Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59939 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 300(@200wpm)___ 240(@250wpm)___ 200(@300wpm)
“C’mon, don’t make this about me having to choose.”
“What if that’s what it comes down to?”
I grow silent. What if it did come to that? I’m not sure what I’d do. I want to be with Ben, but I’m not ready to give up everything I worked so hard for either.
And what if I do decide Ben is worth being hounded by the paparazzi and risking my job for? If we end up breaking up someday, I’ll be left with nothing. I’ll be no better than my mother, a woman who left her responsibilities at a gas station in Queens for a man and a relationship that, knowing my mother’s flakiness, probably hadn’t even worked out.
Does my mother regret leaving me? This isn’t the first time I’ve wondered, and it probably won’t be the last, but it’s the question that always keeps me in line, urging me to make something of myself.
“I don’t want to talk about this anymore,” I grumble, too confused to think. “Tell me about your trip. How did the steel drum performance go? Did you get along with Tygue’s family?”
After a beat, Summer grants me the change the subject. “His family loved me. And everyone at the reception gave me a standing ovation after I finished my song.”
I snort. “Uh-huh. Now that’s something I’ve got to see to believe.”
She smiles smugly. “Luckily for you, Tygue got it all on tape.”
33
Ben
“Ben, have a seat,” Alan Goodrich says after we enter the spacious living room of his Beverly Hills mansion.
I assume a relaxed demeanor and sink onto the black leather sofa situated in front of a forbidding stone fireplace. I’d visited the Goodrich home only once before, when Gretchen first contacted me six months ago, but the opulent surroundings still make me a little uncomfortable. Hell, just being in Alan’s presence makes me uncomfortable. The man is one of the most esteemed directors in the business, recipient of two Oscars, not to mention a list of nominations and critic nods as long as the Nile.
I’m still not sure why Alan wanted to meet with me, but I hope it doesn’t have to do with Gretchen.
Of course it has to do with Gretchen. Why else would he ask you to come?
“So. Ben. Why don’t we skip the pleasantries and get right down to business?” Alan announces. “I have two matters to discuss.”
“Okay.”
I’m feeling unnerved. With his barrel chest, shock of white hair, and piercing eyes, Alan Goodrich is nothing if not intimidating. Lowering his beefy body into a leather recliner, he folds his hands in his lap. “First, you should know that my wife’s estate has been settled. Since the will was uncontested, you should receive a check very soon.”
I swallow. “About that…I don’t feel comfortable keeping Gretchen’s money, Mr. Goodrich.”
“Call me Alan.”
“Okay. Alan. I’ve decided to donate the money to charity. I got a few organizations in mind, but if Gretchen had any pet causes, let me know and I’ll be sure to make a donation.”
He nods. “I’ll have my assistant send you a list.”
“Also…I wanted to ask you something. I’d like to give a statement to the press about Gretchen’s connection to my father.”
Alan grows silent.
“That is, if you don’t mind,” I add quickly.
“Actually, I think it’s a fine idea.” His strong, somewhat harsh features soften. “Gretchen would’ve hated it if she knew your inheritance caused a media circus. She really did feel awful about what your father did to you and your mother. I don’t think she would’ve ever written you into her will if she knew the kind of negative attention you’d receive.”
“I know.” From what I knew of her, Gretchen had a big heart.
“So clear it up, son. It’s about time the press cut you some slack.”
“Thanks, Alan.”
He gives a brisk nod. “Now, to the second matter at hand. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but I’m currently working on a World War Two picture.”
“I’d heard, yes.”
“We’re scouting locations and beginning to cast as we speak.”
I cross my ankles together, suddenly remembering the advice Maggie gave me in Nassau. Nobody’s going to give it to you. If you want something, you go after it.
I’m not sure where Goodrich is heading or why he mentioned his latest film, but I know I can’t allow the opportunity to slip through my fingers. Maggie was right. I can’t sit around and wait for a meaty role to fall into my lap. If I want it, I need to take it.
“About this project…” I venture quietly. “I was actually going to ask you if you’d let me read for it.”
The director chuckles. “Ben—”
I try not to bristle at his laughter and hurry on. “I’m not asking for a leading role, Alan. I’ll read for any part you want, as small as you want.”
“Ben—”
“Just give me a shot.”
“That’s exactly what I intend to do,” he says, chuckling again. “If you had let me finish, you would have heard me offering you one of the supporting roles.”