Friendship.
Emotion overwhelmed Wynn, as strong as when he’d lost his parents and Payne. He looked over the group seated around this table, some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and was struck by the sincerity and openness on their faces. From deep within, Wynn longed to break free and allow himself to be happy, as he once had many years ago. Making friends and forging bonds with these people would be life changing.
He released Dash’s hand but held fast to Scarlett’s. If anything, he owed them honesty.
“A long time ago, I was the most outgoing person you’d ever met. A lot of shit went down that changed me. I lost my parents and brother. Was betrayed by someone I loved. I withdrew deep into myself and came out stronger—but since then I’ve always held back when it came to getting to know others.” Wynn hesitated and then finally said, “Seeing you open your hearts to me makes me want to be a new man. Maybe discover the one I used to be long ago and see if he can emerge and give back as much as I’ve been given tonight.”
Breck extended his hand and Wynn shook it. “I’m all about getting a new brother and friend, Wynn.” He grinned. “Especially one that might help me gang up on Rhett and beat him at cards.”
Rhett Corrigan’s poker nights were legendary in Hollywood, with his tight circle of friends playing monthly. Wynn had fantasized about being invited to take part in one, getting to know the man he idolized.
Rhett grasped his hand. “Breck has too many tells to ever win at poker,” he revealed. “If you’re going to side with someone, it better be me. Let me reiterate what’s already been said, Wynn. The offer of friendship stands whether you do a picture with RCDS or not. We have plenty of projects going on and can afford to bide our time until if or when you decide to work with us.”
Scarlett spoke up. “If I have anything to do with it, it may be sooner than later.”
Wynn turned to her. Those steady, gray eyes brimmed with confidence. Their entwined fingers remained joined in solidarity.
“What’s your strategy?” he asked.
She finally released his hand. In a way, Wynn was glad because holding it made it hard for him to think of anything else. He needed a little space so that his focus was on her words and not on the feel of her skin against his.
“I want to run a few ideas by everyone first and get your input,” she continued. “As background, Wynn’s filmed three movies as Carbon Man and two other ensembles as a part of the superhero universe of Alpha Tharra. He was actively involved in the contracts that Del drew up with Rylon Pictures. Not only is his salary higher than any of the other actors’ solo movies, but it’s also increased substantially with each new release as part of a tiered action. As far as the combined movies, Wynn was paid nearly double what any other actor received, reflected in his above the title billing. On top of that, he has a back end deal involving points. Once more, the points have increased with each film.”
“How many movies left on the current contract?” Dash asked.
“One solo—which begins production this coming Monday—and one combo. It’ll start almost immediately after the first one finishes.” Scarlett turned to him. “Do you know if they have a script completed for it yet?”
“The last I heard, the writing team had started outlining about a month ago,” he told her.
“Wynn and Del were also smart enough to go after the merchandising angle,” Scarlett told the group. “Though the studio owns the rights to the Carbon Man image, Wynn gets a percentage of all merch. Action figures. Lunchboxes. PJs. Backpacks. T-shirts.”
“That was a smart move,” Rhett commented. “I’m sure you’ve made really good money off that deal. I think Kyle and Cadence own everything Carbon Man that’s out on the market.”
Wynn nodded. “Del’s a bit of a nerd. Always collected Star Wars memorabilia as a kid and teen and then even as an adult. He could probably open a decent-sized museum with everything he’s accumulated over the years. It was his idea to go after the merch. As far as I know, none of the other actors in Alpha Tharra were given that option. We weren’t—but we asked for it.” He turned back to Scarlett. “So, what are you thinking? The studio has been adamant that all current contracts stand. No room for negotiating a better deal with any of the lead actors. How do you think you can get me out of two films when I’m their main hero?”
“By killing you off.”
A buzz erupted at the table as everyone starting speaking at once. Scarlett held up a hand and said, “Hear me out.”
Everyone quieted and gave Scarlett their full attention.
“The language studio heads understand most is that of money. How they can make more of it is inevitably their bottom line. I have a way to save them a ton and relaunch the franchise.”
She stood and began pacing. Wynn believed she must do the same thing when she addressed a jury.
“My idea is to make it attractive for Rylon to want to get out of the contract as much as Wynn does. I want to run a few story ideas by Cassie and Breck to flesh out
