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When I walk in, I’m surprised to find that it’s not just me at this meeting.
My sister, Liv, is here, along with several other staff members that I recognize.
“I didn’t realize this was an official meeting.”
“This is more efficient,” Dad says and gestures for me to sit in a chair. “Liv’s here to talk costumes, and Dean and Patrice will take notes and figure out how to put it all together.”
“No pressure,” Dean says with a smile.
“I’m so excited about this project,” Liv says, practically dancing in her seat. “Fashion from the forties is just so beautiful. What’s the storyline?”
“I don’t think your fashion is going to be particularly glamorous,” Dad says and begins to outline the plot. The characters aren’t wealthy—in fact, it’s the opposite. It’s a poor family, figuring out life post World War II.
“It’s still going to be awesome,” Liv murmurs, jotting down notes.
“Vehicles will be interesting,” I interject. “Not a lot of middle- and lower-class vehicles survived from that era, but I’ll do some research and send you lists of what the family might have used.”
“That would be great,” Patrice says, raising her head from her iPad. “What about bicycles? And were motorbikes a thing then?”
“They were, yes. I’ll send that info, too. Where is this being filmed? I can likely find vehicles for you, depending on where you’ll be.”
Patrice emails me the specifics for filming, and I already have some ideas about where to start for this.
It won’t take me long at all.
Dean and Patrice leave to make their calls and do the research that Dad has given them, and Liv stands, as well, her nose still stuck in her iPad.
“I’ll have drawings for you next week,” she says to Dad and then turns to me and grins. “Welcome to the family business.”
“Nope, I’m an independent contractor.”
“You’ll be back.” Liv winks and then sails out of the office, closing the door behind her.
“I hear that Sidney left for Dallas this morning.”
I narrow my eyes at my father. “Did you invite me here to talk about my girlfriend?”
“No, I needed your expertise for a project. But now we can talk about your girlfriend. Why didn’t you go with her?”
“Because I don’t want to have anything to do with that life, and you know it. I’ve never lied to anyone about that.”
Dad shakes his head and walks to the wall of windows facing the city. “Why?”
“Why what?”
He turns back to me now. “Why won’t you have anything to do with Sidney’s life?”
“I didn’t say—”
“That’s exactly what you’re saying. She can’t change who she is, Keaton. What scares you so bad about the fact that she’s a celebrity?”
“I’m not scared.”
“Bullshit.”
I stand and ball my hands into fists, more than a little pissed at my old man. “You made it clear my entire goddamn life that nothing good can ever come from being a celebrity. That the press is only out to ruin everyone. You kept us here in Seattle, far removed from that life, and you did everything in your power to keep us away from it.”
“In my opinion, Hollywood isn’t the right place for kids,” he agrees. “But you’re not a kid anymore, Keaton.”
“The one time I dipped my toe into that world, it blew up in my face.”
“Yeah, by a miserable, entitled little brat, who isn’t even in the industry anymore. Who cares?”
I just stare at him. “I can’t believe you’re having this conversation with me. You’re the one who always told us to stay away from the public life.”
Dad blows out a breath and pushes his hand through his hair. “Listen, I don’t do well with the spotlight. Even now, it unnerves me. Back when I met your mother? I had panic attacks at just the thought of being photographed.”
“Yeah, I know. That’s how you met Mom. I’m still shocked that she gave you a chance after you pretty much assaulted her at Alki.”
“You and me both. But the point is, that’s my issue. And yes, I protected my kids and my wife from that life because it was crazy for me. I had stalkers and women threatening to kill themselves if I didn’t meet with them.”
“Whoa.”
“Yeah, it was a bitch. I was, and still am, grateful for the opportunities that came to me thanks to the movies I did when I was very young, but they really took a toll on my mental health. So, yeah, I might have overcompensated a bit with my kids.”
“Or, you know, a lot.”
He shrugs. “I’m not sorry for that. However, you’re not me, Keaton. You’re a strong, levelheaded, intelligent man who’s fallen in love with a fabulous woman who just happens to be talented and famous.”
I don’t reply.
“You do love her.”
“Yeah.” Now I’m the one to push my hand through my hair. “Yeah, I love her so much I can’t see anything but her.”
