Page 40 of Spit Screen

Tamara sniggers.

I roll my eyes. “Yes, Daniel?”

“When’s Auntie Addy coming home?”

“Oh, she’ll be here soon, and so will Hannah,” I tell him.

Daniel brightens.

I look over at Brody, who is quite evidently bored with the adult conversation. I can’t say I blame him. I’m sure he hoped Vicki would greet him at the door. “Brody? Why don’t you take Daniel and your sister outside for a little while? Addy will be home soon from picking up Vicki at school.”

Daniel looks at Brody hopefully.

Brody smiles at me. “Sure,Aunt Em.”

Brody beckons the two younger children to follow him outside.

The look on my face must be comical because everyone bursts into laughter. Looking at the smirk on Brody’s face, I see his father staring back at me, and my heart clenches slightly. I miss Dan. I think we all do. He was more than a co-star to meand Sandra. Dan was the love of her life and another big brother to me. I don’t mean to suggest Sandra doesn’t love Jeff. She does. And God knows, Jeff loves her. Jeff has been an amazing father to Brody. It doesn’t stop me from seeing glimpses of Dan in the way Brody laughs and speaks.

“He sounded just like Dan,” Jeff says with a chuckle.

I watch as Sandra squeezes Jeff’s hand. I have to give Jeff a lot of credit. He’s made every effort to keep Dan alive for Brody, always pointing out things Dan liked or sharing a story about our times together. I’ve had the good fortune to work on two hit series, and both were amazing experiences. ButOff Screenwas unique. We cultivated something special on set—a closeness and kindness that extended to every person who worked with us—something you don’t often. Sandra always says I set that tone. It’s a nice compliment, but it’s hardly accurate. Weallset the tone. As much as I’ve been committed to being present for my kids, there’s another reason I’ve never pursued or entertained offers for a regular role in a series. It would be difficult to find another environment like the one we had onOff Screen.

“Emma?” Tamara calls for my attention. “Are you okay?”

“Sorry,” I apologize.

“Okay. I’m sure you are waiting for Addy to drop whatever bomb you’ve got on us, but the suspense is killing me!” Tamara says.

“There’s no bomb,” I tell her. “And I should thinkyouwould have a clue.”

Tamara’s eyes widen. “You’re going to do it, aren’t you? Addy’s new show.”

I’d prefer to wait for Addison to talk to everyone. Knowing my kids, it’ll likely take Addy half an hour to get everyone into her car to drive the five minutes down the road from my parent’s house. I know she’ll understand. I also think she might be grateful if I broach this subject first.

“I’d like to do the show,” I reply. I catch Sandra’s grin out of the corner of my eye, telling me she’s already brought my idea up to Jeff.

“Wow. So? Back to LA, huh?” Tamara asks.

I sigh. “Actually, Tam, Addy and I think it might be better to set the show in New York.”

It’s not often anything rendersTamarasilent. I think her jaw may have dropped through my floor.

“New York?” Christie asks.

I nod. “I expected to talk to all of you about this tonight when Addy was here, and the kids were asleep, and after everyone had a few glasses of wine.”

“Okay?” Christie asks. “There’s more to this, isn’t there?”

“Maybe. That depends on everyone here,” I reply. I look to Sandra for encouragement and receive a wink.

“I know Addy told you she'd hoped to bring Christie and me together on the screen—finally.”

“I would have loved to work together,” Christie says.

“I know. Me too.” I take a deep breath. “There’s a lot to consider, and more to work through.”

A chorus of squeals and screams filters into our living room from the yard. It shouldn’t, but it surprises me when I feel Addy’s hand on my shoulders. She leans down and kisses my cheek.

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