ERICA TRIES TO CONTAIN HER excitement as Kay walks her to the car and waves her off. As soon as she’s past the gate, she takes out her phone and calls Greg.
“I got it.”
“You got it?”
“Yup.”
Greg lets out a holler, sounding like a Little Leaguer who just hit a game-winning home run. She smiles at his exuberance. “I am so proud of you, Erica.”
“We’re not home yet, Greg, I still have the interview to get through.”
“Did she give you any hint of what her decision will be?”
“No comment.”
“That speaks volumes. Nylan is going to be over the moon. Where and when?”
“Tomorrow at her house.”
“That’s fast. I’ve got to get to work putting together a promo. We’ll broadcast it wall to wall on the network and all over social media. We’ll drive the ratings through the roof: Will she or won’t she? There’s a lot to do on this end. I’ll arrange for on-site hair and makeup, and I’ll book the best lighting guy in LA. This interview is going to take you to the next level, and I want you to look sensational.”
“We’ll start with me outside the house. I’ll establish the location, and the why and wherefore of the interview. Then Kay will show me around the grounds. We’ll keep that segment light and family-centric. We can tape it in the afternoon. Then we’ll shoot the actual interview live in her living room at eight eastern time,” Erica says.
“Peak viewership,” Greg says. “We’re going to blow the other networks off the map.”
“Let’s not count any chickens. I’m nervous enough as is.”
“You’re going to be fantastic. I’ll fly out tomorrow morning. Don’t talk to anyone in the business until we’ve announced it. We don’t want this leaked.”
“Tight lips on your end too, please. Especially with Claire.”
“No way she’s stealing this story. Kay Barrish picked you.”
“She’s a pretty terrific woman.”
Greg lowers his voice. “Look who’s talking.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your support.”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Erica.”
There’s a moment of silence between them. Erica feels something electric and anticipatory—a tingling in her short hairs—that has nothing to do with landing the Kay Barrish interview.