Something in Dayne’s eyes softened, and Keith figured he was thinking about his own past, how he’d come to know his wife, Katy. He’d seen her once at a Bloomington Christian Kids Theater performance, and he’d been struck by the fact that the girls in Hollywood lacked her small-town charm, her innocence. He’d done everything in his power to cast Katy in his next film—the impact she’d made on him in a single evening was that powerful.
Now here was Brandon feeling the same way, that only a girl with true innocence could play opposite him in a film as powerful as
Unlocked.
Keith jotted down Brandon’s preference. “We’ll take a look at your agent’s suggestions.”
“I mean, seriously, you probably have girls around here who would do a better job with the part than the girls lining up around the block at LA casting calls.”
“She’s out there,” Dayne grinned at Brandon. “Keith and I are asking God to put together the perfect cast for this film. It’ll happen; I can feel it.”
Keith wasn’t sure, but he thought Brandon reacted negatively to the mention of God. Nothing overt, just a downward glance and a slight change in his mood. Again he couldn’t let the moment pass. “What are your thoughts on God, Brandon?” Keith didn’t want to come across pushy, but they had to discuss this. “You understand this film will have a strong faith message, right?”
Seconds passed while Brandon struggled with the question. He leaned back in his seat and squirmed in a way that showed he was beyond uncomfortable. “Well,” he raised his hands and let them fall back down to the table. “It’s not a Christian film. I mean, there won’t be a lot of preaching in it or anything. That’s my understanding.”
“The faith message will be authentic, integrated into the story the way it is in the book,” Keith wanted to tackle this part of
the discussion, because he was the producer with the reputation for bringing faith to Hollywood. “But the message will be there.” Keith looked at his notes and then back at Brandon. “Some things to think about…you’ll be asked about why you chose this film. People will want to know your stance on Christianity and faith. Are you ready for that?”
Again Brandon seemed troubled by the question. He shifted his body, clearly antsy. “I’m an actor.” He let loose a nervous laugh. “I’d like to avoid the topic of faith and defer to the character. The character’s faith experience, the character’s view on Jesus, that sort of thing.” He raised an eyebrow toward Dayne. “That’ll work, right?”
“Probably.” Dayne was still playing the role of fellow actor, and not so much the businessman probing Brandon Paul for proof of his commitment. But his eyes told them he took this part of the meeting very seriously. “It’s less important what you say than how you live. A film like this, people will be watching. More closely than ever.”
Brandon laughed again, more in disbelief. “So, you’re saying I have to be perfect? Clean up my image?”
“Your image is actually pretty clean.” Dayne wasn’t laughing. “I think it’s important to keep it that way. Stay low on the paparazzi radar. Do your best to honor the faith of the character—even if you can’t relate to him on a personal level.”
In some ways this was nothing new. Producers often met with their key actors to lay out what was expected of them based on the character. A male lead in a story about the devastating effects of alcoholism could hardly be caught drunk in the clubs during the filming of the movie without damage to the project. “It’s like any picture.” Keith searched Brandon’s eyes for even a hint of rebellion. “The off-camera choices of the actors always affect the film.”
Brandon nodded slowly, and the professionalism that had
been wavering for the last couple minutes returned. “I understand that.” He glanced at Dayne and then Keith. “I’ll lay low, guys. I won’t let you down. This is a big movie for me. My agent thinks it’s a chance to win a couple awards, even.” He grinned. “A year from now we could be talking Oscars.”
Keith wanted to say that first they needed to talk about committing to the current script. But he chose his words carefully. “Okay, then…I’m sure we’ll have ongoing talks about the faith element in the movie. And as for the script, I’ve got a copy of the latest draft. You can get into it tonight and we can talk about it tomorrow.”
The meeting went another hour before they broke for dinner. Lisa and Dayne’s wife, Katy, were back at the Ellison house unpacking, so Keith offered to drive the fifteen minutes back into town for sandwiches. Even if their wives had been available to bring in a meal, Keith would’ve jumped at the chance to be alone for a while, sort through the implications of the first couple hours with Brandon Paul.
He flipped on his radio—a Christian talk station—and stared at the pretty drive ahead. A pastor was talking about living for God. His voice was passionate. “That means you take a hard look at what drives you. If it’s your wife and kids, you’re out of alignment with God…if it’s your promotion at the office, you’re off base. If it’s the climb to get ahead of the pack, your priorities are askew.” He paused. “Folks, hear me on this. Living for God means waking every day with the same question in mind: How can I get through the next twelve hours in God’s power, accomplishing His purposes, and concerned only about pleasing Him?”
Keith agreed with every word, but he turned down the volume. The reminder troubled his usually calm soul. Brandon Paul wasn’t sold out to God. By the sounds of it, he wasn’t willing to admit to having even the slightest faith. He definitely didn’t want to be aligned with Christianity.
So why were they having the meeting with the kid at all? Was it that important that Brandon Paul star in their movie? Even Brandon wanted an innocent, untainted girl as his co-star. Isn’t that what the world would want in Brandon if he took the leading role, if he played an autistic teenager whose world was unlocked by the power of God through the arts?
They had two days with the young actor, but it wasn’t like they could change their minds. Contracts had already been signed. This was the only chance they had to discern any threat Brandon might be to the message of the film, the power of it to change lives for Christ. The only chance to coach him on how to act and what to say during the process. And what they’d heard so far was beyond troubling. Brandon had alluded to his partying ways, joking that he kept things in control. He’d expressed a desire for a make out scene in a film where one would absolutely not be appropriate, and he’d flinched when they brought up faith. There were enough notes of concern on Keith’s pad of paper that he was going to run out of space before the day was through.
For one thing, if Brandon wanted a make-out scene or a full-on sex scene, once they got into production, once a studio had agreed to fund half the picture, Keith and Dayne would struggle to keep it from happening. Brandon could add it on the spot, and if the cameras caught it and the studio liked it—the scene would appear in the film. He thought hard. It was a problem they could solve if they tackled it up front. They’d have to get with Luke Baxter quickly to make sure the final contracts were very clear about what would and wouldn’t be allowed in the last edit.
But even then, Brandon was a wild card, a loose cannon who could destroy the reputation of the film and Jeremiah Productions in a single night on the town. Yes, having him in the film meant more people would see it. But was the risk worth the reward? Keith heard a text come into his phone. He picked it up and glanced at the message. It was from Andi.
Tell Mom I’m fine. Just didn’t want you to worry. I’ll call soon.
Keith tossed the phone back on the console. He didn’t believe a word she said at this point. The old Andi would’ve called a few times a day, shared details of her time in Indianapolis, and talked about when she’d be home. Something was clearly wrong, and Keith felt sick that he couldn’t do anything to help her. He remembered Brandon’s request—that they find someone new and innocent to play his co-star. A year ago he would’ve thought of Andi before anyone else. She could’ve at least read for the part. But now she’d changed her looks and her love for God. She was distant and moody with brooding eyes where once she had shone brighter than the sun.
Andi could hardly play the part now. But if she wasn’t suitable as the music student who helps unlock the world of Brandon’s autistic character, then how was Brandon suitable? The only answer, the one Keith hated to admit, was that Brandon was a bigger box office draw. Period. By having him star in the film, Jeremiah Productions would become one of the most powerful moviemakers in the business.
Keith sighed and focused again on the beauty around him.
God…give us the answers. As sunny as the day is, my heart has nothing but clouds and rain…please guide us.
He turned up the radio again. The preacher was just finishing, reciting a verse from Matthew 16. “Remember, friends. What good will it be for a man if he—gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul. Live for God. Start today.”
Keith couldn’t have said it any better. Maybe if he’d been more involved in Andi’s life this past year she wouldn’t be fighting whatever she was fighting. Which meant just one question remained. If they didn’t control Brandon Paul, if they gained the whole world’s attention, the whole world’s box office receipts, the whole world’s praise and cheers…
What exactly might they lose in the process?
A
CTING LESSONS HADN’T BEEN
B
AILEY’S IDEA
.
But after the Cross-Town Scrimmage, she talked with her mom about what the summer would hold. She had pictured lazy days by their backyard pool, swimming with her brothers, and having game nights as often as they were all together. Helping out with CKT summer camps and heading off to New York at summer’s end for the audition.
Bailey’s mom was always sympathetic to whatever was on her heart. But she was honest too. It was what kept them so close. That afternoon she took her time responding, but when she did, her opinion surprised Bailey. “Maybe Tim’s approach to the audition is right, honey. This audition is one of the biggest breaks either of you have ever had.” She gave a slight shrug. “I think it’s okay that he’s consumed. Passion is important when it comes to using the talents God gives us. We’ve always taught you kids that, right?”
Her answer was right on, and the rest of the morning Bailey wrestled with her feelings. In the end she realized it wasn’t that she had a problem with Tim’s passion. She had a problem with Tim. The one God had clearly pointed out earlier that day. When Katy Hart Matthews called that morning, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
“I have an idea.” Katy’s voice was as cheerful as it was familiar. She went on to explain how Dayne had signed on as co-producer of Jeremiah Productions, working with Andi’s dad. CKT was thriving with several directors running the shows so Katy could spend
most of her time with little Sophie. “But I miss teaching.” Her smile rang through in her voice. “Or maybe I just miss the Flanigans.”
Katy’s idea was perfect. She would bring Sophie over a few times a week. If Bailey’s mom was willing to watch her, Katy would give Bailey acting lessons. And Katy was willing to start right away. It was midday Saturday and they’d already had their first lesson. Bailey was practically buzzing with excitement. They rejoined Bailey’s mom and Sophie in the kitchen, and Bailey couldn’t stop talking about the past hour. “Katy’s so good.” Bailey poured water for all of them. “It takes me back to when I was in CKT.” She grinned at Katy. “We all knew you were talented, but I mean, you’re so gifted. Everything you told me today…I feel like after just one lesson I’m way more ready for the audition.”
“You’re a joy to work with.” Katy took Sophie in her arms and cooed at her daughter. “You’re a joy, too, isn’t that right, Soph?” The blonde little girl giggled at Katy and tried to reach for her earring. Katy laughed and settled Sophie on her hip. “Everything in the mouth…I know how you teethers are.” She turned her attention to Bailey again. “You, you’re very good, Bailey. I always saw that in you, but after today…” Her eyes lit up a little more. “It’ll be interesting to see how the audition goes. God’s given you a gift, Bailey. No question about that.”
They talked a while longer about Tim and his preparations for August, but Katy seemed to sense that Bailey didn’t want to linger on the topic. The conversation moved around to Katy’s help that morning over at the Ellison house and how Lisa Ellison was deeply worried about Andi.
“She won’t return my calls,” Bailey said. She took a long drink of water, picturing her roommate. “Something’s very wrong with her. I’ve been asking God to show me how I can help.”
Katy agreed that for now prayer was what Andi needed most. She shifted the talk to Jeremiah Productions and Brandon Paul’s
part in it. “He’s in town, you know. They’re meeting at our house today.”
“Brandon Paul?” Bailey gasped. “Brandon Paul’s at your house?” She jumped to her feet. “We should’ve had today’s lesson in your living room.”
Katy laughed. “The guys need this time.” She looked at Jenny, then Bailey. “Just to make sure he’s clear on what they expect.”
The thought was sobering, and Bailey let her initial exuberance fade a little. “He isn’t a Christian, is he?”
“Not that I know of. He doesn’t have to be, but his off-screen actions will affect the film. The guys are aware of that. You can pray for them to have wisdom.”
“On the other hand,” Jenny raised an eyebrow, “imagine if Brandon Paul works with Dayne and Keith, and in the process he gives his life to Jesus.”
“Yeah,” Bailey tried to imagine the impact. “That would be something.”
“Exactly.” Katy didn’t look in a hurry to leave. “That’s why they need this time.”
They caught up on the Baxter family next, how John and Elaine were coming up on their anniversary—both of them in great health and enjoying their respective families. “The biggest news is Luke and Reagan. They’re looking to adopt again, so we’re all praying for them. Asking that God bring about the right baby in His time. They’re thinking they want a boy.”
“The new little guy better be tough.” Bailey gave a mock look of exhaustion. “That Tommy’s a little terror.”
Katy laughed. “He’s getting better. Becoming a little more like Ashley’s Cole. But his imagination is still stronger than all the other grandkids put together.”
Next Jenny talked about summer football and how great Cody was working out as a coach for Clear Creek. At the mention of his name, a curiosity tugged at Bailey’s heart. Why had
he really called her last night? He’d sounded so sincere, so much more like the Cody she’d known when he lived here. All day she’d thought about texting or calling him and asking what had triggered the call.
A half hour passed quickly, and Katy and Sophie needed to leave—too soon for Bailey. She loved this, the chance to catch up with Katy again. They saw each other once in a while of course, but not like when she had lived with them, back when she and Dayne first met. It was one more reason Bailey was grateful Katy had come up with the idea. They made a plan to meet every Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday until the audition in August, and then Katy and Sophie headed home.
Bailey checked the time on the microwave and her breath caught in her throat. “Oh, no.” She raced her glass to the dishwasher and hurried toward the stairs.
Her mom was pulling cans of tuna from the cupboard. Football practice was earlier today, and she had promised the boys a platter of tuna salad sandwiches after practice. She watched Bailey run past. “What’s the rush?”
“Tim. I forgot about him.” She groaned as she reached the stairs. “I’m so bad. We were supposed to meet for lunch at one.”
Bailey flew to her room, fixed her hair, and grabbed her purse and was pulling out of the driveway in five minutes. Even then she pulled up at the restaurant fifteen minutes late. She grumbled at herself. “So rude…he’s probably gone by now.”
She ran across the parking lot and burst through the back door of the diner, breathless. Tim was still there, sitting by himself in a booth by the windows. He was on his cell phone, and he looked relaxed. Bailey smoothed out her pale pink T-shirt and caught her breath. Then she calmly crossed the restaurant and took her place opposite him. She’d texted Tim earlier about the lesson with Katy, so he probably figured she was late because the lesson ran over.
“Hi,” he mouthed. He pointed at the phone and held up his finger, letting her know he was almost finished. Then he turned his attention back to the call. “Well, hey…I’m glad I got hold of you. We’ve been worried, Andi.”
Bailey sat back against the vinyl booth and stared at him. Andi Ellison? He’d called Andi and she’d actually answered? Bailey was torn between feeling grateful someone had gotten hold of her and wondering why she had taken Tim’s call but not hers.
The call ended and Tim made a point of looking long and hard at the time on his phone before setting it on the table beside him. “Lose track of the day?” His smile told her he wasn’t too mad. “I mean, I figured the lesson would get intense. Katy’s a great teacher.”
He figured the lesson would get intense? Bailey wrinkled her brow. What was that supposed to mean? She thought about asking but changed her mind. If she became angry every time they were together, there wouldn’t be any point. “So…that was Andi?”
“I called her.” He winked. “Figured it would give me something to do while I waited.”
Bailey nodded, anxious to get past the issue of her lateness. “How is she? Her mom and dad are worried sick about her.”
“She sounded okay, a little confused maybe. She’s hanging out with friends in Indianapolis for a few days. She told me she wants to get back into acting.” Tim picked up the menu and absently looked at it. “I told her she definitely should.” His eyes met Bailey’s over the top of the menu. “She’s a natural.”
His words settled in Bailey’s gut like a mouthful of thistle weeds. Again, she refused to react. “Definitely. Andi’s amazing.”
“What I didn’t tell her,” he set the menu down again, “was that God could hardly bless her now. Not without a complete change of heart.”
Bailey was losing her appetite. “Because of Taz, you mean.”
“Of course. You give yourself to a guy like that and what do
you expect? Taz is the Cody Coleman of Indiana University—leaving a trail of used girls in his path.”
A seething anger bubbled quickly and completely to the surface of Bailey’s heart. “Cody’s not like that.”
“He was in high school.” Tim acted like he had every right to defend the comparison. “That’s what I meant. Guys like that, I mean, what do girls expect?”
Beneath the table, Bailey started tapping her foot. Her heart seemed to shout at her to leave the restaurant, find any other way to spend her afternoon. She exhaled, gathering what remained of her control. “Actually,” she lifted her napkin from her lap and set it on the table in front of her, “I have housework to catch up on back home.” She inched toward the edge of the seat. “Sorry I was late. I just…I don’t have time for this.”
If Tim had been trying to push her, trying to punish her for being late, in that moment the instant remorse in his eyes told her he was sorry. Clearly he’d gone too far. “Hey, Bailey…I was wrong. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“No, it’s fine.” She studied him, searching her heart for any sort of feelings. Anything that would keep her here another hour. She remembered the conviction she’d felt the other day, that she’d let God down by not acting on how she truly felt about Tim. “You’re right.” She couldn’t defend Cody’s past. It was what it was. “Cody wasn’t a great guy back then.”
“Yeah, but I shouldn’t have said anything.” Here, in his apology, was a little of the guy he’d once been, the one Bailey had fallen for so long ago. “I’m sorry, really.”
Bailey forced herself to calm down, not to bolt from the restaurant and never talk to Tim again. She was still his girlfriend, after all. He deserved to know how she was feeling. She exhaled, knowing there was only one thing to do. “Tim…I think we need a break.”
Tim’s expression went completely blank. “A break?” He blinked twice. “What sort of a break?”
“You know…a break. Time apart.” Her eyes were dry, and she realized how wrong she’d been not to have this talk with Tim a long time ago. A modicum of compassion eased her anger. Tim clearly hadn’t seen this coming. “We both have a lot going on this summer. Maybe time apart would give us…I don’t know, a better sense of direction.”
“So, you mean like break up?” He set down his menu and leaned back, dazed. “That’s what you want?”
“I guess.” She’d never done this before, and it was harder than she thought. “It doesn’t have to be like some awful thing where we never talk. And maybe things will work out between us later. When we’re older.”
Tim slouched forward and shaded his eyes with his hand. When he looked at her again, his eyes weren’t damp, but they were hurting. “So you’re serious? You want to break up?”
“Yes.” She bit her lip, trying to feel appropriately brokenhearted. But even as she did, a hint of brilliant joy splashed light across the awkward moment. Suddenly Bailey knew this was what she desperately wanted. She needed a closer walk with the Lord, not with Tim Reed. “I think it’s best. For both of us.”
“Is that why you agreed to meet today? To break up with me?” He allowed a weak laugh, as if he were dizzy and trying to remember which way was up. “Without even talking about it first?”
There was nothing to talk about, but Bailey couldn’t say so. She didn’t want to come across heartless.
Make my words kind, God…I don’t want to hurt him.
She breathed the silent prayer and drew a steadying breath. “I wanted to be your girlfriend for a long time.” She smiled, hoping he could see that she truly cared for him. “Way before you ever saw me that way.”
“But I do see you that way.” He let his hands fall to the table. “I still do. We have so much ahead.”
“Maybe.” She was anxious to leave. “Right now I need to think about my life, the future. I want my faith to be stronger so I can tell where God’s leading me. Staying together now would only hurt our chances of a future. Don’t you see that?”
The realization of what had just happened was hitting Tim harder, and the shock was wearing off. He was sad now, more sad than he’d ever looked before. “What about the audition? We’re supposed to go to New York together.”
“We’ll still go.” She thought about reaching across the table and taking hold of his hand, just to show she still cared. But she didn’t want to confuse him. “We were friends before we dated…there’s no reason we can’t have fun in New York City.”
He stared out the window, quiet for a long time. Finally he turned to her and shrugged one shoulder. “I guess this is it, then.”
“No.” She gave him a sad smile. “Don’t say that, Cody, not when—” her hand flew to her mouth and she felt the color leave her face.
“
Cody?
” The sorrow in Tim’s eyes was instantly replaced by a deeper hurt.
“Tim, it was an accident…I’m nervous, that’s all.” Her mouth was acting on its own, because her heart was still too horrified to believe she’d just done the unthinkable. She’d actually called him Cody.
“That’s what this is really about, right? The undying love you have for Cody Coleman.” He glared at her, but after a few seconds, his anger faded. In its place was a forced indifference. He stood and dropped his napkin on the table near hers. “You and Cody have a good summer. I’ll find my own way to New York.”