Page 129 of Rhymes with Metaphor
As Reg drove home with his awards in the back of the car, Joel said, “While you were on stage, I told her I applied to Juilliard.”
“What did she say?”
“She asked me how I was going to support myself as an actor, so I told her I already am supporting myself doing voice work.Then she asked me how I was going to pay for Juilliard, and I told her you offered to pay.”
“And what did she say?”
“I thought she’d disapprove, but...she didn’t say anything.”Joel sounded an order of magnitude calmer and more mature than he had after he’d last spoken to Juliet.“Did Martin say anything to you?”
“No,” said Reg and hoped he didn’t sound upset.
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On November 11th, Joel’sbirthday, Reg spent the morning making arrangements so that everything was sorted by the time he collected Joel that afternoon.
Joel was waiting on the corner for him, looking cold, though his coat was buttoned.He got in, and Reg drove off.
“You shouldn’t have to work on your birthday,” said Reg.
“I already agreed to,” said Joel.
“You’re falling into the workaholic trap again.You haven’t had a proper a day off in ages.It’s all right to say ‘no’ if it’s too much or if the job doesn’t sound interesting.You’re supposed to be enjoying your life.You’re doing what you want.”
“I don’t like turning down work,” said Joel.
“You’re getting more work now than you can cope with, and it’ll only get worse if you accept every offer.Why don’t you introduce a policy that you won’t take a job unless you’ve read part of the manuscript first—made sure it’s something you want to take on?It’ll save you the unpleasantness of pushing through the bad ones.”
“I could do that,” said Joel.
“And double your rates.”
“What?”said Joel.“No one’s going to pay me that much.”
“You thought no one would pay you a thousand dollars for an evening’s work.If you’re hesitant to negotiate, I can act as your manager.That way, you’ll come off as nice and reasonable, and I’ll come off as the mercenary one.How’s that?You’ll be earning the same amount, but working half the hours, so you’ll have time to rest.”
“Well...,” said Joel.
“Consider it.”
“This isn’t the way home.”
“No.We’re collecting your birthday present.”
“Oh?”Joel sounded less exhausted now.
“Yes.I’ve arranged transportation for you.”
Joel stared at him.“You’re renting me a car?”
“No.I’ve bought you one.Do you have your license with you?”
“Yes, but—”
“That’s settled, then.I hope you like royal blue, because that’s what colour it is.Now you won’t have to rely on me to ferry you everywhere.”
“But I like it when you drive me,” said Joel.
“As you’re an adult, it only makes sense for you to have more independence.”
