Playing a Little Read Free Page B

life. He also ensured that Erik was kept out of trouble and occupied with endless photo shoots, commercials, small parts in sitcoms, and several Broadway productions. Work had meaning to the young man, giving him a purpose and teaching him responsibility. Every penny Erik earned went into a trust fund for his future and Arthur asked nothing in return. Except now. In Erik’s opinion, the old man was being completely unreasonable as of late, insisting that Erik submit to the challenge of a reaction role. Erik sighed, knowing Arthur was making certain that the time to pay him back had come.
    He grabbed the phone as it rang loudly. “Hey, Arty. I just got in and am waiting for my car to be dropped off. When are you going to tell me what you’re up to?”
    “I found your leading lady. She is perfect for this part and I really believe the two of you are going to hit it off.”
    “What are you talking about? I remind you that I agreed to do this movie for you in return for your help in my success all these years. I’m not into improv and you know it.”
    “Son, remember when you were younger and said you wanted to be a life coach if acting wasn’t working out for you? Even after you finished school, you were not satisfied in the technique you had learned, believing there was a more effective way to help people. I remember you openly sharing with me about how you would succeed in this type of career if given the chance. You said the one and only way to undo the habits learned in childhood was to relive childhood and learn all over. Remember? Your words intrigued me and have held me captive for years. The time is right for this, and this young lady needs some serious coaching, your very special type of coaching, to gain a better self-image and belief in herself.”
    “You are insane. The public won’t go for this and you know it. They are too ignorant about the subculture of age-play and will rally against you. The genre is not a game to me. It is a lifestyle. My lifestyle.”
    “The public needs to be educated by people they admire and respect. Erik, this film will allow you to do your thing and help this girl at the same time. You love age-play… you thrive in what it brings to the table. This is also the opportunity to help an ugly duckling discover that she’s really a swan. We will film directly during the process and then submit the storyline so that nothing is forced or contrived.”
    “You are unbelievable. Where the hell do you come up with these hare-brained schemes? And how exactly am I going to function in my role in the manner I need to without violating this woman’s space? Has she ever been exposed to the AP lifestyle? Has she ever even heard of it? Seriously, we have no script, no direction…”
    “Since when does the Great and Powerful Renault need the dictation of a measly plot? You always change the lines anyway…” Arthur commented. Erik was well known to alter scripts and reinvent the scene. Scriptwriters were not crazy about his reputation, but the producers and directors loved the magic he could do with a story.
    “Are you actually suggesting we do a documentary on age-play in real time?”
    “Of course. Now, if you aren’t up for the challenge…”
    “Don’t be ridiculous. You know I can do the job if I have to. Is this girl even remotely aware of the true nature of the outline?” Erik snapped angrily.
    “No. This is part of her taking this part. I don’t want her to plan how to respond, just to be natural. I informed her that you two would have time to train prior to the actual filming, and that the final script will depend on you. Damn, Erik, after all these years, don’t you trust my instincts?” Arthur made his voice sound wounded, knowing that Erik would cave in to him. “Of course, why would I bother to care about this little girl? I’m just an old friend who saw you to be more than you saw yourself, and I thought it would be a nice way to pay it forward. Never mind, it’s