After a nice long shower, Liam dried his damp hair and wrapped himself in towel as he padded to his closet to find something suitable to wear for tonight.
What to wear? What to wear? What does one wear to a hook up?
Glancing at the stack of clothes in the corner, he picked a shirt up, smelled it, gagged, and threw them back into the pile. Whew, Liam! Mom is right! I need to do laundry more often! Get your life together!
He returned to closet to see a brand-new t-shirt and pair of jeans he had just bought on sale. Grabbing them off the hanger, he tossed them on to the bed as he went to his dresser to put on a clean pair of underwear. Hope Theo enjoys a fresh pair of striped boxer briefs. He said to himself.
After applying deodorant and splash of cologne, he combed his hair, dressed, and headed out the door by six. The drive from Los Feliz to Silverlake took only about ten minutes and he parked on the sidewalk in front of a gated condo. Pushing the security code to be let inside, he inhaled a breath as he rang the front door.
Okay, Liam, this is it. Don't fuck it up. Be cool.
Theo Raeken answered in a pullover and board shorts. His legs and feet bare to show some nice hair on his limbs as his messy, dark hair and gorgeous blue eyes stared back at him.
"Liam Dunbar, I presume." He teased.
"In the flesh, Theo Raeken." Liam answered, shoving his hands in the pocket of his new jeans.
"Come on in," his host offered. He led Liam inside and into his kitchen as the young man took in the expensive décor of the house.
"Holy shit, you live like a rock star!" He noted.
Theo laughed as he went to the fridge to fetch a bottle of red wine. He opened a cupboard, uncorked the bottle, and poured both a glass.
"Wine?" He handed a glass to Liam.
"Sure, thanks," the young man accepted. "Do you really own this place?"
"Yeah," Theo grinned, sipping his drink. "One of the perks of having a famous dead musician for a dad."
His comment embarrassed Liam. He had not meant to pry. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."
"Don't be," smiled Theo. "The guy was probably an asshole. He died from a drug overdose when I was two. I don't even remember him other than his name being Deucalion Raeken and seeing him in tribute band videos."
Liam flinched. Theo certainly was blunt talking about his parents. "You really don't anything about your dad?"
The Beacon Hills actor shook his head. "Nope. Only that I share his last name, inherited his fortune, and maybe slightly look like him."
Liam worked up the courage to ask him about his other parent. "And your mom?"
Theo snorted while sipping his glass. "Yeah, she's a piece of work too. Let me give you the short version. Famous supermodel, Jennifer Blake, hooked up with a famous rocker, married him, and had his kid. Then when he died, she too inherited half his wealth, got knocked up again by some random stranger, had my sister, who has Down's syndrome by the way, and tried to pass her off as the last progeny of the late great Deucalion Raeken's frozen sperm. The public buys it, she leaves her kids in the care of multiple nannies and jets off to Europe to continue her career and lavish lifestyle while she bangs one guy to the next leaving both her kids with parental issues."
He did not know what to say and remained quiet while he sipped the wine in his hand. Liam knew talking about one's personal life was not any of his business.
Realizing his error, Theo shook off the revelation. "Sorry, didn't mean to be downer. I guess I have some built up frustration I need to work on."
"No, it's okay," Liam reassured him. "I understand. I see a therapist at least once a month. I could recommend her to you. She's very discreet."
Tossing his head back, Theo laughed. "You? You see a shrink? Whatever for? I Google stalked you. You have the perfect family life. What could the great Liam Dunbar need to go to therapy for?"
Liam sipped his wine and sighed. "Trust me. I have issues too. I don't tell anybody this and only my best friend and my parents know. I have this thing. It's called IED."
"IED?" Theo's blue eyes widened. "What's that?"
"Intermittent Explosive Disorder," he answered. "Basically, when I'm extremely agitated or have high fits of anxiety, I blackout and express it by going into a blind fury. Basically, I get super violent and can't stop myself."
Theo's face turned to pity. "I'm sorry." He set down his glass at the kitchen counter nearby. "Should I be worried? You're not…" He paused. "Going to go all berserker on me and try to cannibalize me because I don't think my cleaning lady is going to appreciate cleaning blood off my white counter tops."
Liam snickered as he took another sip of his wine. "Relax. I got it under control. I take meds and the therapy helps. I haven't had an episode for a long time." He turned his hazel blue eyes away. "Wow. I've never admitted that to anyone, not even to my best friend."
Theo grinned. "I haven't shared my family drama with anyone and yes, I do need to go to therapy. I might take you up on that offer to see your shrink."
Liam smiled and walked toward the windows facing the city. He stared outside, hoping to conceal his nervousness around Theo. "It's a beautiful view." From his side vision, he noticed Theo walking close to him.
"Thanks," he replied. "The one thing my dad gave me was this gorgeous condo overlooking the city."
Liam turned to him. "Why did you share with me your family's past? You don't even know me. I'm just a stranger."
Theo shrugged. "I don't know. I kind of feel comfortable around you like I can be myself and not hide things." He hesitated as he confessed this to him. "Can I ask you something personal?"
Liam sipped his glass again. "Might as well. We're already sharing personal details. Go ahead, shoot."
"Is this IEP thing hereditary? Were you born with it?"
Liam sighed. "I don't know. There are theories that genetics are involved but nothing proven. You see, Theo, my birth mom was a drug addict. From what my parents told me, she was so hopped up on drugs that I was born with NAS or neonatal abstinence syndrome when she went into labor. She died of a stroke, so they had to perform an emergency C-section. I was born eight weeks premature and showing signs of extreme withdrawals. Somehow, I managed to survive but developed the IED in my brain and body chemistry from the effects of the drugs in my system. It's been something I learned to deal with."
Theo's swallowed hard listening to Liam's story. He thought he had it rough growing up. "I'm sorry to hear that. I guess you never know what the other person's story is like. In some ways, we both have some fucked up childhoods thanks to our parents."
"Not mine," Liam corrected him. "Sure, my birth and disorder were unconventional, but I was adopted by loving parents who took me from Detroit to living in suburbia in sunny San Diego. Despite some setbacks, overall, I'd say I had an amazing childhood." He turned to Theo. "What about you? You said your sister has Down syndrome?"
"Tara," he answered. "Her name is Tara and we're remarkably close. When she was born and my mom told me she was disabled, I took it upon myself to take care of her. Even our nannies encouraged the relationship because all we had was each other since our mother was never around. She's an amazing person. High functioning. Positive. Joyous. She's the one good thing in my life."
Liam smiled. "At least, her big brother has you to watch out for her. Does she live with you?"
Theo exhaled and shook his head. "No. Because I work constantly and can't take of her, I found a nice little community facility that caters to retired seniors and the independently disabled. Eichen House. She loves it and has friends and, pretty much, lives her own life. I'm so proud of her."
"I'm glad to hear that," Liam grinned. "You're a good person, Theo Raeken."
Theo rolled his eyes. "Don't say that, Liam. I'm the resident bad boy of Beacon Hills, remember. Tabloids love to know which girl I'm dating or fucking. I have a reputation to protect."
His remark confused him. Liam took another sip and glared at this so-called "bad boy". "All right, Mr. Raeken. Let's play quid pro quo."
"Quid pro quo?" Theo's brows lifted.
Liam rolled his eyes. "I love Silence of the Lambs. Just humor me."
"Okay, I'm game." He smirked.
Liam explained the rules. "I trade information of equal value, and you do the same regarding a question or response. So, quid pro quo, how do you self-identify and your pronouns?"
Taken aback, Theo enjoyed the challenged. He played along. "I self-identify as not having labels. But since we're on the subject, I identify as cis-male bi or pan. And my pronouns are he or him. Quid pro quo, same question, Mr. Dunbar."
"Cis-male gay. Pronouns him or he. "Quid pro quo, why don't you use Cruisr or Ember?"
Theo curled in mouth in response. "Because I like my privacy and I'm in the public eye. Plus, those two apps creep me out and I don't trust guys or girls on those things after hearing horror stories about them. Your turn, Dunbar, quid pro quo. Why aren't you on Cruisr?"
"Same," answered Liam. "I don't trust the idea of a rando knowing how many feet I am away from him. And yes, I agree I've heard too many negative things about Cruisr especially with the racism and potential serial killers on the loose out there. Also, being in the public eye, the possibility of stalkers is kind of scary. Again, not my thing. Quid pro quo, you don't happen to have a basement or dungeon, and should I be worried that you'll keep me captive for a few days before you bury my body?"
Theo laughed and shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint you but I'm not a tech billionaire like Tristan Greyson of Blue Levels of Color. Plus, I'm not into the whips and chains thing unless…" He cooed. "You want to try that kink tonight."
"Pass!" Liam responded immediately. "I guess worrying if you have a creepy basement to lock me up in is not on your agenda."
"Pfft," Theo curled his mouth. "I'm too lazy to be a serial killer. I don't even own a shovel. That's why I hire a gardener to mow my lawn and take care of the plants outside. Besides, this is Los Angeles, we don't have basements." His joke eased the tension. "Quid pro quo. Why did you choose acting as a career?"
"By accident," Liam replied. "I was involved in community theater productions back home and got discovered in Oliver. Natalie Martin of M&M Inc. signed me, and the rest is history. Quid pro quo, Theo. Same question."
Theo grinned. "Accident as well. Mom needed a child model for one of her clothing campaigns and the client had me to do a print ad with her for one of their catalogs. I guess that is when I caught the acting bug at age six. One of her talent agents took me on and I've been booking work ever since. I guess you could say…"
He could not finish his sentence before he tripped over his own feet and accidentally knocked the glass of red wine out of Liam's hand. Scarlet liquid splashed all over the young man's shirt and pants.
Mortified, Theo apologized as he quickly grabbed a kitchen towel from the counter and patted him down while Liam picked up the empty wine glass that miraculous did not shatter. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to bump into you..."
"It's all right," Liam began to reassure him, but Theo stopped him.
"Take off your clothes!"
Shock appeared on Liam's face. "What?"
"Take off your clothes," Theo insisted. "The wine is going to stain, and I want to soak them to make sure the wine doesn't set in."
"All right," he shrugged. Eventually, he was going to allow Theo to see him naked tonight. He unbuckled his belt as he stripped out of his shirt and jeans. Having forgotten to remove the tag still attached to both items, Theo noted this and addressed it.
"You're not planning on returning this to the store, are you?"
Liam shook his head embarrassed that the sale tags were still showing.
"No prob," Theo responded as he ripped both the retail tags off. Standing in his striped boxer briefs, sneakers and sports socks, Theo took a minute to admire Liam's fit physique. Damn. I'm going to enjoy that tonight. Then returning his senses, he ran to the adjacent room of the kitchen where the laundry room was and placed the stained t-shirt and jeans in the washer. Turning to the clean white terrycloth bathrobe placed on top of the dryer, he picked it up and went outside to hand it Liam. "Put this on. You'll feel more comfortable in this while your clothes are washing." Then his eyes noticed Liam pulling off his sneakers leaving his white socks on.
"Sorry," Liam apologized. "I feel weird in sneakers and in my underwear. I hope you don't mind."
Theo smirked. "Not at all. In fact," his blue eyes glanced down. "Socks on! No homo!"
"Huh?" The young man appeared confused.
Realizing that he was not getting the humor, the Beacon Hills star explained. "Bro slang. Basically, if you say, 'socks on', you're down to fuck but no gay shit. Sorry, it was a bad attempt at a joke."
Liam cocked his head to the side and shrugged. "Okay then." He reached down and pulled off his socks leaving his bare feet on the floor. "Now it's socks off and all gay shit!" He balled them and placed them into the pocket of the robe. Then his face flinched. "You're not into feet, are you? Not that there is anything wrong with that?"
Theo laughed and shook his head. "No, I'm not into fetishes but I'll say that you do look hot in my robe." His hand pulled at the strap around Liam's waste and drew him closer. "Then again, you look hot in anything."
Holy shit! This is really happening! Liam thought to himself. He remained composed. "Quid pro quo! Are you really this cocky and arrogant, or is it just an act?"
"Does it matter?" Theo purred. "Look, I'll admit I'm straightforward. I must be. This confidence I've built over the years comes from having to look out for myself and my little sister. I knew the moment my mother wasn't going to be around that I needed to grow up fast and be ambitious and that means pulling my bootstraps up and knowing what I want even if means having to hurt people or leaving them behind. It's the way I've always operated. This isn't going to be a dealbreaker for you? Understand, this is simply sex, nothing else. I'm not looking for a relationship or some idea that I'm boyfriend material. I fuck and that's all there is."
"I know," Liam sighed. "I know exactly what I'm getting myself into. Let's be real here. This is a hook up and nothing more."
His face leaned in closer. "Quid pro quo then, Liam Dunbar. Why did you text me sooner than later? Why now and not the weekend like we agreed?"
Liam swallowed and looked away for minute. Damn, he's got me. Time for honesty. "Want the truth? Not the made up one I was preparing in my head?"
Theo nodded. "We're already exposing our feelings and shit. Why stop now?"
"My ex-boyfriend," Liam answered truthfully. "He set me off today."
"The one that you mentioned was always cheating?"
Liam nodded. "Yeah, the very same himbo. He decided to twist the knife by sending me sex pics of him and his new boyfriend just to rub salt in the wound that we're no longer together. Then he said some heinous shit like I'm a prude, that his new whore is a better lover, that no man would want me, and then to top it off told me to kill myself. Seriously?" His hazel blue eyes exhibited sadness. "Who does that?" He turned to Theo. "Don't worry, I blocked his number, but I'll admit his words still hurt." He folded his arms. "I guess being here is a way of proving to myself and to him that I'm worth something and that I'm not anything that he perceives me to be."
A hand touched his chin. Liam face was pulled towards Theo's. Their blue eyes met as Theo lips crushed Liam's. The moment their mouths connected, it was electric, satisfying, intense. Liam's stomach jumbled, tickling his insides. Butterflies, perhaps? He did not care as their eyes closed as they enjoyed the sensation of their tongues touching, their lips tasting, and the savory breath of pleasure pulsating between them. Soon their arms embraced, holding each other in this one tender moment that they both needed.
Liam felt Theo's mouth pull away. His eyes quickly opened to see the same handsome face staring back at him smiling in approval.
"How was that?" Theo asked in a teasing, sensual manner.
"Great. Actually, amazing!" Liam embarrassingly replied as he could feel himself getting flushed.
"You're turning red like an apple," Theo giggled.
Liam could sense the truth and turned away but not releasing his hold around Theo's shoulders. He slowly released him as he stood firm to get his bearings.
Theo scratched his chin, admiring Liam's innocence and naivety. "For the record, Liam, your ex is an asshole and an idiot. He doesn't know what he has and, trust me, there are plenty of guys out there that want every part of you. I, included." Intense tension drifted between them before he spoke up. "Now here's me being the cocky bastard that I am? This is a hook up after all. So…" He started. "Do you want to watch Interflix and fuck? Do you want to drink some more and fuck? Or should we just fuck?"
Liam looked down and grinned at his directness. "How about we just fuck?" His face then turned serious. "Just to let you know, I only practice safe sex. I got condoms and I got tested twice in the last six months after my ex cheated, for obvious reasons. I don't know how many men he's been with. Don't worry, I'm completed clean."
"Same," Theo admitted. "I have several packs of Trojans as well and I take PrEP but use condoms. I also got tested recently and I'm clean." He rubbed his hand. "Since we've gotten the formalities out of the way, do want me to carry you up the stairs to my bedroom or do you prefer for me to chase you?"
Seizing the opportunity, Liam donned off the robe and dropped it to the floor. "Last one has to bottom tonight!" He sprinted up the stairs.
"Hey!" Theo protested. "I always top!"
They scrambled up the flight, laughing and taunting as they entered Theo's bedroom where a good time was had by all.
Countless hours of a good time.
Through the rays of bright light filling the room, Liam slowly opened his eyes to see the morning sun filtering through the blinds of Theo's bedroom. Curled up around the white linen that appeared to be purely expensive one thousand Egyptian cotton thread count, he rolled to his side to touch his lover who was no longer there. His pillow vacant, Liam leaned in to inhale the scent of Theo's musk remembering last night's intense marathon sex session. Displaying a guilty, afterglow grin, he got up naked to search for his underwear tossed to the side of the bed and picked it up. His eyes noticed a stack of clothes on the dresser with a note.
Your clothes are still drying. Put these on. – Theo
Aww, he cares. Liam said to himself. He slipped on his boxer briefs, the t-shirt and sweatpants and headed downstairs to see a shirtless Theo in basketball shorts, scrambling some eggs. Damn, the man was truly fine, and he cooks too!
Theo stared admiringly at Liam as he took a seat at the kitchen counter. "Hope you like eggs. I haven't had time to grocery shop, it's all I have other than bread." He plopped down a plate of eggs and toast in front of him and poured him glass of orange juice.
Liam took the glass and sipped his o. j. "Do you always cook breakfast for your one night stands the next morning?"
Theo smiled. "No, just you. Then again, most of my hook ups leave right after coming."
Liam rolled his eyes. "What makes me so special?"
Theo shrugged. "I don't know. I like you, Liam. It's weird but I'm comfortable around you and feel that I can be myself. It's like I don't have to hide anything."
"Quid pro quo, Mr. Raeken," Liam challenged him again with his questioning. "Are you ever going to come out in public?"
Theo looked away for minute, let out a sigh, and dug into his plate of eggs. "I don't know. You know how this works in this business, Liam. No LGBT actor cannot fully come out without causing career suicide. No leading man wants to be seen kissing another woman when they have a thing for guys. That's not how the world works. Throw in the fact that I'm bi or pan and all the phobia starts again even within the LGBT community. You know how segregated and elitist the pride flag can be even though they claim to be inclusive. It's not something I want to deal with right now."
Liam sympathized with him. Even within the LGBTAIQ world, there still existed an internalized separation and resentment toward how everyone self-identifies. However, he remained optimistic that everyone involved were progressively moving forward.
"Yeah, but you can't always please those trolls and haters," he told Theo. "You can only be yourself, realize your truth. Fuck all those who are bi-phobic or pan-phobic! Be happy with who you are as a person and be part of the solution instead of feeding into the problem. We're going forward and we are changing perceptions. It's all about representing many types in our community and realizing you are a part of it."
Theo exhaled and looked away. "Can you say the same? Could you tell an entertainment journalist that you're gay if they ask?"
"If they ask," Liam pointed out. "My sexuality and self-identify is mine to claim and no one else's. I've prepared for this already when I came out at fifteen, still in this industry, and I have learned to mentally prepared myself for the aftermath. Guess what? Nothing happened. No one cared. I didn't need to stand on top of studio roof with a pride flag and declare my sexuality. It's about my talent and if I can convince you as a viewer that I am this character that you're seeing on your television screen. In the end, I'm proud what I've accomplished so far and I'm not ashamed of being who I am."
Theo turned his back away. "I don't think I'm there yet, Liam. I'm not ready."
"Well, if ever you're ready to take that leap, Theo," he told him. "You know I'm here. You'll always have my friendship and my support."
"Quid pro quo, Liam," Theo began to say looking back at the young man. "Right now, do you want more than friendship?"
Liam wickedly grin. "What are you proposing, Mr. Raeken?"
"That after this meal," he cooed. "We get you all cleaned up in my shower."
"Uh," Liam started nervously. "We just ate breakfast and I, um, not prepared for anything intimate."
Theo smirked. A sinful twinkle appeared in his eye. "There are other things we can do that doesn't involve penetration. Let me show you."
Before he knew it, Liam's body was pulled into Theo's embrace as their mouths crushed. Hands and fingers and found each other as they undressed, fumbled upstairs into Theo's bedroom and finally his bathroom where they had a nice, long hot shower.
A really, long hot shower.
Once dressed in his now clean t-shirt and jeans, Liam put on his socks and sneakers and headed to his car parked in front. Theo, in nothing but a towel, tackled him before he reached the front door and kissed him.
"Quid pro quo, Liam Dunbar," he teased his mouth as Liam ran his hands across his damp, bare skin. "Are you sure you want to make this just a one-night stand?"
Liam gently shoved him away. "Like you said. A hook up. No strings." He smirked at Theo. "Besides, what would your bad boy reputation say if you meet up again with the same person?"
"That I like this same person," he purred getting close to him. Once again, Liam did a quick peck on his lips. "Down boy, I'm tempted but this was simply a one-time thing." He found Theo's mouth again. Damn, why can't I resist him. "Let's keep it this way."
Theo frowned. "You know, you still have my number if ever you meet up again."
"I know," Liam smiled, giving him a joking wink. Feeling a bit of confidence boost, he turned the knob of the front door but enough before addressing his lover. "Theo, thanks again…for everything. I needed this."
"Anytime," Theo sinfully grinned as he watched the young man slowly exit his house. "Oh, and Liam?"
Liam turned around. "Yeah?"
"You're an awesome guy," Theo told him. "Don't forget that. Your ex is a moron and stupid enough to lose you."
"I know," Liam said proudly. "I'll see you around, Raeken." He turned away, a bit of confidence clouding his aura, and headed for his car as he heard Theo's front door shut behind him.
I can't believe I just did that.
Once inside, he pulled open the glove compartment to retrieve his phone and scrolled through his messages. A long list appeared from his agent, Lydia.
Liam, there has been accident with Hayden. Call me.
Liam, Hayden's been hurt. Call me.
Hayden's in the hospital. Check your voice mail.
Frantic, Liam checked his voice mail and dialed it. He heard Lydia's voice.
"Liam, if you get this message. Hayden was hurt during rehearsals. She was admitted to the E. R. last night and is at Cedars-Sinai. My mom and I are heading there now. Meet us there!"
What the? Worried and frantic, he hung up, put the key into the ignition and sped off to the hospital.
Founded by businessman Kaspare Cohn in 1902, Cedars-Sinai Hospital was originally known as the Kaspare Cohn Hospital until it was later renamed Great Influenza Pandemic of 1928 and the merger with Cedars of Lebanon Hospital. Decades later, it would be ranked as the second-best hospital in the western United States. As well as being a healthy facility for research, many famous celebrities have graced their halls including current movie stars, television personalities, and musicians.
Liam parked his car into the visitors' lot and made his way inside to the lobby where he saw Natalie Martin and her daughter, Lydia, wearing their best power suits as they went over to hug him.
"Liam, you finally got our message," Lydia embraced him.
"Sorry, I was out on personal business," he apologized to his to agents. "What happened?"
"We're not sure," Natalie explained. "During the big flying scene, the harness cable that was holding Hayden snapped and she fell several feet on to the stage. She was unconscious and they called paramedics where they took her to the E. R. here. Since we're not family, they won't give us any more information."
"Hayden's grandmother is with the doctor now," Lydia added. "We're waiting on the news."
Suddenly, the elevators opened to reveal an older woman who spotted the trio by the lobby desk. In her sixties, Araya Romeo, had a steely, resilient nature. The daughter of migrant Mexican immigrants, she, and her husband Guillermo Romero, adopted their granddaughter Hayden at the age of four, when Araya's daughter, Pilar, gave up all parental rights to her to run off with a group of gangsters called Las Lobas. Ever since, Araya and her husband have been supportive of Hayden's acting career after she signed on to M&M Inc.
Natalie went over to hug Araya first. "We got here as soon as we could. Any news?"
"Hayden is in good condition considering the circumstances," Araya informed then as she embraced both Lydia and Liam next. "The doctors said she's lucky. She has a mild concussion but no internal bleeding. Her left leg is broken, and so is her right arm. She fractured her bottom right jaw which will require some oral surgery and cracked the back of her pelvis. It's lucky the fall wasn't high enough or she would've been permanently paralyzed or worse, dead."
"Does anyone know what happened?" Liam asked Hayden's grandmother.
"The investigators said the cable snapped from the harness she was wearing," Araya informed them. "The crew said it was a freak accident. The doctors said she'll need two to three months to fully recover."
"They're going to have to replace her role," Lydia added sadly. "The show is going to tour without her."
"That's not important," Natalie pointed out. "Hayden's health and wealth being are. Mrs. Romero, I assure you M&M Inc. and Actors Equity will take care of her medical expenses. Don't worry about a thing. You just be there to care for here!"
"Mis Dios!" Araya exclaimed clapping her hands while tears filled her eyes. She went over to hug Natalie again. "Gracias, Natalie. I don't know what to say!"
"It's nothing," Lydia's mother reassured her while patting her back. "Hayden is like a daughter to me. I always take care of my people."
"Can we see her?" Liam asked Hayden's grandmother.
Araya sighed and frowned. "Lo siento, Liam. Because of all the pain she's in, the doctors sedated her. She's sleeping for now. Come see her manana during visiting hours when she's awake. Esta bien?"
"Sure," he reluctantly smiled.
"Excellente," replied Hayden's grandmother. "I'm going to go over her procedures with the doctors. Again, thank you for coming."
She disappeared back into the elevator heading upstairs. Back in the lobby, Lydia sensed something off about her mother.
"What's wrong, Mom?" She probed. "What is you're not telling us?"
Liam stepped in to listen more intently about the situation.
"It's the producer of the show," Natalie explained. "Rudy Scottaline. He's refusing to acknowledge any wrongdoing on their part even though it's his production and his responsibility. He is refusing to pay Hayden's medical costs unless we can prove that it was negligence on the show's part."
"But that's crazy!" Lydia argued. "Oz is under this Rudy Scottaline. Therefore, he has to take responsibility for all his cast and crew and their well-being."
"That's just it," Natalie continued. "He's a horrible, toxic man and a cheapskate! His production company is huge and has its pocket in both film and Broadway shows! He isn't a little fish! He's a shark with a team of high-powered lawyers at any given time to do his dirty work!"
Liam protested. "We can't let him win! Hayden could've been killed! She's in the hospital because of the show's negligence!"
"I know, Liam," Natalie agreed. "And we're not going to let him win! We're going to fight this tooth and nail! Rudy Scottaline may have powerful connections but so do we!"
"What you mean, Mom?" Lydia asked her.
"Lydia, first thing tomorrow morning," her mother advised her. "Call the state labor board for an investigation of the Oz production as well as Actor's Equity. I'll contact our legal team as well as a couple of powerful lawyer friends for help in the matter. Scottaline isn't going to get away with this, trust me!" She then turned to Liam and her daughter. "Since NDA's were signed, we have to approach this from a legal standpoint. Don't go to news stations or post about this on social media, we're going to keep this quiet and strike when the time is right! We're doing this for Hayden so that no other actor must be subjected to this kind of mistreatment! Understood?"
The pair nodded.
"Good," Natalie Martin folded her arms. "For now, keep everything normal with our routine while I work on this. Liam, you have the Progressive-Farm insurance commercial you're shooting in two days and an upcoming reading for a show. Stay focus on that."
"Yes, mam," Liam nodded.
"Lydia," she addressed her daughter. "Pull up any information on past employees who've worked for Scottaline. Interns, assistants, crew members, actors. I'm sure there a few that have a bone to pick with him. From what I hear about this man's reputation, he's not a nice person. I'm sure we can dig up some dirt on him."
Her daughter nodded. "On it, Mom."
All three had their assignments. They left the hospital still concerned over Hayden's welfare but kept focused on their individual tasks.
For Liam, it meant hoping his best friend gets better.