Weirder Still, by xangel

Weirder Still

by xangel

Author's Notes: Dustin Yarma takes center stage

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"I believe in $200 blow-jobs and mink sheets," the blonde said coyly, then giggled and leaned forward, deepening her surgically-enhanced cleavage.

She was something like the fortieth actress to audition for a role in Dustin Yarma's newest movie. His capacity for diplomacy had maxed out more than two hours ago. "That line is supposed to be delivered sarcastically."

"Oh?" She blinked, apparently attempting to think. "I don't understand."

"Mink sheets? Can you imagine trying to launder mink sheets? That line is obvious sarcasm."

"But ..."

Her continued confusion pushed Dustin's temper over the edge. "Out!" Just in case she didn't understand, he stood and pointed toward the exit like the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come pointing at Scrooge's headstone.

The wanna-be actress burst into tears and hurriedly shuffled out of the room on her platform slides.

Dustin dropped back into his chair, eyes closed, wishing the day were over.

"Dustin, why don't you leave this to me?" Julie, his casting director, had worked with him on two previous pictures. "You're the producer; you don't have to be here at this stage. I promise; I'll have you here for the call-backs."

He turned his head to stare at her, his blue-green eyes empty of every feeling except exhaustion.

She offered a smile. "Look at it this way. You staying here makes it look like you don't trust me."

"That's not it at all. I do trust you, Julie." He shrugged. "It's me I have problems with." Julie knew about the jail time, and his attempts to turn over a new, more responsible leaf. He closed his eyes again and tried to relax, but it was no good. Too much caffeine, too much stress over this project. The script was written with Julia Roberts in mind, but he had a budget that required an unknown. How in hell was he supposed to get this movie made!?

"Dustin?"

He opened his eyes to see Julie gazing worriedly at him. "I'm okay." He flexed his shoulders, trying to ease the ache, but it didn't help. "You're right. Time to go." He stood up, then looked at her and shook his head. "How do you do this day in, day out?"

Julie laughed. "I ask myself the same question frequently. But every once in a while I find someone who's got that special quality, someone I can 'discover,' and it makes it all worth it."

Dustin picked up his leather jacket from the chair back, and slid into it. "Glad one of us is having fun. Give my assistant a call when you're ready. And Julie? Thanks."

Without a backwards glance, Dustin fled, ignoring the importunities of the women still waiting for their turn to read. Once upon a time he'd have picked out the prettiest and taken her home, but that was before. Before Cory Raines entered his life.

The End

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