Chapter 24 #3
“Money’s covered, but if it’s not, you can pay everyone back when you get paid from the civil suit,” I explained, just as quietly. He nodded still staring at me for the reassurance. I nodded again too.
“Dash said yesterday that we’d share anything he could get in a thirty/seventy split,” Mace said, shaking his head. “He said he’s covering all expenses and we don’t have to put up any money to make it happen, and his contingency will pay him back for those expenses too.”
“It’s a good deal. I’d’ve gone higher if I had to name an all-inclusive figure,” Gray said.
“Richmond’s husband owns a charter service that’s scheduled out for years.
He’s got eight kids with that same husband.
At least that’s what a small Google search says.
But who has eight kids in this day and age? Do you think it was on purpose?”
“He’s gay. How’s it not on purpose?”
Mace raised a hand in question, waiting to be called on. It was cute. “He sounds like an okay guy. He’s willin’ to charge me less than industry standard. I like him.”
“Good. I’d charge Slade more, for sure.” Gray did a lot for me, mainly watching my admin team at a discrete distance.
They weren’t happy with my decisions for a quieter life or my instruction to find ways out of my current signed contracts.
They were vultures. Gray read everything they put in front of me and guided me from there.
“You know your people aren’t happy, but so far, the negotiations out of Titan’s Fall are coming along well.
They’ve considered taking the show a different direction.
Well, more than considered. Slade’s the only actor with any age on him.
The latest round of negotiations is offering you an out in eighteen months. ”
“Eighteen months? My original contract has twenty-two months left,” I said. Cutting four months off the contract was nothing. A ridiculous offer. They were playing games.
“Then it’s not as good as it sounded,” Gray responded. “What’re you looking for?”
“I’ll stay on the show full time until the season finale. That gives them this year to write me out,” I explained. “What about the other contracts?”
“We’ve returned the advances on the new Colleen Hoover movie. The other three are still pending. You know you’re dipping into your savings now, all your incoming cash won’t sustain….” Gray said, leaving the thought hanging.
Money. Of course, I felt Mace’s eyes land on me again. Before he did something like offer to become an Uber drive in his old, beat up truck, I dropped a hand to his thigh and squeezed, wanting his silence.
“Please tell Mace that I’m financially stable,” Slade said.
Gray nodded, and his facial expression shifted to one of patience.
Gray should’ve been an actor with as expressive as his face was.
“It’s not the way it sounds, Mace, but Slade’s dealing with people who regularly move mountains.
Ethics play no part in their game. Watching the comings and goings of his revenue needs extreme caution.
I provide that service to Slade. Does that make sense? ”
Mace’s head nodded until it didn’t. Shaking no, because he didn’t get it.
“Anything I make on the accident goes to Slade,” Mace started. My frustration was instant, but I did my best to push it aside. “It’ll pay him back for helpin’ me with the sanctuary.”
“Mace, do you have any hot, kinky friends who think like you?” Gray asked. “I need to meet them.”
“Or,” I started, “my money’s safe because he’s watching it so not to worry.” I tossed out a hand at Gray in a what-the-hell gesture. “I’ve only got hours left here and you’re already messing with that. It’s time to end the call.”
“Whatever, guy,” Gray shot back. “You scheduled this. Make sure you send those chairs, Mace. I’m missing Christmas with the parents this year.
They don’t know that yet, and they’re all jazzed about Bryce and Lara’s pregnancy.
I need to represent. Once she has that baby, it’s the last chance I get at beating Bryce. I’ll be forever second best.”
“Where’re you going?” I asked, knowing that whole family dynamic better than anyone. All the siblings competed against each other for the best gift to their mother. Linda helped spur the competition on with the yearly reminders of which gifts really hit just right over the past.
“Sri Lanka. Berlin models. They’re sexy as fuck. Twin brothers who need me in the middle of all that. How can I not go?” he asked as if there were no other option.
“Oh, that’s real holiday-oriented,” I said dryly. Except, I’d have been right there with him before the cowboy sitting next to me became my shining star.
“I’ll deliver them closer to Christmas. They’re ready,” Mace said.
The video call ended shortly after, meaning I ended the call before the money talk of the chairs. I lifted a hand and shut the lid. Then I turned to Mace. “Take me to see the advancements on the ranch then bring me back to this bed.”
“Sure thing,” Mace said, flipping the blankets off his legs. Way more eager than me to leave our warm cocoon.