She shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. This show is special, and I hope it works out, but everything you got in exchange is more than enough.”

We wrap on the Caroline Street house on a Friday afternoon, right on schedule. Despite the canceled tile order, extra furniture work, and surprise guests, we were able to get it done just as the weather was starting to change. The house is going to be staged next week and put back on the market, but for now, I’m happy to sit in it and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I went out for a six-pack and am now sitting on a stool at the shiny kitchen island when Shelby texts me.

SHELBY: Want company?

I grin, walking to the front door and flinging it wide open. She’s there with a bag of takeout and a grand smile.

“Thought you might be here. I can leave you be, though, if you prefer.”

I pull her to me gently and shove the door closed before capturing her lips in mine and kissing her deeply.

After a moment, she pulls back, smiling. “Good. I have something to show you.”

I turn for the island. “Please tell me it’s something naked.”

Shelby giggles, her eyes flashing. “That can be arranged. But first, something else. You’ll want to be clothed for this part.”

We sit on the island and unwrap food, digging into dinner. After a minute, she pulls out her phone.

“Is it something on Instagram?”

She snorts. “Um, definitely not. This is an email from my agent.”

I straighten, forgetting all about my burger.

She reads, “‘Blah, blah, blah, how are you? Heard you’re wrapping up! Hope the flip sells fast! I’ve cc’d your new publicist, blah, blah, blah.’ But here,” Shelby emphasizes, raising her finger in the air. “‘Good news, HLNW has reached out, and they’ve already ordered a complete twelve-episode first season of HomeMade, contract forthcoming, blah, blah, blah.’” She stops, her eyes dancing. “What do you think?”

I’m at a loss. “Wait. Really?”

“Yeah, really. You probably have an email, too.”

“The pilot’s not even done yet.”

“I know! Apparently, Steve sent the edited footage, though. They were anxious to see what we were up to after all the recent good press.” Shelby points to her phone. “Some of the blah-blah-blah parts were about our net worth and our newfound popularity, whatever, I don’t care about that. But we get to do it again!” She bites her lip. “Sorry. I got excited. Do you even want to do it again? I mean, now that it’s officially, unbelievably, on the table?”

“Absolutely,” I answer immediately. “I’m surprised is all. And a little nervous. But I definitely want to do it.”

“Yeah?”

I nod. “Yeah. One hundred percent. Yes.”

“Good!” She beams. “Then I want to do something first and I want you with me when I do it.”