Chapter 47 No Drama
Byron Pomeroy never thought he would be involved in the movie business. He tried to stay away from drama, having lived through enough of it in his own life.
But somehow the screenplays he received invited him to take more and more steps across the treacherous terrain of Hollywood. Now that he was acting as executive producer for three new films, people kept asking him questions. The emails and phone calls never stopped.
He was just about to have some snacks with Emily when the phone rang again, and he had to excuse himself. The name of the caller was Nova Summers. He should have foreseen this happening. He’d been fielding calls from the talent agents of various big name actors who were perplexed about the three new films, but it made sense that Nova wanted to talk to him herself. He went out on the balcony, bracing himself for the conversation.
“Chipfairies Central, how may I direct your call?” he answered.
“Ha ha, very funny,” Nova said in her deep, evocative voice. “So you are really behind the Chipfairies. I thought I was in the middle of some kind of hilarious nightmare, only to realize that it was just a typical Byron Pomeroy act of self-sabotage.”
“I don’t know what you mean,” Byron said smoothly. “Chipfairies 2 is a perfectly viable project. Have you read the script?”
“Yes, and it’s even worse than the first one!” she exclaimed. “How could anyone not learn from the box office failure of Chipfairies 1? I know why you’re doing this, Byron.”
“Oh, really?”
“You’re angry with me because you felt abandoned.”
“Not at all,” he replied jauntily.
“But do you really have to punish everyone in the entire studio?”
Byron leaned on the railing as the wind tousled his hair. He was enjoying this.
“I think you should re-read the script, Nova, my dear,” he said, trying not to laugh, “and you’ll find some moments of rare brilliance.”
“We’re talking very rare,” she scoffed. “The whole thing needs to be re-written.”
“Of course, I’d have to sign off on that.”
“And you will, or else I quit.”
“But it seems you’re contractually obligated to be in this movie,” Byron said in his best nonchalant voice, trying not to show his enjoynment of her frustration. When Nova broke up with him, all his plans for the future were ruined. He liked to see how she would do in the same situation.
“Fine, if you’re going to be like that,” Nova said, “I’m going to co-produce this piece of sh*t.”
Byron thought about that for a moment. Even with Nova trying to make improvements, how much could anyone save a doomed franchise like Chipfairies? She could try, and he would enjoy watching her flounder.
“All right,” he said, “I don’t mind if you co-produce.”
“I wasn’t asking your permission,” Nora said feistily. He remembered why he had fallen in love with her in the first place. How could he forget? Strangely, he was enjoying this talk.
“It’s good to talk to you again,” he said. “When you left, I lost a friend as well as a girlfriend.”
“And whose fault was that? You were the one who said you never wanted to see me again. I offered to stay friends.”
“Well... maybe I overreacted,” Byron said. If he didn’t end the call soon, he was going to get sentimental.
“Now about those other two films you’ve chosen,” Nova went on, “I’m co-producing them too. And I want to play the lead in the clown film, not the damsel in distress.”
“You want to play the evil clown?” Byron asked.
“Yeah, it can be rewritten as a woman’s part. Even though we both know the only clown around here is you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Byron said, “because clowns make people laugh, spreading happiness and good cheer.”
He tried suppress a foolish grin as he ended the call and stepped back into the suite. He was pretty sure Emily was on to him, but he didn’t want to seem too obvious in his enjoyment of the fiasco.
Luckily, she wasn’t trying to observe him closely since she was busy messaging someone on her phone. She was working non-stop on her designs lately and trying to contact local stores to see if they would carry her brand.
“That was Nova,” Byron said, “wanting to confirm some details about the film.”
“You mean wanting to harangue you?” Emily asked with a wicked smile.
“I don’t know where you get those ideas,” he replied stoically.
“Well, I’m glad,” Emily said, “You actually talked to her, and you seem content. Last time you were reminded of Nova, you had a fit. If making these movies allows you to feel happy and well-balanced, then I support you.”
“Thanks,” Byron said, although he felt guilty that it was the malicious thrill of revenge making him feel better.
They settled down on the couch to enjoy the snacks, while searching for a show to watch.
“I hope your search is going well?” Byron asked. “Did those clothing stores get back to you?”
“No,” Emily said, “I should go around to them in person. It might help to get a conversation going. Maybe I’ll bring some of my pieces.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Byron said, “I’m really proud of you for trying to promote your stuff.”
She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’m proud of you for reviving Chipfairies.”
Byron was not convinced that she was in earnest. Unlike Nova, who almost seemed to enjoy vocal arguments, Emily did not like conflict, but it seemed she was skilled at undermining his resolve to carry out his nefarious plan.
