cw: dysfunctional childhood
Roseanna " Ritz " Anita Baulmer (40) is Claire’s manager and the person most openly critical of the open adoption. A shark in the world of entertainment management, Ritz has risen to the top not by having perfect values or an abundance of compassion, but a very cold approach to problem solving and image management. She’s clear with clients that if they mess up one time too many, she’ll have no problems dropping them, as personal drama goes beyond her pay grade [debatable given her salary, but you don’t argue with the Ritz Baulmer’s of the world]. Claire’s one of the closest things to an exception you’ll find. Her vocal ability is too strong for Ritz to overlook, and she has all the traits of a success story, things she’s been very upfront about. For all her harsh qualities [and lackluster displays of support when called upon], Ritz is nothing but honest with those she manages, which is how she’s consistently kept her career going.
Her biggest concern is how the adoption will be perceived by the media and if Claire will be able to handle what assumptions will be made. Contact between her and Elizabeth is another source of uncertainty for her agent, who’s been upfront about the fact Tahoma might make certain restrictive requests if her daughter begins experiencing confusion or some sort of disappointment. While she isn’t voicing frequent criticisms, Ritz has been watching things like a hawk, having a great eye for detail and seeing every potential problem coming. There have been disagreements between Ritz and Claire’s parents about her pessimistic inclinations, however they’ve kept her going throughout life and she’s firm in not rose-tinting anything she looks over.
Unbeknownst to Claire or any of her clients, Ritzs’ attitude is deeply personal. She grew up being forced through child beauty pageants by her parents, who were never pleased with how well she did unless it was the absolute best. There was a toxic combination for the young girl: her mom constantly criticised, her dad shrugged and offered no advice of assurance - which is why, for how stern she outwardly seems, she’s never cruel or dismissive towards her clients. Ritz is now estranged from them, and as their only child this is something they’ve made it clear they’re unhappy about. Contact between them and their grandchild - Ritz’s 8-year-old son, who she conceived through IVF - is also sparse and guided by caution, which has led to some rows, not that Ritz will ever back down where her child’s concerned. He’s the only person who consistently sees her gentle side, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.