“I’d like to stick with local locations first to help alleviate costs. I’m not saying every budget would be on a shoestring but my goal is to eliminate as many hidden costs as possible and get a quality product to the screen using what we have in the LA area.”
She asked several questions and, from his answers, could see that Wynn had really thought things through. He mentioned sitting in on a few RCDS meetings with Dash and she knew Wynn had soaked up all the information he’d been given access to.
Luigi returned with a server who swept away their finished plates and placed zabaglione with mixed berries in front of them.
The Italian must have seen the puzzled look on Wynn’s face because he said, “This is a very airy dessert, Mr. Wynn. It’s a light custard made with eggs and sweet wine that goes well with berries. I’ve chosen raspberries and blackberries for you today.”
Wynn dipped into the mix and swallowed a spoonful. “Outstanding!” he declared, bringing a broad smile to their host’s face.
“Enjoy,” Luigi told them and slipped away.
They savored the dessert and when Wynn reached for his wallet, Luigi appeared again.
“On the house, Mr. Wynn.” He looked to Scarlett. “Please tell your brother how much we miss him.”
“I will, Luigi. As soon as he’s strong enough, I’m sure this will be the first place he’ll want to come.”
She kissed the owner on both cheeks and Wynn shook hands with him again. Scarlett noticed Wynn left a generous tip, one that would pay for the meal twice over.
“Let’s stroll around for a while,” he suggested as they stepped outside. “I need to work off some of that pasta.” He took her hand. The simple gestured made Scarlett feel treasured.
As they walked, Wynn discussed his second idea, creating a charitable foundation along the same lines as those started by Rhett and Knox. As a math major, he’d been exposed to acting through a required fine arts credit. That class had changed the trajectory of his life.
“If I’d been exposed to the arts while in public school, I realize I would have been a better rounded student. That’s why I’d like to raise money to see arts programs flourish in public schools.”
He explained how he’d met with Sarah Hartnett and peppered her with questions and wanted to do the same with whomever coordinated Knox’s foundation.
They reached the car, having walked in a wide circle, and Scarlett headed back to Rhett’s house.
“You seem enthusiastic about both projects,” she said.
“I am. Rhett suggested I focus on one to begin with instead of doing a half-assed job on both.”
“I agree. Are you leaning more toward one than the other?”
Wynn thought a moment. “If I had to pick, I’d go with arts education. It would have a greater impact on more lives. I’m not opposed to cashing in on my Carbon Man fame with kids. If I’m being killed off, I probably should run with the charity idea now while Carbon Man is still a hot commodity.”
She punched in the code and pulled through the gates and into Rhett’s driveway. Turning off the ignition, she said, “It’s wise to go all-in on one venture. I think using your fame for good and addressing the fine arts in public schools is a great choice.”
“I’ll need you to help draw up the papers. Sarah said it’ll fall under a 501(c) (3) organization and we’ll need to file an application for tax-exempt status. Since you handled establishing the ones for Rhett and Knox, I know I’ll be in good hands.” He smiled. “Eventually, though, I will want to pursue the production company idea and will need you to incorporate that, too.”
Scarlett’s stomach roiled. She hadn’t made Wynn aware that he was no longer her particular client. Henry had done what she’d asked and handled the meeting with Rylon with ease, gleefully reporting to Scarlett how smoothly things had gone. Since that time, Wynn had needed no legal advice or spoken to her about his affairs. She had gotten caught up in the day-to-day routine at Rhett’s and then her own caseload which she had picked back up. Informing Wynn of the transition from her to Henry had been on a back burner, something she knew was there and yet had chosen not to think about, much less address.
That had to end now. She would explain what happened then let Wynn know, in the long run, it was his choice and he could request that she once more be put in charge of his legal affairs. It would be messy, though, and lead to a world of trouble between her and Henry. The animosity the older man felt toward her was already a lot to handle, along with all the other pressure she felt being a partner at Lymon McGraw. If Henry was forced to release Wynn back to her, he would make Scarlett’s life utterly miserable. Perhaps she could persuade Wynn to remain with Henry and keep the peace while still seeing Wynn was represented by the best, especially since they were now involved. In fact, if Henry learned of their affair, as managing partner, he could call her out on conflict of interest with a client and then Wynn would have to remain with Henry as his attorney of record—if he stayed with the firm.
And if Wynn left? Scarlett would never hear the end of it. Henry would never let up, much less give her a moment of peace in the future. It would only grow more intolerable when the elder Lymon finally retired.
“Lymon McGraw will be happy to draw up all the necessary papers,” she began, choosing her words cautiously. “We—”
“No, I don’t want just anyone at your firm taking care of this. You’re my attorney, Scarlett. I know you might be uncomfortable handling business affairs for me because we’re involved but I trust you.
