Jesse’s heart skipped. “Uh-oh. Does that affect us?”
“I got a call today from a friend on the inside. It’s going to happen.”
“Please tell me that’s the bad news.”
“It is. The good news is we’ll be on site filming before the blade comes down, and we’ll be well into the shoot by the time the new head figures out what’s going on. Besides, we’re under budget, so he won’t be looking at us right away. It’s all about the money now.”
“I trust your clout, Jeremiah, but we both know the new head can pull the plug onanypredecessor’s project.” Jesse had been on the receiving end of canceled projects many times.
“I’m not worried. Nevertheless, this shoot has to go well. On time. Anyway, I just wanted you to know.”
“And the rest of the cast?”
“Not a word to them. Painter gives me enough heartache as it is.” The aggravation in Jeremiah’s voice was palpable. “If he eventhinksthe project could be shut down, he’ll jump ship. I can’t afford for him to do that on this film. We need his star power. If I have to reshoot, it’ll cost millions.”
Jesse also heard what Jeremiah did not vocalize.With a new screenwriter, we need all the help we can get.He started to speak but had to clear the hitch in his voice. “W-we have you, Jer. You’re plenty of star power.”
“Chris is a huge draw. We already have press demanding an audience. He’s never played this type of character before, one with this much heart and depth. People will want to see if he has the chops.”
Jesse circled the boxy living room and paused at the window when he saw Chloe tugging a Christmas tree through a wrought iron gate toward the guesthouse, a box under her arm.
“But don’t worry,” Jer said.
“Worry? No, of course not.”
“I’ll have this film in the can before the new studio head has warmed his chair.”
Jeremiah’s confidence boosted Jesse’s. “Okay. And, Jer, thanks for calling.”
“No problem. I’m really proud of you, of this project, and I want it to go well. Hey, Laura wanted me to ask if you had Christmas plans. If not, you’re welcome to join our crazy brood.”
“Thanks, really. But I’m going home.” Jesse watched as Chloe trekked his way, his smile blooming all the way from his shadowy soul.
“Have a good time. See you in South Carolina. Did you send your travel plans to Becky? We’ll arrange to get you from the airport.”
“All submitted.”
“Good. Merry Christmas, Jesse.”
“Merry Christmas, Jeremiah.”
A light knock rattled his door. When he opened it, Chloe flowed inside, bringing with her the joy of the season and the intoxicating scent of flowers and pine.
“Ho, ho, ho and Merry Christmas.” She hoisted the tree onto the table by the front window. The one facing the driveway. “I rescued this from the side of the road.” She stood back, admiring her work. “What do you think? Perfect? I agree.”
“Where’d you get the tree stand?” Jesse knelt down to inspect the stand’s viability. It was a tradition in the Gateses’ household for the tree to topple at least once during the season.
“Our gardener found it in the shed.”
Jesse stood, the tree stand having passed inspection. “So, do Ineeda Christmas tree?”
“Unless you’re the Grinch, yes.” She set the box on the floor and knocked off the lid. “Come on, help me string lights.”
“I’m leaving for Boston in three days.”
“Doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of Christmas light in your life.” She rattled an old string of lights, shaking out the tangles.“These are Mr. Crumbly’s, but since he’s not here...” She handed the plug to Jesse. “The socket’s under the sill.”
He regarded her for a second, pretty sure he looked like a grinning fool, then dropped to one knee to do her bidding.
