CHAPTER 7
That was the last thing Scarlett expected to hear.
Knowing his brother specialized in family law, she understood why someone of Wynn’s magnitude and salary range needed an expert in entertainment law. She’d been trained in all areas involving media, from film to advertising to the Internet and had specialized knowledge of various legal fields that her clients became involved in, from finance to intellectual property to publicity and privacy issues.
What she’d first wanted to tell Wynn after they’d met when he’d mentioned that Del was both his agent and attorney was that Wynn needed an agent to look after his interests. While she could help finalize his contracts for any upcoming projects regarding salary, various other compensations, and profit participation, an agent would hustle to line up work for Wynn in the first place. Agents cultivated connections—and massaged those connections. Where many entertainment attorneys had begun assuming tasks that traditional agents or managers handled, she wasn’t one of them. She didn’t have time to seek out the type of work he might be interested in. She certainly wasn’t willing to handle his PR and social media accounts.
Especially now that he’d thrown her a total curveball.
“Let me make sure I understand.”
His intense gaze penetrated her, unwrapping the protective layer she’d quickly wrapped around herself the moment she saw him standing in her office. She’d recovered nicely and thought she’d seemed casual and friendly as they opened cartons of her favorite food. That had been no act. But now, Wynn’s eyes stripped away her defenses.
“You heard me, Scarlett. I don’t want to do another superhero popcorn movie. Period. I’ve shot five of them in the last five years, three solo Carbon Mans and two united superheroes films. I’m sick to death of being Carbon Man. I’ve done everything I can with the character.” He paused. “At least as much as the directors have let me. The thought of donning that suit again makes me sick to my stomach.”
She reached for a notepad and pen. “Give me the particulars about what’s left on your contract. I’ll need to see copies so I can comb through them.”
“Del is messaging hard copies over. They should be here soon. I can email you PDFs, too.” He raked a hand through his hair. “I have two commitments left, a solo and a group film. The solo has already had costume fittings, hair and make, etcetera. The table read is Monday. There’s very little rehearsal involved on these films. Instead, the director focuses on the stunts and action. Filming will probably start the following Monday. Then I get a week off and get on the merry-go-round again for the final outing. That’s another two years of my life I’m not willing to give them.”
Scarlett tapped her pen idly on the table as she thought. “So, two films and you’re done?”
“They’ve already hit Del up about future films. He’s put them off regarding negotiations because he knew how miserable I was. That’s a huge part of why he’s willing to turn things over to you. He’s a smart man but it’ll take someone with insider knowledge and big balls to go up against Rylon.” He blushed. “You know what I mean.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “I do. Let me be blunt. Are you sure you don’t have it in you to do these two films—and then walk away? Because this could be a very costly battle to fight, Wynn. I’m one of the best at what I do but even I have serious reservations. And that’s before I’ve read your contract.”
“I’ve made plenty of money from what came before. If I had to go back to living in a one-bedroom apartment again, I could. I’d be happy being back on TV if I could find a role to dig my teeth into. Network. Cable. Streaming. They’re all doing some fantastic stuff these days. Film actors are flocking to them because they’re producing scripts that allow actors to grow a role and show an arc over multiple episodes or seasons.”
Wynn sat back in his chair, crossing his arms over his massive chest. “I would even walk away from acting if that’s what it took. I’d sign a no-compete clause. Whatever.”
“Don’t go offering that,” she warned. “If we do try to go up against the big boys, you’ll keep quiet the entire time. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not shutting you out of the process. You and I will have worked out everything in advance. We’ll even script when and if to make concessions and offer certain things. Whatever you do, don’t say something off the top of your head like that. Run everything by me first. We’ll brainstorm together and decide how to approach the negotiations. I’ll test out different language on you. Various tones to use. You can give me insight into the executives and attorneys I’ll meet, from their personalities to what you think makes them tick. Together, we’ll tackle this and see it through. If you’re this unhappy to make such a bold move, you’ll need strength on your side.”
Scarlett smiled. “I’m as tough as they come. They’ll try to go around me. Under me. Behind my back. Through me. No matter what, they won’t get to you. I’m your shields up, Wynn, and you’re the starship being attacked by the enemy.”
“My own personal force field,” he said. “I like it.”
She picked up her chopsticks. “Let’s enjoy the rest of this fabulous meal and then get started.”
As they ate, what little defenses she had in place crumbled. Wynn was witty, intelligent, and easy on the eye. His smile alone would be something that she could live on for days. But Wynn had showed up and wanted her in a professional capacity. Scarlett believed that meant putting aside anything personal that had occurred between them. He was her client now. She still hoped they could become friends but her priority was to save his soul. That’s what this fight
