Page 21 of Yours, Always
Chuck must have quickly realized what was going to happen and spun his head to Simon. “He isn’t an employee of the car lot, and we always use employees to make the commercials seem more personal,” he said, trying to shut Simon down.
“What a splendid idea,” Charles agreed, ignoring the fact that Chuck had spoken. Greyson almost felt a pang of sympathy for him. Almost. “We’re paying Simon here an arm and leg and if you’d be willing to help out some old friends, it would be great for business. I’m sure we could work out a fair endorsement package, Greyson. And besides, the stuntman isn’t an employee.”
“Dad, that’s ludicrous! This is supposed to be my opportunity to show you I’m ready to take over after your retirement,” Chuck tried to appeal. “Besides, I’m sure Greyson has some ‘people’ he needs to talk to, he can’t just decide to endorse something on his own.”
“Chuck, you can still do just that. And what better way than showing me how adaptable you are.” Charles chided, making Chuck’s cheeks mottle an unfortunate shade of red.
“I’m always happy to help out my friends, but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes—” Greyson started.
“Nonsense. You’ll do just the trick,” Charles dismissed, already walking away as if it were a done deal.
“This is brilliant! Do you want to do the whole scene or have Raymond, our stunt man, do the jump?” Simon asked in between shouting out camera location changes.
“Are you sure, Greyson?” Prudence checked, reaching over, and laying a hand soothingly on Chuck’s arm. “You’re just going to step into this like no big deal? Don’t you need to check with Nadia or something?”
Chuck vigorously nodded. “Yeah, I just said that, babe.”
“Not for this.” Greyson smiled, lacing his fingers together and stretching them over his head. “This is going to be fun. I haven’t done anything like this in ages. I’ll do the whole thing, Simon, no need for the stunt guy.”
Chuck took on more of a calculated tone as he fully faced Greyson, “Greyson, while I appreciate you thinking of helping us out, this was really supposed to be about me. It’s my opportunity to show my dad I’m ready to take on the car lot when he retires at the end of the year. And besides, I’d feel cheap, like I was using you.”
“No worries there, buddy,” Greyson said, a bit too gleefully, perhaps wanting to see him suffer a little. He relented after seeing the stricken look on Chuck’s face. “Chuck, if you really don’t want me to, I won’t, but I meant what I said. I’m always happy to help my friends out, especially after your dad gave me that old car so I could drive across the country to L.A. I haven’t forgotten that.” He clapped Chuck on the back. “But, if this helps you sell a few more cars, brings some good publicity to the dealership and makes your dad more comfortable letting go with the books in a good spot, I’m sincere that I’d like to help out.”
“He has a good point, Chuck.” Prudence rubbed his arm. “I know how important taking over for your dad is, and if Greyson can help that transition be successful, I want that for you.”
“And no endorsement needed. I’ll deal with my agent,” Greyson added.
Chuck seemed dejected, but he obviously had to know it was the right choice. It was Ben Stone, after all. “Thanks, man.” He reached out to shake Greyson’s hand. “Let’s do this.”
“I’ll go grab some water.” Prudence smiled at both of them and walked away.
Greyson couldn’t help but notice they both watched her hips sway as she did. He felt odd standing there with Chuck, knowing that the love of his life was currently dating that other man. His plan when he’d flown back to win Prudence’s heart hadn’t included her being with someone else.
Greyson thought back to their college days, how he genuinely missed Chuck’s carefree antics in his life. Chuck had been the kind of friend that never asked why, the one that could lighten the mood at any time and always had the perfect joke for the perfect moment. While he still considered them friends, it wasn’t like they were making plans to hang out anytime soon. He truly hoped after this all was over, that would change. That Chuck would once again be a trusted friend.
He realized the situation was not ideal, but it may be the only chance he got to speak to Chuck alone. He’d have to play this cool, calm. As it stood currently there was no need to raise an alarm. Just a guy-to-guy chat, friendly concern, right?Right.
“Chuck, how are you and Pru doing?” Greyson questioned, crossing his arms.
“What do you mean? We’re great, having a good time.”
Greyson’s tone shifted. “Having a good time? She isn’t a ‘good time’ kind of girl, Chuck, she’s a forever kind of girl.”Yeah, reaaaal smooth there, Atwood.
“That may be true, Greyson, but for right now, we’re having fun. Maybe one day we’ll make it to forever, though.” Chuck smirked, glanced over at Prudence and ambled over to where Charles was standing.
So much for that conversation. Greyson grimaced as a small, squirrely looking girl with a headset came over to him.
“Hi Mr. Atwood. Pleasure to meet you. I’m Kendra, the AD on set today. We have a very small window of time to get this shoot done but I’m sure you can nail it in a few takes. Here are your lines.” She handed him a single piece of paper. “Makeup and wardrobe are this way if you’ll follow me.” She held her arm forward, leading him toward one of the four trailers. Well, that was one mystery trailer solved.
Before entering, Greyson glanced over his shoulder, seeing Chuck whisper something in Prudence’s ear, his hand resting comfortably at the small of her back.Fuck! Greyson’s fists clenched as he went in and slammed the door shut behind him. His eyes adjusted to the bright vanity bulbs, and he saw two young-ish kids, clearly startled, in front of him.
“Oh. My. God,” a tall, very thin guy squawked, clutching a clipboard tightly to his chest.
“Oh. My. God,” a just as tall and just as thin girl parroted back, leaning against the vanity. “You’re Greyson Atwood! I heard you were from Amber Falls, but I never thought I’d actually see you here!”
Greyson’s head shifted back and forth between the two, red-headed, almost mirror images. “Aren’t you a little young to be working on a commercial?” His eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Oh no,” the guy said solemnly, shaking his head. “We just started at the university this semester. We’re both majoring in drama, and Mr. Charleson, the senior, said we could do wardrobe”—he gestured at himself—“and hair and makeup”—he pointed to the girl—“in order to get a head start for when we do performances at Summer Stock. I’m Tom and this is Tina. We’re twins.”