Meet Me in the Margins (2026)

[bunniefuu]

[lively music playing]

[Savannah] Time stood still as Renaldo

delicately placed

one hand softly on her cheek.

Did he, though?

[sighs]

Time stood still as...

How can time stand still?

[groans]

Renaldo touched Isolde's cheek.

Time did or did not stand still.

[groans softly]

Super writing, Savannah.

Good morning, roomie.

Good morning.

How's it going?

You ready?

[sighs] I've been up all night

rewriting sections just in case

I need an alternative.

For the whole book?

[chuckles] I just...

I need it to go perfectly.

Claire Donovan has already

read your manuscript, okay?

The editor of romance at Baird Books.

You have a meeting with her.

It's gonna be great.

And she wouldn't set a meeting

if it was bad, right?

Right.

[sighs] I've been working

on this manuscript

for three years, Lyla.

What if Pendleton Publishing

learns that I'm talking to the competition?

I mean, I need this job,

and I'm good at it.

Will you stop overthinking?

Pendleton would never

publish a romance novel.

If you're serious about

becoming an author,

this is your next step.

[sighs]

See you at work.

Mm-hm. You got this.

Claire.

Hi.

Savannah.

Good to see you.

You, too.

Thank you for making the time

to meet so early.

With our authors visiting

this weekend, I am booked solid.

I get my best editing done

before the day begins,

so this works great.

Great.

So, tell me, how is everything

at Pendleton Publishing?

Still the head of the acquisitions team?

I am. Yes.

Things look a little different

now that we've downsized.

The team consists of just me,

which is why it's taken me so long

to get my manuscript back to you.

[sighs] You're a good writer, Savannah.

I think you have a voice for romance.

That's... That's amazing. Thank you.

But it isn't ready yet.

Oh. I see.

A few emotional beats work,

but many are missing.

You have chemistry between your leads,

but it starts way too late

and ends too fast.

And your protagonist Isolde, too passive.

Things happen to her instead

of her making her own choices.

Romance readers want to see her

go after what she wants.

And your ending. It needs work.

The big emotional cl*max feels rushed.

[chuckles nervously]

I've rewritten it several times.

If you're serious about ever

getting this published,

read it again thinking about what I said

and make the necessary adjustments.

Okay. I will.

Savannah, I'm retiring soon.

This is my last shot at getting

something in that I believe in.

And I believe in you and this book.

But you have a lot of work

to do to get this ready

for me to present.

How much time do I have?

I'd need a solid revision in two weeks

to submit to my team.

Okay, I will get it done.

Good. I look forward to reading it.

[cell phone buzzing]

Oh, that's the office.

Hello? Hey.

Okay.

[mellow music playing]

[indistinct chatter]

[whispering] How'd it go?

Uh, good.

She liked it,

but said it needs a lot of work.

Like a lot, a lot. I have two

weeks to rewrite the entire book

if I want it ready in time for

her to present to her company

before she retires.

That's great news.

How?

I basically have to rewrite

the whole thing.

She's retiring. If she didn't

think you were worth it,

she wouldn't have you try again

and come back.

[Mrs. Pendleton clears throat]

Pendleton Publishing has been

a cornerstone of the nonfiction

and literary fiction markets

for over 50 years.

Here, we actually believe

in the content we produce.

Unlike other publishing houses

lining the grocery store shelves

with commercial fiction,

we work tirelessly

to produce only the most curated

and vetted manuscripts worth printing.

I would like you to give a warm welcome

to a man whose experience

at one of the most successful

publishing houses

will help us to prune in order

to blossom in our future.

Mr. Pendleton,

I'm thrilled to welcome you

as vice president

of Pendleton Publishing.

Good old nepotism at its finest.

[chuckles]

I am William Pendleton.

I'm... I'm very excited

to be here with you all.

Uh, I want us to remember

that today is the Author Appreciation Day

and that those authors

represent half of our sales.

But also, please be mindful that

many of our authors are afraid

because many of the publishing

houses are closing, so...

[gasps then exclaims]

Uh, I'm sorry.

Seriously, Savannah.

Sorry. Excuse me.

[Lyla] Okay.

Nothing to see here. Carry on.

[playful music playing]

[chuckles nervously]

William.

Please continue.

[sighs] As I was saying,

based on these closures...

He saw. He knows.

There's no way. It was one page.

That's all he needed.

[William] We can wrap this up.

I look forward

to getting to know all of you

over the coming days.

Thank you.

[groans softly]

[Clive] She said pruning.

Pruning means cutting.

Do you think that means that

some of us might be laid off?

The fact that you're asking that question

means you're probably on the list.

List?

There's a list.

Clive, don't worry about it.

Mrs. Pendleton says that

every year. You're fine.

Savannah. Hey.

Hi, Sam.

That was something.

A lot of paper and really poor timing.

Yeah, but everything's okay?

Just an occupational hazard.

Cool. All right. If you need

anything for the author event,

I'll be around today. Just let me know.

Thank you.

All right.

[sighs]

You know he has a crush.

Sam? No, we're just friends.

Mm. Mm-hm.

What if Clive is right?

What if Mrs. Pendleton brought

in her son to cut some of us?

I mean, if there's a list,

I am definitely at the top of it

after what just happened.

Maybe he didn't get a good look.

Oh, no. He read it, I saw him.

And of all the pages in the book,

"Time stood still as he placed

one hand softly on her cheek

as they sat entwined

beneath the maple tree,

the whisper of the wind gently blowing.

Isolde's sun-kissed blonde hair

"back from her hazel eyes."

Okay, yeah.

He knows.

Mm-hm.

People are already scared.

Don't give them any reason

to notice you.

I don't want to lose my job.

And I don't want to give up

being an author yet either.

I... Maybe I can just...

I'll hide the manuscript

until after the author event tonight

and hope that he just

doesn't remember anything.

Sure, because them entwined

under the maple tree

with whispering wind

is so easily forgettable.

On a positive note, it's memorable.

No. I need him to forget.

How?

By laying low.

[sighs]

[gasps]

Oh.

I'm fine.

Oh, yeah. That'll totally

make him forget you.

[sighs]

[whimsical music playing]

[creaking]

I'll be back. Promise.

There she is. Pendleton

Publishing's top-selling author.

Top-selling author.

It's a bit of a stretch.

Not entirely.

Hm?

That book is greatly responsible

for a better than satisfactory year.

And as I'm sure you know,

Pendleton can use

all the help they can get,

even from as unlikely a source

as an influencer.

Of course.

All that said, watching

Giselle fawn over her is a...

Bit overly dramatic.

Sorry, that was out of line.

No. You're right. That book is essentially

just a collection of social

media captions, is it not?

Yeah, it is.

Hm.

And yet it outsells

everything else we publish.

What does that tell you?

I guess people would rather read

social media captions

than a good book.

Or it could mean people want

something that feels authentic,

something that they relate to.

But my mother, uh,

she built this company

with a very specific philosophy,

elevated, refined, intellectual.

And I respect that.

But, um...

But you don't agree?

No, I do. I just, I think there's room

for, uh, more than one

kind of story in the world.

Agree to disagree, Ms. Cade?

Oh, I agree.

I'm just surprised to hear you say it.

I mean, publishing houses throw

away untold amounts of money

printing books that nobody wants to read

whilst turning their noses up at things

that people actually want.

I think we can tell good stories

no matter the way we get there.

The, uh, pages that you were

editing in the meeting.

I can explain. I'm sorry.

No, no, I was impressed, actually.

It's bold enough to be multitasking

at one of my mother's meetings.

What exactly were you working on?

I looked like a manuscript.

For my author.

Yeah. Oh, that's actually her. I should go.

Excuse me.

Hi. How are you?

Hm.

[gentle music playing]

Hi.

Hi.

Uh, today was a great day.

Why are you not excited?

William knows.

He didn't say it in those exact

words, but he's, you know.

Cute.

What? No, I mean...

Maybe. He's... He's smart, and

he's mysterious and confident.

Not in a good way.

Right.

Because smart, mysterious

and confident

can all be super sketchy.

You know what I mean.

I can say with the utmost

certainty, I do not.

But I do know that Claire Donovan,

who is about to retire, wants

to read your manuscript again.

Yes. And she needs rewrites

in two weeks.

That's details.

[groans] My manuscript.

I left it at work.

I'll be back in an hour.

Go. Okay.

[playful music playing]

"Your protagonist is too passive.

Why doesn't she take initiative?

That would make it

a much more compelling

and interesting story."

[scoffs]

That is ridiculous.

"Nice dialogue here,

but it could use more subtext."

What? "Nice"?

"This metaphor doesn't quite work.

What are you really trying to say?"

"This is good, but you have

an opportunity to be great.

A fellow storyteller."

A fellow storyteller.

Who are you?

[Savannah] "This is good." Good.

"But you have an opportunity

to be great."

Huh.

"A fellow storyteller."

A fellow storyteller.

[gasps]

Oh.

Sam.

You scared me.

Yeah, I could say the same for you.

What are you doing here?

I work here.

[chuckles] Yeah. Yeah.

I just... I mean, it's late.

Oh, yeah. With Mrs. Pendleton's

son working here now,

I thought I should stay late

and clean up some contracts.

You?

Me? What... What about me?

What are you doing here so late?

[chuckles] Oh, I forgot a manuscript.

It's for an author of mine.

Not "mine" mine,

but a friend of mine. I'm just

I'm helping with edits.

Okay.

Hey, have you seen

anyone else here tonight?

No. Just the cleaning crew.

Right.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

No, I'm just trying to figure out the...

Book.

Hm?

That you're editing.

Yes. The book.

You know, you've always been

supportive of my writing ideas,

so your friend's really lucky to have you.

See you Monday.

Bye.

Someone found it, and they wrote notes,

as in editorial notes, in the margins.

I mean, that's... That's invasive, right?

[chuckles]

"Your protagonist is too passive

right from the beginning."

That's actually really good feedback.

Well, that's not the point.

The point is someone found it,

and now they know

I'm writing a romance book.

Okay.

But whoever they are,

they're being helpful, right?

They wrote nice dialog here.

That's encouraging.

Or it's... It's a trap.

A trap for what?

I don't know.

Maybe they're trying to collect evidence

to bring to Mrs. Pendleton.

Uh... [chuckles]

Okay. Think about it.

Who at Pendleton

would read several chapters

of your manuscript,

then leave what seems to be

very helpful editorial notes

instead of just turning you in?

No one knows about my secret room.

Well, someone does.

Whoever it is has very nice handwriting.

Neat.

Confident.

Could it be Giselle?

No.

Giselle would have

turned me in immediately.

Yeah. What about Clive?

Clive does keep track

of everyone for Mrs. Pendleton,

but I don't know.

Karen in Billing?

Uh... No.

No.

Sam. He was at the office just now.

Sam in Contracts? No.

Yes, yes, he's a frustrated writer.

He happened to work late tonight.

So, add him to the list of suspects.

Okay, well, that leaves William.

I mean, maybe he was

exploring the building

and he found my room.

He used to be an editor, right?

Right. So he would leave notes.

And he saw the page.

No, he's also Mrs. Pendleton's son.

If he found my manuscript,

he definitely would have turned me in.

Whoever it is thinks

very highly of themselves.

I mean, who leaves notes

without being asked for them?

Someone who must like what they read.

[pensive music playing]

First.

Bold of you, whoever you are.

Second.

You have no idea

how long I've been working on this book,

but I will tell you.

Three long years.

Three.

How do I know you have

my best interest at heart?

I don't.

So, forgive me,

but I am not about to throw

three years of hard work down the drain

and just randomly trust whoever you are.

Thank you, but no, thank you.

[Lyla] Oh, rise and shine, sleepyhead.

[moans]

Oh. [Chuckles]

You wrote back?

Uh, yeah. Kind of.

I, uh, I said thank you, but no, thank you.

Uh-huh.

I have no idea who it is.

Ah. Well, they said it was

a fellow storyteller, right?

Yeah, but what does that even mean?

If it's someone at work,

which we have to assume that it is,

it means that they now know

someone else at work

is writing a romance novel.

At least all they have is my pen name.

So, what happens now?

I guess we wait and see

if they write back.

[Lyla] Hmm.

[playful music playing]

Your move.

Thank you for coming in early.

Mr. Pendleton.

Please call me William.

Looks like you have

everything under control here.

It looks great.

Oh, this is just what we always do.

If you weren't aware, your

mother's not a fan of change.

Oh, I had no idea.

[chuckles]

[chuckles nervously]

Uh, how... How was your first day?

Oh, I'm still getting acquainted.

How would you describe it?

Me? How would I describe what?

I want to know what you think.

You've been on the inside.

You've been working here for some time.

I'm trying to understand what works here

and what might no longer serve us.

Okay.

Um, I think that Pendleton Publishing

is a company

that cares about its authors.

Sometimes, maybe to its own detriment.

Oh. How so?

Well, Pendleton doesn't publish

books because they'll sell fast.

We publish them

because they will matter later.

Sometimes you need an exception

to keep the company relevant.

For instance, if there's

a popular reality star

who wants to write her life story.

So, you agree with our decision

to publish the influencer book?

Yes. I think it was smart

for both financial

and professional reasons.

Your mother has made sure

the exceptions don't become the rule.

And this philosophy

is what has kept Pendleton standing.

Whether it can continue without

expansion remains to be seen.

Maybe that's why you left

the big publishing house

and came here.

What do you think of the employees?

I think most of the workers

here care about the company.

My author is the star of her own show.

She needs more chairs than the

ladies that write about words.

Some care more than others.

Hm.

Look.

About the manuscript

that I dropped in the meeting.

It didn't...

It's totally fine.

You might want to be a little

bit more careful in the future.

People don't always appreciate

everything

that comes across their desk.

Discretion matters.

Right.

My author is pulling up.

We should be waiting for her as a team.

Hm. Of course.

[mellow music playing]

"Discretion and honesty matter,

which is why it is best

that I remain anonymous for now.

My first big problem with this book.

You need to let your protagonist choose,

even when that choice costs her.

You don't need to protect her from that.

"Readers won't either."

"What is the moment your leading

lady realizes

staying quiet will cost her

more than speaking up?

You don't have to listen to me,

but if you want this book

to be even remotely successful,

"I suggest taking

my notes into consideration."

[playful, determined music playing]

I'm not saying

I'm going to implement

any of your notes.

However.

I will think about it.

If, and only if, I decide

they could be helpful,

then I would like to set

a few ground rules.

[clears throat]

The notes stay focused on the book.

There is no sharing

beyond the pages.

Honesty is required.

But please be courteous about it.

[sighs]

[Lyla] Hey.

Anything?

[Savannah] Hi.

Yeah. Come in.

I reread the notes.

As much as I hate to admit it,

whoever is writing,

they're not terrible.

So, you're gonna use them?

I don't know.

I mean, if I don't like it,

I could always rewrite.

They asked me a question,

and it wasn't about the book,

but it made me think.

I excel at graphic design,

book covers and the occasional code,

not solving mysteries.

Okay. My protagonist, I keep

telling her to take risks,

and then every day, I show up at work

and I do the same thing.

I stay quiet.

It's good for survival and job security.

It's not great for peace of mind.

So, what are you going to do

about everything you just said?

There's a meeting coming up,

and I am head of the department.

You're the only one in the department.

Which means I'm the only one

who can speak up for the books.

They said to find the moment.

I mean, maybe this is the moment.

They, who? What... What moment?

I'll tell you later.

The past year required difficult decisions.

Pendleton publishes

works of lasting value,

and that does not change because

the market gets impatient.

My author wasn't approved

because she fit the list.

She was approved

because she fit the moment.

No advance, minimal overhead.

[Mrs. Pendleton]

Well, that moment has passed.

Yes, her book performed better

than I expected

and decently for the market,

but that does not automatically

qualify her for a second book.

Of course not. I...

I wouldn't suggest otherwise.

Good. Because Pendleton

does not build on coincidence.

Which is precisely why

we must be careful.

I agree.

[Mrs. Pendleton]

Care to elaborate, Ms. Cade?

I just... I think that protecting the work

also means finding ways to fund it.

One project could carry several others.

I see. And what are you suggesting?

Well, we've already seen that it works

with the influencer book.

Giselle did a great job

editing and promoting her.

I think now we need to find something

that's more aligned with Pendleton,

however, still outside the box.

And who decides which projects

get that privilege?

People who understand the numbers

and the responsibilities

that come with them.

Yeah. I mean, from a contract

standpoint, it definitely works

as long as the exceptions are deliberate.

And how many more of these exceptions

before we're no longer Pendleton?

I think when the exceptions

stop protecting the work,

and they start replacing it.

We'll continue this discussion

at our next meeting.

Clive.

Since you're suddenly full of ideas,

perhaps you could explain

to our best-selling author

why we're not putting her

second book into production.

I would be happy to help you

if you need it.

Way to take control of the meeting.

That was great.

It did not feel great.

Trust me, it was.

[chuckles]

Nicely done, Savannah.

Thank you, Mr... Um, William.

[chuckles] I'm much more

comfortable staying quiet.

Well, there's always

the right time to speak up.

And today was that right time.

Sorry. What did you say?

Uh, just that, you know,

it's nice to speak your piece

every once in a while.

Right. [Chuckles] Of course.

Thank you.

Hm.

[Sam sighs]

Hi.

Long day.

Ooh, cookie.

Yeah.

Yeah. It is.

Is there something on my face?

Oh, I'm so embarrassed.

No, no, I was just thinking about earlier.

The meeting.

I still can't believe I spoke up.

I mean, I'm glad I did.

Those moments matter.

Yeah, no, I completely agree.

I don't think enough people act on them.

Do you regret speaking up?

I guess. Sometimes.

But I regret not speaking up more.

Yeah. You're right.

I think Mrs. Pendleton respects

when someone

understands the cost

before they open their mouth.

You think?

I do.

Contracts, they teach you that

everything has consequences.

Anyway, I should probably get back to it.

So, I'll see you.

[mellow music playing]

"I must say, when you wrote

you were going to find

the moment in your own life,

I didn't believe you,

but it sounded like you did speak up,

knowing it could cost you.

Most people wait for certainty,

and you chose clarity and risk instead.

"Well done."

"If I had said this to my

ex-girlfriend when we first met,

she would have walked away.

The entire opening

needs to be rewritten."

What?

"And please pick different names

for your lead characters.

Renaldo sounds like a bullfighter.

Isolde sounds like

she belongs in an opera."

[scoffs]

Hi.

Hi.

Okay. I really think it might be Sam.

The timing makes sense.

Remember late last night I saw

him when I found the notes?

Sam. [Groans softly] I don't know.

Yeah, yeah. Then today he said

almost exactly what was written down.

And then he did it again

when we were getting coffee.

Why am I sensing a but?

No, no but. I just.

I don't know, I guess I thought

it would be clearer or more romantic.

[groans] It makes sense in my head.

It just... It doesn't make sense

anywhere else.

You're a romance writer.

Maybe you built the expectation up

to be some grand gesture of love.

Me, dramatize romance?

Mm-hm.

Yeah.

[scoffs]

[groans]

[pensive music playing]

[footsteps approaching]

Savannah.

Come in.

[chuckles nervously]

Your mother

hasn't given you an office yet?

Sorry. That was supposed to be funny.

No, it was.

I just... I just really like it in here.

Please sit.

[sighs] I'd come to work

with her sometimes

and just roam the halls

like it's my kingdom.

I guess it's no surprise

that I ended up in the literary field.

How about you?

Me?

I've always been obsessed with books.

Ever since The Bunny

And The Bear books.

I remember those.

Bunny used to show Bear

how to have fun,

and Bear would teach Bunny

to speak up.

Was that something like that?

Close. Yes.

Honestly, I should reread them.

I could use some inspiration

on speaking up at the moment.

Except with my authors.

They're easy to talk to.

Right. That makes sense.

Authors and their editors

always have a special relationship.

Yeah, regardless

of what the book is about,

authors write from their hearts.

It gets personal.

At least it does if it's good.

Hm.

Can I ask you something?

Please.

When you speak up at a meeting,

potentially with a different

opinion of, say, the boss.

Do you ever regret it afterwards?

Well, sometimes.

But then I remember that,

every time I haven't said what I wanted

well, it's always worked out worse, so.

And you don't say these things

because they're easy, Savannah.

You say them because

they mean something to you,

and that you're prepared

to deal with what happens after.

So, it's not a bad thing?

No, I don't think so.

I think it simply means that it matters.

Thank you.

I'll let you get back to work.

Sorry for bothering you.

Please. Savannah.

Are you free later?

I can be.

Great.

I'd like you to sit in on a meeting.

It's been years since I've dealt

with authors one-on-one.

And I hear you have a particularly

nice way of handling difficult situations.

Plus, I'd like to see you in action.

Uh, sure. Yeah.

Great. I'll see you here at 3.

Yeah.

Hey.

I finished the new book cover.

You want to see it?

Yes. Later.

I'm just prepping for a meeting.

I didn't see one on the schedule.

William asked me to sit in on one of his,

which could be a test.

He can judge me

without it being obvious,

and then he can gather

information to fire me.

Or... He asked you to join

because you're the very best at your job.

If you're right, it means maybe

William saw something in me.

And this could be a good thing,

not a "you're fired" thing.

It could be a very good thing.

Lyla. He's my boss.

I said nothing. You, however...

A meeting is not a thing.

It's work. It's a work thing.

Mm-hm. No one says it's not a thing

unless they feel like

it might actually be a thing.

The notes are a real thing.

And before you say anything,

I still think it's Sam.

I think he's the mystery editor.

He's thoughtful, deliberate,

thinks before he speaks.

That's how you are, too.

You're just getting better

about people hearing you.

I'm a work in progress.

[whimsical music playing]

"You opened the door without

knowing what would walk through.

That's the hardest part.

People think courage is loud. It isn't.

It's choosing not to close the door again."

He's right.

This isn't just about the book anymore.

"You don't speak to be heard.

You speak because staying quiet

would cost you

something you care about.

Like your characters,

Jonathan and Riley.

Much better name choices, by the way."

[chuckles]

"The aftermath is

where most people get stuck,

second-guessing, rewriting,

convincing themselves

it would have been easier to say nothing.

"It wouldn't have been easier.

Just quieter."

I'm beginning to see that.

Also, thank you for the chair.

[sighs]

As much as I don't want to admit it

your notes are helpful.

I'm just saying, no one leaves

a big publishing house to come here

unless something went very wrong.

[Clive] I don't know.

It's his mother's company.

People don't come home

unless they're restructuring.

And restructuring means regrouping.

And that means

something went very wrong.

So, you do think there

are going to be layoffs?

Well, I didn't say that,

but I didn't not say it either.

That's a lot of assumption.

Savannah.

We were just talking about,

you know, layoffs.

I heard.

Accusations like that

only make people more nervous.

From where I'm standing,

we need less of that

and more of an open mind.

Look, everyone is nervous.

But assuming

someone failed somewhere else

isn't the same

as knowing why they're here.

You're very confident for someone

who literally has two strikes against her.

I'm not confident. I'm aware.

And not that it needs explaining,

but William did bring me into

one of his meetings earlier.

He wanted to make sure that

we handled the author correctly.

I mean, if he wanted

to dismantle this company,

he wouldn't be listening to ideas

on how to make it more productive,

and he definitely wouldn't

be asking questions.

[Giselle] Questions are how

people decide what to cut.

[Savannah] They're also how

they decide what to protect.

So, you're not worried?

No. I think his intentions are good.

And I think we should all assume

that until proven otherwise.

Well, I hope you're right.

Otherwise, you might be

the next one looking for a job.

[pensive music playing]

I'm hoping this is progress and

not another dramatic standoff

with your laptop. Those never end well.

Progress. Actual real progress.

Really? That's good.

Dare I ask if this has anything

to do with your mystery editor?

Maybe.

[Lyla] Mm.

You changed their names.

I like Jonathan and Riley so much more.

Editor's idea?

Yeah. He said Renaldo

sounded like a bullfighter,

and Isolde sounded like

she belonged in an opera.

I mean, he's not wrong.

He really isn't.

Mm-mm.

And he seems to like

all the other changes so far.

He keeps telling me I need

to stop protecting Riley.

That I'm getting in my own way.

Is he right?

Yes, which is deeply inconvenient.

Claire wants to meet tomorrow

to discuss where I'm at with the rewrite.

That's good.

He said something else. He said

I'm allowed to let Riley

choose the wrong thing.

That's how she figures out who she is.

Oh. He sounds like he's

thought about this a lot.

It's Sam, right?

It seems like it.

It makes the most sense.

Yeah.

Okay. I'll check in with you

again before I go to sleep.

But for what it's worth,

I like Jonathan and Riley.

They kind of remind me

of you and your mystery editor.

Me too.

[mellow music playing]

[clears throat]

"Jonathan makes choices. Riley reacts.

That's the difference."

[whispering] "Jonathan

makes choices. Riley reacts.

That's the difference."

[in normal voice]

"You're still protecting her."

Not from the world, from herself.

If she doesn't risk being wrong,

"she'll never learn

what she actually wants."

I don't want her

to fail.

"I know what you're thinking,

and I don't want her to fail either.

But avoiding failure isn't

the same as choosing to grow,

"to dare to risk it all."

Wow. That's good. That's...

That's actually pretty good.

[sighs]

[gasps] Sorry.

No, that was all me. Are you all right?

I'm fine. I was thinking.

Multitasking. Unsuccessfully, it seems.

That kind of dedication is

just the sign of a good editor.

Is it?

At least in my experience. Yes.

Well, for my author's sake,

I hope you're right.

I usually am.

Mm-hm.

So, are you running from

something or to someplace?

Neither. I'm just doing edits.

For your author.

Hm.

[chuckles]

Well, they are lucky to have you.

As are we.

I'll see you later.

Yeah.

Clive. Hi.

Hi.

Do you know where the red pens are?

I checked the supply cabinet.

I couldn't find any.

We're out.

I need to order some more.

Which is strange because

Mrs. Pendleton

asked me to order them by the caseload.

They usually last for months.

Where did they go this time?

Don't know.

But someone's been getting

through them pretty fast.

Hm.

Thanks, Clive.

William also asked me

to reorder them this morning.

William. Our boss William?

No, the other one.

Yes, William.

That's his name on the door.

[chuckles]

Thank you for meeting me here

on short notice.

My office is being turned

over to my replacement,

and there wasn't

a private room available today.

No problem. I can usually meet

for lunch anytime, anywhere.

I've read your new pages and

the name changes helped so well.

Jonathan and Riley feel grounded.

Solid, immediate improvement.

Great. I'm still revising. There are parts

I'm not quite done wrestling with.

Good. That means you're doing it

right and means you're invested.

The emotional spine is

stronger now as well,

but I want you to go further.

Further how?

Stop protecting her.

Let Riley risk it all for Jonathan.

Let the reader go on the journey with her

in finding her true love.

You need to let her risk everything.

Not because it's dramatic, but

because it's honest and real.

It could cost her everything,

but that is a risk

we want to take with her.

I've actually been thinking

about this a lot recently.

Uh, it's just, it's hard

to put her in jeopardy

after all she's been through.

Of course it is.

And that right there is why it works.

I'd also like you

to come up with a new title.

This book deserves it.

And before you ask me how, you'll know.

One day, you'll just know.

If you say so.

I'm wrapping up at Baird

a few days before I planned.

Can you get me a new draft

a few days sooner?

Yes. Yeah, I can. I will.

No pressure. Actually, full pressure,

but the really good kind.

Thank you, Claire, for

pushing me, for believing in me.

It's my favorite part of the job.

Oh, I have another meeting to run to.

But I'm excited, Savannah, truly.

And if I didn't think you

were worth it, I wouldn't be.

[sighs]

What are you doing?

[gasps]

Because it looked like

you were comparing

the red pen with your manuscript,

which is suspicious.

I'm just trying it out.

Switching it up. Seeing how it looks.

You know, trying

to be more open to change.

I've noticed that. It looks good on you.

Still, though.

What are you doing?

Fine. Clive told me that William

asked him to reorder pens.

Red pens for the office.

Interesting.

But everyone

in our business uses red pens.

Mm-hm.

Lyla.

What? I didn't say anything.

Yeah, not out loud,

but I know what you're implying.

Not implying.

Connecting the dots or pens.

Red ones.

It's Sam. I know it is.

The timing, the way that he talks.

You're right.

But it still might not be a bad idea

to get to know more about our new boss.

William?

Unless we got another new boss

this last week, yes, William.

Why?

He's involving you.

And we still don't know

what his intentions are

with the company yet.

Lastly, we can find out

what color pens

he might or might not use.

He's not interested in me like that.

And he's not the way

that my editor is with me.

Okay.

Well, don't forget, tonight's

the animal shelter fundraiser.

You said you'd help.

Did I?

Well, not in so many words,

but I said you'd help.

So, do it for the puppies.

Anything for the puppies.

[chuckles]

[tranquil music playing]

"After Riley's story about her first date

and the love of twinkle lights,

I thought you'd like the addition.

I also thought they might ease my notes

you're about to read.

You're allowing your heroine to hesitate,

but she should be acting.

Repeated hesitation becomes avoidance.

"Is that your intention?"

Is that my intention? No.

"Ask yourself what Riley

is afraid will happen

if she actually tells Jonathan

what she wants,

what she truly feels for him."

Well, she's afraid

her words

will push him away.

And she will have

no one to blame

but herself.

[sighs] That's my honest answer.

"Whatever you wrote in the margins,

let Riley say those words out loud."

So many what ifs.

What if he doesn't feel the same way?

What if their connection

is something

she imagined in her mind?

[sighs]

"I can already tell you my response

without reading what you just wrote.

Have you forgotten

you're the writer of this book,

the writer of your own story?

You can choose any outcome you want

"for your characters and yourself."

Okay. I'm listening.

[sighs]

[playful music playing]

Here you go.

Thank you. Thanks so much.

Did you invite William?

Why, is he here?

Uh-huh.

Why is he here?

I thought we just covered that.

Because I invited him.

And because he has money.

And the shelter likes money.

[Lyla] William, thanks for coming.

For dogs, anything.

They've all been adopted

except for one senior dog, Baxter.

The suggested donation is at the top.

But artistic freedom is encouraged.

Right. Artistic, huh?

[Lyla] Mm-hm.

I didn't think people still carried those.

I do. I just want to impress the dogs.

Dealer's choice.

I hope it's okay.

That is very generous. Thank you.

I'm going to go log this in.

Huh.

You're, uh...

You're good at this.

Helping people.

That's kind of my job.

Maybe.

But, I mean, you're not working now.

I have this feeling that you

would help pretty much anybody.

It's just... That's who you are.

[mellow music playing]

What's the verdict?

Uh, they love him,

but they haven't committed quite yet.

Huh.

Follow my lead, okay?

Hey, honey. It's our boy, Baxter.

Uh, yes, our boy, Baxter.

Yeah, we fostered him with plans

to adopt, but...

We did? We did. Yes. Big plans.

Yeah, but this little lady, she was...

She was allergic, so.

I am allergic.

Mm-hm.

But Baxter here...

[William] Oh, he... He is precious.

You know, these shelter dogs,

they only want love.

But this guy, he will give you more love

than you could possibly ask for.

I mean, look at that face. He's so cute.

You know what? I never know

if she means me or the dog.

You guys are gonna love him.

You know what?

You take that over to Lyla over there.

She'll get you an adoption form.

You're gonna love him.

You know, I think that Baxter

may have found his forever home.

Wow. Mr. Pendleton. Um

I mean, aside from my

unfortunate allergies, that...

That was actually very sweet.

Well, it was a team effort.

Hi. Would you like to apply

to adopt Baxter?

[William] Amazing work. [Lyla] Yeah.

Here you are.

Thank you for staying to help.

Lyla did such a great thing here.

It's the... It's the least I could do.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

There's been a lot of talk

around Pendleton

about why you came here.

People are saying you left

the big publishing house

because something went wrong.

What do you think?

I think it's no one's business.

Hm.

[William sighs]

[poignant music playing]

My father passed away last year.

I remember hearing about that. I'm sorry.

I... I can't imagine how hard that is.

I know it was hard for your mother.

It's all right. I...

My dad started Pendleton with her,

and he was a silent partner, mostly.

When he got sick, I promised him

that I would come home

after the next thing.

And then after the next promotion.

Then the next deal.

It turns out there's always the next thing.

When he died, I.

I realized that I was not proud

of all the things that I had missed.

So, I told myself I would

not let that happen again.

So, that's why you came back?

Yeah.

So, I mean, people can say

what they want.

Those that I care about, they...

They know the truth.

That takes restraint.

Oh. [Chuckles]

Yeah. Or...

[sighs] Exhaustion.

Well, for whatever it's worth,

I think it's a good thing you came back.

For Pendleton. It's... It's great.

I mean, you're one

of the best editors there is.

I don't know about that.

It's been so long since I edited anything.

I don't know if I'd be

any good at it anymore.

[cell phone chimes]

Oh.

Uh, that was my mother.

I have to go.

Is everything okay?

I don't know.

Good night, Savannah.

Good night.

[pensive music playing]

"No, I loved it. You let her say

everything she'd been feeling

and thinking.

Well done."

[chuckles]

"Then you pulled back.

You took away what she had

just said to Jonathan."

What?

[groans]

He's right.

[sighs]

You're right.

I got afraid for Riley.

What if I don't recognize myself

once I stop holding back?

Oh, I didn't mean me. I meant Riley.

[exhales]

[whimsical music playing]

Sam.

I did not realize anyone else

ever went in there.

Yeah, sometimes I just need

a moment of silence.

Peace and quiet.

Oh.

Yeah. I guess that is

the perfect place for that.

Mm-hm.

Anyway, I heard the fundraiser went well.

It did.

Good.

So, what are you working on?

Oh, well, believe it or not, contracts

for Before The Weather Changed.

It's supposed to be really good,

so hopefully it works out.

I should let you get to work.

I should get back to it.

Uh, talk to you later?

Mm-hm.

All right.

[Mrs. Pendleton] A matter

has been brought to my attention

that needs clarification.

It seems that during work hours,

Ms. Cade was seen

with a rival publisher.

I'm not asking if this meeting took place.

I know it did, from a reliable source.

And since you now oversee

our editorial staff,

were you aware of what your

staff is doing behind our backs?

And, Ms. Cade, would you care

to explain why you met

with a senior editor from

a competing publishing house?

Yeah, I... Well

I asked her to go.

Why would you do that?

Claire Shapiro has decades

of experience

in a market

that we do not currently serve.

And we do not serve

that market intentionally.

Sending an editor without disclosure

is an issue that will require

further discussion.

Understood.

Could we have a moment, please?

Mm-hm.

What exactly was discussed?

General perspectives. Market shifts.

Potential authors. Thank you, Savannah.

You have to understand.

This market is changing.

[William continues speaking indistinctly]

[mellow music playing]

William.

You don't have to say anything.

I do. I do. I do. Thank you

for what you just did in there.

You were put in an impossible position.

But you could have let me explain.

You didn't have to step in like that.

I didn't think you should have to.

What you did wasn't reckless.

It was... It was curious.

There's a difference.

Still.

I put you in a really difficult situation.

I mean, perhaps, but...

But that was my choice.

Um, Savannah, I just want to be clear.

What... What happened in there,

it was about the company.

It was about how I lead,

and not...

Not about anything else.

Of course. Yeah, I understand.

I'll see you later.

Mrs. Pendleton called me into her office

and said that she had proof

I met with Claire.

[gasps]

It has to be Giselle, I know it.

What? How? I mean, what did you say?

I didn't have a chance to explain.

William was there as well,

and before I could say anything,

he just... He spoke up.

He told his mom that he asked me to go.

That's a big deal that your boss

is taking your side over his mother's.

Yeah.

How did you feel about that?

Obviously, I am grateful and relieved.

But I don't know.

Something felt off balance.

I mean, he... [groans]

He said it was about his

leadership and the company,

which makes sense.

It might to him. But does it to you?

I guess.

I don't know, it... It felt personal.

Well, maybe it was.

But he is the boss.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And if we ever thought for a second

he was the mystery editor,

we can rule him out,

because he told me that he has

not edited in a very long time.

So, it's still Sam?

Yeah.

Hm.

I read the new pages, which are fire.

Don't get me wrong, it's still

you in all the ways that I love.

But these notes that you've been getting

are bringing out your best.

I think Claire is going

to love this rewrite.

Now, if you could just get back to work.

Because I really need to know

what Jonathan says to Riley

now that he knows how she feels.

Okay, I am going to need some caffeine

if I'm going to stay up writing all night.

One pot of strong coffee coming right up.

Thank you.

[pensive music playing]

Morning.

Good morning to you. You're here early.

I could say the same to you.

I, um... I just wanted

to take care of a few things

before everyone got in.

You?

Yeah. I just like the quiet.

[whimsical music playing]

Did you have a good night?

Yes. Yeah, it was good and long.

I'm, uh... I'm actually working

on this passion project of mine.

Cool.

That's good.

Passion projects are good.

Oh, sorry. Do you want a coffee?

Here. Do you want that one?

Yeah, that's actually

why I came down here.

There you go.

Perfect.

Thank you.

[cell phone buzzing]

Oh, you know what? I have to take this.

Can I talk to you later?

Yeah.

All right. I'll talk to you later.

Hey.

"As far as the notes are concerned,

I love what you've written and find myself

rooting for Jonathan and Riley,

much like I would for myself

should someone like her

ever cross my path."

[tender music playing]

"You said what if you

don't recognize yourself

once you stop holding back?

Yes, I know you said

you were referring to Riley,

"but I think we both know there

is much of you in your book."

"I've been thinking about what you wrote."

Not just the words,

but the pause before them.

I think you were asking to be understood.

So, I ask you, have you ever considered

"that your Jonathan feels the same way?"

"I'll leave you with this.

If you wait, you'll never get the chance

to be surprised by who you are

when someone chooses you back."

[sighs]

[Lyla] Ready?

Hm?

Ready to leave, as in go home?

Uh, I'm gonna stay a little later.

Get caught up on a few things.

Might this be because you spent

time in your secret room today?

Maybe.

Something feels different.

Not, like, romantic, but...

Maybe a little.

I don't know. It feels real.

I can't keep pretending

it won't matter who it is.

You want it to matter?

I think it already does.

Okay. I'll see you at home.

[groans]

[footsteps approaching]

Still here?

Yeah. Heading home soon.

Long day?

But a good day.

Well, then I'm happy for you.

Um...

Good night, Savannah.

Good night.

I just need to grab something upstairs.

Of course. I'll see you tomorrow.

Mm-hm.

[uplifting music playing]

[sighs]

"Not sure when you'll see this,

but I wanted to make sure

it was here when you needed it.

You wrote a stunning confession,

but then erased its consequences.

Riley tells Jonathan everything she feels,

but then you immediately reassured her.

"You made her risk smaller

to ease the possible pain."

"If she says those words,

you have to give her heart

a chance to break.

Otherwise, it isn't courage.

It's performance.

If you don't trust the moment to breathe,

you rush to protect her

from what might happen next.

Ask yourself why, not as a writer,

"but as a person who wrote

those words on the page."

[sighs]

"If Riley is brave enough to say it,

she has to be brave enough

to live with the silence

that might follow."

I think I've been protecting Riley

because she doesn't trust anyone to stay

once she tells the truth.

Writing this, I realize

I've been protecting myself too.

But you read what I was afraid

to say and haven't turned away.

I know this book is about

Jonathan and Riley.

But.

I think I'm ready to admit

it's about more than the book.

And I trust you with that.

[sighs]

As scary as it is to ask this.

Is this about more than the book

for you, too?

I don't want to write a story

or live my own life

where wanting less feels safe.

[sighs]

I thought I heard the faint

sound of brilliance.

You're still working?

I need to finish this last chapter.

Are you close?

Getting there.

I stayed late at work tonight,

and I'm glad I did.

I... I needed to see the notes he left.

Is it weird that I'm kind of sad

the book's almost done?

Not even a little.

What are you gonna do

when there's no more notes?

[groans] Currently weighing options,

but I have a pretty good idea.

You know, this rewrite has changed you.

You seem, I don't know, more

grounded than I've ever seen.

More sure. And ready.

I am.

[delicate music playing]

Okay. Good night.

Good night.

"You asked if this was about

more than the book. It is."

You said you trust me,

so I'm going to ask you

to do something that proves it.

If this stays here

between the margins and ink,

then it never mattered

the way you think it does.

You owed the truth

to Jonathan and Riley,

and you owe it to yourself.

If you're ready to stop

writing in the margins

and take a chance,

leave the manuscript open to the end

where Riley risks losing it all for love.

If it's open, I'll know

you're ready to meet.

"I'll understand either way."

[footsteps approaching]

Do you need something, Giselle?

Just surprised you're still here.

Well, it's a work day.

Hm. Not what I meant, but okay.

Seems like someone went

way out of their way for you.

Good to know.

[Sam] Savannah. Oh. I'm sorry.

No, I was just leaving.

Perfect timing. Thank you.

Yeah, I figured you could

use the interruption.

Now that I'm here,

can I ask you something?

Of course.

When you're working

on something that matters,

how do you know when to stop?

Like when you've said what you meant.

Because if you just keep

adjusting the ending,

you never really find out

what it was trying to say.

Uh-huh.

Uh, sometimes you just have to trust

that what it says is enough.

Yeah.

Yeah, that makes sense. Sorry.

I'm probably overthinking.

Me, too. I do that, too.

Yeah. Okay. Well, thank you.

Of course.

[William] Hey. Taking over my office?

Hi. Yeah. I hope you don't mind.

I had a meeting with an author.

You're welcome to any room

in Pendleton, Savannah.

Actually, I was hoping

to catch you before you left.

How did it... How was...

How did the meeting go?

Great. We came up with a new title,

Forgotten Words And Why They Matter.

Uh, that sounds like something

my mother would really enjoy.

It really does.

Is... Is now a good time?

Yeah. Yeah. I'm... I'm

I'm meeting someone soon,

but I have a few minutes.

Okay. Only just because I've been

I've just been

I've been thinking a lot

about things recently.

And I don't want to assume

anything that is not there.

Okay.

But also I don't want to pretend

that something hasn't changed.

Because for me, it has.

And I guess I'm just asking

if you think there's any room

to see where that might lead.

Um

William, I...

[sighs] For a long time,

I have stayed quiet because it felt safe.

It was easier for me

to just believe that's who I am.

But recently, something changed.

Someone helped me see

myself differently.

And we've become involved in a way.

I don't fully understand yet.

But what I do know

is, for the first time, I.

I feel chosen,

not overlooked, or convenient.

I've really enjoyed getting to know you

these last couple of weeks,

but I do feel like I owe it to myself

to give him a chance.

Yeah. It's... I'm... I'm

I'm glad that you found something.

And... And... And someone that matters.

I'm... I'm... I'm so happy for you.

Thank you.

Good... Good night, Savannah.

Good night.

Hey. You didn't wake me up

when you got home.

It was late. I needed to write.

So, how did it go

with your mystery editor?

He didn't show.

Oh.

Maybe he liked the mystery

more than the reality.

I'm so sorry.

It's okay.

I let Riley take a chance

on love in the book,

and I guess I wanted the same thing.

Her ending just turned out

better than mine.

But you know what?

What?

It's finished.

[gasps]

As in "finished" finished?

Yep. As in really finished.

Ah! So, what now?

Now I send it to Claire.

But not hiding under a pen name.

As Savannah Cade.

Hm.

And it's got a new title.

Oh.

[exhales]

I'm really proud of you.

Thank you.

I think I'm gonna leave

a copy for the mystery editor,

just in case.

I love everything about this idea,

but you should change out

of yesterday's clothes first.

[chuckles]

[mellow music playing]

No, I think year over year it's gone up.

Hey. Uh, can I let you go?

I have someone walking in.

Yeah. All right. Thank you.

Do you have a minute?

Yeah.

No, please. Come on in.

Sorry. This is a little bit

of a mess, I know.

I just, I wanted

to let you know I finished it.

You finished it?

The book.

I thought you'd want to know.

The book.

Yeah. Oh, yeah.

That... That is great.

And about last night,

before you say anything, I

I do understand why you didn't show up.

You don't have to explain.

Oh. Thank you.

Yeah, because we, um...

Show up where exactly?

The room. Our room.

Okay. Uh, Savannah,

I think we might be having

two different conversations.

I'm talking about the article

that I was struggling to finish.

But you're talking about a book.

You actually helped me stop

overthinking the ending,

and I wanted to thank you for that.

But yeah, I had no idea

you were writing a book.

That's incredible. Really?

You didn't know?

No. No, I didn't.

And now I do feel a little bit foolish

because I'm stressed

about a contracts article.

You wrote an entire book?

Right.

Yeah. Whew.

Oh, I really thought I messed up

something important.

Glad I did not.

You didn't.

It wasn't you.

[chuckles]

You didn't know.

I didn't know.

Uh...

What... What did I not know?

[soft music playing]

"To my mystery editor. Thank you."

You didn't just help me

become a better writer

by breaking down walls on the page.

You helped me break

down walls of my own.

Even though my love story didn't

turn out the way I had hoped,

I will always be grateful

we met in the margins.

"Love, Savannah."

She didn't know.

It was you.

Yes.

The notes. The...

The questions. Everything in this room.

That was all you.

I thought you knew.

I tried to tell you more than once.

I know that now.

When I told you about feeling chosen.

I thought you were

choosing someone else.

No, I was choosing you all along.

I... I just... I didn't know.

You left your manuscript.

I... I thought this was goodbye.

What love story would end like that?

Do you trust me?

Yes.

You're fired.

What?

[upbeat music playing]

So, you regret coming out of

your very short retirement?

Not even a little.

Turns out building a romance division

was exactly what

Pendleton Publishing needed.

And maybe what I needed

for my own last act.

Thanks to you, we have the most

exciting new voices in romance.

I might have started

the division for you here,

but you and I know she had

an exceptional editor in you.

Thank you.

Look at you.

I can't believe it's actually happening.

I never doubted it or you for a second.

What was that about?

That was your mother

giving me her approval.

I think.

So, your first Author Appreciation Day

as an actual author.

How do you feel?

Uh, nervous.

But the good kind.

Oh, Giselle.

Could Savannah

have one of those, please?

Of course.

Thank you, Giselle.

Was that necessary?

As your boyfriend, probably not.

But as your editor, absolutely.

We can't have you parched during

your interviews, now, can we?

Are you staying?

Well, you tell me, Ms. Cade.

If you were writing a love story,

would you have your love interest

stay with his leading lady?

Always.

I do love the way you write.

[both chuckle]

[lively music playing]

[music ends]