Tina looks at him. “Yes?”

“Listen, I’ve decided that I think I should take the reins on this one.”

Tina stares at him, her brows drawn together. “What?”

Aaron gives her a reassuring smile that immediately puts her on edge. “I think it makes more sense for me to oversee the production directly. It’s a big investment, the studio has a lot riding on it, and with Cody still learning the ropes, I think having me there to guide things will make the process run a little smoother.”

Tina blinks. “Wait a minute. What exactly are you saying?”

“I’m saying I’ll take over as lead producer. Cody will stay on as co-producer, and we’ll handle the project from here.”

Tina turns fully toward him, her brow furrowing. “You’re taking me off the movie?”

Aaron shrugs, seemingly unbothered by her reaction. “I’m reallocating resources, Tina. That’s all.”

Tina lets out a short, incredulous laugh. “Reallocating resources?”

“Don’t make it sound so dramatic.”

Tina stares at him for a moment, struggling to believe what she’s hearing. “Aaron, we start shooting this damn thing next week.”

“I know when production starts,” he replies dismissively. He pauses, then points a finger at her. “And by the way, you’re gonna be gone just as things start getting rocking and rolling.”

Tina narrows her eyes. “I’m gonna be gone for three days. Three days. For my friend’s wedding.”

Aaron glances down at his phone, casually scrolling. “Well, that’s a lifetime on a movie set. We both know that.”

Tina watches him for a beat, her irritation growing at his casual dismissal. “Are you seriously using three days off as an excuse to push me out of a movie I’ve spent months putting together?”

Aaron finally looks up from his phone. “I’m saying the timing isn’t ideal.”

Tina gives him a disbelieving look. “The timing?” she repeats. “Aaron, the production schedule is locked, the department heads are in place, and every major decision that needs to be made before cameras roll has either been handled or is already in motion. Margaret and Dena have my entire schedule coordinated, and I’ll be available by phone if something comes up.”

Aaron slides his phone into his pants pocket. “Tina—”

Tina points to Aaron. “No, because you’re not going to sit there and pretend that my being gone for three days is suddenly some kind of production crisis.”