"Sam, this is my final selection," Randal said, handing the list to the producer when they were alone in the room. "What do you think?"
"I knew you'd include that Noah kid," Samuel crowed. "What's the deal? Is he sleeping with you, or do you want to sleep with him? Is that why you're so insistent on him?"
Randal, having grown a thick skin after years in Hollywood, simply rolled his eyes.
"Imagine if we were auditioning for Emmeline and the girl took off her shirt. Would you want to sleep with her?" Randal shot back.
"Probably," Samuel admitted without hesitation.
"Even if you're three times her age?" Randal pressed.
"Especially then," Samuel grinned. "Come on, don't tell me you don't have those kinds of fantasies."
Randal chose not to entertain that line of thought. "To answer your question, I met Noah for the first time today, and no, I don't want to sleep with him. But do I find him hot? Absolutely."
"Hot or not, that kid comes off as an arrogant ass to me," Samuel grumbled. "The first thing he did was put everyone else down. I don't like that type of person."
"He was trying to sell himself," Randal countered. "Don't tell me you've never exaggerated to land a job. And remember, Noah's already set to attend the best university in the world on a full scholarship. Believe me, we need him more than he needs us. With the way he looks, girls will go crazy when he walks out of the sea, wet and all natural."
"I don't want that kind of imagery in my head," Samuel said, visibly shuddering.
"That's our job, man," Randal replied. "We're not making some Oscar-bait film. This is for the masses. Men and boys will come to see the girl, but the ladies need a knight in shining armor with a big sword."
"Fine!" Samuel grunted. "Shortlist him or whatever, but stop talking about his… sword. It's weird."
"Thank you," Randal said with a grin.
"As for the other two," Samuel continued, "Sean Penn I can understand. His acting is solid. But why this Christopher Atkins?"
Randal shrugged. "He's the second-best-looking guy. Acting can be taught before we start shooting. I don't mind working with him or Noah. If I had to make my final decision today, it would be between those two. I added Sean only because we need a third guy for the chemistry test and as a backup in case one of the others backs out."
"Fair enough," Samuel agreed. "I like both Chris and Sean, so I don't mind."
Randal almost called out Samuel's hypocrisy for not arguing about the other two actors. He suspected Samuel was jealous of Noah's looks, which was why he had such a problem with him. If only Samuel could see beyond his narrow perspective, he'd realize how perfect Noah could be for the film, especially if marketed right.
"Good," Samuel said. "Let's forward these names to Columbia for processing. A few more people there will review the auditions and decide whether we can move forward with these three or if we need to keep looking."
"Okay," Randal agreed easily. It was standard protocol, after all. He also forwarded a copy of the names to Vic, the casting director, so Columbia could contact him to vet the three actors after reviewing the auditions.
(Break)
Saturday is undoubtedly my favorite day of the week. My first meeting with Vic was on a Saturday, my audition was on a Saturday, and now my first date was on a Saturday. And all three had gone great, at least in my opinion.
I leaned forward and kissed Paige on the cheek. "I had a great time tonight. It was the best date I've been on."
My wallet, now $150 lighter, might not have agreed, but I didn't care. This was the first proper date I'd had in this life, and I wanted to make it memorable.
Paige hesitated for a moment before asking, "I heard something from Vic today after your audition. He said you already have a girlfriend. Is that true?"
"Not entirely," I said after a pause. If this were the 21st century, I wouldn't mind being upfront, but people in this era were far more conservative about their relationships.
"Why did you still come out tonight if you thought I had a girlfriend?" I asked, turning the question back on her.
She shrugged. "I don't know. Call it curiosity."
Her honesty made me decide to reciprocate. "Lola is one of my closest friends. We're not dating per se. I guess the right term would be 'friends with benefits.' Besides, we're both going to different colleges later this year, so I didn't want to get too attached."
"And you don't mind getting attached to me?" Paige challenged, folding her arms across her chest. "Or maybe you just wanted to know more about the audition through me?"
"Have I asked you anything about the audition tonight?" I shot back, feigning outrage. The audition was my main reason for asking her out, but I couldn't admit that. "I just wanted to go out with a beautiful girl. But if you don't believe me, maybe it's better if I leave. Just please don't ruin my chances of getting that part."
I gave her a sad look and turned to go.
"Don't go, Noah," Paige said, grabbing my arm to stop me. "I'm sorry for doubting you. Of course, I believe you." Then she hugged me.
Thanks to Michelle, my acting had improved enough to convince someone like Paige that I was genuinely hurt by her accusation.
Deciding to take it a step further, I pulled back from the hug and kissed her.
Paige was startled at first, but didn't resist as the kiss deepened. My hands roamed her back before settling on her hips, pulling her closer. She stiffened slightly when she felt my arousal pressing against her, but only for a moment.
After what felt like an eternity, she broke the kiss and put a hand on my chest to stop me from moving closer. "I don't think we should go any further."
I strongly believe in consent in any physical relationship. Normally, I would have stepped back, but the problem was that I could see, and more importantly, smell, how much Paige wanted this.
"Why?" I asked, genuinely curious. "We're both adults. I like you, and you like me. Whether I get this role or go to college, we won't be together forever. So why not enjoy the night?"
Paige's face cycled through a range of emotions before she finally closed her eyes and sighed in resignation. When she opened them again, all I saw was a woman who wanted me as much as I wanted her. "Fine. Come in, but keep it quiet. I have a roommate, okay?"
I grinned, scooping her up in my arms and throwing her over my shoulder like a caveman. She squealed in surprise.
"Don't blame me if your roomie finds out. That's on you," I quipped, giving her a playful slap on her shapely behind.
Paige squealed again, but I could tell she was enjoying it. "Just go to the room on the right. Hurry!"
(Break)
"Noah," Paige called out tiredly, her head resting on my chest. "I have to tell you something important."
"What?" I asked lazily, glancing at the clock on the side table. It was nearly midnight, and I knew I should head home soon. Even though I was an adult, I still had a curfew. I usually didn't stay out this late because of my early training schedule, but I didn't want to push my luck with Dad. He could be a real hardass when he wanted to.
"You've been selected for the next round of auditions."
Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning, pushing all other thoughts aside.
"Are you freaking serious?" I asked, my voice tinged with disbelief. I'd hoped for it, but I hadn't let myself expect it.
"Yes," Paige said, looking up at me with a cute smile before trailing a finger down my chest. "Don't tell anyone I told you, or I could lose my job. But the director, Randal, was really impressed with you. Vic said the only reason they're hesitant is that you need to work on your acting a bit more. They're planning to call you in next week for the next round. My advice? Work on your acting until then."
With that, she wrapped her fingers around me, and my breath hitched as she began moving her hand slowly up and down.
"Holy shit!" I exclaimed, for more than one reason.
Before I could say anything else, Paige released her grip and moved down, taking me into her mouth.
My logical side knew I should stop this. We'd already gone three rounds, and it was getting late. But the other side of me, the one that thought with a different part of my anatomy, wasn't listening.
I'm sure Dad wouldn't be too mad if I were an hour late.
(Break)
"You're late," Dad said, his words slightly slurred as soon as I walked in. The cluster of empty beer bottles around him made it clear he was more than a little drunk.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I apologized, not wanting to escalate the situation. "I went on a date and lost track of time."
"I hope you had a good time, at least?" Dad asked, his tone uncharacteristically curious as I bent down to pick up the empty bottles and toss them in the trash.
It was strange to hear him take an interest in my personal life. He usually didn't care at all. Hell, he'd once caught Lola and me naked in bed together, and all he'd said was, "Keep the noise down; I'm watching TV," before walking out.
"I did, thanks for asking," I replied as I tidied up the room by putting the bottles in the bin. Then I placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come on, Dad, let's get you to bed."
But he shrugged my hand off immediately.
"Dad—" I started, but he cut me off.
"What the hell is that?" He pointed to a magazine lying on the coffee table.
I hadn't thrown it away with the rest of the trash because it didn't seem like garbage. But as soon as I saw the page it was open to, I understood what he was really asking.
It was a full-page photo of me in black Speedos, posing beside a pool. The accompanying article was about swimming as a sport. The photo was from my latest shoot with Jordan last week. I was surprised to see it in print so soon. Usually, it took a month or more for these photos to be published.
"What about it?" I asked, feigning nonchalance.
"Don't bullshit me!" Dad growled. "Why didn't you tell me you were doing this shit, huh? And why the hell didn't your brother and sister seem surprised to see this?"
I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "I told you I was working at Jordan's photo studio. You never seemed interested in the details. They paid me good money for those photos. As you know, I'm saving for college, which you said we couldn't afford even with a full scholarship. Now that won't be an issue, will it?"
That had been one of Dad's favorite lies. He'd always claimed I wouldn't be able to afford college, even with a scholarship, because of living expenses. I knew most students could cover those costs with a campus job, but I didn't want to argue with him outright. Instead, I'd decided to earn my own money so he wouldn't have an excuse to stop me from going.
"But you're selling your body for money!" Dad argued. "How is this any better than whoring yourself out on the streets?"
I could see his twisted logic, but with every word, my frustration grew. In hindsight, I should've waited to have this conversation in the morning when he wasn't drunk.
"I'm a swimmer," I said as calmly as I could. "This is what I look like when I swim. People will see me like this on TV if I make it to the Olympics, like I'm planning. How is this any different?"
I must've struck a nerve because he gritted his teeth before growling, "Fine, go to college if you want, but stop parading around like some cheap whore. As long as you're living under my roof, you'll follow my rules."
"I've been offered a movie," I blurted out without thinking. The moment the words left my mouth, I regretted them.
"A movie?" Dad asked, incredulous. "You?"
"It's not final yet," I stammered. "I'm still auditioning, but if I get it, they'll shoot on an island in Fiji for a few months. They liked these photos, so they're giving me a chance."
"No," he said firmly. "You're not prancing around like some sissy for the cameras. You've done enough. Go find a respectable profession. Didn't I offer to teach you carpentry last year? You can still do that. Or maybe join the army and become a real man."
"They're offering me enough money to cover not just my college expenses but Zach and Daisy's too," I said emphatically. "You won't have to worry about them."
Dad stared at me blankly for a moment before repeating his main question. "Why didn't you ask me first?"
I tried to keep my anger in check, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, things just slip out.
"Because you don't care, Dad," I almost yelled in his face. "Have you ever? All you ever worry about is your life, your work, and you. That's why Mom left you!"
My regret intensified, but I had no intention to back down now. I know it was a low-blow to bring Mom into the conversation, but this had gone on for long enough. I am doing everything I can for my siblings' sake, so it hurt me a lot that Dad dismissed all my efforts outright.
Over the years, Dad and I had argued many times. A few times, things even got a little physical, though nothing I couldn't handle. I hadn't regained my future memories the last time it happened, so I hadn't retaliated.
And seeing Dad's rapidly reddening face, I knew that today would be one of those days.
"You son of a bitch!" Dad lunged at me with a fist raised in my direction. I dodged him easily and pushed him back onto the couch.
Dad was so out of it that one push was all it took to knock the fight out of him. He closed his eyes, and for a moment, I thought it was over. That was until he spoke again.
"You're not my son!" He yelled at the top of his lungs. "You ruined my life! I married that bitch only because she was knocked up by some surfer. And what do I get in return? Betrayal at every turn. Gloria left me, and now…" He glared at me, his eyes bloodshot. "Get out. I don't want to see your face tomorrow, you bastard."
I felt like I'd been slapped. I'd always suspected, ever since I regained the memories of my meeting with Poseidon, that I might not be Dad's biological son. But to have it confirmed so brutally was heartbreaking.
Even so, I never imagined Dad would actually kick me out. Did living together for 18 years mean nothing to him?
"No!" Daisy shouted, storming into the living room with Zach right behind her. "You can't go, Noah, or I'll go with you!"
"Go back to your room, both of you!" Dad growled, though he didn't get up. He didn't seem to have the strength. Then he turned back to me. "And you, start packing."
Zach stepped forward, ready to argue, but I raised a hand to stop him.
I hurried over to my siblings and pulled them into a tight hug before whispering softly. "Don't argue with him. I was going away in a few weeks anyway."
"But Noah!" Daisy sobbed into my chest. "I love you! I hate him!" She didn't need to say who she was talking about.
"I love you too," I said, gently rubbing her head. "Both of you. And I always will. But now you have to take care of each other. Don't worry about the money, I'll take care of that. You two focus on everything else."
I pulled away and turned back to see Dad already snoring loudly on the couch. I knew that by tomorrow, he might not even remember this conversation, and even if he did, he might regret his words. But regardless, I couldn't stay here anymore.
It was time to leave the nest.
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