“An apology,” Asher cut in, “in front of the cast and crew.”
“I have nothing to apologize for,” Eldridge said, crossing her arms.
“Oh, and back pay, of course,” Pearson added.
“She didn’t work,” Eldridge proclaimed. “Why should she be paid?”
“She missed three workdays because of you,” Pearson said. “I think back pay is the least you can do.”
“I would also like to amend all the original cast members’ contracts to earn them one percent of the show’s net profits and 0.25 percent of the net profits from all future commercial productions,” McCartan said.
“Preposterous,” Weis said. “No one gets a deal like that.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” McCartan said. “Producers always seem to forget aboutHamilton. So, there is precedent.”
Einar conferred with Eldridge before speaking. “I’ve conferred with my client. She’s willing to accept Ms. Saunders back into the company and apologize. She will not agree to the financial conditions you stipulated.”
“Then I won’t come back,” I blurted. I was probably the person who was the most surprised by my sudden outburst. “I’m with Mr. McCartan. The cast deserves a small stake in the production. Making this investment in the cast furthers our commitment to the project and its success.”
“She speaks,” Eldridge said.
“Keep that up,” Pearson said, glaring at Eldridge, “and we’ll make it two percent of the show’s net profits.” He narrowed his eyes on Eldridge, who huffed.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Pearson said. “Mrs. Eldridge will not communicate directly with my client. If she needs to say something to my client, she can have her lawyer pass it on to me, and I’ll convey the message to Ms. Saunders.”
“That’s preposterous,” Eldridge burst out. “I’m the producer. I have rights.”
“Maybe so,” Pearson acknowledged, “but you’re losing those rights each time you open your mouth.”
Eldridge let out a high-pitched whine and pouted, but she said nothing.
“Can you give us a few minutes to confer?” Einar asked.
“Of course,” Pearson said. “We’ll be in the hallway when you’re ready to accept our offer.” He said it so confidently. I was glad he was on my side.
Pearson stood, and the rest of us followed as we exited the conference room. We walked as far away from the door as possible before my group started conferring. The meeting had gone better than planned. I hadn’t been privy to any of the plan’s specifics, so I had been as shocked as Eldridge was with the demands. The demands were genius, but. I was surprised how far my team took them.
The door opened, and Benedikt Einar walked into the hallway and walked over to us. “We’re willing to accept everything, but we’d like to negotiate 0.8 percent on net profits and 0.20 percent on future earnings.”
“Done,” Pearson said as he extended his hand.
Benedikt turned to me. “For what it’s worth, I’m glad this worked out the way it did. I think the show is better with you in it.” With that, he turned around and headed into the conference room.
San Nicolás walked out and said, “Thank Santa that mess is over with.” He turned to me and said, “Welcome back, my dear. You’ve been truly missed. Are you ready to get back to rehearsals?”
I looked at Pearson, who nodded.
“I’m ready when you are.”
“Then let’s go. There’s no time like the present,” San Nicolás said enthusiastically. “I’ll give you a minute to say goodbye. We’ll start the afternoon rehearsal in fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll be there,” I said.
San Nicolás turned around and left the group.
“I don’t know where to begin,” I said. “Thank you! Thank all of you.” The waterworks started, and I did my best to squelch them to avoid ruining my makeup.
“No need to thank me,” Pearson said. “That’s what I’m here for.”
