Page 138 of Best Friends for Never

“Please, Noel is fine,” I tell him. I clear my throat. “I won’t lie, I’ve never really enjoyed the superhero stuff because I find it stale. Ninety-nine percent of the time, it’s the same thing recycled over and over. But with your script, it felt different. The hero was complex, the villain felt authentic, and the romance aspect of it was subtle. I liked that I wasn’t waiting for the kiss at the movie’s end.”

“We were quite proud of that,” Linus says. “And I’m glad you liked my fresh take on the role. Are you worried about your character’s growth at all? Because we’re planning for a three-film saga, where he turns bad in the second film and his redemption arc will conclude in the third.”

“I’m fine with that. It shows his human side. We’re all flawed, aren’t we?”

The director smiles widely. “You get it. God, I’m so glad you get it. Please, please,pleasetell me you liked the script so much that you’d consider changing your stance on superhero films?” he asks hopefully.

I nod, feeling a spark of excitement despite myself. “This is a project I’d be proud to work on.”

“Excellent. We’re happy to hear that. In that case, we’re pleased to offer you a contract. Marty, you got that ready?”

“Of course. Here you are,” Marty says, sliding a paper Aaron’s way.

“Hmm. I see,” my agent says, looking it over. “But right here, line ...”

I tune them out as they all begin talking among themselves.

This part doesn’t pertain to me.

It’s all legal mumbo jumbo and details that I’ll be reminded of a million times later.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out.

Gran:It’s drunk

Gran:Damn tit

Gran:No tit

Gran:D

Gran:O

Gran:N

Gran:E

Gran:Hate this damn phone

I smile. She’s still not yet mastered the art of texting.

Gran:U know she is gonna B mad

Me:Let her be mad then.

Gran:Brave man

She can be mad all she wants. I’d rather she be mad and still think about me than forget me.

Gran:How is your meat

Gran:Meat

Gran:U know what I mean

Me:Good so far.

Gran:Proud of you

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