“They’re terminating both Kenzie and Beau,” Ethan said. “Effective immediately. No statements, no on-air goodbyes. They’ve been offered severance packages and NDAs in exchange for keeping quiet.”
I leaned forward. “And they agreed?”
“Beau signed this morning. Kenzie’s pushing back, but they’ve got her cornered. If she doesn’t sign, she risks the network releasing the footage themselves.”
“What about Carol?” I asked. “She wasn’t in on it, but she certainly didn’t help.”
“They didn’t say, but I got the distinct feeling that she will be retiring early,” Ethan said.
Lila let out a long, quiet breath. “So it’s over.”
“For them,” Ethan said, folding his arms. “Not necessarily for you. They want to salvage the show. Rebrand it. Scrap the footage with Beau and rebuild around you.”
I felt Lila go very still beside me.
“They’re offering you full creative control. Final cut on your segments. Choice of a new co-host. Even dangling a potential spinoff if you want it.”
My stomach turned. This wasn’t right somehow. But it was not my decision to make. Lila had to decide for herself. And if she decided to dive into the madness of television, where did that leave me? By her side. I would support her, whichever direction she took.
“They must really want you,” I said.
Ethan nodded. “That seemed clear.”
“What about Vance’s house?” Lila asked.
Ethan slid a folder across the table. “They sweetened the deal by adding that the remodel would continue, as would filming. Only with a new contractor. This is the revised contract. NDA, nondisparagement clause, salary bump, creative authority—the works.”
Lila glanced over at me, uncertainty in her eyes.
“We’ll talk about it,” I said to Ethan. “And get back to you.”
“Great. I’ll be here when you’re ready,” Ethan said.
“What if I don’t want it anymore?” Lila asked.
Ethan didn’t miss a beat. “Then I’ll handle it for you. We can probably get them to buy you out in exchange for your silence about what really went on.”
“What about all the stuff in the press about me?” Lila asked. “They can’t fix that. Can they?”
“They assured me their PR firm will make sure you come out looking good,” Ethan said.
This offer could make her a star. Is that what she wanted? I couldn’t help but think about the girls. How much harder lifewould be for them if their mother was on television. Leading her life in front of the public was the sacrifice it took to do the work she wanted. Or did she?
I glanced over at her. She’d paled and her hand in mine had grown clammy.
“Let’s go to lunch,” I said to Lila. “And talk.”
We thanked Ethan for everything and promised we’d get back to him as soon as Lila had made her decision.
The Pelican was quiet at lunchtime on a Thursday. Most of the tourist crowd hadn’t arrived yet, and the locals who did come were settled at the bar or claiming their usual tables near the windows overlooking the water.
Hunter spotted us immediately and gestured toward the back corner—a booth tucked away from the main floor, private and quiet.
“Thanks,” I said as we slid in.
“On the house today,” Hunter said, his expression somber. He’d clearly seen the gossip sites. Everyone had. “Whatever you need.”
Lila managed a small smile. “Just water for now. And maybe some fries.”
