It was the reason he wanted to speak with Rhett this morning.
Wynn entered the house and went straight to the home gym. He could see that the morning physical therapy session was wrapping up. Rhett had been a good sport and allowed the kids to come and help him work out when they were home. Seeing the famous actor’s patience with his young children, despite the agony the PT sessions brought on as he worked to bring his knee back the level it had once been at, made Wynn admire Rhett even more.
The therapist said, “We’ll go again at three, Rhett. Do fifteen minutes on the stationary bike and then hit the sauna.”
Wynn waved at the therapist and ambled over as Rhett climbed onto the bike. “Do you have time to talk?”
“Let me get my bike time in first,” Rhett said. “I’m still building my stamina. Riding and talking is a little hard for me when I need to concentrate.”
“You got it.”
Wynn decided to spend the time productively and lifted weights while Rhett finished up. He liked having access to a home gym and had given serious thought to putting in one at his Malibu place.
When Rhett finished, he invited Wynn to the sauna. Both men stripped off their clothes and wrapped towels around their torsos before seating themselves. The heat soaked into Wynn as he leaned against the wall.
“Before we talk, I have to thank you for everything you’ve done, Wynn. You’ve really eased the burden on Cassie, which has allowed her to go back to writing. She’s on fire writing for you. My girl is never happier than when she’s deep into a story.”
“I’m happy to help out, Rhett. I hadn’t expected Cassie to go back to the screenplay as quickly as she did. I know how worried she was about you. With time off from filming, though, I don’t mind doing whatever needs to be done.”
“My kids adore you. And not just because your Carbon Man,” Rhett added. “They really like you.” He studied Wynn a moment. “I also see how Scarlett looks at you and vice versa.”
“I’m crazy about your sister, Rhett. I’ve made no secret about that.”
“She’s different with you. More relaxed. More . . . Scarlett. I hope you’ll be sticking around.”
“That’s up to her. From my end, I’d love to make things permanent.”
Rhett’s brows shot up. “Have you said anything to her?”
“Not yet. I’m hoping she’s enjoying being with me as much as I am with her.”
Rhett smiled. “Not that you need it but you definitely have mine and Cassie’s approval, not to mention Kyle and Cadence in your corner.”
“You’ve got a great family, Rhett. Hopefully, one day I can have the same with Scarlett. That’s not what I wanted to talk about, though. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. How I want to change my life.”
“I totally understand. I was branded nothing more than an action hero a decade ago, although a very good one who made the studios a hell of a lot of money. Thanks to Cassie—and Breck—I was able to break out of that mold and pursue other things.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I feel blessed to have the career I’ve had up to this point. Two successful TV series in my twenties. Being able to transition from TV into an enormous film franchise. Like you, Cassie and Breck will be instrumental in helping me shift direction in my career. That’s not what I want to talk about, though. I’ve got other changes in mind.”
Intrigue lit Rhett’s face. “Go on.”
“I’ve been picking Dash’s brain for a couple of weeks now and have sat in on a few production meetings with him. I’d like to start my own production company. Not strictly as a vehicle for Wynn Gallagher films but a way to help young filmmakers get their start in the industry. Like Redford did with Sundance years ago.”
“I’ll warn you up front. It takes a lot of time and startup money. You need to have smart, talented people in place. Ones you can trust. I’d certainly let Scarlett take on incorporating you. She’s a genius when it comes to setting up a business. RCDS wouldn’t exist in the form it is now without her direction and input.”
“She’s definitely my attorney and I’d have her put it together. I still have a lot to think about but I believe it would be not only an investment in our future but one for independent filmmakers.” Wynn paused. “That’s not all I’m thinking about.”
Rhett laughed heartily. “Give an actor too much time off and see what trouble he can get in to. What else is on your mind?”
“I’ve been impressed with the charitable foundations you and Knox have set up.”
“Knox’s is about to explode with their new concept in design for babies and toddlers. He and London will do a lot of good for kids with dyslexia. What cause are you thinking about supporting?”
“I want something close to my heart so I can share that passion with others. I didn’t discover acting until I was in college and had to earn a liberal arts credit for my mathematics degree.”
Surprise flickered across Rhett’s face. “You were a math nerd? Somehow, I find that hard to believe.”
“I worshipped the practicality of numbers, even though I was never the geek with the pocket protector. I still do all my own taxes. Being comfortable with numbers is what gives me the confidence to start the production company as well as a foundation. Back to my idea, I found acting liberating. Even with my left brain tendencies, it was something that spoke to my heart. With the push today in schools for STEM education, I’m afraid the fine arts are getting swept under the rug.”
“You want your foundation to focus on fine arts education. Music. Acting. Art. Dance.”
“Exactly. I’ve talked to Knox
