Chapter 24: The Consulting Opportunity
The call comes while I'm restocking graphic novels.
Unknown number. Normally I'd let it go to voicemail, but something—maybe the tingle, maybe just instinct—makes me answer.
"Stuart Bloom?"
"Speaking."
"Hi! This is Sarah Chen, producer at CBS. I got your name from someone at WonderCon who said you're the guy to talk to about authentic comic culture."
I nearly drop the phone.
"Uh. I'm a guy. Don't know about the guy."
"Well, you made an impression. We're developing a pilot about physicists and geek culture. The network wants authenticity—real comic shop scenes, actual references that won't age badly, dialogue that doesn't sound written by people who've never read a comic. Your name kept coming up."
The Magnetism power. Working exactly as described—when discussing comics and pop culture with professional intent, industry people are drawn to collaborate.
"What kind of consulting?"
"Script review, on-set advice, helping our set designers create a believable comic shop. We'd pay $500 per episode, plus credit."
My brain goes into negotiation mode. The confidence from six months of success—shop expansion, convention triumph, investment gains—crystallizes into something useful.
"Seven-fifty."
Silence on the other end. Then: "You're confident."
"I'm good at what I do. And if you want authenticity, I can deliver. But my time's worth more than $500."
"Fair. Seven-fifty works. Can we meet this week? I'd love to show you the pilot script, get your initial thoughts."
"Thursday work?"
"Perfect. I'll come to you—want to see your shop anyway."
After she hangs up, I stand there holding the phone like it might explode.
Hollywood just called me.
Actually called. To consult. For $750 per episode.
If this show gets picked up—and the tingle's suggesting something significant about this project—that's real money on top of shop revenue.
Thursday arrives with Leonard and Sheldon already in the shop when Sarah shows up.
She's exactly what I expected—early thirties, stylish glasses, carrying a leather portfolio that screams "I work in entertainment." She surveys the expanded shop with visible approval.
"This is perfect. Exactly the vibe we want. Can I take photos?"
"Sure."
While she documents everything with her phone, Leonard sidles up to me.
"Who's this?"
"TV producer. Wants consulting on a pilot."
"What?" His voice goes up an octave. "How did—when did—"
"Someone from WonderCon recommended me."
Sheldon appears on my other side, analytical gaze locked on Sarah like she's an interesting specimen.
"A television production professional is photographing your establishment. What's the context?"
"They're making a show about scientists. Want it to feel authentic."
"Scientists?" His interest sharpens. "What field?"
Sarah overhears, approaches with extended hand.
"Physics, primarily. I'm Sarah Chen, producer. You must be regulars here?"
"I'm Sheldon Cooper, theoretical physicist at Caltech. If your show involves scientific accuracy, I should consult."
"That's actually brilliant," Sarah says, pulling out her phone to take notes. "Could I get your contact information? We have science consultants, but having someone who actually works at Caltech and frequents comic shops..."
Within five minutes, Sheldon's given her his number and Leonard's started explaining their research. The Magnetism power isn't just working on me—it's creating opportunities for my friends too.
Sarah eventually pulls me aside, opens her portfolio.
"Here's the pilot script. 'The Big Bang Theory'—working title, might change. Two physicists, their neighbor who's an aspiring actress, the comic shop they frequent. We want real culture, not stereotypes."
I skim the script. It's... actually pretty good. The dialogue needs work—too polished, not enough genuine geek speak—but the foundation's solid.
"The comic shop scenes need texture," I say, flipping pages. "Specific references. Real titles that matter to the characters. And the owner—" I pause on a character named Stuart. Weird coincidence. "—he should feel lived-in, not just 'sad comic guy.'"
"Notes," Sarah says, typing rapidly. "This is exactly what we need. Can you do detailed feedback by next week?"
"Yeah. And I can suggest references that'll age well. Trust me on that."
She gives me a curious look. "You're very confident about what will and won't age well."
Because I've lived through the next decade and know exactly what becomes culturally significant.
"I pay attention to trends."
"So I've heard. The Walking Dead prediction? People are still talking about it."
We spend another hour going through the script. I make notes on comic references, suggest dialogue tweaks, point out places where the geek culture feels forced versus natural. Sarah absorbs everything, occasionally asking Sheldon to weigh in on physics accuracy.
"You're invaluable," she says finally. "Seriously. This level of authenticity—it's what separates good shows from great ones."
"Happy to help."
"We start shooting the pilot in August. Need you on set for the comic shop scenes. And if we get picked up—" She grins. "—you're our permanent consultant. Seven-fifty per episode."
After she leaves, Leonard stares at me.
"You just got hired by Hollywood."
"Looks like it."
"How? How does this keep happening to you?"
Sheldon's already analyzing. "The Walking Dead prediction established credibility. The WonderCon booth amplified reputation. Sarah's recruitment follows logically from Stuart's demonstrated expertise in geek culture."
"But—"
"However," Sheldon continues, "the frequency of positive outcomes in Stuart's professional trajectory exceeds standard probability distributions. There's an unidentified variable."
"Maybe I'm just good at what I do," I offer.
"Competence alone doesn't account for—"
"Sheldon." Leonard cuts him off. "Can you just be happy for Stuart? Our friend got a cool opportunity. That's good."
They lock eyes again. That unspoken communication.
Sheldon nods slowly. "I am... pleased for your success, Stuart. Though I maintain my documentation of anomalous patterns."
"Of course you do."
After they leave, I pull out my secret notebook:
TV consulting opportunity: $750/episode. Sarah Chen, CBS pilot called "The Big Bang Theory." Magnetism power working perfectly—she sought me out through WonderCon connections. Sheldon's pattern documentation continues to be a concern. Need to maintain "lucky but normal" cover story.
Question: What are the odds the show's about physicists and has a comic shop owner named Stuart? Cosmic coincidence? Something else?
Answer: Doesn't matter. This is income I can explain. Legitimate work, legitimate pay. No supernatural knowledge required—just actual expertise.
I close the notebook, grinning despite the weirdness.
Hollywood called. And I answered.
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