“Yes,” she replied, deciding to engross herself in the menu. “I don’t expect you to understand, but we’re doing really, really great. Larry’s taking a job shooting a documentary in Baghdad. He’s going to embed himself and follow around some of the troops.”

I took all this in. “So, when is he heading off to war?”

“He’s leaving in ten days. It’s tough to get a flight out. There’re only so many flights in and out of Riyadh a week.” Ina was too bubbly; she was hoping her enthusiasm would win me over. “And he’s thinking he can use some of the material they shoot to inspire his creativity.”

I knew Larry was a camera operator, but I’d never thought of him as the creative type. I couldn’t help but think that in the middle of his divorce (the divorce Ina was paying for) he’d decided to flee the country, leaving Los Angeles for Baghdad, of all places, where he could always blame being incommunicado on the circumstances in Iraq. It all seemed too convenient, bailing out right when the divorce was supposed to be winding up.

“So, what’s happening at work?” Ina was too obviously changing the subject.

“It’s great. I also just got some great news.” I paused for a little bit of dramatic effect. “The show has been so successful that it looks like they’ll rush a spin-off into pilot season next spring. They’d launch next fall, and they’ve been talking about making it my show. I’d run the writing staff and I’d also be one of the executive producers.”

Ina banged both hands on the tabletop in delight. “I can’t believe you didn’t lead with this! This is truly great news!”

“I honestly wanted to hear what the latest was with you and Larry. And all this is just preliminary. A lot of things have to click into place for it to actually happen, and casting a show is so important, ya know? So I’m trying not to get too excited.”

Ina’s face lit up. “Stop, wait! I think we’re going to have to organize a party or something, for your great news. Maybe we could throw one party for you and a going-away thing for Larry?”

I smiled politely. “I definitely want to celebrate Larry’s departure. That is a reason to have a party, but let’s wait until I have more news.”

She leaned back in her chair, relenting for the moment. “Okay, okay, but we’re definitely going to do something.”

I knew she really wanted to celebrate. “Okay.”