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“Say what?” Jamal Brown, Hugh’s assistant director, yanked the pencil out of his bushy afro. “You want Gabrielle Montane to star in your film?”
“Did I stutter?” Hugh sat behind his desk at his own Brannix Studios, eating a Red Delicious apple. “It’s my movie, right? I want Gabrielle Montane as the lead actress.”
“Hold up, son.” Jamal parked his massive, deep-chocolate body on Hugh’s desk. “This is Ian Delfino’s film, remember?”
“I’m the director. Without my vision Ian has nothing.”
“It’s Ian’s money though.” Jamal’s top lip rose, displaying his black gums. “As usual, you’re not thinking with your big head but your little one. Now I admit, Gabrielle Montane is finer than shit. But, you can’t use this film to get close to some model.”
“How long have we worked together, J?”
He tapped the pencil in his wide palm. “Ten years.”
“You’re my number one man.” Hugh gripped Jamal’s shoulder. “You’re my assistant director, and I cherish your opinion.”
“But?”
“You know me better than anyone.” Hugh propped his feet on the desk and took another chomp of the juicy apple. “I always do what I want.”
“And, get what you want?” Jamal got off the desk with his head low. “It’s sleazy, man. You’re not offering her a role based on her ability but to get her in bed and I’m not down with that.”
Hugh glared at him. “Am I the only director to offer a woman a role because he was interested in her? What difference does it make?”
“This is different.” Jamal’s cellphone rang, but he ignored it. “You’re usually so serious with work, but you’re treating this like a game. The woman hasn’t ever acted in her life. You gonna trust her in a big movie like this one?”
“Everyone and their momma is acting these days. Reality stars, rappers, singers, and most of them suck. We’ll get her a coach, and she’ll be fine. Besides, with a woman as beautiful as Gabrielle people won’t give a shit about her acting.” He laughed. “She and Dash Phillips will make this a hit with their fame alone.”
“What about the big cheese?” Jamal stood wide-legged, glaring at Hugh. “Ian will never go for this. He’s putting a lot of money in this film. Come on, man.” He leaned on the desk. “Let’s get a real actress and do the best for the film we can.”
“Get a real actress?” Sierra stood in the doorway with her hair in a double ponytail.
Shit.
She twisted inside on white stiletto sandals.
“Babe.” Hugh leapt out the chair and threw the apple in the wastebasket by his desk. “What are you doing here?”
“Do I need an excuse to come see my man?” The red, off-the-shoulder summer dress glided off her small hips. “Hey, Jamal.”
“Sierra.” He smiled.
She sat on Hugh’s desk and crossed her legs. “Something wrong?”
“No.” Hugh’s voice cracked. “What would be wrong?”
“You act like something’s up.” She gripped a button on his black shirt. “What were you saying about an actress?”
“Nothing, hon.” He kissed her cheek, rubbing her back. “You smell good.”
She displayed a constricted smile. “What’s going on?”
“Might as well tell her, Hugh.”
Hugh sat, huffing. “I don’t wanna bother her with this.”
“What?” she asked. “Is something wrong concerning the film?” She looked back and forth at them.
“We don’t have an actress for Fatal Honor,” Jamal said.
Hugh’s jaws filled with air.
“What?” Sierra’s eyes widened. “What happened to Olympia Wood?”
“She pulled out.” Hugh rocked. “Conflicting obligations.”
“I thought she’d signed the contract.”
Hugh shook his head. “We hadn’t gotten that far yet.”
“My god.” Sierra covered her mouth, a smile peeking underneath her hand. “You have anyone else?”
“We’re in talks to try out people but the part was written with Olympia in mind,” Hugh said. “With her and Dash Phillips, no telling what this movie would’ve done.”
“It’ll still be a huge hit,” Sierra said. “Why didn’t you tell me this? You’re taking auditions?”
Hugh nodded.
“Where do I sign up?” Sierra clasped her hands, beaming.
“Uh...” Hugh glanced at Jamal who shook his head behind Sierra’s back. “You want to audition?”
“I know it’s a step down for me.” She smiled. “But, I realize if I want my career back on track I need to start over from scratch so I’m ready.”
“Sierra.” Hugh exhaled into his hand. “You can’t try out for the movie.”
She held her purse by the strap. “Why not?”
“It wouldn’t be right for you.”
“You need an actress, right? I’m an actress, Hugh. I’m a damn good actress.”
“You’re talented, but this part’s not for you.”
“I see.” She blushed.
“Honey, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“How do you expect me to feel? My boyfriend doesn’t want me in his film.”
“Sierra.” He held her. “It’s not like that.”
“Bullshit.” She blubbered in her hands. “No one wants me anymore.”
“That’s not true.”
“It is.” She pushed him. “I used to have producers and directors falling out my ass. People used to pay money just to score meetings with me. Now I can’t take out anyone’s trash. How am I going to get my career back if no one gives me a chance?”
“If it were up to me, I’d let you read for the part.” He put his hands in his pockets. “But, your dad doesn’t want you anywhere near this film. He told me he’d want anyone but you.”
“Did he?” Tears skated down her face. “I guess that’s it then, huh?”
“Sierra.”
“Good luck finding your actress.” She turned to leave.
“Wait.” Hugh grabbed her arm. “You gonna be okay?”
“Hey, people treat you like a disease long enough you get used to it.” She walked to the door. “See you.”
“Sierra?”
She walked out, dress hugging her backside.
“Shit.” Hugh closed the door. “Thanks, J.”
“She was going to find out sooner or later.”
“I didn’t want her to find out like that.” Hugh sat behind his desk. “Just one more thing for me to deal with.”
“You think she’s upset now?” Jamal pointed to the door. “Wait if Gabrielle winds up being in the movie.”
Hugh pushed his hands in his palms. “Fuck.”