Dangerous Liaisons

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27th October 1996 (Sunday)

Ricky Stirling (POV)

"... So what you're telling me is that a red carpet premiere is unfeasible?"

"Yes, it's an unnecessary wasteful expense. It will not generate the publicity it normally would, if high profile individuals were responsible for making this film, multiple of them. For PA? We've got you and… no-one else. Trust me, the media will spin it in ways you don't want them to spin it in."

"Like? For example?"

"Sorry?" Walt asked, like he couldn't believe what he just heard.

"You said the media will spin it in ways I don't want them to spin it in… give me an example." I said, my hands behind my head, as I awaited his response.

"You-you want a- fine. They might use… the n-word."

…

"You're kidding me."

"I am really not."

"Walt, this is serious, you're telling me they might label me as the newest case of nepotism on the block? HOW?! I-I, it's not my first high-profile event! I'm not riding on the coattails of daddy dearest! I worked hard damnit! I topped my class at USC, wrote multiple best selling novels, and hell made this film on a shoe-string budget with a cast so fucking unknown, you wouldn't be able to pick them out of a police line-up!" I barely managed to keep my voice down, as my temper flared like never before.

"Yes! I know that Ricky! I know that, and so do you! And everyone else out there," He pointed towards the door, which led to the conference room where the rest of the team was, "knows! But the press doesn't goddamnit, and if you think tabloids are gonna deploy investigative journalists to dig up your past, and commit even an iota of research before coming up with the utter bullcrap that they do, then you're more delusional than my Uncle… and he's got Alzheimer's for god's sake."

Oh damn. Holy fuck, can't believe I let my temper get the better of me in front of Walt of all people. Apparently, 'nepotism' is a trigger word for me.

Who knew?

Well, thank god, I've got stellar people to work with, like Walt for example, who is not afraid to call me out on my bullshit, if I step out of line. And to compare me to his uncle of all people…

"Fine! Ok? No red carpet! Now… How's the media response?"

"It's as good as it can be, Ricky. Just… well at first they wanted to interview you but now… they're enquiring about the lead actress. We were trying to formulate a response but you gotta give us the green light."

"Hold on, so they want not just me, but also Janice?"

"Yes, but we've come up with a statement that'll explain her absence, so just give us the green light-"

"Woah-woah, wait-wait, timeout! Scrap the response. I'll give her a call, and if she agrees to it, we'll include her in the interviews as well." I responded calmly, as his eyes widened gradually.

To be honest, I can understand his reaction. It was after all me who made it more than clear, how I wanted the media attention to revolve around me and the unprecedented task I managed to pull off near effortlessly.

Introducing a wild card like Janice… Well, it'll still result in an ideal situation, but I'll have to share the credit to some extent, ensuring I highlight her role in this endeavor, if I don't want to be stuck with the label of 'publicity hog'.

"You sure? Cause let me be frank here, you didn't sign a legally binding contract with her when you brought her on, it was a handshake deal. $1400 a week, she never agreed to promote the movie… you sure she'll agree?" Hmmm, he made a good point.

"I'm hoping she will. On the off chance she doesn't… I suppose I can pay a nominal amount in the form of additional remuneration, but this time she signs a contract, listing out her various obligations, like promotional events. That works right?"

"Yeah, that more than works. Honestly, she's lucky we're even including her in this. We're sitting here boosting her career, giving her a big break on a sliver fucking platter, all the while she gets an additional…"

"$10k is my limit. Not a penny more."

"$10k… You know Ricky, this isn't my first rodeo, I've worked on over 15 movies, and a soapie before Higgs transferred me here… I've worked with some of the best casting directors of our time. Quite a few of them… not me mind you, I love my wife. But several among those who I've worked with… they make a deal with young starlets. A little tit-for-tat kind of situation… Now, I'm not accusing you, or even remotely insinuating anything. Just, treat this as a bit of advice for the future, never, ever get involved in that mess… even if someone offers it upfront."

…

Bloody hell. Did Walt just try and lecture me to not have a casting couch? Not that I considered having one, but still… never thought someone would try to steer me away from this abhorrent practice.

"Walt… you've got nothing to worry about. Nothing, I repeat. I'm here to make good movies, the best of the best, and I'm not going to accomplish that by hiring subpar actors who wormed their way in through talents that are far more appreciated in the pornographic industry." I replied with a slight grin, as I tried to defuse the tense environment.

"Well, so long as we're clear on that… I got nothing more to say. Now, to get back on track, when're you planning to call her?"

"Hmmm, she doesn't have a cell phone Walt, I'll set up a meet with her. Trent will help. We'll talk it over in a coffee shop before reaching a mutually beneficial agreement."

"Yeah ok, that works. Fine then, I'll get back to the team, leave you with your thoughts. Set up the meet ASAP though. We're barely days away from the wide release, we can't afford to waste time." He said, before turning back and walking out of the office.

Damn, it. Still can't believe I failed to predict this. The fact that I would need Janice for the press tour escaped my mind completely, I guess I was just too focused on production those few days.

If it hadn't slipped my mind completely, I would have had her sign an employment contract, and now all I have is a handshake deal.

I take out my phone and dial up Trent.

TRING-TRING!

TRING-TRING!

CLICK!

"Hello? Ricky is that you?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"...Who else would it be? Anyways, tell me! I reckon you're busy, what with the launch and everything. What can I do for you?"

"How about setting up a meeting with Janice?"

"... Why? I mean I can but, you two didn't exactly part on the best of terms."

"You know about the press tour right? Well, Deadline Hollywood reached out. They want an interview with 'both' leads."

"Hmmm…"

"So set up a meet yeah? This afternoon. Tell her lunch is on me."

"...Okay. Whatever you say. You're the boss. Anyways, buddy I've got news by the way, I was about to call you in an hour, but you beat me to it, I guess."

"Oh! Well, lay it on me! What's the news?"

"You know Gillian Anderson?"

"The Emmy nominated director? Yeah I know her. What about her?"

"Well, she took a liking to my thesis short film. Starting next week, I'm interning under her! Apparently she's shooting season 4 of Hacker's Sack here!"

"DUDE! That. Is. AWESOME! I'm so proud of you man."

"Hey, I'm proud of myself as well! And guess what? I told her about PA, and she's agreed to see it! If that is, she's sufficiently impressed by my work."

"That-that's great man! Again, I'm proud of you!"

"Yeah, I know man… I know. Anyways, I'll call you back after I set up the meet. Okay?"

"Yeah, that works. Ok, Bye buddy. And have fun on the set!"

"I plan to! And bye man, we'll talk later!"

And with that, he cut the call.

Hmm… Gillian Anderson. Damn, it seems I'm not the only one from my class going places.

Good for you buddy, good for you.

In more ways than one at that. Considering how gorgeous Gillian truly is… and in her mid-30s. Who knows? If Trent plays his cards right…

No, wait. She's married. In fact, she's got 2 kids, a girl from her current marriage and a boy from her previous one. Yeah, it's not gonna happen. Now if it was me on the other hand…

Nope, I just don't see it. My CHA can do a lot of things, but it can't make people engage in irrational decisions, unless they want to.

I can set a lot of things in motion if I want to, but free will nevertheless exists, and logic will prevail… unless of course she doesn't want it to.

Perhaps if the decision on her part results from emotional turmoil of sorts… hmmm.

This warrants further deliberation.

…

…

"Janice."

"Richmond." She said uncaringly, her arms crossed defensively as she refused to make eye contact.

Huh. I see that my dislike for her was reciprocated to some extent.

"You can dispense with the formalities Janice, call me Ricky… please." I said earnestly, deciding to switch gears and appeal to her sense of reconciliation.

She meets my eyes, and no doubt seeing my sincerity, drops her perceived hostility before relaxing in her seat. "Only if you call me Jan. Everyone does."

"Jan then. Now… I don't want to keep you here for long so… let's get right to it. As you might have known, PA has blown up considerably. A wide theatrical release is imminent, and several publications have reached out to my publicist, requesting interviews."

"Oh! That's… great I guess! So, what does that have to do with me?"

"They want to interview both leads."

"Oh. That means-"

"Yes."

"Ok so, how do you want to do this?"

I take out the contract, "This is an employment contract. Now as you remember, you never signed one of these. I gave you cash, and we shook on it. Well, this contract details various obligations that you'll need to fulfill. Press engagements, interviews, the full bells and whistles. Now before you jump to conclusions… you won't be doing it for free. Even though this will only benefit your career in the long term, let me compensate you for springing this up last minute."

"... I'll do it."

…

"Sorry?"

"Screw the compensation, I'll do it!" Her tone more eager than ever, as she undoubtedly realized how big of an opportunity this was for her.

A smirk made its way on my face, "Well, I was gonna offer $5k, but since you said screw it-"

"NO! No, I'll take it! $5k right? W-where do i sign?" She said, as she grasped the contract in her hands, skimming through it to search for the place to sign.

Damn… I-I can't believe it was this easy. I mean, I thought she would try and get a larger slice of the pie maybe, but in hindsight… yeah it makes sense.

She's barely through with her bachelors, and has already received her big break of sorts. Her first movie ever, a major theatrical release… yeah I can see why practically jumped at the offer.

"There you go! I signed, okay? It's right there, you can see it!."

"Yes, yes I can see it, now calm down would you? Just… relax, please. You're drawing attention to our table." I calmly highlighted, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"Sorry."

"No problem. Now… I did say lunch was one me so, what'cha gonna order?" I smiled, this time in a more genuine fashion, as I handed her the menu.