first filled him and mom in on it.
“As soon as I read about Jack Atwater, I knew this was my story. I’m telling you, Dad, people in the industry will go nuts for this screenplay.” Every day the news that I read featured stories on drug dealers, corrupt politicians, and page after page of Hollywood gossip. The movies I acted in were shallow and superficial. Now I had a chance to introduce people, across a widespread platform, to a story they didn’t know, but one they should.
“And Elizabeth? His wife agreed? I know you were concerned.”
“It took some convincing, but she did. If this could become a successful movie, her family would be taken care of for the rest of their lives. That would be a great gift to leave her and her kids.”
“It would be an amazing gift, son.”
Dad and I talked for a few more minutes when I noticed Liz jogging up the length of her driveway. I ended our call and hopped out of the SUV.
Liz’s neighborhood was picture-perfect. Traditional single-family homes were spread apart on large acre lots. Every house had a basketball hoop in the driveway, and most hung American flags. It was a warm, country-loving, family-first place.
I was totally out of my element.
“Hi, I’m sorry. I’m early.” I smiled and watched as she placed her hands on her knees, panting and trying to catch her breath.
“I realized half-way through my run that we hadn’t set a time. I worried you would be here, waiting on me, so I sprinted back.” She took in a heaving breath and straightened. “Come in.”
Following her into the house, she offered me a cold bottle of water and opened one for herself. The woman I had seen in the pictures from my research looked worn and aged with grief. The woman who stood in front of me, wearing sweat-stained and tight running gear, appeared to be healing. She looked younger, less harsh, and in extraordinary shape. I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t an ounce of fat on her. She wasn’t stick-thin like Kylie. She was strong with toned arms, flat abs, and great legs. Really great legs.
Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she had no makeup on, but her skin glowed, still pink from her run. The biggest shock, though, was her eyes. They were deep brown and sparkled with youthfulness as she spoke, but they were also hauntingly soulful.
She was sexy. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Not in the way I was used to, but in a natural, full of life kind of way. None of that mattered, however. I was done with women, and I sure as hell wasn’t interested in anything with a woman I was working with, ever again. No more mixing business with pleasure.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to take a quick shower.” Liz said, fidgeting with the cap on her water bottle.
“Take your time. I’m fine.” I pulled my laptop out of my messenger bag as Liz walked upstairs. I re-read the contract my attorney had emailed, pleased that everything looked in order. Fucking lawyers always had a way of making everything complicated, but I had given clear instructions. Nothing long, nothing complex, and no words a fifth grader couldn’t spell. I wanted this to happen, and I wasn’t going to let a contract get in the way.
I glanced around the room. No matter how much I wanted to focus on the contract, I just had to get up and look around. A need to understand this woman, and Jack, consumed me. The layout wasn’t unusual for a suburban house, but the energy was different. It was a home. I peered out the kitchen window into the backyard. A warm smile spread on my face, and I chuckled. Of course, they would have the biggest play set I’d ever seen and several soccer goals. I walked to the family room. A large sectional filled the space, marked by numerous stains, and littered with remotes and gaming handsets. Framed art, made by her children, hung on the walls. Reaching out, I lightly touched the paintings with my fingertips. The art was imperfect, flawed, and messy.
“As soon as I read about Jack Atwater, I knew this was my story. I’m telling you, Dad, people in the industry will go nuts for this screenplay.” Every day the news that I read featured stories on drug dealers, corrupt politicians, and page after page of Hollywood gossip. The movies I acted in were shallow and superficial. Now I had a chance to introduce people, across a widespread platform, to a story they didn’t know, but one they should.
“And Elizabeth? His wife agreed? I know you were concerned.”
“It took some convincing, but she did. If this could become a successful movie, her family would be taken care of for the rest of their lives. That would be a great gift to leave her and her kids.”
“It would be an amazing gift, son.”
Dad and I talked for a few more minutes when I noticed Liz jogging up the length of her driveway. I ended our call and hopped out of the SUV.
Liz’s neighborhood was picture-perfect. Traditional single-family homes were spread apart on large acre lots. Every house had a basketball hoop in the driveway, and most hung American flags. It was a warm, country-loving, family-first place.
I was totally out of my element.
“Hi, I’m sorry. I’m early.” I smiled and watched as she placed her hands on her knees, panting and trying to catch her breath.
“I realized half-way through my run that we hadn’t set a time. I worried you would be here, waiting on me, so I sprinted back.” She took in a heaving breath and straightened. “Come in.”
Following her into the house, she offered me a cold bottle of water and opened one for herself. The woman I had seen in the pictures from my research looked worn and aged with grief. The woman who stood in front of me, wearing sweat-stained and tight running gear, appeared to be healing. She looked younger, less harsh, and in extraordinary shape. I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t an ounce of fat on her. She wasn’t stick-thin like Kylie. She was strong with toned arms, flat abs, and great legs. Really great legs.
Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and she had no makeup on, but her skin glowed, still pink from her run. The biggest shock, though, was her eyes. They were deep brown and sparkled with youthfulness as she spoke, but they were also hauntingly soulful.
She was sexy. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Not in the way I was used to, but in a natural, full of life kind of way. None of that mattered, however. I was done with women, and I sure as hell wasn’t interested in anything with a woman I was working with, ever again. No more mixing business with pleasure.
“Make yourself comfortable. I’m going to take a quick shower.” Liz said, fidgeting with the cap on her water bottle.
“Take your time. I’m fine.” I pulled my laptop out of my messenger bag as Liz walked upstairs. I re-read the contract my attorney had emailed, pleased that everything looked in order. Fucking lawyers always had a way of making everything complicated, but I had given clear instructions. Nothing long, nothing complex, and no words a fifth grader couldn’t spell. I wanted this to happen, and I wasn’t going to let a contract get in the way.
I glanced around the room. No matter how much I wanted to focus on the contract, I just had to get up and look around. A need to understand this woman, and Jack, consumed me. The layout wasn’t unusual for a suburban house, but the energy was different. It was a home. I peered out the kitchen window into the backyard. A warm smile spread on my face, and I chuckled. Of course, they would have the biggest play set I’d ever seen and several soccer goals. I walked to the family room. A large sectional filled the space, marked by numerous stains, and littered with remotes and gaming handsets. Framed art, made by her children, hung on the walls. Reaching out, I lightly touched the paintings with my fingertips. The art was imperfect, flawed, and messy.
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