AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Consorting with the competition?” I asked, making light of it, and passed on the coffee offered by the server.
“Depending on how certain things play out, King Studios may become more like family,” Cal announced, with a wink I didn’t care for.
“What, like a collaboration on a film?” I continued to pry.
“A collaboration…of sorts.”
I chortled, deepening my worry. “Don’t keep me in the dark, Dad. Why on earth would we ever do something with King Studios? Besides, I thought you hated Mr. King?” And I hated Edward.
“Hate is a strong word. Tom and I go way back. We may compete in the industry, but we’re compadres just the same.” He regarded me through a long sigh, his eyes squinting. “I’m not getting any younger, Honey. This studio is my legacy and I need to plan now for the eventuality when I won’t be around any longer.”
I shifted uneasily in my seat and humored him. “But I thought I’d take it over from you? Besides, you’re going to live to be a hundred, so having this conversation seems premature.”
How badly I wanted to take this studio over. My mother started it on the back of a string of hit beach movies she’d starred in. The small studio and production company was to be her way of finding better projects for her and her female friends in the industry. But in a male-dominated field back then, it wasn’t easy. When she met Cal, her struggles ended for a time.
It still wouldn’t be easy for me now, even though women in Hollywood have come a long way. But I’d die trying.
“Honey, if only that were true.” He coughed, the same nagging cough that’d been lingering since the cold he’d had this winter. The hacking gained steam for a good minute as he held the linen napkin to his mouth. I quickly poured a glass of water from the crystal decanter for him.
“You should go see the doctor. Delta—make the appointment for him.” I demanded, but she didn’t scribble any note about it.
He waved me off with an angry huff. “I’ve already been, and they’ve poked and prodded me enough—Look, I need the company left in good hands. An arrangement with Edward would ensure you’re provided for. You can go on working in casting and production without having to worry about running anything.”
“Arrangement?”
“I’ve simply suggested that I’d entertain some offers for the studio—and for your hand in marriage.”
I blinked and jerked my head back. He couldn’t be serious. I knew he was old school, but this was too much.
“What? But you can’t do that.” My shocked exclamation carried around the room, and Delta shushed me with a glare reminding me ears were always listening for industry gossip at a place like this.
“I can and I will.”
“But-but this is my mother’s studio. I’ll take it over and run it. That’s what you always said. You taught me everything so I could do that one day. And I certainly don’t need a man by my side to do that.”
“This industry isn’t easy for women. You know it. But if you were married to Edward, and had the backing of Kings, a bigger company behind you, I’d worry less about you when I’m gone.”
My eyes doubled in size. What the hell? Was my step-father actually arranging a marriage, trading me away like I was his property?
“Listen, you let me worry about all of this.” His hand placated me with a pat. “You’re doing a fine job with the casting and producing. Focus on what you do best and leave the rest to me.”
That sounded too close to just be a happy little woman and stay in your space; let the men handle the rest.
Short of getting on my knees, I begged. “Please, Cal, you know I’ve been practically running things already. And the tide is changing, with more women assuming powerful positions in the industry. Why can’t you trust me? I’ve only ever wanted to run this company and do my mother—and you—proud.”
“And you will, Honey. But I’d die happier knowing you had a man by your side so you won’t have to struggle.”
“But… I do have a man in my life.” Oh God, I was reduced to lying to keep Cal from making a horrendous mistake. “I, um, just have been waiting to tell you about him until we got more serious.”
“Hm.” With an arch of his eyebrow and a mischievous-looking twinkle in his eye, he patted my hand, like he knew me too well. “Then you should bring him around some time to meet me.”
“Well, it’s sort of been a long distance relationship. He’s not in town often.”
“Then you can easily break it off. Edward will make a fine spouse and help you usher in a new era for Dream Waves Studios.”
“No, please. Edward and I don’t get along.” There’d been many times I wanted to tell him what Edward did to me, but Cal wasn’t a fan of the Me Too movement.
“This isn’t a fairy tale, Honey. Marriages in Hollywood are all about power, not love. You’ll marry Edward before the year is over and that’s that. I should have forced the issue back when you were dating him.” He stood to leave, but I made one more plea.
