Tyler, Billie, and Josh settled at the large table and quickly placed a few items on their plates. Honestly, Tyler was too nervous to eat but he wasn’t going to let Weller see that. He’d known industry assholes like this guy for years. Never show fear. Never show that you give a shit. Leave them no ammunition.
And smile the entire time like you had the world by the balls.
Weller refilled his coffee cup before opening the conversation. “I was surprised to hear about your interest in playing Zak, Tyler. He’s a far cry from your usual characters.”
Billie stiffened beside Tyler so he placed his hand on her thigh to let her know it was all just fine. He’d expected a fencing match. Weller wouldn’t be persuaded easily but his financial backers were a different story. Two of them were sitting at the table with them. Gray-haired and not good-looking enough for Hollywood, they practically reeked of cash.
Now these guys cared about who Weller cast in the movie because they wanted a hefty return on their investment. Tyler was a proven box office draw and could hit all the important demographics. Weller wanted art after fulfilling his studio contract with that historical movie. These boys wanted money.
Before replying to Ron, Tyler decided to play one of his aces. Leaning forward he offered his hand to one of the backers. “I’m Tyler Gaylord, I don’t think we’ve met before.”
The golden boy smile and charm always paid off and this time was no exception. The two men shook Tyler’s hand and told him what fans they were. It appeared to be sincere, too.
But that didn’t mean they wanted him for this movie, though. Their opinion remained to be seen. Tyler finally turned to Weller to answer his query.
“I feel very close to Zak, Ron. I think I understand where he’s coming from and I’d like to give him a voice, bring him to life.”
The man’s brow quirked and a cynical smile played on his lips. “You haven’t even seen the script.”
“I’ve read the book. Unless you’re going completely off with the story, I know that I can embody this character and bring him to the masses. Show them his pain and his joy, but mostly his passion, what makes him tick.”
“My movies aren’t for the masses.”
Except for the last one he’d directed but he’d already made it clear it was about the money. The guy thought he created visual masterpieces. He’d compared himself to Picasso in one interview. Tyler would concede that Weller was good, but he was no Spielberg or Scorsese.
“I understand Zak.” He wasn’t going to argue the merits of box office success with Weller. “I know how he feels and what motivates him.”
The director shrugged. “A lot of actors do.”
This time it was Josh who spoke before Tyler. “But those actors aren’t willing to work for scale on this picture. Tyler is that excited about this character. He’s willing to waive his usual twenty million asking price.”
The two finance men straightened up in their chairs. Yep, he had their attention. They were practically openly salivating. The older of the two men began typing something into his phone. “What about points on the back end?”
“He’s willing to waive those too.”
The money-men were almost in a frenzy, red-cheeked and tapping madly into their cell phones. Tyler had done exactly what he’d set out to do this morning. Make a goddamn impression.
Weller, on the other hand, wasn’t happy. His eyes had narrowed to silver-blue slits. “What do you want in return?”
Normally Josh did all of this and Tyler only heard about it later but it looked like they were going to negotiate right here and now.
“Top billing,” Tyler said before Josh could reply for him. “A push from the studio for awards season. Executive producer credit.”
Weller was already shaking his head. “Absolutely not.”
“Which was the deal-breaker?” Josh asked. “Billing? Awards? Or the credit?”
“The credit,” Weller bit out. “He’s an actor, not a producer.”
“His resume says differently.” Josh held up his hands in a stop motion. “This meeting isn’t about negotiating. This is about both of you meeting and talking about Tyler’s interest in this film. If he’s not what you want, we’ll be leaving. He has a big day ahead of him meeting with thousands of fans.”
Whoa, Josh wasn’t bluffing either. He was fully prepared to walk out without a backward glance. As much as Tyler wanted this role, he knew it was the right thing to do. He’d take Weller’s snide remarks about his acting and background, but he wouldn’t be knocked around in negotiations when he was willing to give up monetary gain for artistic credibility. His stance wasn’t exactly unprecedented, either. Big box office stars often took lousy money to make more “serious” films, but they usually received something in return.
The younger money man was openly sweating. “There’s no reason to walk out of here. This is just a friendly discussion.”
Like how hunters and deer were best buddies.
Weller’s attention suddenly swung to Billie, his gaze laser-like in its focus. “What do you think of all of this? Do you think your fiancé would make a good Zak?”
Her fingers tightened in Tyler’s and she turned to look at him with such love and adoration in her expression that he almost choked on his own spit. He’d waited his whole goddamn life for a woman to look at him like that. He’d waited five years too long. She’d been a few feet away the entire time. He’d been a blind idiot.
“No,” she said softly, her lips curling up into a smile as everyone in the room but Tyler gasped in shock. He knew what she was going to say, just as he knew what she was going to have for breakfast or what movie she wanted to watch. “He wouldn’t be a good Zak. I think he’d make an amazing Zak. He’s without a doubt the most nurturing and protective man I’ve ever known in my life.”
Chest puffed up with pride, Tyler couldn’t stop himself from leaning down to brush her lips with his. He wanted to stand up and brag, “That’s my woman. Isn’t she the most wonderful in the world?”
But of course he didn’t because she’d be mortified if he did. Instead he put every ounce of emotion he could into his touch, holding her hand as if his life depended on it.
Weller was staring at them oddly as if he didn’t quite understand what he was witnessing. Tyler couldn’t blame the man; after all, few people were going to believe that he’d been tamed by Billie Oliver but it was the truth. He was down for the count and he was happy about it. No way did he want to go back to his old life.
The director’s expression was stormy but he did something Tyler didn’t expect. He reached behind him and picked up a binder on the end table.
“Here is a copy of the script. Why don’t you take a look at it and see if you’re still interested after you read it? If you are, we can let the business people negotiate.” Weller leaned forward. “If you do decide to do this movie, I think it only fair to warn you. I don’t put up with any shenanigans on my set. Come ready to work and to dig deep or don’t come at all.”
Weller stood and that seemed to be the end of the meeting. The three of them stood as well and headed for the door, the script tucked under Tyler’s arm. No one said a word until they were in the elevator and it was Josh who broke the silence first.
“I’m not sure what just happened in there but I think you have the part. God help you, Tyler, because that guy is a total asshole. He’s going to make every day of production a living hell for you.”
As long as Tyler was playing Zak he didn’t give a shit. Weller could kiss his ass.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
It had been a long day at the convention but Billie and Tyler were finally back in their hotel room. The minute they’d walked in the door she’d made a beeline for the bathroom, stripping off her clothes and soaking in the jacuzzi tub. After making a short phone call to his publicist, Tyler came in to join her.
Reclining back on his chest, she ran her toes down his calf. Even his feet were sexy. It wasn’t fair. “Can I ask
you a question?”
“You know you can, babe, but why do I get the feeling that it’s going to be one that I’m not going to like?”
She wasn’t sure whether he was going to like the question or not. Tyler didn’t like explaining his motivations and reasonings. He made decisions and when she second-guessed them he could get impatient and frustrated. That didn’t mean he didn’t listen to her concerns. He did and sometimes he even changed his mind. But the questioning process wasn’t always the easiest for him.
“Ron Weller is a douchebag.”
Chuckling, Tyler bent his head and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. “True, but that’s not a question, babe.”
“It’s the first part of the question.” Sitting up, she twisted around so she could see his expression. “This guy is a total asshole. Everyone could see it. Why do you want this role so badly knowing you’ll have to deal with him day in and day out? There are other movies that can get you an award, Tyler. Other films where you can grow and stretch your abilities. What’s so special about this one?”
At first, she didn’t think he was going to answer her. His body language began to close up and his gaze shifted away as if he was hiding something. She almost turned back and gave up when he spoke.
“I understand Zak because I was him. Not all of his life, of course, but I understand what shaped him.”
Billie had read the book the movie was based on and she couldn’t think of a character further from Tyler than Zak.
“You’re going to have to help me here. How are you like Zak?”
His mouth quirked up into a half smile. “I was just like him. I was the geeky, ugly kid in school with braces on my teeth, wearing thick glasses. I was bullied and teased pretty much every day of school until my sophomore year of high school.”
There was absolutely no way Tyler was telling the truth. She’d seen a picture of him as a one year old baby and he’d been definitely cute.
“Your mother showed me photos of you so I know that’s not true.”
“Mom showed you a baby picture, but she didn’t show you any photos of my awkward adolescent years. She only showed you what I allow her to show. I begged her years ago to put the bad ones under lock and key. I was the chunky, nerdy kid in school, babe.”
Now that Billie thought about it, Tyler was right. She’d seen baby and toddler pictures and then some from his high school years. Nothing in between. How had she not noticed?
Her gaze couldn’t help but run up and down the beautiful man before her. “What happened? Obviously you aren’t…I mean…now…”
Tyler ran his fingers down a few stray strands of her hair that had escaped the hair tie.
“I grew six inches the summer between freshman and sophomore year in addition to getting contacts and also having my braces removed. Suddenly I wasn’t heavy anymore. I grew another three inches before Christmas. My mom was beside herself trying to keep me in clothes that year. By June I was six foot one and hitting the gym every day.”
It was hard to imagine him different than he was now. “But you couldn’t have been ugly–”
“Baby,” he laughed at her consternation. “Trust me. I was a homely kid. I grew into my nose and ears. Mom said she should have known I’d be tall because I also had big feet as a kid. I didn’t look like this.”
“You’re gorgeous now.”
“Thank you,” he replied huskily, capturing her lips with his and taking her breath away. “It was a long time ago but I’ve never forgotten. Zak had the same issue. He’d been bullied in school but later in life he found his true love in Rebecca. Kind of how I found you.”
Her chest didn’t feel large enough to hold her heart. What was it about this man that could turn her into mush with a look or a simple statement?
“You romantic fool,” she teased. “Just don’t try to prove your love and devotion the way Zak did. He went a little too far.”
“Zak didn’t want to live in a world without Rebecca,” Tyler said, shaking his head. “Jumping in front of that bullet was the only way.”
“But then she had to live without him,” Billie pointed out. “Plus, she had the guilt of knowing he’d saved her life. That’s a heavy burden for anyone to carry. So don’t do it. Now if you want to sacrifice the remote or the last cookie, I’m fine with it.”
“I’ll always give you the last cookie. Unless it’s chocolate chip. Then it’s survival of the fittest, baby.”
She poked him in the chest. “Just stay away from my oatmeal scotchies and we’ll be fine.”
Wrapping his hand around her pointer finger he raised it to his lips. “So are you okay being with the geeky kid?”
Hell yes.
“Haven’t you heard? Geeks rule the world now. Of course I’m okay.”
“I kind of got the feeling that your school years weren’t all that great either.”
They had that in common and she’d never realized. He’d understood because he’d experienced it too.
“They weren’t but we were teased because we were poor.”
“It’s the same thing but what matters is who we become.”
She opened her mouth but quickly closed it. Perhaps that wasn’t the thing to say.
“Spit it out, Wilhemina. You know you want to.”
Sighing, she rolled her eyes. “It’s just…it kind of explains you. I mean, you’ve always enjoyed the attention of attractive women but this sort of puts it into perspective.”
A grin split his face. “You think that I lack self-esteem and I need women telling me I’m hot? Honestly, I like it when they do but I don’t need it. At least I don’t think I do. Maybe early in my career I was hungry for validation but shit, I hope I’m past all that by now. I want to be known for other things than how my jeans fit.”
“And that means this movie,” she finished for him. “I get that you think you can play Zak because you understand his pain but you could also play so many other parts that would be just as amazing. You don’t have to work with this douche. Find another script.”
His fingers tenderly brushed her cheek. “I’m going to tell you a secret, something I don’t say to many people. Hell, I think you may be the only one, actually. I’m not that great of an actor. I’m decent but I’m not in the same league as Nate or Max. They’re great actors, theatre trained and all that. I’d love to be like them someday but I may never be that good. I’m not sure about Hamlet or Richard the Third but I know I can be Zak.”
Did he honestly believe that? “You’ve been reading too many of your reviews. You’re a wonderful actor and I know that you can dig way down deep and do great characters’ roles. You have it in you.”
“Maybe now.” He seemed to have trouble putting his thoughts into words. “Let’s face it, six weeks ago I’d never even been in love. Just how deep do you think I am?”
“Give yourself some credit. See yourself through my eyes. You’re as deep as the ocean. I wouldn’t be with a guy who was pretty but superficial. You just pretend to be that way, but it’s not who you really are.”
He pulled her closer to his chest, pressing a kiss onto the corner of her mouth. “You’re good for my ego. If there were only some way I could thank you for believing in me. Some physical action that would demonstrate my adoration and devotion.”
This was the Tyler Gaylord she knew and loved. “You are a big goof. Take me to bed and make me forget my own name.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Life was good and Billie was happy. She had everything she’d ever wanted.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Billie slipped on her sunglasses and stretched out onto the lounge chair, her bikini-clad body capturing all of Tyler’s attention. Even against the gorgeous Hawaiian backdrop, she was the most beautiful thing there and he wasn’t too proud to say that she’d kept him in a state of perpetual arousal since they’d arrived three days ago. Because of the warm temperatures and the isolated nature of the beach house he’d rented, she mostly wore teeny-tiny swimsuits
or the occasional sundress. Happy to be in each other’s company, they had yet to venture out to see other human beings.
They’d had perfect weather so far, sunny and warm, with slightly cooler nights. The home sat right on a private beach and when they weren’t swimming, snorkeling, or sunning themselves, they were inside the elaborate master bedroom making love. It was the best vacation he’d ever been on and – as lovely as the island was – Billie was the reason.
Putting down her book she turned toward him, sliding her glasses down far enough that he could see her eyes. “So? How’s the script? Is it any good? Books are always better than the movie.”
Tyler didn’t disagree and this script was no different. “It’s good. They’ve had to cut a lot of the childhood scenes and I think it makes his motivation weaker. On the other hand, I won’t have to compete with a little kid for the Oscar or a Golden Globe.”
“Never work with children or animals,” Billie giggled. “But you’re going to break that rule if you do this movie.”
“When I do this movie,” he corrected. “I think Josh can get the deal done.”
They were still wrangling about the producer credit. The money men didn’t care. This was all Weller being an asshole. He didn’t like anyone else to get any credit, formal or informal. After his Oscar win he’d spent the next several interviews trashing everyone he’d worked with, bragging that he’d been the savior of the film. But Hollywood didn’t care if he was a jerk, they only cared if he made movies that sold tickets.
“I still think you’re insane to work with Ron Weller. He’ll make every day of that nine week shoot a misery.”
“No doubt but I think he underestimates how crappy I can make his life, too. We’ve seen how he works now so I can be prepared. My public relations machine is a hundred times more powerful than his. He’ll come out looking like the smaller man.”
“That won’t be hard considering he is the smaller man. When I talked to Josh this morning he said that because Weller is interested in you for the movie he’s getting several more offers for these more serious films. Are you going to take a look at those?”
Wild on the Red Carpet (The Hollywood Showmance Chronicles Book 3) Page 19