25. Will
WILL
Itried to listen, but I was drunk and predisposed to ignoring my mother anyway.
“And we’ll pay you, of course,” she said.
“But I won’t actually be in the movie?” This was absurd. According to Mom, Michelle loved the scene I’d shot with Dad and wanted me to do it again, but not because she wanted me in the movie. No, she still wanted Derek. What she wanted was Dad’s performance acting opposite me.
“They won’t be able to use any of the wide shots, but the whole reason we went with multiple cameras was so we could do most of the work in post-production.
All of your father’s close-ups and audio will come from your takes, so, in a sense, you will be in the movie.
You’ll be the heart and soul of your father’s performance.
You just won’t appear on screen, except for maybe your shoulder now and then, but—”
I cut her off. “And Dad and Derek are okay with this?”
“Are you kidding me? This was your father’s idea. He wants to give you a chance to show Michelle your talent. He wants you to act, to carry on the family legacy.”
What the fuck? If Dad wanted me to carry on the family legacy so badly, then why didn’t he use his connections to get me a role in some other movie? Did he honestly think being Derek’s understudy was going to do shit for my career?
“And what about Derek? He can’t possibly be okay with this,” I said. It was insulting as fuck.
“Derek needs this movie to succeed as much as anyone.” Mom reached out to touch my arm, but I stepped away. “Believe me, if there was any other way, don’t you think—”
“Stop, Mom. Just stop.”
“William, please. I’ve had a fucking day from hell, and I don’t need this.” She slipped off her heels, lifting each leg in turn like a flamingo. “You’re just drunk. This isn’t a big deal. Your father needs you. I need you. And frankly, it’s the least you could do.”
What was that supposed to mean? I was about to ask when a firm hand settled on my shoulder.
“I’m gonna take Will up to bed.” Where had James come from? “This isn’t what he needs right now.”
“I don’t care what he needs right now.”
“That much is obvious.” James’s hand settled on my waist, and the scent of pot filled my nose.
I expected Mom to fire him, but she didn’t. Instead, she did something she never did. She apologized.
“You’re probably right. I’m sorry, William. It’s been a long day. We’ll continue this conversation in the morning.”