Episode 132

Elizabeth settled onto the couch, diving straight into the complexities surrounding Gracie. When the topic shifted to Elijah, she cautiously labeled him as a friend.
Fidgeting with a bottle of mineral water, she struggled to open it before exhaling deeply. “I need to settle a debt with this friend soon. Without it, there wouldn’t even be a connection between us, and now, it’s just making things awkward.”
Ruby’s expression turned contemplative. “I’ve just invested in a house, so I’m a bit strapped for cash at the moment…”
Her voice trailed off as a flicker of inspiration struck her. Brightening, she continued, “Hold on—I just remembered! There’s a script company desperately seeking custom scripts. They’re paying well because their client is demanding, but their writers can’t quite meet the mark. Maybe that’s an avenue you could explore?”
Ruby extracted her phone and eagerly displayed the official website of the script company and the manager’s social media profile to Elizabeth.
Elizabeth peered at the screen, nodding thoughtfully. “This does look promising,” she remarked.
Ruby concurred with a smile, “I’ve had ties with the owner for ages. There shouldn’t be any issues. They’re just starting out, so they haven’t managed to snag any top-tier writers yet. However, they are quite generous with their compensation.”
Elizabeth’s lips tightened slightly, her mind clearly churning with thoughts.
Observing Elizabeth’s pensive expression, Ruby crossed her legs and flicked ash from her cigarette into a nearby ashtray.
Ruby remarked with a knowing look, “If I’m guessing right, you hold your pen name, Katrina Spencer, in high esteem and aren’t keen on using it for mere quick cash. Here’s what I suggest: set up a new profile and introduce yourself to the script company as a newcomer.
I’ll back you up and secure an opportunity for you to pitch a sample script. The compensation might not be as hefty as what Katrina would pull in, but it should be enough to keep you going for now.”
Ruby’s reassurance alleviated Elizabeth’s anxiety. With a note of gratitude in her voice, she expressed, “Ruby, you’ve really been a tremendous support to me.”
Promptly thereafter, she set up a new WhatsApp account.
Ruby brushed off the thanks with a wave of her hand.
She said with a light chuckle, flicking ash from her cigarette, “Think nothing of it! I don’t just regard you as my artist; you’re also a friend to me. Besides, if you get bogged down with other matters and hold up our filming, it would be a setback for me as well.
Scripts like these have a standard structure; they’re more akin to products than profound literary creations, and they don’t demand much in the way of creative spark. With your knack for writing, this should be well within your reach.”
Subsequently, Ruby sent Elizabeth’s new WhatsApp details to the scriptwriting agency.
Out of respect for Ruby, they swiftly sent Elizabeth the sample script details and advised her to take cues from Katrina’s style, who was highly regarded by their clients.
This guidance spared Elizabeth the effort of masking her own distinctive style.
With the issue resolved, Ruby stood, ready to leave. “I’m off then. You dig into that sample script, and don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.”