Page 14 of Baxter's Right-Hand Man
Mr. Gowan broke the gathering silence with a ragged sigh. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. I’m just happy I was able to meet you in person. Now, tell me about those publicity shots. Am I going to be famous too?”
He gave a sarcastic half laugh. “Do you want to be?”
“Oh, Lord, no! I’m a shameless reprobate. The dirt in my closet would scandalize the masses. I’ve had affairs with directors, politicians, hoity-toity businessmen, and more actors than I should admit. And yes, most of them were ‘straight,’ or so they claimed.” Mr. G winked mischievously, adding, “I suppose I should feel guilty, but that was how things worked in my day. Everyone told secrets and kept secrets. Now everyone wants to YouTube and Tikety-Tok their way to fame. They can have it.”
“All righty. No YouTube or TikTok for you.”
“No, thank you.”
“Look, I’m sure Janet cleared this with you first, but…in a twist, I’m a reprobate too. They want to clean up my image with a wholesome family story. I don’t talk to the family I have, so that isn’t an option. But you’re a connection, and that’s how this thing sort of came about.” Pierce wrinkled his nose as if embarrassed. “With the help of your nurse’s fan letters.”
“Bless Enid.” Mr. G chortled merrily. “The very idea that I, of all people, might be a wholesome diversion is a sure sign the sky is falling and Earthlings have all gone mad, but I’m happy to help. What can I do?”
Pierce took a deep breath. “Nothing much. Like I said, I think it’s just a matter of a few pictures. The photographer with us today works for Rourke Studios. Any photo he takes may end up in a few tabloids.”
“LikePeople?”
“Possibly,” Pierce replied. “I’m sure they could compensate you for—”
“Oh, dah-ling, I don’t want your money.”
“It’s not my money. It’s the studio’s. You should take it and—”
“No, thank you,” Mr. G intercepted. “I have more money than I know what to do with, and I’m happy to be a wholesome diversion. ‘Pierce Allen Reforms After Meeting Old Geezer Who Once Knew His Mother.’ That has a nice ring to it.”
No, it didn’t. It sounded awful.
As one of the few members left in the Jasper Gowan fan club, I was irked on his behalf. He absolutely should not let himself be used in some ridiculous press stunt for a spoiled-brat actor who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants.
I was definitely going to give someone my two cents about this, but now wasn’t the time.
Enid returned with Janet and her crew for a whirlwind photo session. Pictures were taken of Pierce and Mr. Gowan inside and on the patio, disclaimers and confidentiality forms were signed, hands were shaken, and…that was it. My brush with celebrity was over and done.Hasta la vista, baby.
And I hadn’t even gotten my selfie.
Enid had.
I watched her snap a few pics on her cell while I held the door open for Janet and crew, willing them to leave. The longer they stayed, the more this so-called “meeting” left a bad taste in my mouth. I was annoyed with Enid for writing fan letters, angry at the studio for showing up, and ticked off with Mr. G for agreeing to be part of a Hollywood charade for a long-lost cousin’s kid who was using him for his own gain.
Mr. G didn’t seem to mind, so I shouldn’t either, but…it felt so uneven. Like a bad trade.
I pasted a plastic smile on my face and waved as the movie people finally headed for the SUV.
Good riddance.
Enid fanned herself theatrically. “My sister will lose her ever-lovin’ mind when I tell her about this. Are you off to work now?”
“Yes,” I replied, my gaze fixed on Pierce’s broad shoulders as he paused at the bottom of the steps to pull out his sunglasses. I kissed Enid’s cheek as I rummaged in my bag for my keys. “I have to go. Tell Mr. G I’ll come by later this week.”
She gave me a knowing wink. “One more photo for the road, eh?”
Yeah…no.
I raced down the steps and clandestinely grabbed Pierce’s elbow before he started the crunchy journey across the gravel. I had to be quick or risk his handlers billing me for stealing an unscheduled minute of his time.
“Hi, again. I know you’re busy, but I have a question.”
He cocked his head warily. “What can I do for you?”