Page 13 of Playboy Billionaire

“Like how many lines are we talking?”

Penelope stood up abruptly. “I’m leaving. I’ve heard enough.”

Stewart said, “Get Ben to drive you home.”

She glared at him then motioned to a younger guy across from her that she was ready to leave, and he shot up to do her bidding like she was the Queen of England.

She stormed out of the bar without a backward glance.

“I don’t think the reigning diva will agree to work with me.”

“Let me worry about that. Let’s see how you do first, then, we’ll go from there.” He slapped Griffin on the back as if it was already a done deal. “Monday, meet me at the Butler House around noon. Your friend mentioned to you that we’ve rented the whole place out for the duration. Eighteenth century. It’s magnificent! Are you familiar with it?”

“Yes.”

“It’s basically become our studio. Dressing rooms, showers, meeting room, we set up a theater room for the dailies. We’ll even shoot some of the scenes there.”

“What should I expect on Monday?”

“We’ll do a read through. Real easy and casual. You should be recovered from your birthday celebrations by then.”

“I don’t know what to say except that I think you’re nuts, but what the hell, I’m always up for an adventure.”

“I knew it! I have a good feeling about this.”

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up. Between my lack of acting chops and your diva, it doesn’t seem very promising. I’d better get back to my party.” Griffin stood up, adrenaline surging through his body.

“Great! See you Monday.” He shook Griffin’s hand heartily.

Griffin returned to his friends a bit shell shocked. They were all over him, drilling him about what had transpired between him and the famous director. When he filled them in, they all guffawed except his friend Jake who said, “I can totally see it dude. You’re going to be a star!”

“Shut the fuck up,” Griffin said, deflecting the comment.

“You just wait. It could happen. Why not?”

Griffin pinched the bridge of his nose, “I don’t believe I agreed to this, it’s the last thing I want to do.”

“It’s just who you are dude. You’ve never said no to a challenge before, why start now?”

“Let’s change the subject. And this goes no further than this table. Got that?”

They all shook their heads in agreement. “Let’s get this party started!” Griffin said. And they ordered another round.

6

Griffin drummed his fingers on the arm rest as he waited in the foyer for the director’s summons. Unbelievably, he’d passed the first challenge and had nailed the read-through. The next step was to read the script with other actors. He had been given an hour to study the scene he’d be auditioning with. He shook his head.Auditioning…surreal man.

A young man approached, ear buds dangling and clipboard in hand. “Mr. Bennett?”

At Griffin’s nod he said, “Follow me.”

Griffin stood.What am I so nervous about? I don’t even want the part.

They entered a large and grand formal dining room that had a massive table with a half dozen scripts scattered around. “Have a seat. Do you need anything to drink? A bottle of water?”

“Yeah that’d be good, thanks,” Griffin said, clearing his throat nervously before taking a seat.

Stewart Abrams arrived first and eagerly pumped his hand in greeting. “How ya feeling? You nailed that first read through, Griffin. You’re a natural. Don’t let your nerves get the better of you.”

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