Page 66 of The Star in Room 7

“Yes…” I reply uncertainly.

“I’ll be there,” he promises.

“Thanks, Daddy. I’ll see you later?”

“I’ll come get you as soon as I’m done here. We could do something to celebrate.”

“There’s nothing to celebrate yet.”

“Are you kidding? You’ve been offered an audition! That’s worth celebrating. And we’ll celebrate again when you get the role.”

18

NATE

I cook for Zach, not letting him help at all. While the pasta bake is in the oven, I set the table, turn the lights down, and light a candle. I have a nice bottle of white wine that would go well with dinner, but I decide not to open it. I don’t want to rule out the possibility of playing later, if Zach wants to. I imagine he might want me to cuddle him while he’s blindfolded, at the very least. He must have a lot running through his mind—the audition, which he’s arranged for Monday, and going to his apartment tomorrow.

“It smells delicious, Daddy,” he says when I invite him to sit at the table.

“I hope it tastes as good.”

He laughs. “I’m sure it will. You’re a good cook.”

“I have to be as a bachelor.”

“Hmm… You could live on ready meals and take-away.”

I grimace. “No, thanks.”

“Or you could hire a chef.”

I laugh. “How rich do you think I am?”

He shrugs. “Honestly? I have no idea.” His cheeks redden. “And I shouldn’t want to know, either. It’s none of my business.”

I reach across the table and put my hand on his. “It could be, depending on how serious this is.”

He blinks and makes eye contact with me.

I stroke my fingers over his hand. “Besides, give it a few films, and your net worth will be more than I could ever dream of.”

His blush deepens. “I doubt that…”

“I don’t. Does the film you’re auditioning for include box office bonuses?”

He nods.

“If the film does well, that could easily triple your salary.”

His eyes widen.

“If there’s potential for it to turn into a franchise, your fee will go up for every movie. So will the bonuses. You’re on the verge of making it big, Zach.”

“I haven’t got the role yet,” he mutters. “And, even if I do, there’s no telling how well it might do. It could bomb.”

“It could,” I concede. “Or it might be the biggest movie the year it releases. My point is that your earning potential is almost limitless, sweet boy. Dream big. I believe in you.”

“Does that mean you want me for my potential future income?” His tone is jokey, if slightly sad.