Chapter 7 - The Script
Tommy returns the boxes to the loft and drops out on the sofa, watching his Dad sleep. Tammy climbs up the sofa and wraps her Dad's arm around her as she falls asleep with him, and Tommy smiles as they slumber together.
An hour later, he hears his phone ringing from the kitchen table, and he carefully gets off the sofa without disturbing Tammy, who is still sleeping.
Tommy walks into the kitchen and hurriedly answers the phone.
"Thomas, it's Maxwell," Maxwell said.
Tommy is concerned because if Maxwell doesn't like the script, it could all be over.
"I went over your script, and I have never seen anything like it, in all my forty years of working in this industry, I have never come across as..." stated Maxwell
Tommy takes a deep breath as he waits in suspense.
"so brilliant!" Maxwell added.
Tommy exhales a breath of relief.
"You Thomas are a creative genius, and this will be the making of you!" exclaimed Maxwell joyfully.
You'll be happy to know that we will handle the casting auditions, and you won't need to come in until next week, he continued.
"Tammy, wonderful news! "Your father has a new job!" stated Tommy
Tammy leaps from the sofa and gives her Dad a hug, saying, "I knew you could do it, Dad!"
"I'm doing this just for you, everything will be fine!" Tommy adds.
One week later...
"Thomas, don't worry, I'm just calling to let you know that the auditions are finished, and we're just negotiating Craig Daniels as Blane and Lee Houston as QR." "Once that's settled, I'll be in touch," Maxwell responded, leaving a voice mail.
Tommy returns his phone to the table after listening to voice mail. He has now set up a Facebook account, reconnecting with some old friends, and even his Scottish relatives from Glasgow are on his friends list.
But there is one person he has put off trying to initiate contact with before his phone rings as he slams his laptop shut and answers Maxwell's call.
"Thomas, we've had a setback because Craig Daniels and Lee Houston couldn't come to an agreement and pulled out," Maxwell explained.
"However, I have an idea. Can you come to the studio for a quick audition?" Maxwell continued.
"Certainly, Maxwell." "I will be down as soon as possible," Tommy stated as he hung up the phone.
As Danny and Kian are both at work, he drops Tammy off at Poppy's and returns to the Y-OFF studios to meet Maxwell.
Tommy returns to Maxwell's office, shaking hands swiftly and handing him a sheet of paper with only one line on it.
"Can you please go over the following lines on the sheet?" Maxwell inquired
Tommy enters the scene and adds, "the name is Blaine... James Blaine," in a smooth and confident tone.
"You're perfect for the part!" "You are now the new James Blaine!" Maxwell exclaimed, clapping Tommy on the back.
He couldn't believe it when he found out he'd be playing James Blaine.
"Seventeen years ago, my old friend Alex told me I would play James Blaine one day..." Tommy explained.
"Well, Thomas, my dear boy, Alex's prediction came true," Maxwell replied.
"I know it's a lot to take on to be the lead actor and also direct, but you'll get paid acting salary on top of your directing salary, so you'll make twice as much," Maxwell explained.
"I don't know what to say, Maxwell!" exclaimed Tommy, who was overjoyed.
"You've certainly earned the right to get the part, and your willingness and enthusiasm made it easier for us to make the decision to give you the part," Maxwell added.
Maxwell paces up and down in short strides in the office before saying what he was going to say next.
"You will need to shave your stubble and have your hair trimmed, not too much off just a tidy up, traditionally every actor who has played Blaine has had jet black hair but I think we can do a purple haired Blaine this time," Maxwell explained.
"I'll make sure to clean up before we start filming," Tommy added.
"On to other matters, we still need to find someone to play the role of QR, but I will deal with that soon enough," Maxwell remarked. "On how matters we need to discuss is your fitness, Thomas."
"What do you mean about my fitness?" Tommy inquired.
"You need to work on your physique and fitness however fear not, I'm going to recommend my Personal Trainer he is also a registered dietician, he will train you and show you how to eat right" said Maxwell
"I'll follow him word for word," Tommy said.
"That's the spirit, old bean!" exclaimed Maxwell, raising his fist to the side in delight.
"I've been able to postpone filming, so you'll have plenty of time to get into peak condition, and we can sort everything else out in the background," Maxwell added and explained.
Tommy visits the gym in the city centre. When he enters, he notices that it is up to date, everything is neat and organised, and it has a smoothie bar, swimming pool, and spa. The receptionist is also well-dressed, and the desk is strategically placed right in front of the automatic doors.
He walks up to the receptionist carrying his gym bag and a change of clothing for after his PT appointment. "Good morning, my name is Tommy Pickles, I have a PT session," he says.
The receptionist greeted him and responded, "Good morning, Mr. Pickles. Your session is with Albie Hunter. The gym is straight through on the right, and the changing rooms are down the hall on the left."
"Thank you, love," Tommy said.
She smiled and replied, "Your most welcome, I hope you enjoy your workout." She then stealthily picks up her phone and messages her friend, "It's Tommy Pickles the film director, OMG he's hotter in person and he's at my work!"
Tommy wanders down to the gym and enters it. The gym is equipped with the most modern machines and equipment, and his personal trainer approaches him right away. Albie remarked, "You alright Tommy mate? I'm Albie Hunter."
Tommy exclaimed, "Wow, this gym is impressive!"
Albie grinned as he finished his protein shake, "Well with the prices we charge, it has to be justified somehow."
"Just curious, Albie, how much does personal training cost?" questioned Tommy
Albie put his shaker back on his desk and continued, "Well, our starting pricing are "£300 for one hour session."
Tommy commented, "That's definitely not cheap, good thing Maxwell is covering the cost."
"Maxwell is a longtime client of mine. I coach many of London's elite, and the results speak for themselves if you check my client testimonials!" added Albie
"Without a doubt, where do we begin?" Tommy, anxious to get started, inquired.
Albie stated, "First of all, I want to know what your measurements are. Step on these scales, grasp the handles, and keep your arms straight down so the scales can measure you."
Tommy climbs off the fancy scales after taking all of his body measures, and Albie reveals his measurements to him on the screen next to it. "As you can see, there is a great deal of work to be done."
"That's shocking, yeah," Tommy remarked.
"But don't worry, I'll get you in the best shape of your life," Albie continued, tapping his shoulder.
Albie added, "The next 12 weeks are going to be intense. If you want the James Blaine body, then you need to do everything I exactly say, from how long you sleep, what and how much you eat, and you'll be training twice a day for six days a week, with the morning being cardio and the evening being weights and conditioning."
Tommy said, "I want to do this the proper way, and I'll follow your instructions.
Albie responded, "Good on you mate, you will see a huge difference in yourself by the end of this programme."
Tommy inquired, "Can I bring Tammy with me in the evening?"
"Of course, Tommy. I truly don't think it presents a problem," Albie said.
Tommy found the first session to be extremely difficult. He completed the simplest bodyweight circuit, and when it was time for his final burpee, he collapsed.
Albie laughed and asked, "It's been a while since you've done any proper training?"
Tommy replies, "I haven't done this kind of training since High School. I remember in my Jr. High Year Pangborn was such an arsehole with our training."
Albie grabs Tommy's hand and scoops him up.
Albie remarked, "It sounds like this Pangborn guy was the kind of guy who would make you do 100 push-ups by just smiling at him."
Tommy stated, "He was an arsehole sometimes, but a good P.E. teacher and football coach."
Albie shook Tommy's hand and handed him his diet and nutrition plan, saying, "Sounds like he had an unorthadox approach, but anyway, that was a good shift you put in, I'll see you later tonight and here is your diet and nutriton plan."
After using the sauna and taking a shower, Tommy changes. He observes the receptionist giving him a flirty smile as he leaves. Maxwell, who was by chance also at the gym, was on the squash court.
Tommy was flirting with the receptionist as Maxwell was departing in a sports jumper tied around his neck. Tommy noticed that he had just been caught by Maxwell and that he didn't seem impressed, so Tommy went over to him to explain.
Maxwell remarked, "I can see that young Lady has been trying to fraternise with you Thomas."
Tommy responded, "Maxwell, lighten up, is just a little harmless flirting."
Maxwell stated, "I'm paying you to direct and act, and right now I need all of your energy and focus on this film."
Tommy apologised, "That's fair, I'm sorry, I just got carried away. I guess it's the rush you get when a woman pays you attention."
Maxwell told Thomas, "I can totally understand that and sometimes it's hard to resist, but I need you to be fully professional as you are representing Y-OFF productions,"
She gives Tommy a cheeky kissy face as Maxwell leaves, and he responds with a wink before leaving as well.
The past 12 weeks have gone by extremely quickly. Tommy maintained his food and exercise routine with unwavering discipline and commitment, and the improvements in his body and mind from the beginning were striking. Tommy is currently in his final training session.
As Tommy neared the end of the final session, his fitness levels had greatly improved from the start of the session. Albie had included a martial arts training block to help Tommy prepare for the fight scenes he would portray.
While Tommy is in the gym's boxing room, Albie encourages him to finish the session despite his trembling arms.
Watching, Tammy encourages her father. "Dad, you've got this!"
Sweat pouring from Tommy's head, he removes his gloves and applies new tape to his hands. "I'm mentally exhausted!" he exclaims. "I don't think I can do it!"
"Tommy, don't give up easily! You are more psychologically tough than you believe. added Albie
Tommy sat down on the floor, sweat trickling down his forehead, "I need a rest!" he exclaimed.
"After you finish the final round of punches on the bag, you can relax! Just the mere concept of having head space for a split second makes you want to kick their nut in! Think of someone you utterly detest and find the very thought of them makes your blood boil!" added Albie
Tommy observes her kid playing her handheld video game console while seated on the floor next to the wall. He has the drive he requires to start working because of this. Then he recalls Russell, the producer who fired him from the two positions that had previously given him work.
He becomes enraged and fired up, punching the punch bag with increasing force with each blow. Other gym patrons are impressed with the amount of effort he is exerting.
Albie with his stop watch in hand counts the seconds "Yes Tommy! 5..4...3...2..1 and Rest!", the last punch Tommy gives it his all, the last punch is so powerful, it leaves a dent in the punching bag.
He gives Tommy a double fist bump to his gloves and says "Well done! you defiantly ignited the fire inside of you"
"Well your pep talk certainly helped me get through the last set" said Tommy
"You worked hard! Take a few days off to recuperate, let your body heal, and then check in with Maxwell. Anyhow, I need to see another client." said Albie.
"Thanks again mate," said Tommy
Before leaving the boxing gym, Albie exits with his tablet and gives Tammy a fist bump. She then focuses her attention back to the small screen.
Tommy approaches Tammy and taps her lightly and playfully on the head with his glove. He inquired, "What game are you playing?
Tammy continues to push the buttons while looking up and saying, "Super Marco remastered version."
"Your Grandpa Stu played this game when it first came out," Tommy says as he kneels down and turns to face the screen.
"I love the old school games" said Tammy
Tommy removed his gloves and handed them to Tammy, saying, "You can't beat the classics, you want to have a tussel with your Dad?"
Tammy sets down her portable console and declares, "I'm going to beat you Dad!" as she dons her father's huge gloves.
She attempts an uppercut, barely touching Tommy's midsection. Tommy says, "That's it, now the left jab," as they playfully frolic and tap each other lightly while laughing.
Tommy gets out of bed the following morning and glances in the mirror. His body has transformed from mediocre to athletic, with washboard abs, biceps that stick out from his shoulders, and powerful legs. Tommy spends more than ten minutes gazing at himself in the mirror. He is now prepared to begin filming and play the role of the new James Blaine.
End of Chapter 7