“That’s probably the Silverman Brothers,” he said.
“Put the phone on speaker,” Jen requested.
“No way.” Jen was smart, but this business conversation was his business. Not hers.
“It’s just that two sets of ears are better than one,” she said. “Like in a doctor’s office.”
“What I know is that you’re a terrier. I’ll do it because I’m behind the wheel,”
said Doug, heading toward the street, “but try to stay quiet. Don’t insert any more ‘research’ into the conversation.”
“Sorry if I stepped on your toes. But as the man said last night, I’m riding shotgun for you. Business is business.”
Doug glared at her and connected the call. Then saw her reach into her purse and pull out a pad and pen. Geez, she was taking notes. It was so like Jen, he started to laugh. What did he expect?
He didn’t expect a tour of six cities, possible dates, lots of money put up by investors. The producers would hire a director and cast out of New York.
“I like what I hear so far,” said Doug. “Can we continue this discussion tomorrow when I’m behind the desk and not behind the wheel?”
“You’ve got it,” came the voice from the speaker. “And we’ll work up some figures for you to consider.”
“There’s always that!” quipped Doug. “Writers need to make a living.”
The call went silent, and in the car, Doug felt only his own racing heartbeat as the magnitude of the conversation hit him. He made a conscious effort to focus on traffic and allow his breathing to return to his normal rhythm. More possibilities than he could imagine had just been thrown at him.
“It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” asked Jen quietly. “Want to pull over for a few minutes and just take it all in?” He looked around and wondered where on earth he could do that. They were still trying to make their way out of Manhattan. She must have noticed, too.
“Oh, never mind, Doug. Just drive. You’ll absorb the shock—or should I say, the shockingly good news.”
“Don’t count chickens. Two months ago, I had no idea something like this would happen,” he said, continuing to make his way toward the West Side Highway.
“But I think—I think true opportunity is presenting itself, and I’d be foolish not to follow through.”
“I totally agree,” Jen commented. “Go for it.”
But she didn’t understand the true nature of the business. If she judged from only this fortunate episode, it would give a false impression. “Listen up, Jen. I’m going to be straight with you. I work in a fickle business. You have to make hay while the sun shines and all those other trite sayings.” But nothing was trite about the business. Deals were made or broken. Dreams were shattered on a whim.
“Taking advantage of an opportunity is totally logical,” Jen said. “I’ve seen in business that some people actually fear success and turn their backs on it. But you’re not one of them. You work harder than ten people. I-I think you were born to do this. Your stories are wonderful. So, I’m okay with your ‘fickle business.’”
If she were any other woman, he’d totally buy in. But she was Jennifer Delaney, whose best friend was a calculator. “Who are you kidding?” he asked. “You like
to plan. You balance your checkbook. You budget to the last dollar. My plans fluctuate. You can’t trust them from month to month, season to season. My income fluctuates, too. Unless something fantastical happens, I’ll never be successful the way your brother-in-law is. And that’s the truth.”
“Even Mike has no guarantee from season to season,” said Jen. “Injuries can happen. He’s getting older. Did you know that Lisa used to cover her eyes during a game — for at least half the time? She’d be happy if he ran a pharmacy like his brother! He was a science major in college, in addition to playing football.”
Doug whistled softly. “I never knew any of that. He’s living every boy’s dream.”
“He’s living his own dream,” she said, “just like you.” She turned in her seat, her fingers tapping against her leg. “I’ve been thinking hard, Doug. I’ve looked, listened and tried to consider every angle I could. In the end, after this year passes and with being in such demand, I think you’re going to have to be where the action is.”
Silence filled the car. “Maybe. Maybe not,” he replied, keeping his tone even. He would not accept a déjà vu experience from her. “What are you trying to tell me?”
“Living in New York is expensive, but living in two places is outrageous. So how are we planning to be in two cities at once?”
He loved the sweet sound of “we.” The woman could make his head spin, put her nose where it didn’t belong, and frustrate him almost to death, but she was on his side.
“Did you hear what you said, my sweet Henny-Penny?” he asked. “Are you with me all the way this time? All the way into the future?”
##
Behind her computer the next morning, Jen took a deep breath and began her day. A normal day. Checking her appointment list, planning strategies for her clients and settling into and enjoying her familiar routine. The weekend’s events had to take a back seat now, which was almost too bad. She could still see Doug’s smile in her mind’s eye after she’d answered his question.
“Knock, knock,” rang out a familiar voice. “I can’t wait another second longer.
How was New York? And don’t tell me I’ll be losing another friend.”
Jen waved at Alexis, standing in the doorway. “A whirlwind. We were constantly on the go. But don’t worry about losing me! Doug knows Boston’s my home. If you’re free for lunch, I can fill you in.”
“You’ve got it.” Alexis waved and was gone.
The phone rang. Jen saw Lisa’s name on the readout. “Hey, I only have a minute.
How are the babes?”
“Come for dinner tonight and see for yourself. I’m feeling a lot better now.”
“Wonderful, Lis. See you later.”
If her meals became focal points, she’d gain ten pounds in no time. Shaking her head and grinning to herself, Jen tried once again to review her first client’s portfolio.
