Which meant there was nothing Keith and Lisa could do but wait.
Keith knocked on the door and heard Dayne’s voice inviting him in. He made his way to the back den where the meeting was set to take place, and there they were—two of America’s most recognizable faces. Dayne Matthews and Brandon Paul. The table was round and solid mahogany. Dayne and Brandon sat opposite each other, and after a round of greetings, Keith took the seat between them.
Dayne’s demeanor was easygoing, light-hearted. If anyone in the world could relate to Brandon Paul, it was Dayne. Keith decided to take a more passive role in the conversation, observe Brandon’s actions and personality, analyze his motives for wanting to star in Unlocked.
“So how’s the party scene?” Dayne leaned back, his pose casually confident, like something a magazine would run on the cover page.
Keith watched Dayne, amazed. This wasn’t anything like Dayne had acted any other time the two of them had been together. Dayne was humble and funny, a family man through and through. But clearly he still knew how to play the Hollywood role. Not only that, but his acting was still top-notch. Only by coming across as relatable to Brandon Paul would either of them catch a glimpse of the young star with his guard down. Already his method seemed to be working.
Brandon linked his hands behind his head and grinned at Dayne. “You remember the days.”
“Things were crazy.” Dayne stopped short of giving off any sense of approval. But he raised his brow and let out a low whistle. “I mean so crazy.”
“It’s worse now. All the private rooms at the clubs.” He laughed, and then just as quickly he seemed to remember where he was and who he was talking to. He eased himself into a straighter, more business-like position. “But we’re here to talk about Unlocked, right?”
“It’s a great story.”
“Love it.” Brandon looked more serious now. No question he truly liked the story. “Read it three times. Really, man.” He looked at Keith. “You’ve read it, obviously.”
“I have. It’s phenomenal.” Keith leaned his forearms on the table and looked straight at Brandon in a way that was just short of intimidating. “The fact that it was inspired by the author’s sister makes it even more amazing. It’s a great responsibility to develop a film on a project this special.”
Brandon nodded, but his attention seemed to have slipped. He reached for the can of Coke sitting in front of him, popped the top, and took a long sip. “Which reminds me. I haven’t read the latest version of the script, but there’s gotta be a love scene, right?”
Dayne glanced at Keith, deferring the answer. As much as Dayne had done to get up to speed, he hadn’t read Unlocked yet. The screenplay, yes. But not the novel. Keith cleared his throat and tried not to sound too intense. “For your character?”
The surprise on Brandon’s face told them he was surprised by the question. “Yeah, of course.” He looked from Keith to Dayne. “My audience will expect that, don’t you think?”
A warning light flashed in Keith’s mind. “The guy’s autistic. He has friendships and tender moments.” Keith hesitated. He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation. “But a love scene?”
“It’s not a deal breaker.” Brandon shrugged, as if to say he wasn’t going to make any demands on the topic. “Just think it’d help at the box office if I get a make-out scene or two.” He flashed his famous grin. “The girls love that sort of thing.”
Enough time had been spent on the issue. Keith shook his head. “No love scenes. No kissing, no sex. It’s not that sort of picture.” He didn’t let his frustration show but kept his tone matter-of-fact. “It’s great we’re talking about this. That way we won’t have any surprises later.”
The conversation shifted to the supporting cast and Brandon’s favorite choices for his co-star, the peer who introduces him to the arts. “I want someone fresh, someone new.” Brandon pulled a sheet of paper from his bag. “Here’s a few ideas from my agent, but the girl can’t be all Hollywood weird, you know?”
Something in Dayne’s eyes softened, and Keith figured he was thinking about his own past, how he’d come to know his wife, Katy. He’d seen her once at a Bloomington Christian Kids Theater performance, and he’d been struck by the fact that the girls in Hollywood lacked her small-town charm, her innocence. He’d done everything in his power to cast Katy in his next film—the impact she’d made on him in a single evening was that powerful.
Now here was Brandon feeling the same way, that only a girl with true innocence could play opposite him in a film as powerful as Unlocked. Keith jotted down Brandon’s preference. “We’ll take a look at your agent’s suggestions.”
“I mean, seriously, you probably have girls around here who would do a better job with the part than the girls lining up around the block at LA casting calls.”
“She’s out there,” Dayne grinned at Brandon. “Keith and I are asking God to put together the perfect cast for this film. It’ll happen; I can feel it.”
Keith wasn’t sure, but he thought Brandon reacted negatively to the mention of God. Nothing overt, just a downward glance and a slight change in his mood. Again he couldn’t let the moment pass. “What are your thoughts on God, Brandon?” Keith didn’t want to come across pushy, but they had to discuss this. “You understand this film will have a strong faith message, right?”
Seconds passed while Brandon struggled with the question. He leaned back in his seat and squirmed in a way that showed he was beyond uncomfortable. “Well,” he raised his hands and let them fall back down to the table. “It’s not a Christian film. I mean, there won’t be a lot of preaching in it or anything. That’s my understanding.”
“The faith message will be authentic, integrated into the story the way it is in the book,” Keith wanted to tackle this part of the discussion, because he was the producer with the reputation for bringing faith to Hollywood. “But the message will be there.” Keith looked at his notes and then back at Brandon. “Some things to think about…you’ll be asked about why you chose this film. People will want to know your stance on Christianity and faith. Are you ready for that?”
Again Brandon seemed troubled by the question. He shifted his body, clearly antsy. “I’m an actor.” He let loose a nervous laugh. “I’d like to avoid the topic of faith and defer to the character. The character’s faith experience, the character’s view on Jesus, that sort of thing.” He raised an eyebrow toward Dayne. “That’ll work, right?”
“Probably.” Dayne was still playing the role of fellow actor, and not so much the businessman probing Brandon Paul for proof of his commitment. But his eyes told them he took this part of the meeting very seriously. “It’s less important what you say than how you live. A film like this, people will be watching. More closely than ever.”
Brandon laughed again, more in disbelief. “So, you’re saying I have to be perfect? Clean up my image?”
“Your image is actually pretty clean.” Dayne wasn’t laughing. “I think it’s important to keep it that way. Stay low on the paparazzi radar. Do your best to honor the faith of the character—even if you can’t relate to him on a personal level.”
In some ways this was nothing new. Producers often met with their key actors to lay out what was expected of them based on the character. A male lead in a story about the devastating effects of alcoholism could hardly be caught drunk in the clubs during the filming of the movie without damage to the project. “It’s like any picture.” Keith searched Brandon’s eyes for even a hint of rebellion. “The off-camera choices of the actors always affect the film.”
Brandon nodded slowly, and the professionalism that had been wavering for the last couple minutes returned. “I understand that.” He glanced at Dayne and then Keith. “I’ll lay low, guys. I won’t let you down. This is a big movie for me. My agent thinks it’s a chance to win a couple awards, even.” He grinned. “A year from now we could be talking Oscars.”
Keith wanted to say that first they needed to ta
lk about committing to the current script. But he chose his words carefully. “Okay, then…I’m sure we’ll have ongoing talks about the faith element in the movie. And as for the script, I’ve got a copy of the latest draft. You can get into it tonight and we can talk about it tomorrow.”
The meeting went another hour before they broke for dinner. Lisa and Dayne’s wife, Katy, were back at the Ellison house unpacking, so Keith offered to drive the fifteen minutes back into town for sandwiches. Even if their wives had been available to bring in a meal, Keith would’ve jumped at the chance to be alone for a while, sort through the implications of the first couple hours with Brandon Paul.
He flipped on his radio—a Christian talk station—and stared at the pretty drive ahead. A pastor was talking about living for God. His voice was passionate. “That means you take a hard look at what drives you. If it’s your wife and kids, you’re out of alignment with God…if it’s your promotion at the office, you’re off base. If it’s the climb to get ahead of the pack, your priorities are askew.” He paused. “Folks, hear me on this. Living for God means waking every day with the same question in mind: How can I get through the next twelve hours in God’s power, accomplishing His purposes, and concerned only about pleasing Him?”
Keith agreed with every word, but he turned down the volume. The reminder troubled his usually calm soul. Brandon Paul wasn’t sold out to God. By the sounds of it, he wasn’t willing to admit to having even the slightest faith. He definitely didn’t want to be aligned with Christianity.
So why were they having the meeting with the kid at all? Was it that important that Brandon Paul star in their movie? Even Brandon wanted an innocent, untainted girl as his co-star. Isn’t that what the world would want in Brandon if he took the leading role, if he played an autistic teenager whose world was unlocked by the power of God through the arts?
They had two days with the young actor, but it wasn’t like they could change their minds. Contracts had already been signed. This was the only chance they had to discern any threat Brandon might be to the message of the film, the power of it to change lives for Christ. The only chance to coach him on how to act and what to say during the process. And what they’d heard so far was beyond troubling. Brandon had alluded to his partying ways, joking that he kept things in control. He’d expressed a desire for a make out scene in a film where one would absolutely not be appropriate, and he’d flinched when they brought up faith. There were enough notes of concern on Keith’s pad of paper that he was going to run out of space before the day was through.
For one thing, if Brandon wanted a make-out scene or a full-on sex scene, once they got into production, once a studio had agreed to fund half the picture, Keith and Dayne would struggle to keep it from happening. Brandon could add it on the spot, and if the cameras caught it and the studio liked it—the scene would appear in the film. He thought hard. It was a problem they could solve if they tackled it up front. They’d have to get with Luke Baxter quickly to make sure the final contracts were very clear about what would and wouldn’t be allowed in the last edit.
But even then, Brandon was a wild card, a loose cannon who could destroy the reputation of the film and Jeremiah Productions in a single night on the town. Yes, having him in the film meant more people would see it. But was the risk worth the reward? Keith heard a text come into his phone. He picked it up and glanced at the message. It was from Andi.
Tell Mom I’m fine. Just didn’t want you to worry. I’ll call soon.
Keith tossed the phone back on the console. He didn’t believe a word she said at this point. The old Andi would’ve called a few times a day, shared details of her time in Indianapolis, and talked about when she’d be home. Something was clearly wrong, and Keith felt sick that he couldn’t do anything to help her. He remembered Brandon’s request—that they find someone new and innocent to play his co-star. A year ago he would’ve thought of Andi before anyone else. She could’ve at least read for the part. But now she’d changed her looks and her love for God. She was distant and moody with brooding eyes where once she had shone brighter than the sun.
Andi could hardly play the part now. But if she wasn’t suitable as the music student who helps unlock the world of Brandon’s autistic character, then how was Brandon suitable? The only answer, the one Keith hated to admit, was that Brandon was a bigger box office draw. Period. By having him star in the film, Jeremiah Productions would become one of the most powerful moviemakers in the business.
Keith sighed and focused again on the beauty around him. God…give us the answers. As sunny as the day is, my heart has nothing but clouds and rain…please guide us.
He turned up the radio again. The preacher was just finishing, reciting a verse from Matthew 16. “Remember, friends. What good will it be for a man if he—gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul. Live for God. Start today.”
Keith couldn’t have said it any better. Maybe if he’d been more involved in Andi’s life this past year she wouldn’t be fighting whatever she was fighting. Which meant just one question remained. If they didn’t control Brandon Paul, if they gained the whole world’s attention, the whole world’s box office receipts, the whole world’s praise and cheers…
What exactly might they lose in the process?
Twenty-Three
ACTING LESSONS HADN’T BEEN BAILEY’S IDEA.
But after the Cross-Town Scrimmage, she talked with her mom about what the summer would hold. She had pictured lazy days by their backyard pool, swimming with her brothers, and having game nights as often as they were all together. Helping out with CKT summer camps and heading off to New York at summer’s end for the audition.
Bailey’s mom was always sympathetic to whatever was on her heart. But she was honest too. It was what kept them so close. That afternoon she took her time responding, but when she did, her opinion surprised Bailey. “Maybe Tim’s approach to the audition is right, honey. This audition is one of the biggest breaks either of you have ever had.” She gave a slight shrug. “I think it’s okay that he’s consumed. Passion is important when it comes to using the talents God gives us. We’ve always taught you kids that, right?”
Her answer was right on, and the rest of the morning Bailey wrestled with her feelings. In the end she realized it wasn’t that she had a problem with Tim’s passion. She had a problem with Tim. The one God had clearly pointed out earlier that day. When Katy Hart Matthews called that morning, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
“I have an idea.” Katy’s voice was as cheerful as it was familiar. She went on to explain how Dayne had signed on as co-producer of Jeremiah Productions, working with Andi’s dad. CKT was thriving with several directors running the shows so Katy could spend most of her time with little Sophie. “But I miss teaching.” Her smile rang through in her voice. “Or maybe I just miss the Flanigans.”
Katy’s idea was perfect. She would bring Sophie over a few times a week. If Bailey’s mom was willing to watch her, Katy would give Bailey acting lessons. And Katy was willing to start right away. It was midday Saturday and they’d already had their first lesson. Bailey was practically buzzing with excitement. They rejoined Bailey’s mom and Sophie in the kitchen, and Bailey couldn’t stop talking about the past hour. “Katy’s so good.” Bailey poured water for all of them. “It takes me back to when I was in CKT.” She grinned at Katy. “We all knew you were talented, but I mean, you’re so gifted. Everything you told me today…I feel like after just one lesson I’m way more ready for the audition.”
“You’re a joy to work with.” Katy took Sophie in her arms and cooed at her daughter. “You’re a joy, too, isn’t that right, Soph?” The blonde little girl giggled at Katy and tried to reach for her earring. Katy laughed and settled Sophie on her hip. “Everything in the mouth…I know how you teethers are.” She turned her attention to Bailey again. “You, you’re very good, Bailey. I always saw that in you, but after today…” Her eyes lit up a little more. “It’ll be interesting to se
e how the audition goes. God’s given you a gift, Bailey. No question about that.”
They talked a while longer about Tim and his preparations for August, but Katy seemed to sense that Bailey didn’t want to linger on the topic. The conversation moved around to Katy’s help that morning over at the Ellison house and how Lisa Ellison was deeply worried about Andi.
“She won’t return my calls,” Bailey said. She took a long drink of water, picturing her roommate. “Something’s very wrong with her. I’ve been asking God to show me how I can help.”
Katy agreed that for now prayer was what Andi needed most. She shifted the talk to Jeremiah Productions and Brandon Paul’s part in it. “He’s in town, you know. They’re meeting at our house today.”
“Brandon Paul?” Bailey gasped. “Brandon Paul’s at your house?” She jumped to her feet. “We should’ve had today’s lesson in your living room.”
Katy laughed. “The guys need this time.” She looked at Jenny, then Bailey. “Just to make sure he’s clear on what they expect.”
The thought was sobering, and Bailey let her initial exuberance fade a little. “He isn’t a Christian, is he?”
“Not that I know of. He doesn’t have to be, but his off-screen actions will affect the film. The guys are aware of that. You can pray for them to have wisdom.”
“On the other hand,” Jenny raised an eyebrow, “imagine if Brandon Paul works with Dayne and Keith, and in the process he gives his life to Jesus.”
“Yeah,” Bailey tried to imagine the impact. “That would be something.”
“Exactly.” Katy didn’t look in a hurry to leave. “That’s why they need this time.”
They caught up on the Baxter family next, how John and Elaine were coming up on their anniversary—both of them in great health and enjoying their respective families. “The biggest news is Luke and Reagan. They’re looking to adopt again, so we’re all praying for them. Asking that God bring about the right baby in His time. They’re thinking they want a boy.”