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They both got up and walked out; their boss had spoken. When they were gone, she finally smiled.

“You both can stay,” Joyce said when Rita began to get up. “It’s obvious that David values your opinions, or he wouldn’t have asked you to be here.”

“They’ve both been invaluable to me,” I admitted.

“I think I need a raise,” Caryn said with a grin.

“I’m sure you merit one,” Joyce added and then turned to me. “Rogue One is our first feature-length stand-alone movie in the Star Wars universe. The Han Solo picture is to be our next such offering. I have two other projects in development that you might be considered for.

“The first would feature a Grey Jedi. The character would come from the original script for Star Wars, where there is a mention of Imperial Knights that are called Jedi-Bendu. That character will explore both the light and the dark sides of the Force, thereby achieving true balance with the Force. He must do so without being blinded by the light side, or corrupted by the dark side. There is actually a character in Star Wars Rebels called Bendu, who is introduced as a Grey Jedi.

“The other one we’re looking at is to bring Revan to the big screen. He’s an interesting character. CGN rates him as the twelfth-most-popular character in the Star Wars universe. He begins as a Jedi who leaves the order to fight in the Mandalorian Wars with his best friend and fellow Jedi, Malak. They are both captured and turned to the dark side.

“During the ensuing conflict, Malak defies his Sith leader, and his orders, and betrays his best friend when he fires on Revan’s flagship’s bridge. Though Malak believes he has successfully killed Revan, Revan survives. The injured Revan is captured by the Jedi who successfully bring him back to the light. He is many people wrapped into one: hero, villain, and possible savior. I think you’d make a great Revan.”

“Thank you. I’d love to do either,” I said.

“I’ll keep you in mind. While I’m disappointed this didn’t work out, I’m glad we met. Who knows, we might need you for the next Jurassic movie.”

“I’m also sorry this didn’t work out; I would’ve loved to work with your team. They are top notch.”

“We had some great people audition. We’ll survive not having you. You were right when you said you beat out a stellar field to get the offer. You have what I’m looking for in a lead for one of our movies. I’m sure we’ll work together at some point,” she assured me.

“You could always use someone like Rita,” I suggested.

“I’m sure I could,” Joyce said, and then we said our goodbyes.

 We packed up and headed to the airport. After all, I had school tomorrow.

◊◊◊

Chapter 27 – You’re Just a Goofball Thursday March 24

I sat down for breakfast and pulled out my tablet. I had multiple Google Alerts, so I checked them out. The first were articles in the UK tabloids. The Sun insinuated that Rita and I were into threesomes, and the Daily Mirror called her a cougar. I forwarded them both to Halle so she could tease her mom about the ridiculous stories they made up. I still wasn’t used to the tabloids but didn’t get angry. Frank had made a joke once that all he cared about was that they spelled my name right.

Variety had an exclusive story that said I’d been offered the role as Han Solo but had turned it down. Joyce Heart was quoted as saying I had reluctantly declined because of schedule conflicts. She said the filming schedule would interfere with high school and my opportunities to eventually play college sports. Joyce said I was someone to look for in upcoming projects they had planned.

Joyce had done me a tremendous favor by announcing that. I forwarded the article to both Frank, my publicist, and Mr. Morris, my NCAA attorney. I also sent it to Caryn and asked her to schedule a meeting with Mr. Morris. We needed to get a better handle on this NCAA eligibility mess; I was tired of waiting for it to be resolved.

Then came an article from the Boston Times about Brandon: he’d been released on bail. His new lawyer said that he was confident that once the facts of the case were known, the charges would be dropped. He hinted that a deal might be in the works for his testimony against the two men he’d thrown to the wolves. The most curious news was they’d only charged him for the most recent rape. I wondered what they planned to do with all the other rape allegations and the notebooks they found.

I forwarded the article to Tami and Alan and blind-copied everyone who was involved or who knew about it.

◊◊◊

Paul let me out in front of the school. Brook was there, apparently waiting for me with her arms crossed and her toe angrily tapping. Her expression made me turn around and try to wave Paul down as he drove off. Did he not see the danger I was in?

I considered hitting my alert button, but there was no time; Brook was already in my face.

“What were you thinking?” she said as her opening.