Thursday, April 4, 2024

Forgotten Dreams is featured on Thursday's Opening Scene #MFRWAuthor #MFRWAuthor #Thursday #Opening Scene #romance #Second chance

Chad Morgan leaned against the wall near the French doors leading to the garden of the ball room. The scent of June roses drifted on the breeze. A distant hum of traffic rumbled beneath the pop songs played by the band. Dark clouds played tag across the moon carrying the promise of a coming storm. His thoughts approached another kind of storm, one burning in his gut.

Tonight was his to savor but the taste was sour. The celebration of his latest flick bored him. His body ached from the day’s six hour workout to keep his body fit for another action adventure as the unbeatable Storm. The fourth of the franchise his agent and the studio hoped would never end had been released today.

Music blared playing the latest tunes along with the series’ theme song. Couples gyrated to the pounding beat. Women wearing glittering gowns and men in dark tuxes turned like fragments of glass in a kaleidoscope. He released a breath. Just another Hollywood party.

In a silent salute, Chad raised his glass and sipped. He welcomed the burn of rum and cola. His drink and Storm’s favorite though there were times when he wanted a beer. Images must be maintained at all times. Nothing effete about the kick ass hero, his way with women and his ability to hold his alcohol were to be admired. What no one knew produced a chuckle. Unlike his on screen persona, the glass he held contained his first and last alcohol of the night.

He watched a curvaceous blonde weave her way among the dancers headed in his direction. She paused to lift a glass of champagne from a strolling waiter’s tray. Her top shimmered beneath the lights. The low swoop of the neckline barely covered her nipples.

Chad sipped again. He should know her…Her name was Mindy, Mandy, Bimbo. Just one of the latest crop of aspiring starring ladies who managed to attend every important party. She glided closer.

“Hiding in plain sight?” Her husky whisper left him cold.

“Observing,” he said.

His laughter raised a groan. “What do you see?”

He could answer with the truth but he wouldn’t. Truth wasn’t needed tonight. What he saw was false laughter, pretense and boring people. He looked past her. “The same thing I see at similar affairs. What’s your pleasure?” He had an idea but he wanted to hear her ploy.

Her smile held a promise he didn’t want. She ran her hand along his arm. “I’m tired of secondary roles.” She sucked in a deep breath and nearly exposed her nipples. “I hear there’s another Storm movie being cast.” Her fingers reached his shoulder. “You could let people see the chemistry between us. That’s what your last leading lady did.” She touched his lips. “I’m available.”

“Did Cindy really do that? I never guessed.” He fought the urge to laugh. Cindy’s agent and his had orchestrated the romance that had only been in the papers not in life.

He spotted the man he’d avoided all evening. Though he didn’t want to speak to Gregson, the man’s presence would chase this opportunistic female away. He stepped away. “Speak to your agent. Perhaps he can arrange a reading. Mine is on the way. He wants to talk.”

She pulled a card from her cleavage. “Give me a call. I promise you won’t be sorry.”

Gregson arched an eyebrow. “A new conquest? Time for some promo ops and rumors.”

Chad shook his head. “She wants to star in my next movie. Not happening.”

His slender, blond agent smiled. “Shame. You tempted?”

“Not interested. What’s on your mind?”

“You need to sign the contracts for Storm five and six. They want to start filming in September.”

Chad released the breath he held. “I need a break. I’m tired of being typecast.” Before the four Storm films, there had been spots in three other action films. He pointed to a trio of babes headed in their direction. “I’m also tired of being a chick magnet.”

Gregson scowled. “Goes with the territory. Think photo op.”

“Not the kind of life I want anymore.”

“What you want and what the studio demands shows you’re not reading the right script. Do number five and six and they might give you a chance to do something else. It’s the money, my friend. You opened in the top spot world wide this weekend. You need to keep doing what you do best.”

Anger bubbled closer to the surface. Chad feared erupting like Old Faithful. “I’m sick of Storm. I’m tired of kicking ass. I’m fed up doing the same scene with slight variations again and again. I want to do Rob’s book. You said the script was great.”

Gregson’s hand landed on Chad’s shoulder. “Not your style. I’ve shopped the idea around. Had some interest but not with you in the lead role. Two more Storms and you’ll be on your way to the bank with more millions. In two years we’ll ask again.”

In one long swallow, Chad finished the drink. He slapped the glass into Gregson’s hand. “In two years I’ll be dead from boredom.” He stepped out into the dark night.

“Let me know when you’re ready to toe the line,” Gregson called. “You know you will.” 

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