Twisted Arrangement 2 Read Online Free Page A

movie premieres or award galas too. Blending in was part of his job.
     
    They reached the far side of the market, away from the packed vendor isles and parking lot. Ransler led the way into a large white tent. The air was slightly cooler in the shade, and the scent of burgers and dogs cooking on the grill wafted through the air. After a brief conversation with a scraggly bearded man behind the tent’s wooden counter, Ransler turned to Josh with two cold beers in hand and pointed to a table near the edge of the tent.
     
    Josh took the beer and sat, so relieved to have Ransler in front of him that he didn’t even care what the rough wood was no doubt doing to his suit pants. He sipped the cold, crisp brew with a grateful sigh. Ransler plonked himself down opposite Josh and raised his own beer to his lips.
     
    “So, you’ve finally pinned me down. What do you want to say?”
     
    Josh leaned his elbows on top of the table and wrapped his hands around the cool glass beer bottle. “What do I need to say? You’ve read the script. I know you have. So you know this role would be excellent for you. Not just a good fit, I’m talking little gold statue. You haven’t gotten one of those yet. But you deserve one. This role will get it for you.”
     
    Ransler set down his beer and nodded. “Maybe. But one of the luxuries of my position, Mr. Owens, is that I get to be real picky. About what projects I do, what kind of roles I take... And who I work with.”
     
    “So, this whole thing is about me. Personally.” Josh tilted his head to study the other man’s expression. Ransler’s blue eyes weren’t hostile, but they weren’t warm either.
     
    “Well, yeah. To be honest with you, Mr. Owens, the things I’ve heard about you make me real wary to work together.”
     
    Josh’s shoulders tensed. Ransler meant the things he’d heard from Lolly Tate, no doubt. “Was one of the things you heard that I’m incredibly hands-on with the projects I produce and that I take great interest, great care even, that we hire the very best cast and crew available?”
     
    Ransler was already nodding. “Yeah, yeah. I did hear that. But frankly, and pardon me for saying so, that’s part of what worries me. Most producers aren’t nearly as involved as you are. And since my concerns are about you ...” He tipped his beer bottle in Josh’s direction. “You can see how it raises problems with me signing on.”
     
    Josh gritted his teeth. “With all due respect, Mr. Ransler, the rumors you’ve heard about me are just that. Rumors. Not all of them are true. In fact, I’d wager the majority aren’t. But if you come work for me, you can see that for yourself.”
     
    Ransler’s lips twitched. One dark eyebrow rose a little. “You think I’m basing my concerns solely on what others tell me? You must not think very highly of me, Mr. Owens.”
     
    “Please, call me Josh.” He leaned back in his chair and began rolling up his shirtsleeves. Even in the shade under the tent it was quite warm. “Look, Mr. Ransler, I have no clue what you’re basing your decisions on because until now you haven’t even been willing to speak to me. I was under the impression you’d agreed to meet with me after the charity ball, but since then I’ve been given every excuse in the book.”
     
    “Fair enough. I did say I would meet with you after your ball, and here we are.” Ransler drained the last of his beer. “Look, I know you can’t make this film without my name on the dotted line. Arnold Purefoy has made no bones about the fact that he’ll pull his money. But I have to be honest with you, Josh. I just don’t see it working out. We’re two very different people and I don’t think I can compromise on this.”
     
    Anger and resentment bubbled up in Josh’s throat. He swallowed them down. He was angry with Arnold Purefoy, for making his jittery stipulations public knowledge. He was angry with Lolly Tate for being such a petulant ex and