatory, even.
“Maybe. We’ll see. She was one bold kitten.”
We start crossing the set toward the exit. Jake is one of my closest friends in Los Angeles. We’ve worked together on eleven of my blockbuster films and the full eighteen documentaries I’ve produced. You could say we’re like brothers, and considering I’ve never had one and barely remember having a family except for my grandmother, I value him like one.
“Sounded more like a cat,” he says.
“Cats betray you. Kittens can still learn to love you.”
“Cannot teach a kitten loyalty; it’s still a cat,” he warns.
I know he means he doesn’t want another Cordelia in my life, and though I appreciate the gesture, I can take care of myself just fine.
“Mr. Ford, I’ve printed out your flight information as well as your room reservation,” I hear Pepper say as she rushes up behind us.
“Four Seasons, our usual room?” I inquire as she hands over the papers.
“Yes, sir.”
“Thanks.” I turn to leave. “Call me if you need me. I’ll probably have Wi-Fi on the flight as well.”
“Oh, and Mr. Ford,” she calls as I turn back to the door. She hesitates when Jake lingers by my side. Jake takes a hint and slaps my back and wishes me a safe flight before he gives us a moment alone. “Thanks for the wedding gift—it was very generous,” Pepper finally says.
I shake my head ruefully. “Glad you liked the home sound system. And I apologize I won’t make it to the wedding.”
She laughs and waves it off as if I’ve just said something completely crazy. “Oh, I never expected you to.”
“You didn’t?” I’m confused for a second.
“You’re generous with your money but quite a pinchpenny with your time, Mr. Ford. Oh! And I meant no offense.”
She flushes beet red, and I stare at her for a moment.
Jesus. Is this me? Am I known to be this… cold? I shake it off, granting her a smile. “I wish you all the happiness, Pepper. I’ll see you when you return.”
I mean my well wishes. I’m jaded, that’s true, and maybe even bitter over what happened with Cordelia, but I hope that the happiness can still be true for someone. Especially Pepper, who’s worked her butt off for me for years. I’ve never met anyone more loyal.