VICTORIOUS (A Quantum Novel)(66)

I haven’t forgotten the one ace she still holds in her hand—her knowledge of my sexual preferences. The only reason I’d ever care if that got out is because it might embarrass my parents. Not to mention the potential impact on my career. But that’s a much lesser concern. I don’t even want to think about my parents catching wind of my preference for kinky sex. The thought of that makes me feel like I’m getting the flu.

Natalie is still asleep when we arrive at home, so I pick up her and the wildebeest and carry them inside, laying Nat on our bed and tucking her in for a while. We’ve got plenty of time. The club doesn’t really get busy until after ten anyway.

I take advantage of the free time to play with some thoughts on the big idea I had the other day. Before it goes much further, though, I need to talk to Natalie about it because the story that’s running around in my head is hers—and ours. Ever since the idea came to me, it’s almost all I can think about. I’ve learned to trust my gut in this business. If a project gives me the chills, chances are it will resonate with audiences, too. Jeremy’s story in Camouflage is a recent example of my instincts paying off in a big way. Not only is the film a huge critical and financial success, it’s racking up the awards, too.

I reach for my phone to call Hayden. I want his take. If he thinks it’s an awful idea, then there’s no point in pursuing it with Natalie.

“What’s up?” he asks when he takes the call.

“This and that. Did you get my text?”

“Yep. So are you doing a scene tonight?”

“No, nothing like that. We’re taking baby steps, but so far, so good. She’s curious about the club, so I figure I’d bring her by to get a feel for it.”

“I gotta say… I didn’t see that coming. In light of everything… From her past and all.”

“She’s got this inner strength that astounds me, and a determination not to let her past dictate her future.”

“I know I’ve been kind of a douche about her and you and everything, but I hope you know how happy I am for you.”

“Thanks, man.”

“And despite how it might’ve appeared on occasion, I like her and I like her for you, even more so now that you’re not hiding a big part of who you are from her.”

“I like her for me, too,” I say with a low laugh.

“I bet you do.”

“So listen, I’ve been thinking about something that I want to run by you.”

“Is it a title for the film that defies naming?”

“I wish.”

“So do I,” he says with a sigh.

“If it’s any consolation, the early cut is amazing.”

“I’m happy with it, too. I just wish we could name the f*cker.”

“We will.”

“What’s the other thing you’re thinking about?”

“Natalie’s story.”

“What about it?”

“It’s a powerful story that hits all the right notes.”

“You’re not seriously considering…”

“Not seriously. Yet. So far, it’s just an idea.”

“What does she have to say about it?”

“She’s next on my list. If you think the idea is ridiculous, then there’s no point in bringing it up with her.”

“It’s not ridiculous.”

“Really?”

“It’s an amazing story, Flynn. Why do you think you’ve got photographers camped outside every building you’re known to frequent? They want a glimpse of it. People are captivated.”

Captivated. That’s the word I used to describe my feelings the day I met her, and nothing has changed since then. “That would make for a good title.”

“Great, so you’ve got a title for a film we’re not even making yet, but for the one that’s almost done, you’ve got nothing?”

Laughing at his wry comment, I experience profound relief at being back on familiar ground with my closest friend and business partner after a rough few weeks. “I’m working on it. I swear.”

“Yeah, yeah. Where have I heard that before?”

“I’ll see you tonight.”

“I’ll be there. Cresley is in town. She’s coming by.”

“Oh great. I want Natalie to meet her. See you there.”