The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 80

"Marcus!" Getty Smith smiled spying him as he walked down the aisle lined with theater seats.

He frowned at her familiarity as he carried Gabriella. They had only spoken once over the phone so he hardly thought they were on a first-name basis. Clinging to him Gabriella craned her neck high as she eagerly looked up at the stage where the actors were reading through the script. "Ah, yes, Marcus Avery," Rory greeted. He didn't particularly care for investors. They got in the way of the creative process and slowed down the work but he had to play along.

"As you know Selena Quintanilla was a pioneer in music and a huge influence in the Latino community," Getty said. "She inspired several artists and pride though her story is a tragic one. We are happy to bring it to the stage." "Yes, I know," Marcus nodded.

Ever since Regina lined up the audition he had heard about the Grammy award-winning artist. She had even made him sit and watch the movie with her to prepare for the role. He wasn't much for the arts but seeing her so enthusiastic filled him with a sense of pride and joy. "And here is our star," Rory announced as a tall blonde joined them. "This is Stacy Monroe."

She smiled batting her eyes and offering her hand. He wasn't sure if she expected him to shake it or kiss it but he had no interest in touching her.

Star? He wasn't one for prejudice but the woman in front of him was paler than he was. Marcus frowned, "Correct me if I'm wrong but Selena was a Latina artist, right?"

"Oh well, makeup will take care of that and we'll use a wig," Rory explained.

"But you said I wouldn't have to," Stacy whined. "Wigs make my head itch."

"Shhh...not now," Rory hushed.

"Wouldn't it be easier to cast a Latina actor for the part?" Marcus asked. He glanced at Getty to see she was equally confused. As the producer she had the final say but it seemed this choice had not been run by her.

"Yes, well, it's not easy to find proper talent," Rory cleared his throat.

"Daddy, where's mommy?" Gabriella suddenly asked.

Rory frowned at the little girl. In his opinion children should be seen, not heard, and sometimes that was too much. Marcus merely smiled and kissed her temple. Gabriella hugged him but her gaze kept wandering as she looked for her mother. Finally she spotted a familiar figure exiting from backstage and headed toward the exit with a furious look on her face.

"Mommy!"

Marcus set her on her feet allowing Gabriella to rush across the theater to Regina who stopped and turned at the sound of her exclamation. Regina's frown immediately disappeared as she scooped up her daughter and gave her a hug. She spotted Marcus and changed her course to join him. Ignoring his hosts Marcus eagerly embraced her.

"So...should I ask how it went?"

"No, don't bother. Let's just go."

Marcus gently directed her to the door without a backward glance. It was clear she needed some time before she was ready to talk about it.

"Um...Mister Avery?" Getty asked. He paused to look back at her. "...about your investment?"

"Oh, well, there isn't any reason for me to invest in a project my wife isn't affiliated with...you understand," Marcus turned away and escorted his family out.

"His...wife?" Stacy repeated. "He's married?"

"... It was in all the papers," Daria, the casting director muttered.

She stood off to the side slowly packing up the camera and her equipment. Ever since she was little she had loved theater and movies but recognizing her own lack of talent she focused instead on working behind the scenes and directing. She majored in theater with an emphasis on technology hoping that one day she would one day direct plays and films of her own.

However it wasn't easy breaking into such a competitive field. Her knowledge of technology proved a definite asset and she had a least secured a place as casting director for East Side Productions. It was her job to advertise and attract talent to their various projects. As such she made several contacts in the writing and art world one of which was Ruth Clark and was recently introduced to Sarah Stanton.

It had been a thrill of a lifetime as Daria was a huge fan of Rosemary Thomas. She thought the books were ripe for adaptation into a movie or even a television series. Sarah didn't have much interest but encouraged Daria to pursue the idea. Though Sarah was willing to leave it all in her hands, she was always available to answer any questions Daria had to maintain the integrity of the characters.

It was Sarah who told her about Marcus's new wife and her talent as a singer and actor. When Getty announced their next project Daria knew Regina would be able to pull off not just the acting but also the musical numbers.

"I don't recall any Avery in the auditions," Rory muttered.

"That's because she goes by her maiden name, Torres," Daria said. "I tried to tell you but you told me to shut my mouth."

"Was she any good?" Getty asked. It wouldn't be the first time a husband with money to spend wanted to grease the wheels for his wife's ambitions regardless of her actual talent of lack thereof.

"I have her audition tape if you'd like to see it," Daria offered indicating her laptop. She filmed all the auditions. Not only did it help if they had to recast but it would also help with future auditions.

"I don't think that's necessary," Rory said.

"Play it," Getty demanded shooting him a glare.

Daria cued up the video and hit play turning the screen toward them. She was silent as Regina confidently stepped onto the stage. Everyone auditioning for the same part had been given the same scene with ten minutes to prepare. It helped them keep the details of the production from leaking and also gave them a straightforward comparison between the actors.

Regina's performance was fierce and confident but nuanced with vulnerability. She understood the character was fighting for a dream, one they were desperate not to lose, which was the true tragedy of the story as Selena was never able to enjoy her fame. When the music cued Regina sang a beautiful reprisal of Como la Flor. Having listened to Selena songs almost exclusively for the past several weeks Daria was impressed with Regina's cover.

The audition clip reached its end and Daria stood by waiting. Getty turned to Rory with a scowl her gaze looking at his chosen lead. Certainly there were always ways to adjust a person's looks but today's audience was far more discerning and less forgiving when it came to bad casting. In the past it was common to cast Caucasian actors in just about any role but whitewashing was not tolerated by audiences anymore.

"And you thought she was better?" Getty asked nodding to Stacy.

"Yes, she is very talented," Rory assured her. Stacy was extremely talented and very flexible as he had been discovering the past few days.

Before he finished speaking a whiny, nasal voice suddenly interrupted. They looked at Daria to see she had cued up Stacy's audition. The latter wandered on stage script in hand reading directly from the page and ignoring the marks she was meant to hit. When the music cued for the song she chanted the words almost like reading from a recipe books stumbling over words she clearly didn't understand.

Getty glared at the director, "And you thought that performance was better?"

"Well......."

Rory glared at Daria promising himself he would make her pay. Throughout the auditions she had made several suggestions and for the most part he didn't have any problem accepting her picks for the roles. But he couldn't compromise when it came to his star. After all he had already made her promises.

"Can she even sing?"

"Well, she wasn't going to. We can just play the actual tracks."

"You mean lip-sync?" Getty scoffed. "You don't think the audience is going to notice? You don't think they are going to crucify us for destroying the story of a music legend?"

Rory opened and closed his mouth several times.

"You're done," Getty shook her head.

"What?"

"Done! Finished! Fired!"

"You can't fire me!"

"The hell I can't. Out!"

Tossing down his copy of the script he stormed out. Stacy stood watching him leave before looking at the producer and nervously fidgeting.

"Well, what are you waiting for? Out!" Getty shooed her away before sinking into a seat and rubbing her temples. "Now, what are we going to do? No director, no star and no investor."

"I might be able to get Regina-I mean Missus Avery-back," Daria suggested. "If she's part of the cast Mister Avery will probably reconsider his investment. I think she would be fantastic in this role."

Getty looked up at her. Ever since Daria joined the production team she had made quite a few changes that helped improve their projects. It was no secret she wanted to direct. Coming to a decision Getty stood, "If you can bring them both on board...I'll give you the chance to direct."

"Really? Ah, yes! Okay. Thank you!"

***

Regina sighed unlocking the SUV as they reached it. Marcus helped Gabriella into her seat while she leaned against the fender and collected her thoughts. Gabriella had wanted to come to the audition with her but Regina hadn't thought it a good place for her so had dropped her off with her father. It turned out to be a good decision as the five-year-old would have been disappointed.

Marcus himself was just as excited to hear the news and suggested they surprise her for a celebratory meal to which Gabriella eagerly agreed. Straightening he looked at Regina, "So, bad?"

"I don't want to talk about it," Regina shook her head. She had high hopes for this role and had been practicing Selena songs for over a week to prepare. "Let's just go. I'll drop you off at the hospital."

"Oh, that's fine," Marcus shrugged. "My afternoon is free so how about a late lunch. You, me and the munchkin."

"Lunch?"

"Yeah, then we can drown our sorrows in ice cream," Marcus pulled her into his arms.

Regina laughed leaning into him, "Sounds good."

"Let's go. I'll drive," he chuckled pecking a kiss on her lips.

She relinquished the keys and climbed into the passenger seat. Pulling into traffic Marcus reached for her hand holding it in his lap while his thumb traced circled on the back of her hand. Regina fully intended to find out what he meant by investing in the play after they had agreed to keep such interests separate but for now she was just going to enjoy his company. The companionable silence was broken by her phone suddenly blaring to life.

Frowning she dug it out of her bag and stared at the screen. She didn't recognize the number but answered, "Hello?"

"Missus Torres, this is Daria with East Side Productions."

"Yes. What do you want?"

"I was hoping you would come back tomorrow."

"Why? You need a backup dancer?"

"Actually, a star. Both the director and Miss Monroe have been dropped. If I can get you to come back and maybe convince your husband to reinvest I'll be given the director position. So...what do you think? Will you help me bring Selena to the stage?" Regina curled her lip, "I have a condition."

"And what would that be?"

"I have a friend who's good with hair and makeup. I want her to be my personal stylist," Regina said.

"Of course. Absolutely. So that's a yes?"

"...I'll be there tomorrow," Regina said. "But you'll have to speak with my husband about the other part. Goodbye."

"Well?" Marcus asked. "What's the word?"

Regina sighed giving him a wary look. Maybe it was fine this time?