Page 89 of Mister Mom

* * *

Why does everything always come together in the shower?

I walk out of the bathroom, a towel around my waist, my two best buddies still drinking beer and watching ESPN.

“Do we have to tell you everything? Get dressed, too.” Leo laughs at his own joke.

I disregard him. “Jagger, can you get me on E or some other entertainment show to do an interview about the film?”

“Why?” He pulls out his phone, scanning through his connections.

“I have to get her attention and let her know I was sincere when I said I wanted her to do the film, so the film is off until she comes back.” I turn around and head to the bedroom.

“What?” Jagger’s booming steps follow behind. “That’s not what I meant.”

I shut the door, but he tries the knob and then knocks.

“Are you insane? You’re not supposed to give up on your dreams.”

I put on jeans and t-shirt, slip into my shoes. I rub the towel on my hair as I open the door. Jagger’s face is pale.

“You can’t do this.” I’ve never seen him panicked like this before and he’s right, it’s a crazy move, but one I need to take.

If I can’t convince her to take the starring role in my film, it isn’t happening. Finding the right fit with another actress has proven fruitless so what’s the difference?

“She’s the perfect fit and if I can’t have her, then I’ll write a new script for a new actress.”

Leo’s staring blankly at me. “Even I’m not in agreement here. She’s still just a girl, Vance. You can’t set your dream aside for her.”

“I’m not, because the film would suck if she doesn’t do it.”

“I’m still in talks with two Academy Award-winning actresses. One is very interested and talked about maybe taking a pay cut to do it.” Jagger presses a button on his phone. “Victoria. I need you to call all the late-night shows, see if they have any cancelled spots this week.” He’s about to hang up and then brings the phone back to his ear. “Thanks.”

“No other actresses. Only Layla.”

“I think he’s in sugar shock or something.” Leo touches my forehead. “He’s gone from no fight to MacGregor in the time it took to have a shower.”

Jagger crosses his arms, his phone resting in his hand, waiting for a return call. “I like it. Ballsy and just what you would have done when you came here ten years ago. Now, if she still doesn’t take you back, your ass better write a script fast. There’s no room at the stabbin’ cabin for a deadbeat without a job.” He smiles.

Leo shakes his head. “You don’t actually call your place that in front of the women you take home, do you?”

Jagger shrugs. “Depends what they’re into.”

His phone rings and then he walks down my hallway.

“You love her?” Leo asks, a solemn expression I can’t explain on his face.

“I do.” God, it feels good to finally admit it out loud. Not as scary as I thought.

He nods once and then stuffs his hands in his pocket. “Then you’re doing the right thing. Better to have the entire cake than just a slice, right?”

“Yeah.”

Jagger walks back to us. “Victoria is starting the rumor that top actresses have been turned down for the role and the script will not be a film unless Layla Andrews is the lead. You must have a horseshoe up your ass because some animal guy had to cancel tonight, so you’ve got a spot on Kimmel, but you only have”—he checks his watch—“an hour to get there.”

“Then let’s go.” I grab my wallet and keys.

“Don’t you want to dress in something more appealing?” Jagger asks and I glance down at my casual attire.

---