Page 77 of Voice to Raise
“I think seven people can fit in the family room or the kitchen table. I think if you want a more of them versus us then the dining room makes more sense. Maybe you four on one side, Mickey and Pauletta on the other and maybe me at the head?”
“Switzerland?”
Freddie opened the fridge. “Who are Mickey and Pauletta…” He slammed the fridge door shut. “Pauletta? Like Pauletta Magnum?”
Malik grinned. “Yep.”
Reese, who’d been dispensing the chocolate, paused. “Why is that name familiar?”
“Because she’s Grindstone’s manager?” Creed snatched the powdered chocolate before she dropped it.
“And she’s coming here?” Reese might’ve squeaked that.
“Yep.” I pointed to the coffee maker.
Everyone shook their heads.
Apparently I’d made hot chocolate converts of all of them.
Reese pressed a hand to her belly. “Why? What did she say?”
“She said she had something to present to us and she wanted to do it in person.” Malik turned the burner off. “So that’s five hot chocolates?”
Everyone else nodded.
Reese spooned chocolate powder into each mug and stood back as Malik poured milk into each. “There’s enough for two more if that’s what Pauletta and Mickey want.”
“Who’s Mickey?” Reese snagged a spoon from the drawer and mixed the chocolate five times over.
“Her…” Creed wrinkled his nose.
“Partner.” I prompted him as I eyed Reese and tried to figure out how soon I could get my hands on my favorite drink.
“And they’re a director.” Malik put the saucepan back on the stove, choosing a cold burner. “They directed the Grindstone documentary.”
“Oh wow. That’s so cool. You heard Axel wound up getting together with his teacher, right? How he sang a song to the guy at Rocktoberfest and now they’re a couple?” Freddie sauntered over to snag a mug—clearly having forgotten whatever he’d planned to grab from the fridge.
“They’re going to be here in just a few minutes.” I grabbed my mug. “We need to decide where we’re going to sit.”
“Is this, like, a formal thing?” Reese put the spoon in the sink and swiped her mug.
“She said she’s bringing a contract for us to look over.” Malik shrugged. “She didn’t give specifics.”
“I made it clear no one is signing anything tonight.” I met each of their gazes. “Your entertainment lawyer is one of the best in Vancouver—so you’re going to listen to her.”
Creed rolled his eyes.
Malik swatted him. “This is serious.”
“Hey, I am serious.” Creed appeared vaguely wounded with a furrowed brow.
“Is she offering a representation deal?”
I nodded. “That was my understanding. And something about an executive producer.”
“She was a little cagey about that.Award-winning.” Malik used air quotes.
“Ah.” Even as Reese said the word, she jolted when the doorbell rang.
