“Thanks,” I say, not knowing what else to say. “I do want to be clear, I don’t want August mentioned to ‘generate sympathy.’”
Stephanie’s eyes soften. “Of course not. My apologies. I always have to think about these things in terms of audience reception.”
I purse my lips. “I understand.”
“Okay. Last question. Do you understand that if this pilot is successful, you will have to dedicate as much time as possible to the show? It will become your life.”
Exactly what I was hoping for. “I understand.”
“Great. Then we’re in business. Thanks for coming in today, Lacy.” She holds out her hand for me to shake.
I grasp her hand, then stand, understanding the dismissal. “I guess I’ll look forward to hearing from you? Or your office?”
“Yes. Have a nice day.”
She picks up her phone to make a call as soon as I utter the words, “You, too.”
I exit the office, feeling whiplash. My brain is still chasing after my feet as I wave goodbye to reception then practically sprint into the elevators. When the doors close, my brain catches up. I’m getting the pilot! I jump up and down in theelevators then throw a wave to the security camera in the corner.
I look up toward the ceiling and whisper to August, “I got the pilot.”
I get back down to the lobby, thank the security guard, then scan the area for Kit. I don’t see him.
Did he leave me?
I crane my neck around, starting to panic. Was he ever here at all? Where did he go? Then I see him push back through the revolving doors. Holding a bouquet of flowers. My entire body relaxes when I see him, and I feel embarrassed for doubting him. For doubting myself.
“Ah, damn,” he says as he approaches me. “You beat me! That was a quick meeting. How did it go?”
I happily accept the flowers, shoving my nose into them. “Good. Yeah. I’m getting the pilot.”
Kit’s entire face lights up. He snatches the flowers back from my hands so he doesn’t crush them when pulling me into an all-consuming hug. “I am so fucking proud of you,” he says into my hair.
My face burns as he pulls away. “Thank you.” I take the flowers back then take him by the hand. I explain exactly how the pilot will work and how I don’t have all the information yet, but that they’re going to reach out with the rest.
I frown as I regard him. His eyes are heavy, and his cheeks are sunken in. “When was the last time you slept? Or ate? Or drank water? You look terrible.”
He shrugs, trying to be nonchalant. “I don’t know.”
I purse my lips. “Why don’t we go catch a train back to my place?”
“You sure? We could go out and celebrate. We’re in New York City!”
“We can celebrate at home.”
He wiggles his eyebrows, and I roll my eyes back at him. I pull him back to Grand Central. We stop at a restaurant in the terminal to grab water and some food, and I need to insist that I’m the one who is hungry in order for him to let me pay. We take the first train we can get on. I sit against the window, and he sits beside me, his entire body sinking into the seat.
I fold my leg under myself, making sure my knee has contact with his thigh, leaning back against the window and facing him. He uncaps the water bottle I bought and forced on him with trembling hands and takes a huge gulp. I thrust the sandwich into his hands as well and give him a pointed look. “Eat. Kit, if you’re human, you have to eat, drink, sleep…” I lean in and take a real sniff. “…shower.”
He grimaces. “I showered yesterday. I just smell like plane.” He takes a bite of the sandwich.
My eyebrows lift. “Why were you on a plane? Where were you? How long have you been back?” I shake my head. “Sorry. You know what, you should sleep on the way back. We can talk about this later.”
He starts eating like he truly hasn’t eaten in a week. Maybe he hasn’t. He gulps down more water before responding. “Nah, I’m all right. I can tell you now. I’ve been back for about two weeks now. Woke up in this body, which is identical to the one I died in. Scar on my lip still here, papercut fresh enough to sting in salt water, dick still circumcised.”
I roll my eyes, but can’t help my cheeks from burning red like a teenager.
“I should start two weeks before I came back to life, though. Right after I last saw you, I went back to Hell to put you on the list.”
