“We’re working around it and hoping the baby is on time by some miracle.”
Frank nods before asking, “And the show? Curtain’s up in the next month…”
“Technically, it’s why we’re here. I think I’m good for the next couple of months at least…tops three and a half?”
“We have to let production know stat,” he tells me while making a note on his phone when our food arrives. “They’ll have to find a replacement for you and get them up to speed…”
“I think this would be a great opportunity for Ellie. Don’t you?”
Frank focuses on the food in front of us, clearly avoiding my suggestion as he picks through the California rolls and practically dumps one on his side plate. “She’s not ready for it.”
“What?” It’s the most ludicrous thing he’s said today. “Is that why she’s not showing up to her auditions?”
“I’m not talking about her with you,” he says sharply.
Okay.
“For what it’s worth, I think she’d be amazing, and it would be a great way of easing her back onto the stage. I’d be around and—”
“Willow,” he grits out, silencing me as he levels me with a glare. “Eleanor has enough people trying to push her. Jake’s piling on the pressure so damn hard that it’s no surprise she’s scared of making any move at all. Just back off and give her a fucking break.”
“I was just trying to be helpful and get her a foot in the door. Shannon had enough trouble finding an understudy, and we both know that they’re still not entirely happy with their choice…this could be a shoo-in.” Although Frank nods, it’s obvious he’s not having any of it, and it worries me that maybe Jake is right to be concerned. “How bad is she struggling, and why aren’t you doing more about it if you’re so bothered about it?”
“You need to focus on you right now because if you’re crying over basic trolls, I don’t know how you’re going to cope with the backlash of the pregnancy.” He brings the conversation to an abrupt end, going back to the sushi on his plate while I pick at the avocado rolls and edamame.
I knew lunch wasn’t going to be easy, I just didn’t think that Eleanor would be the cause of Frank’s sour mood. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s always been level-headed and calm about his clients. I’m the exception to it because of our friendship. As curious as I am about his reaction, I have more pressing things to think about. Like meeting Rory’s mum. I’m not sure how that’s going to go, but I’m crapping myself over it.