He scoffs. ‘Betsy would love that. Now about your job prospects. I’ve made some enquiries, and may have a role that interests you. It’s not the same as working at the studio itself, with the action that goes on there.’
‘I’m listening.’ Working on the plot itself had its downfalls. Actors with their big egos and constant demands, producers screaming at the boom guys and lighting team, set design arguing with costumers. The list goes on.
‘A pal of mine with an indie studio is searching for romantic comedies to develop for a streamer. Low budget, maybe three mill tops, some even less, so it wouldn’t give you a lot to play around with in terms of buying big-name rights, but enough that you could still secure those hidden gems you favour.’
My skin tingles.This!This is what I’ve been searching for. I don’t want big-budget blockbusters that come with huge amounts of pressure and A-list celebrities attached to the project. I remain cool. Well I try to. ‘Low-budget works for me.’ And a cast and crew who really appreciate a chance to work in the industry. To show off their as-yet undiscovered talent and shine. Together we have a chance to make magic happen.
‘You’ll be on a retainer, not as much as before. It’s not an office position, so you’ll work autonomously having the freedom to work wherever you want. Jerry has a base in London and they shoot all over the world, so it might actually be perfect for someone …’ He leaves the sentence hanging.
‘Who doesn’t like peopling?’
He laughs. ‘I was going to say who works better alone. Like you, Evie who reads double the amount of any book scout I’ve ever known and makes copious thoughtful notes on each manuscript, giving them all a chance to be considered on their merits. You go above and beyond and that’s rare in this industry. Trust me, I’ve been around for a while.’
‘Thank you, Gene. Really.’ His praise is just the confidence boost I need. ‘It’s my dream job. How do I apply? How do I convince Jerry I’m the book scout he’s been searching for?’ It’s hard to keep the desperation from my voice but I feel instinctively this is what I’ve been waiting for.
‘I’ve told him all about you, Evie and how much I believe in you. You’ll be an asset to his company. He’s fairly informal and wants to chat with you over video call. If you gel and he thinks you’re the right fit, he’ll hire you. He’s an eccentric sort. I’ve got a feeling you’ll bloom in such an environment.’
‘Thank you so much, Gene! I owe you one. How about a game of pinochle when I’m next in Florida?’
‘Don’t push your luck, kid,’ he says with a laugh. ‘You can do this, Evie. Remember your worth and be yourself, because that’s what he’s looking for, OK?’
I take a moment to bite back tears. Gene’s always been a fan of mine, telling me I’m more real than anyone in Hollywood and that’s a rare trait indeed. He says that my so-called quirks make me the best book scout, because I can relate to a heroine who doesn’t have it all figured out and it’s those novels that make a compelling story when developed for the big screen. ‘Thanks, Gene. I really appreciate it.’
He says he’ll email over all the details for a video call with Jerry before we ring off. I almost do a Roxy-style jump-clap before I remember I’m in a public place, so instead do an internal happy dance. I dash back inside with a wide smile that I can’t smother and tell Roxy everything.
‘Ooh, Evie! What great news! Wait. So does this mean you’ll stay on our island?’
I’d been too excited by the job prospect to think that far ahead. ‘If all goes well, then I guess it does!’
‘Yay!’
If I land this job I can work anywhere in the world. I can make new dreams. Or I could stay here with my beautiful gran. First up, I’ll explain to Georgios. Be truthful and show my vulnerable side just as Gran suggested.
‘Imagine you two lovebirds! Him reading manuscripts on the beach and you reading romance novels and that’s your actualjob. You are incredibly lucky bibliophiles.’
‘IfI get the job.’ Normally I’d twist myself in knots worrying about what might go wrong with the interview, but I don’t. From the way Gene described Jerry I know we’ll gel. I’d hazard a guess Gene’s been putting out feelers and found me the right fit because he’s gifted when it comes people, which is why he’s been so successful in the movie biz all these years.
‘Let’s cheers to opportunities then!’ Roxy holds up her glass and we clink.
*
My interview with Jerry looms but there’s no sign of Gran, who is a bit like Houdini at times and disappears when she’s meant to work a shift. There’s no other choice except to take my laptop into Bibliotherapy and hope that it’s quiet enough for us to chat.
I set up a table in front of the peacock chair, my belly somersaulting with nerves. But they’re the good kind, more anticipation, excitement at what might come of this opportunity if only I sell myself right. There’s time for a quick pep talk.I am smart, strong, capable and this is my dream job. No one deserves this job more than me. No one will work harder than me.
I fire up my laptop and click the invitation that Jerry has sent. So far so good. There’s not a customer about and even the birds outside are quiet.
Jerry joins the chat. He’s got a crazy mop of bright red curls that are unkempt, as if he’s been out in the wind and bright blue eyes that have a certain intensity to them.
‘Hey, Evie, thanks for taking the time to chat. Where are you? That’s quite a backdrop, all those colourful spines.’
‘Hi, Jerry, thank you for the chance to interview. I’m in Santorini at my grandmother’s bookshop, Bibliotherapy.’
He grins. ‘Lucky you.’
‘Right?’ I tell him all about the bookshop and Epeolatry and he seems impressed by the way he jumps in to ask questions.
I’m chatting away about my love of reading when Pee Wee wanders into the screen behind me. ‘Who is that little fella?’
