Chapter 43 Proud Owner of a Movie Studio
Emily found lazing in bed was so much better with the man she adored than all alone. The next morning, they could take their time since it was Sunday.
“Did you sleep well?” Byron asked.
“Extremely well,” Emily said. After making love to him, she always slept soundly, but there had not been very much time for sleep.
Emily had lots of time to take in the handsome contours of his face as the conversation meandered at a leisurely pace around the latest happenings. They were both so exhausted from the previous night that there was no more “peace and love” action to be had for now.
Byron sounded happy with the way his companies were doing. Since the Christine disaster and his announcement about helping people with depression, the stock had only gone steadily up.
“You know, the way things are going, I could afford some time away from the office,” Byron mused. “We could go on vacation.”
It sounded so appealing as they were heading into the coldest time of year. Emily could picture lying on a warm sandy beach somewhere in the tropics. But the timing was a bit off.
“I wish I could,” she said, “but the art school is just taking off. Maybe. I need to be here to keep teaching as I’ve just got a whole bunch of new students.”
“Maybe you could hire another teacher?” he suggested.
“Oh you business people, always thinking of outsourcing. But I don’t think I can at this point. They’ve come for my expertise. Not to blow my own horn or anything, but I think this requires a personal touch as these students are expecting me to instruct them.”
Byron said, “But I’m proud of you for launching your own studio.”
“Why don’t you just go on your own?” she asked.
“No way.” His muscular arm tightened around her, “I can’t be away from you more than 24 hours.”
Emily smiled, gratified that he felt exactly the same way about her.
“Although I’m so tempted to get away,” he admitted, “Those Nova Summers trailers are everywhere. I’d like to go to a remote location of the globe where people are not caught up on the latest Hollywood films. But I won’t go without you.”
“Now I feel bad,” Emily said sadly.
“No, don’t. This is a good test of my new powers of self-control and relaxation. I’m going to try not to throw anything. Not even a football.”
Emily laughed. “You can throw a football.”
“No,” he insisted with mock solemnity. “Not even a football. I know you hate it when I throw stuff.”
“Aww... Thank you.” She cuddled closer to him, putting her head on his chest. “It means a lot to me.”
“By the way,” Byron said, “I bought Papyrus Pictures, but just so you know, I’m still not going to fire anyone.”
“Good,” Emily said. She was glad he brought it up and wasn’t trying to hide anything. Although maybe he knew she would have had access to that information anyway.
“I already made the move to buy it months ago,” he explained, “and that was before I met you and turned into a hippie.”
Emily chuckled, then studied his face, trying to see if he would look good with a beard and long hair.
“What are you doing?” he asked, noticing her intent look.
“Trying to picture you with a beard.”
“I don’t think I’m willing to go that far,” he said.
“But now that you own the studio,” Emily said, “Are you sure you’re not going to be tempted to take any actions against Nova?”
“I couldn’t fire her anyway,” he replied, “She’s got a solid contract with Papyrus to appear in three more films.” But there was a wicked glint in his eye.
“I can tell you’re thinking about doing something,” Emily said.
“Making films,” he said.
“Something less innocent than making films.”
“You think I’m trying to get my revenge on Nova?” trying to sound shocked that she would even think of such a thing.
Emily glared at him. “I think you already have a plan.”
“No plan,” he responded with a carefree attitude, “I’m just going to let the movie people do their jobs.”
Still, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling that he was up to something.
