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“Keep this between you and me. Dylan Aylmer was found passed out in his trailer yesterday. Drunk. Again. He couldn’t film at all. And we don’t have the budget to delay any more, so I have a feeling he’s going to be cut. I could put a word in for you.”
Reed stood up in front of me and shook his head. “I can’t let you do that. And doesn’t Dylan have a major role?”
“No, he’s a supporting actor in this one. A great guy, friendly and talented, but his drinking is getting out of hand and it’s affecting his hiring. Too bad, he had top billing last year,” I paused. “So, you want me to put a word in?”
“I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Reed whispered.
Reed was too nice for this cutthroat business.
“Why not? It’d be great. We could finally work together.”
Reed turned away and glanced out the window. Not that there was anything to see outside but other trailers.
“I don’t think so. I still have my commitment?—”
“To a non-speaking role? And an asshole assistant director who’ll probably make your life hell until you give in and fuck him?”
Reed flinched. “I don’t want to get a reputation as an actor that can’t hack it and quits on a whim. I’m not a diva and I take my work seriously.”
Reed turned to me again, fire in his eyes.
“This is a better opportunity. You know it is!” I snapped. “Why are you being a stubborn ass?”
“I’m not! Just let it go, Tay. I’m sorry I brought it up.”
“Are you?”
“Yes! I don’t even know why I’m here. I should have stayed on the lot and had my break with the crew.”
“Admit it, you missed me.”
He shook his head but smiled. “You’re so fucking arrogant, you know that?”
I preened at his remark. He was right.
“I better go,” Reed murmured and headed for the door.
“Let me put a word in, please. You deserve better.”
Reed reached for the door latch and paused. “I don’t think it would be good for our friendship, or for your reputation. There might be talk. We spend enough time together as is.”
“What do you mean?”
Reed turned and rolled his eyes. “Trying to get me this role might make people take notice. We still share an apartment. I’m just waiting for the press to get a hold of that. How much longer can you keep it a secret?”
“About that,” I started, as I took a deep breath. “I’ve got enough saved now to get my own place. I was gonna tell you on the weekend, but since you brought it up… I’m moving out at the end of the month. That gives you three weeks to find someone else.”
Reed said nothing at first, he just looked away and nodded.
“Sorry I interrupted you earlier,” Reed sighed. “And as for your offer, thanks but no thanks. I’ll stick with my current job. It’s better for everyone. And I appreciate the heads up, I’ll start looking for a new roommate right away.”
As much as I was looking forward to my total independence and a place of my own, I didn’t like the idea of Reed sharing his space with anyone but me. Strange but true.
But I didn’t say anything. People moved up and moved on. It was time.
We’d still see each other. Our friendship wouldn’t change.
Or so I thought.
