A pause, much too long for anyone’s comfort, was followed by laughter, this time more genuine than she’d ever heard from a sober producer. “I think we might get along just fine.”
Perhaps they would.
“I’ll do my best for you,” Harper said. “I just don’t want to work with Evan.”
“We’ll steer clear of him.”
“What are you looking for?”
“Something nostalgic,” Sissie explained. “Sweet but clever. And freshfor a new generation. Something that will make audiences laugh and cry with a bit of mystery stirring the pot.”
“Like a romantic comedy?”
“Romance, yes, and perhaps some comedy. Honestly, Harper, I’m looking for something unique and profound without all the special effects and CGI. A great story from a great writer who actually cares about the audience.”
A great writer?She almost asked Sissie to repeat the words, just to clarify, but she held her tongue. And the wheels in her head, dormant since she’d left California, began to turn.
From what I’ve heard about the woman, it’s probably quite a story.
All of Via Belle’s books were compelling stories. Worthy of a movie. Perhaps Harper could even write a mash-up using two or three of them.
Harper ran her fingers through her hair. “I might have an idea.”
“I was hoping you’d say that but with a bit more confidence.”
“I definitely have an idea for you, although I’m still working out the details.”
“We can deal with details.”
“What if my concept is inspired by a novel?” she asked.
“I’d consider that as long as we can option the book, and you pour yourself into the story when you adapt it. Can you send me your draft script about Miles?”
“It’s not even close to being done.”
“Clearly,” Sissie said. “But Kelsey says you can write, and while you’re chewing on that new concept, I want to read what you’ve managed to put on paper.”
“I’ll overnight you the first half tomorrow.” After staying up all night to edit.
“Very good. And I have to tell you, so you don’t get too excited, that I’m having a similar conversation with a half dozen writers. I’m justexploring my options and trying to get funding, of course. No money, no movie.”
Much-welcomed honesty to keep her aspirations in check. “Thanks for telling me.”
She and Sissie Sloan would indeed get along.
“Audiences want to be entertained and inspired, Harper. And they want to be surprised. Let’s see what you can give them.”
She would give them everything she had.
17:Isadore
MARCH 1941
“No!” Izzy practically shouted at the bulky, pockmarked man who had pounded on her door every morning for the past week, his cap pulled so low that she could barely see his eyes. “He’s still not here.”
The man folded his thick arms across the fortress of a chest. “Where is he?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea.” If she did, she would telephone Simon this instant and tell him to drive that fancy car of his back to Winfield to meet his daughter. Or, at the very least, send money so Izzy could hire some help. She was a wreck.
