THE PREPARATION
They're expected to be in LA on Friday, which means that they have a week to get there. The production team offers them first class air fare, but Emma just can't see leaving her trusty yellow Bug behind.
She and Lily had attempted to steal it when they'd first landed in Boston, only to learn that they couldn't hot wire it because it wouldn't run. The guy who owned it, who had been watching the whole scene in amusement from his front porch, tossed the keys at Emma and told her if she wanted a car that didn't run that badly, she could have it.
It took her almost a year, but she finally got the Bug up and running. It's been a faithful friend ever since.
So they pack her up with all the essentials and head out on their cross-country road trip. The fact that they make it in four days without killing each other is amazing.
The apartment that they pull up to at the end of the journey is even more amazing. It's at least twice the size of their apartment in Boston, with the newest furnishings and decorations.
Lily smirks and Emma smacks her before she can say I told you so.
"Miss Swan." The tall blonde smiles at her, but it's a business smile, Emma can tell. "So wonderful to meet you and have you on board. I'm Sarah Fisher, one of the producers. I'll be giving you the basic run down today of what's going to happen over the next few weeks."
Emma shakes her hand and offers a smile of her own that's also not exactly the real deal. "Nice to meet you."
"So, tomorrow you'll do your official first meeting with your partner." Emma notices that she doesn't say a name and she wonders, not for the first time, if Lily had just been yanking her chain about Regina Mills – possibly even about being paired with a female professional at all.
"Since we haven't announced any of the cast yet, we'd like to keep it under wraps, so you'll be meeting her at her home." Well, that answers that at least. She will be dancing with a female pro.
"She has a dance studio on the bottom floor of her home. Your production team will be there to film the meeting and for you to get to know them. You'll do some basic rehearsals tomorrow. You won't know your song yet, but your partner will know your dance style. We also encourage you to take a little time to get to know your partner tomorrow. We find that forging a relationship with them early on is very important. "
Emma nods, trying to take it all in, and wondering just how much of this 'forging a relationship' is going to be done on camera.
"After tomorrow's meeting, we'll need to do some promotional shots – photos, intro videos for the show and commercials, that sort of thing. We'll shoot those on Sunday. More information about locations and things will be given to your manager. Then, you'll need to lay low until Tuesday, when we have the cast reveal on Good Morning America. After that, you'll start full rehearsals, just as contracted. You'll have roughly two weeks to practice before we premiere. Camera blocking is always on Sunday night before the live show on Monday. Dress rehearsal and the show are on Mondays."
Emma nods again, feeling a bit like a bobble head. Lily is aware of pretty much all of this, she's sure, but she's still glad her friend is there. Although she may not have wanted her for a manager, she's a pretty good one to have, Emma can admit.
"Now, we're going to be doing more to give the fans access this year, so you and your partner will need to pick a team name that can be used on social media as a hashtag. We'll reveal it after the Good Morning America reveal. And after the reveal we'll want you to use social media as much as possible in promotion for the show. That's where the hashtag comes in. There are guidelines of course, but we'll go over those later."
Emma feels like her brain is about to explode, so she's thankful when Lily steps in. "Emma's already got a Twitter and Instagram profile set up. Luckily, she'd had them both before everything broke, so it doesn't seem like she just started using them for the show, although we have been posting a little more actively lately."
Sarah nods, seeming pleased. "Excellent. That will be very beneficial." She quickly turns her attention back to Emma. "Now, we'll also be having you do occasional all access rehearsals. They'll be live webcasts where you will be able to showcase some of your rehearsal – we obviously cannot play any songs, reveal any costumes or show full routines – for the fans. It's just a sneak peek to get them excited. You'll have at least one, if not two, all access rehearsals before the premiere, then additional ones depending on how far you go. A schedule will be provided to you each week of when your rehearsal times are, along with your all access times in those time frames. Your pro will know all of this and be able to help you with it. So, any questions?"
Emma blinks. She feels like she should have a million questions, but at the moment, nothing is coming out of her mouth. "I don't think so?" It's definitely more of a question than an answer and she looks to Lily for confirmation.
Lily smiles. "Naturally, all of this is a little overwhelming for Emma right now. She's still getting used to the spotlight. But she's very grateful for this opportunity. I think we're fine with everything at the moment, but if we do have any questions, I know how to get in contact with you."
Sarah smiles and nods then, pleased with Lily's efficiency. "Excellent." She stands and shakes both their hands. "Then I wish you the best of luck, Emma."
"Thanks." Emma manages.
"You're coming with me, right?" Emma asks as she tugs at her capri dance leggings. She feels awkward in them, like a little girl trying to play dress up. She's already nixed the dance skirt that Lily laid out for her and also ignores the dance tank for one of her old white tank tops. At least she's wearing the dance shoes – which feel slightly uncomfortable.
"As your manager, I should be there." Lily nods, then grins. "And as your friend, I'm not missing this."
"Jerk." Emma laughs, but she's relieved, too.
"Come on. Your car is waiting."
Emma feels the butterflies begin in her stomach.