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His new attorney talked about the goodwill Brandon was building up by cooperating. I imagined that his next move would be to begin to paint a picture that the other two had been the leaders and poor Brandon was a victim. I just shook my head and wondered when people would ever take personal responsibility. It seemed that everyone thought someone else was to blame.

I had to chuckle when I realized I was just as guilty, in a way. Caryn was right, what I’d done in Atlanta was wrong. I’d done it out of a desire to be liked, even though I knew my friends liked me regardless of whether I spent money on them. We would have had just as much fun after the party at State if I hadn’t bought the chicken. Sunglasses money wasn’t a catchall excuse to go out and blow cash.

Personal responsibility sucked.

◊◊◊

Right at ten, the Star Wars contingent showed up. The butler brought them into the downstairs living room where Rita held court. We’d planned this little show, and she played the gracious hostess. When everyone had their beverage of choice, we moved to the dining room. It was the only place where all six of us could sit in a conference room-type setting. Rita had instructed that the extra chairs be removed and that the butler offer pastries. I tried what he called a Chorley cake, a round shortcake pastry stuffed with fruit. Mine had raisins.

Rita and Caryn sat on each side of me. Across from me was Joyce Heart, with Art Faulk and Mark Philpott on either side of her. I introduced Caryn to everyone, and we jumped right in.

“I see you decided to leave Saul at home. That was a good call,” Mark said.

“I’ll bring Saul in when it’s time to negotiate money,” I said.

“You’re not happy with the numbers?” Art asked.

“To be honest, that’s what I have Saul for. I have no idea how to value a role in a movie of this stature. I rely on experts to do that for me,” I said.

“May I be so impolite as to ask why Rita James is at this meeting?” Mark asked.

I could see he was the designated bulldog at this meeting. I smiled at Joyce, who’d sat quietly during our opening sparring.

“You seem awfully quiet,” I observed, ignoring Mark’s question.

“I’m trying to figure out what you’re up to,” she said.

“Fair enough. I have some concerns about the timing of the role and how it will impact my life,” I admitted.

“I’m afraid that the schedule has been set. Tell me your concerns and let’s see if we can work them out,” Joyce said.

“The way I see it, there are two major issues. The immediate one is filming the Rogue One cameo and doing the related press junket with the announcement of my role in the Han Solo movie. Those would eat up the remainder of my school year,” I said to open negotiations.

“We would get tutors and work with your school to complete your coursework,” Joyce countered.

“That’s not the problem. I’m playing baseball and need to practice to prepare myself for this summer. I’ve been invited to try out for the US Under-18 team. If I do well, it will give me the opportunity to play college baseball and possibly professional ball.

“My second issue is that the filming schedule for the movie overlaps that of my James Bond movie. I would have to give that up to do this one,” I said to introduce my second point of contention.

“Both these issues sound like you just need to decide to do our movie,” Joyce said.

I gave her the most honest look I could.

“That was why I wanted to tell you face-to-face.”

“You’re turning us down,” Joyce said and frowned.

I looked her in the eyes.

“I made it through the process, and you were impressed enough to offer me the part. Which, by the way, I didn’t believe I had any realistic chance at, even after the audition. But I can’t take the role, given the schedules that have been set up for you to make the movie work. For one thing, it would require me to break a commitment I’ve already made to do the Bond film. I really do try to keep the promises I make to others. For another, it would mean too many of my other dreams and goals would be stillborn.

“I will be eternally grateful to you for offering me a role in such an exceptional film. From what I’ve seen of how you make movies, I want to be a part of it. You have something special here, and I don’t want you to shut me out if you can get past this,” I said.

“You seem to be reading my mind,” Joyce said, and then became quiet.

Following what my uncle had taught me, I shut up, because in a negotiation, the first one to talk lost. I’d warned Caryn and Rita I would do this, so they both sat beside me with neutral expressions on their faces. Mark, the casting director, looked pissed. I could understand that; it had been a long and arduous process for him. Art had a small smile on his face. Joyce, I couldn’t read.

“I want to thank you for telling us in person,” Joyce said.

“I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” I replied.

“Let’s get going. I need to get to work on selecting his replacement,” Mark said and started to get up.

“You and Art go ahead. I want to talk to David alone,” Joyce said.