"Grant," Jess says, using that brisk, no-nonsense tone she reserves for situations that need immediate fixing, "I have a slot open for next week's podcast. I'll make a deal with you. You go on the record about the rumors around the streaming service sale, and I'll give you air time for whatever public declaration you are after. No pre-recorded questions, no script—just you talking honestly."
"Hang on," Lucas cuts in. "Let's think about this."
"What? Why? The press will eat it up," Jess says. "Exclusive interview, industry titan Grant Hall showing his vulnerable side…"
"Maybe, but it can't look totally self-serving. And what if it backfires?" Lucas asks.
"It won't backfire. You act like I'm not a professional who does this everyday."
"I like the idea of this," I tell them both.
"More importantly," Jess interjects, "Sophia tunes in every week. She even listened from Vancouver."
I glance at Hazel, who's practically vibrating with excitement, and at Sarah, who nods her approval.
"One condition," I say. "I want Hazel involved. If we're doing this, we go all in."
"Dad!" Hazel throws her arms around me. "Can I tell the story about how you keep making too much coffee?"
I hug her back, feeling something settle in my chest for the first time in weeks. "Yeah, sweetheart. You can tell that story."
"I'll get some talking points prepared," Lucas offers, "something about setting the record straight?—"
"No." My voice is firm. "Jess is right. No PR spin. Just the truth. I love her, I was scared, and I want her back."
A beat of silence follows before Jess speaks again, a smile in her voice. "Well, well. Look who finally learned to use his words."
Sarah squeezes my shoulder. "Mom's going to be so proud. Dad would be, too."
"Thursday at two," Jess says. "Don't be late. And Grant? Show up to win her back."
I hang up, turning to my sister and my daughter—my team. "Any advice?"
"Tell her about the pictures," Hazel says.
I frown. "What pictures?"
"The ones you keep looking at on your phone. You smile and look sad at the same time."
I nod, my mind already churning with how to sayeverything Sophia needs to hear. I only have a few days to figure out the right words, to show her I'm ready to embrace it all, especially the possibility of forever.
"Dad?" Hazel asks, suddenly solemn. "What if she doesn't listen to the episode?"
Sarah grins. "Oh, she'll listen. Between me, Blair, and Jess, we'll make sure of it."
For the first time in weeks, hope spreads through me. Now all I have to do is not screw this up.
Again.
forty-five
. . .
Sophia
I'm running lateto lunch, but for once, I don't care. After weeks of back-to-back schedules between Vancouver and post-production onSurvivor, it feels luxurious to have no urgent place to be—just a casual lunch with friends, catching up on all the life I missed while I was away.
The hostess leads me to our usual corner table at The Ivy, and I freeze mid-step. Sarah Hall's unmistakable laugh echoes across the restaurant, and I see her at our table. For a moment, I consider turning around, but she sees me first and waves, smiling warmly.
