Page 73 of Professional Consult
“The longer people think Alicia Davies is involved, the more they might like that idea,” Milton says.
“Then you’re basically dooming the show,” Clint counters.
My head snaps in Clint’s direction. “Dooming the show? Isn’t that a little dramatic?” I roll my eyes, trying to land my practiced lines perfectly.
Clint continues with, “People have been comparing Lexi and Alicia their entire lives. Lexi won on almost every front because she’s likable, sweet, and an all-around girl next door. But Alicia is gritty and has always looked like she’s come from the wrong side of the tracks. Every time Lexi is on screen, they’re going to wish it was Alicia.”
Milton leans back in his seat, rubbing his humped nose. “What a fucking mess. There’s no way I can dump Lexi Dash. We’ve poured over fifty-million dollars into advertising based on her pulling in views.”
“Money that is going to be wasted if Lexi resumes her role,” Clint pushes. “Just ask my brother. She’s not cut out to play a cop.”
I contort my face in anger. “Maybe if your brother taught me more than how to get cats down from trees, I’d have a little more experience to draw from!”
“Enough!” Milton slams the palms of his hands on his desk.
Clint stands. “I just want you to know that I’m putting feelers out for future roles. I’ll fulfill my obligation of staying the year I signed on for, but there ain’t no way in hell I’m signing on for more. It’s career suicide.”
“Jesus—fucking—Christ—you’re acting like a spoiled brat,” Milton shouts.
On cue, I burst into tears.
As Clint’s about to leave, I stutter out,“W-w-wait…”
“Don’t expect me to say sorry for stating the obvious.”
“No, that’s fine. Maybe I needed to hear that. Please, take a seat.”
Clint complies, and I direct my attention to Milton, making my face calm.
“I don’t want my legacy tarnished by bad acting. I love that you had this vision of me for your crime drama, but let’s face it, the pilot isn’t going so well, and there’s little hope for improvement. I’d hold off on the casting announcement and photos.”
“Well, you’re locked in, Sweetheart, so you’re going to have to bring yourself up to speed real quick.”
I straighten in my chair. “What if there was another option? One where everyone wins.”
“You’re grasping at straws,” Milton says. “We’ve already started shooting.”
“Not my part. Or much of. I’ve been in Pond Spring.”
“What are you supposing we should do?”
“Geez, I don’t know,” I lie, trying to look like I haven’t thought out every tiny detail. “Perhaps it should start with a conversation with Alicia. See how she feels about guest starring.”
“Or coming on as a lead,” Clint interjects.
“We can’t afford another lead,” Milton grinds out.
“Then she can have my role. As I said, the last thing I want is my legacy tarnished by bad acting, and I’ll agree to star in the pilot for free, for all the hassle this has caused.”
Milton snorts out a bunch of awkward syllables.
“You can be my fiancé!” Clint says, eyes lit with excitement.
“Except that you’re written in as a playboy,” Milton says, annoyed.
“Make her the reason.” Clint points at me. “She dies at the end of the first episode, and then, throughout the season, I evolve into the man-whore I was written to be.”
Milton says nothing.
