. . .
SIX MONTHS LATER
blair
“This has been quitea year so far, Ms. Bennett,” Wyatt whispers in my ear as we look out at the crowd of friends and family here to celebrate today. When Wyatt leased this office space for me, I wasn’t sure how fast I would be able to open.
“And it’s only just beginning,” I say.
Wyatt helped me negotiate a more lucrative severance package from TWA, leveraging the fallout of Lance’s indiscretions at the office. Turns out Naomi and her assistant weren’t his only flings. He slept with two junior agents from the TV division, but the nail in the coffin was getting caught in a compromising position in the storage closet with his assistant. He unraveled so spectacularly that both Wyatt and Jake were able to influence him to agree to honor the severance policy or contract in place, whichever is longer, in exchange for their help in negotiating his own exit package.
The severance, along with some savings, meant I could open my agency faster than expected. I convinced Naomi and Stella to join me, and we signed Sophia, Edie, and a few others. Today,we’re finally putting up the sign on the small building Wyatt leased for me a few months ago. Tangerine Talent is official.
Wyatt and Stella co-conspired to make this a bigger-than-expected celebration with some of our friends, causing me to pretend I had dust in my eye and not actually crying. I’ll never get used to how much Wyatt celebrates and cheers me on.
“I can’t believe you put all this together,” I tell him. “It’s thoughtful and sweet, and you’re definitely getting lucky tonight.”
“I can’t take all the credit. Stella did a lot of the work, but I’m sure she won’t object if you show me how much you appreciate all she’s done, too.”
Wyatt scans my face like he’s trying to memorize every feature. Then he holds me close with his arms wrapped around my waist. I want to freeze these moments. Being in his arms makes me feel wanted and loved.
I moved in with Wyatt just before Grant’s end-of-summer bash in the Hamptons. It was fast, but we both knew it would happen eventually, so why delay the inevitable? I still have my house, and we’re renting it to Stella’s friend Natalie. She just wrote her first screenplay. Maybe one day, she’ll be part of the Tangerine family.
We finally sold Edie’s project to Grant, and the surprise twist is that Sophia will help produce and star in the film. Pre-production has just started, and it’s been a blast to see it coming to life. I notice Grant has been part of every meeting, too, and I can’t decide if it’s because she’s a young new producer or a young, beautiful, single woman.
Speak of the devil.
“Blair, you’ve totally transformed this space. It looks amazing. Congratulations!” Sophia kisses both my cheeks and squeezes me so tightly that I lose my breath for a minute.
“Congrats, Blair,” Grant says once Sophia releases me, sliding in for a half-hug and a quick peck on my cheek. “This was a long time coming. I’m looking forward to watching you change this business.”
“Thanks, you two. And thanks for being my very first project under the Tangerine banner. I’m so excited to be working with you both!”
“Hey, Soph. Hey, Grant.” Wyatt embraces his sister and shakes Grant’s hand. He and Grant have been spending more time together, building their bromance, and Grant even made the invite to Manmorial weekend this year. I think Wyatt softened a bit when he saw Grant out of the Hollywood exec context and spending time with his daughter, Hazel.
Stella walks up. “Hey, Blair. I don’t mean to interrupt, but if you want to say a few words first, I’ll start passing out the cake and champagne after.”
I excuse myself and head to the back to take a moment for myself. Some days, it’s surreal to think that I can do what I love and get paid for it. I look around the room, and my heart fills with gratitude for the people in this town who have become my family.
“You ready?” Jess brushes my hair off my shoulders and rests her arms around my neck. “I brought Porto’s. You can’t open this agency without our favorite food!”
I laugh and hug her. I love this woman.
“Get out there, lady. Time to be a boss bitch!”
I squeeze her hand and then head to the front door. Wyatt notices me walking and clanks his glass with his fork to get everyone’s attention.
“Ok, ok. This isn’t that formal of an event,” I say, looking around the room with a smile stretched wide across my face. “Every single person here means so much to me. You’ve changed my life for the better, and more importantly, I wouldn’t want toknow a life without you. When I became an agent, I saw a shift happening in Hollywood and with women. We were starting to demand more. It was exciting. I was lucky to find an agency that let me build my experience exploring projects where I could place women and convince studios to take a chance.
“But the past few years, it’s felt like mainstream Hollywood has been in a panic and reverting to the old ways, ways that are comfortable and don’t challenge the status quo. I’ve dreamed about building a place where I could focus on representing female talent who are dedicated to their craft, particular about roles and writing, and looking to truly shape the culture of our industry. Talent who are after roles that will ultimately help change our world for the better. I know it’s a lofty thought here in Hollywood.”
I look out at the crowd and see nods and smiles, encouragement for my dream.
“Thank you, Sophia and Edie, for taking a chance on me. Tangerine is so proud to represent such talented, fierce women. And thanks to the rest of you. I won’t name names because I know I’ll leave someone out. Your support and belief in me inspires me daily.
“And to Wyatt. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the unwavering love and support you have shown me. Your encouragement, patience, and belief in my dreams have given me the courage to pursue this venture. Thank you for the late-night brainstorming sessions and the tough love when I needed it. There’s nobody else I’d want by my side for this journey ahead.”
I can’t hide my glistening eyes. Thankfully, I see a few others with the same shine.
