Page 118 of Out of the Gold

“All right, let’s get to playing this game,” Dad says. “What do we do first?”

After Sara gives a quick rundown of the rules, we start dealing the cards. The first two rounds go to Brax, but Melody wins the third.

Ma says, “I caught your son on the real estate show follow-up show. Congratulations are in order. Angie seems to be a lovely girl.”

Melody’s father sits taller. “King’s very lucky to have found someone as wonderful as Angie. They make a great team.”

My girlfriend says, “I’ve heard great reviews forThe Battle of the Real Estate Matchmakers. Since I’ve only been home two days, I haven’t seen it yet.”

Ma replies, “You’re going to love it, Melody. King does a great job. And the houses they feature are amazing. It’s set out in the Hamptons, where people like my son live.”

Ma has to brag about her actor son, with access to all the people she and Dad have tried to woo all these years. Still. “Ma, Brax’s career is much more storied than mine.”

His eyes—so much like his daughter’s—crinkle. “I’m shocked to hear you say that, Chase.” Melody taps her card on the table, and he amends, “Charles. Usually actors think very highly of themselves.”

“Rock stars usually don’t have an ego problem either,” I note.

“Touché.” His fist reaches across and we bump.

Melody says, “Well, I am looking forward to seeing the show. I haven’t had too much contact with King through the years.”

Brax sighs. “I know you haven’t. But he’s changed quite a bit. When you get back to New York City, I’d love it if you could get to know him now. I think you’ll really like him.”

Sara places her hand on her husband’s forearm but addresses the table. “We had dinner with them when they were in town not that long ago. They’re a lovely couple, and I do believe we’re finding our way back to each other. As a family.”

Brax swallows. As if by tacit agreement, the game resumes, punctuated with much laughter.

Dad says, “So, Melody, you’re going to be working in New York City. How’s it going to be between you two, since my son lives in LA?”

If I have my way, I’ll be on Broadway soon. I can buy a place in New York. Or move in with Melody. Still, I haven’t heard back fromHamlet 2.0, though. And with each passing day, my hope diminishes. Melody fiddles with the knitting needles in her hair. “We’ll see what time brings. I have a good feeling our locations will be aligned in the very near future.”

Brax clears his throat. “Maybe not in theverynear future.”

All eyes swing to him. He clenches and unclenches his fists. “Listen, I know you told me not to talk with you about the movie, Princess, but I can’t take it anymore.”

My breath freezes.

“What do you mean, Daddy?”

His gaze swings to me. “I think you two will have to be separated for a couple of months in the near future. Sitting here, with you, it’s like I’m looking at my younger self.” He looks directly at me.

I swallow. Dread crawls up my spine, hitting a discordant note at each vertebra.

“We made the decision this afternoon and I can’t contain it. Congratulations, Chase. Charles. You got the role! You’re going to be playing me in the Hunte movie. Isn’t that great?”

It’s as if everything in the room moves in slow motion.

Ma and Dad, for their part, appear elated. He says, “That’s wonderful!” She says, “How great is this!”

Then it speeds up.

Melody yells, “What?” She pushes away from the table and jumps to her feet. She leans forward. Not toward me, but at her father. “What. Did. You. Just. Say?”

I can’t move. I try to catch my breath, but it comes in shallower pants. Trembling fingers reach toward Melody. She swerves away.

With deliberate movements, I rise. I swing my gaze to the man I’ve been tapped to play. “I, what?”

“You got the part!”

I turn toward my girlfriend. My arm reaches out.

Huge, hurt amber eyes land on me.

She explodes. “Don’t you dare touch me ever again!”

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