Page 22 of Yours, Always
Greyson slowly nodded, not surprised that even with something as important as his business’s commercial, Charles still wanted to help out the youth that were going after their dreams, just like he had with Greyson all those years ago. “Okay, cool. Have you done this before or is this your first one?”
Tina started to get some color back in her face but was clearly still starstruck. “This is our third commercial, sir. I promise we know what we’re doing.” She glanced at her brother. “Kinda.”
Tom discreetly elbowed Tina. “Yes, we know exactly what we’re doing, sir,” he assured. “If you’ll step over here, I’ll get you into a suit then over to Tina for hair and makeup.”
“Pro-tip, guys?” Greyson inwardly laughed at their earnestness, hoping to not shatter their young confidence. “Hair and makeup first, then wardrobe. I’m all ears for any questions you might want to ask me. And please, call me Greyson.”
Tina quickly turned around to the mirror, stage whispering to Tom out of the corner of her mouth who was still beside her. “Three commercials in and Itoldyou it was hair and makeup first, Tom, every time.”
“Are you dating Samantha Crane?” Tom spat out, then clamped a hand over his mouth, obviously disbelieving he’d asked the question. Tina whirled back around, one hand also plastered over her mouth, the two of them turning the same shade of horrified.
Greyson couldn’t help it anymore, and he let out a loud laugh. Oh man, how he missed being around people that weren’t jaded by the industry. These two kids were the reason he’d even considered taking the teaching position in the first place. Well, that and being with Prudence. But really, he wanted to teach young kids like this, impart the wisdom he’d had to fight to learn, so they didn’t have to fight, just learn.
“No, we were never dating. We just went to an awards show together.”
“I told you,” Tina derided Tom, “they definitely didn’t act like a couple. Couples don’t kiss on the cheek like they did at the Verity Awards.”
Tom shrugged. “They were pictured together at Shay La Luna, and I thought it would be so wonderful to dress her. She has the perfect body for those glamorous Hollywood gowns. The Atelier was breathtaking.”
Greyson’s thoughts immediately went to Prudence, as they had constantly as of late. “I can think of better,” he stated, walking over to the makeup chair. “Now let’s get this show on the road.”
Chapter Twelve
Prudence stood at the craft services table, watching Chuck and Greyson. She could only imagine what they were talking about until she saw Chuck glance over at her with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, practically smelling their pissing contest. And it wasn’t even a contest! She was with Chuck and she’d never been with Greyson, that was pretty definitive. Chuck walked away, and Greyson was led to a trailer, ending their discussion.At least they didn’t whip out their dicks and start measuring. She grabbed a bottle of water, more curious than she supposed she should about what that outcome would be.
“Those two, I swear.”
Prudence glanced behind her to see that Charles had stopped by the table. He always had a knack for being where you least expected him, because you couldswearyou just saw him somewhere else. That’s what made him such a good car salesman, a charming personality combined with the ability to morph to whoever seemed to need him.Qualities that Chuck lacks. She immediately felt disloyal.
“They used to be pretty good friends in college, didn’t they, Prudence?” He moved to stand beside her.
“We were all part of the same group of friends, yes.” Prudence was cautious, not sure where the question was leading. She was dating his son, after all.
“That Greyson sure has made quite the name for himself. Local boy gets famous, that’s what every small town hopes for. Puts the name on the map, makes it a little more recognizable. It’s been good for our business, that’s for sure.” He hooked his thumbs through in his suspenders, rocking back on his heels. “That kind of fame can weigh on anyone, though, even his contemporaries, trying to be as good as the one they used to know. Finding your way in the world is a hard thing, especially when you might feel like you’re living in someone else’s shadow, not sure if you should follow them or carve your own path.”
Prudence stayed silent, knowing that Charles was not done quite yet. In the year that she’d gotten to know him, his musings were almost always followed by a very meaningful question, the point he was trying to get at.
“How are you and Chuck doing, my dear?”Ah, there it is.
Prudence schooled her face into a cool expression, but was certain he saw through her, as if he knew the thoughts she’d been having lately about Chuck. Or rather, Greyson.
“We’re doing fine, Charles, thank you for asking. In fact, we’re going bowling tonight.”
“Bowling, you say? What a pleasant-sounding time.”
Prudence thought she heard a slight undertone of sarcasm in his voice, and her eyes narrowed. It was a perfectly acceptable date.
“It’s one of my favorite games.”
“Oh, I’m sure of that, my dear.” Charles glanced at his son. “I’m sure of that.”
They stood quietly for a moment, watching Chuck talk to Simon Fredora.
“I think Chuck is trying to find his place in all of this.” He pondered the scene in front of them. “Not the star but wanting to be involved somehow. It’s an apt analogy, don’t you think?”
Prudence slowly nodded. “He’ll find his way, he always has. In fact, it seems like he might find his way over here right now.”
Chuck glanced over at them, as if he knew they were talking about him. He said something to Simon and started walking over, dodging a running assistant on the way. “Hey guys, what’s up?” he asked nonchalantly, acting like being removed from the starring role of the commercial and delegated to just a man about set didn’t bother him.