“Okay. Love you, Dad.”
“Yup. Bye.”
The line goes dead.
I feel a strange tension at the corners of my face.
Asmile,you might call it.
My father has made mesmile.
I try not to let this feeling get too big, because it’s never good to get your hopes up where Roger Marks is concerned. But I can’t help it. I’mflattered.
He thinks I can write a fucking action movie. Be trusted with his precious Mack Fontaine. Given how highly he thinks of his work, this is no small compliment.
I grab my laptop to email my agent and manager letting them know of this development.
My heart nearly stops when I see the name at the top of my inbox.
Seth.
I haven’t talked to him since he got engaged.
I had to mute him on Instagram, because every time he posted a picture of himself and his beautiful, wholesome, seemingly perfect-for-him-in-every-way fiancée, it made me sad.
And I have enough making me sad.
Still, I click on his email faster than you can say “bad idea.”
From: [email protected]
Date: Mon, June 22, 2020 at 11:12am
Subject: Whale hello
Hiya Marks.
How are you faring during these dark times? I really hope that you’re okay, and your family is okay.
I was wondering if I could ask for a favor. A friend of mine has a sister studying film at NYU whose summer internship fell through due to Covid. She’s looking for something she can do remotely, and I thought maybe you might want some help from a smart college kid for the summer? I’m pretty sure she’ll do anything you want, even if it’s just proofreading your drafts. No worries whatsoever if you’re not interested—just thought I’d ask.
Let me know how you’re doing. Thinking of you.
-Seth
Hmm. The tone is rather somber (fittingly) and matter-of-fact. Still, it’s nice to hear from him.
I have absolutely no need for an intern, but I suppose I could scrounge up some tasks to help out his friend. I remember how desperate I was for any foothold in the business in college. If I’m your best inroad to fame and fortune in film I worry for you, of course, but still. I’m better than nothing.
I click reply.
From: [email protected]
Date: Mon, June 22, 2020 at 11:20am
