Contents
Chapter 32: Emmett
Overview
Emmett escapes the rodeo taping and drives aimlessly through a storm, fixated on Julia and devastated that she left after being hurt. He resists Richard’s demands to return, ending up outside Julia’s building. Through solitary reflection, Emmett admits the depth of his feelings and resolves to clarify them, risking show fallout.
Summary
Emmett leaves the rodeo in a storm and drives without direction, consumed by guilt and fear after Julia walked away. He recognizes that, regardless of the show’s chaos or Evelyn’s involvement, he hurt Julia and can’t reach her because her phone goes to voicemail.
He stops at Julia’s building but, feeling desperate and unstable, steps back and walks the rain-soaked streets. While ignoring a barrage of angry texts from producer Richard threatening contract repercussions, Emmett keeps circling through his thoughts rather than returning to set.
As he walks, Emmett confronts the emotions he’s avoided. He realizes his anxiety isn’t about the show but about losing Julia. Naming his feelings—resignation, fear, and certainty—he accepts that everything is changing and that his connection to Julia matters more than the production’s demands.
His feet lead him back to Julia’s building. Determined to stop the doubt he caused, Emmett decides to face her and make his feelings clear, despite the professional risks and the turmoil surrounding the show.
Who Appears
- EmmettFlees filming, fixates on Julia, rejects Richard’s threats, confronts his feelings, and resolves to tell Julia the truth.
- JuliaHandler Emmett cares for; hurt by events at the rodeo. Off-page presence driving Emmett’s emotional realization.
- RichardProducer who bombards Emmett with messages and contract threats, pressuring him to return to filming.