Jace
“They tag-teamed me,” Gordon whines as he presses the end call button and slides into the backseat next to me.
“I thought you liked that sort of thing?” I raise an eyebrow as I glance in his direction.
Gordon has been my manager since I was thirteen years old. He knows me better than anyone else and sadly, he’s one of my only friends. Actually, he’s more like a brother than anything considering how intertwined he is with my family.
“My parents will get over it. I’m twenty-five years old, they can’t expect me to keep doing everything they want.” The frustration is clear in my tone.
I’m so grateful for what my parents have done for me but they’re the most demanding and criticizing people you’ll ever meet.
They had so much control over my acting career as a kid, they’ve had a hard time letting go of it.
My dad doesn’t care too much. My mother, though, hates that I have the ability to choose this for myself.
I buckle my seatbelt and nod to my driver, Howard, that we’re ready, blasting on a mask of fake confidence as we head to the studio’s office. This is usually easy for me—the initial meet and greet with the cast and director.
I’m a household name and most people get nervous meeting me for the first time.
But this is different.
It’s Pierre Martin. He’s a legend in the industry. Actors pay him to be in his movies.
Okay, that’s not really true, but the most sought after celebrities have been known to work for pennies just to collaborate with him.
“I’m just not used to seeing you so adamant about a role, especially one so controversial.
” Gordon clears his throat, pausing before stating his concern.
“It’ll be a long road with your parents, and your fans might have a hard time seeing you in such a different light. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
I turn to look at him, taking in his worried expression and tense body language. He’s stressed about how this will affect, not only my relationship with them, but my clean and wholesome reputation.
My god-fearing Catholic parents hate that I’m filming a movie about two gay rock stars.
No, I’ve never done anything like this. I’ve done more kids shows, young adult movies, and voice overs than I can count, and only lately have I taken on more mature roles.
Everyone sees Jace, the childhood phenom, and not the man I’ve grown into. Just like my parents, the public also has a hard time seeing the grown up version of myself so producers are skeptical to give me a chance, even though my name is known to fill the box office.
But, even with my past resume of less mature roles Pierre wanted me for this.
He said he wrote the script with me in mind and insisted I play the role.
I don’t know what he sees in me other than the uncanny physical similarities to the band members guitarist, James Davis.
But I’m taking full advantage, regardless of how taboo the script is.
I’m not doing this for the accolades or the money. I’m doing this for me.
I remind myself of that, swallowing thickly as I nod.
“Good.” He smiles at me like he’s proud. “I read the script, it’s intense. But you’re going to nail it. I can smell the Silver Screen nomination already.”
“Don’t remind me,” I wave my hand at him so he doesn’t elaborate on my loss against my future co-star, “and stop, it’s bad luck to talk about that before filming.”
I try not to give Lennox Rome too much thought, but that’s difficult considering how wildly popular he’s become in the last couple years.
Last year’s Silver Screen Awards was the only time we were in the same place at the same time and it was so busy we never got a chance to meet. Not that I wanted to.
Sure, I was happy for him. But, I can’t say I wasn’t embarrassed losing to someone who had one movie credit under his name.
Plus, I’m not sure we’d have anything to talk about.
His TV interviews are completely unhinged and I highly doubt we have anything in common.
Frankly, I’m shocked that Pierre insisted it was us or nobody for this film.
But, you’d be stupid to question his casting choices.
He’s been known to pair some of the best on-screen duos ever made.
I still question if he’s losing his touch, but I’d never admit that out loud.
“We’re here,” Howard announces, as he pulls through the security gate into the parking lot of the glass skyrise.
I peer up through the blacked-out window of my SUV taking it all in.
The production studio headquarters are housed here.
I’ve been to many versions of studios like this, but never this one, causing those foreign nerves to surge a bit more.
This is the first time I’m making a solid decision of my own accord and I can’t fail. They’ll never let me live it down.
“You got this,” Gordon says as he pats my back, sensing my energy before he exits the vehicle.
I draw in a deep breath, nodding to myself, agreeing with Gordon because I’ll do whatever it takes to prove myself. I plaster on that signature, fake smile I wear like a second skin as I grab the handle, open the door, and step out.
“I got this.”