Page 51 of On Set
14
“Have a seat, Ms. Rush,”Nolan encourages.
I spent the first six months of my career with Spotlight Studios fearing this man. From his massive size, his six-foot five-inch frame towering over me, to the deep timbre of his voice. His presence alone is intimidating, especially for a young girl trying to make a name for herself in this industry. Not to mention the power he exudes. It felt like he held my entire career in his hands. If I screwed up, there was no way I would be able to make a name for myself in this industry.
It wasn’t until he called me in his office one day that I met the real Nolan York. The man with a heart of gold who wanted to help make all my dreams come true. Who didn’t care that I was Brenda Rush’s daughter because that didn’t mean shit in this business according to him. A fact we agreed on. Not only that but he admired the fact I wasn’t trying to take advantage of my name to get where I wanted to be. Because of those facts, he mentored me, took a chance on me, and supported every decision I made.
I have a great deal of respect for the man.
“I thought this was a production meeting,” I state, looking to Steve for confirmation as I slide into the seat across from them.
“It is, or it will be, but you have a decision to make first,” Steve begins. “I’ve informed Nolan of the recent development that has been brought to light. He suggested we meet, the three of us.”
“I see.” My hands begin to shake, so I tuck them under my thighs, pressing down hard enough to cause them to tingle.
Show no fear.
Hold your head high.
“Taylor, I’ve known you a long time. I’ve known your mother even longer. And yes, I knew your father. I have a great deal of respect for all parties. The position you’ve been put in here can only be described as unique.” Nolan pauses, shares a knowing look with Steve, and then proceeds. “I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you, so we’d like to offer you an out. If you want to walk away from your position with the film, you can. No consequences. You’ll still receive a great reference for the work you’ve done. I’ll find you a position on another movie right away.”
“Or?”
“Or you can stay. We’re not firing you. I’ve heard nothing but great things about how hard you’ve worked. You’re a valuable member of the team. Not that I was surprised. You’ve always impressed me with your work ethic. This decision is yours to make.”
I can see the uncertainty in Nolan’s eyes as I let his words sink in.
My decision.
For once I get to decide.
“I won’t go easy on you,” Steve chimes in. “You’ve handled this position better than anyone else that’s ever worked for me. I know I’m not easy to work for. I’m set in my ways. I don’t ask, I demand things. If you stay, I will treat you the same way I have been. Nothing changes. Just because—”
Nolan clears his throat, effectively cutting Steve off.
Stay or go?
Face my father’s best friend and the secrets he’s hiding from me every day, his scrutiny, and meet his demands to the best of my ability, or run the way I always do? Save face. Hide from the situation.
A situation that can’t be put in a box and tucked away. There is no hiding this in my closet or under my bed until I’m ready to deal with it.
I’ve waited twenty-five years to know the truth. Here’s my chance … staring me in the face. The rest of the answers I want. A dream come true but also a living nightmare. It’ll become what I make of it and there’s only way to find out what I want to do with my knowledge.
“I’d like to stay on if that’s okay with you,” I say, my statement directed at Steve.
He nods as Nolan asks, “Are you sure, Taylor?”
“Yes. We have work to do. If I leave, I have no doubt the team will fall behind schedule, even if only for a day. This movie is going to be a huge success and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Nolan is looking at me, his eyes filled with concern. I’ve seen this look before. He needs to hear the exact combination of words that will convince him that this is the right decision. That this is what I want. More importantly, that I can handle it. Emotionally and mentally.
“Yes, this is an unusual situation, but that doesn’t mean things need to be awkward. I’m fully committed to my job. Steve hasn’t stopped barking orders at me since the moment I stepped foot on set, and I didn’t expect this to change that. I’m aware there are things we need to discuss. However, I think those topics are best saved for after filming is wrapped.”
There. I sound like a mature adult, even though I don’t feel like one right now. I want nothing more than to bombard Steve with questions about my father. To ask about who he was. The things he loved. What made him laugh.
I also know that those answers will be there for me after this is all over. That Steve will answer my questions the way my mother has always run from them.
“I agree,” Steve adds, his voice filled with a mixture of relief and uncertainty. “We have around six weeks left on the project. We will discuss the situation on our own time, after production is over.”