Page 131 of Out of the Gold

Chase

I park inthe lot and take the elevator up to the top floor. Passing through the glass door with “Kirkland Management” etched on it, I’m ushered into a conference room overlooking downtown LA. A bottle of my favorite sparkling water is given to me by the efficient receptionist.

“Thank you.”

Within moments, Sam strolls through the doors, accompanied by a younger man and woman, presumably associates. The woman places a stack of papers down on the table, while the guy distributes an agenda for today.

“Why so formal, Sam?”

Instead of answering me, he introduces his interns.

Realization dawns. I needle my agent, “Ah, need to show the interns how things are supposed to be done, huh? When they’re not around, it’s like a quick phone call here and there.”

Sam’s eyes slant. “No,” he says with a sarcastic tone. “This is how I conduct business when my clients actually deign to come into the office. Which you haven’t in what, three years?”

I shrug. My mood hasn’t improved since I got the news I was passed over forHamlet 2.0. Which was compounded by the fact I had exactly one person I wanted to discuss it with, and she’s strictly off-limits. Her words “movie star” sound on repeat in my mind.

Sam nods to the young lady, who pulls out a piece of paper. Her gaze darts to mine for an instant and refocuses on the words in front of her. Her chin lifts. “So, uhm, Chase, your role as Doctor Manipul8 has ended, and the franchise has been very successful. The prior two movies grossed, on average, over two billion dollars worldwide, with six hundred thousand right here in the United States.”

The numbers flow right over me. The movies were successful. But didn’t tax me acting-wise. Since it seems she’s waiting for me to say something, I oblige, “That’s great.”

She continues, “Which puts them on par withThe Avengersmovies.” Her eyes snap to mine. “The top grossing superhero movies of all time.”

I fake a smile and hold up my still-closed bottle of water. “Hope we beat them.”

“Well, this movie won’t release until next year, so I bet you’re going to break the record! Noble’s already boasting it’s his best work ever.”

“I read the interview inVariety.”

Sam points at the young man, who takes over the meeting. “According to your contracts, you earned one million for the first movie, and an extra half-mil above that for your second. Not including your box office and merchandise cuts.”

“And Sam here took his share off the top.”

My agent smiles. “Of course. Who do you think negotiated your contracts?”

His words bring a reluctant chuckle from me. “And you did a good job.”

Sam’s intern continues, “Well, your pay for this movie was a flat two million, plus an increased share of the profits and merch.” He flips the page. “ForI Was Made for Her, your payday was another million.”

All of these recitations mean I never have to work another day in my life. I’ll never live long enough to spend the profits from even one of the films. This realization clears my head. I’m free to do whatever I want to do. Even Broadway.

“Very good summary of Chase’s recent work.” Sam retakes control of the meeting. “I heard aboutHamlet 2.0. I’m sorry you didn’t get the part.”

“I’m sure,” I reply dryly. I open the bottle of sparkling water and take a sip.

Sam places a stack of papers before me, titled CONTRACT. “This should help you get over losing the play. You’re set to star as Braxton Hunte in the Hunte movie, tentatively titledOut of the Red.”

My hand reaches for my bottle again, but I pull it back. The two interns study me as if I were a specimen under a microscope bleeding money. Sam points to the staggering salary. My palm lands on my forehead.

“Brax told me I was selected . . . I’m surprised you got the contract so quickly.”

“Brax, is it?”

My throat constricts. “He told me to call him that.”

“Nice. And thank you for being impressed with my negotiating skills.” Three people in the room laugh. I smile because it’s expected. “Take a look at this contract and let me know if you have any questions.”

Without much interest, I skim through the document. The amount of money they’re going to pay me is astronomical. The shooting schedule will take up the next four months, between rehearsals, voice lessons, and going to various locations. I can use a four-month hiatus from being Charles Wainwright, that’s for sure.

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