Chapter 4: Secrets and Power Plays

“Caleb, you probably don’t get it. We set up a meeting with Director Foster for ten. I never realized you liked pretending so much. When I land a part in Foster’s movie, you’ll be even less worthy of me.” Natalie’s words were ice-cold. She took Derek’s arm and swept upstairs.

I glanced at my phone—Aubrey Foster had just texted:

"Hey Caleb, got rear-ended. Running late. Please wait for me."

Aubrey was the real deal. We’d met years ago when she was broke and desperate to keep making indie films. I invested in her first movie—enough to give it real polish. She always said she owed me her career. The little hand-drawn thank-you card she sent still sits on my desk. I even got her to consider Natalie for a role, though she wasn’t a fan. She only did it for me.

I messaged her back: "No need to consider Natalie for your new movie."

I put my phone away and found a quiet corner to drink. I liked to stay under the radar, but sometimes people recognized me anyway.

Not long after, Derek and Natalie returned.

"How’d you know Director Foster would be late? Who are you, really?" Derek stared, suspicion finally dawning.

I let him sweat, enjoying the confusion. "Told you—I was invited. I invested in the movie Natalie starred in. The organizers sent me the invitation."

Derek looked at me sideways. "Yeah, right. Like you have the cash to invest. You probably used Natalie’s money to buy into some B-movie."

Natalie cut in, “You know what? I don’t even care that you used my money. Just remember to move out. Without me, you can’t afford that $1,500 rent.”

Hearing her mention the apartment, I remembered I’d already bought the place. Never touched a dime of her rent—I was going to give it all back to her when we got married. The place was small, but she loved it.

I shook my head. Nothing I said would matter. I raised my glass to leave, but my assistant rushed over.

"Sir, your mom’s furious. She says don’t bother coming home unless you’re ready to meet Miss Parker."