Pinch Hit by Tim Green Read Free Book Online

happened.” The director’s voice came from behind the bright lights. “Your mother’s been killed and you’re crushed. I want you fighting back the tears. Then, boom , out of the lava, the living dragon appears, and you’re stunned because now you know the legend she always told you is true. You got it?”
    â€œI got it,” Trevor said, conjuring up the emotions that Pierce Everette was asking for.
    â€œOkay, now I’ll cue you on the dragon. We’ll CG that in, but I want you to be shocked, completely in awe.”
    â€œGot it,” Trevor said, breathing deep and putting himself into a kind of trance.
    â€œAnd … action!”
    Trevor gave the director what he wanted … almost. They did twelve takes before Pierce called it quits and Trevor got to go back to his dressing room. McKenna headed onto the set as he was leaving and slapped him a high five like they were tag team wrestlers, one going off while the other took over the battle.
    Back in the dressing room, Trevor dialed up his mom. He heard the caution in her voice as she greeted him, but he pretended not to notice. “Can I go to McKenna’s to swim and have a cookout after we’re done shooting? I guess she’s gonna have some people over.”
    â€œI’ve got a dinner with the hospital board anyway, so that works out great. Sure. I’ll be done about nine-thirty; can I pick you up then on my way home?”
    â€œGreat. Thanks, Mom.”
    â€œEverything else okay?”
    â€œSure. Like what?”
    â€œI don’t know … anybody unusual you meet today?”
    Trevor pretended to think. “No, Everette had his family here yesterday, some cousins or something I took pictures with. That who you mean?”
    His mom hesitated. “Yes, them. I’m glad you met them. Everette doesn’t have a lot of family. Have fun, angel.”
    Trevor got off and smiled to himself.

14
SAM
    Sam’s dad spent the rest of the day writing while Sam dug deeper into The Count of Monte Cristo . When his dad finally left his desk and stretched his back, he asked Sam if he wanted to go get something to eat before being dropped off at McKenna Steele’s.
    â€œI think we’re having dinner there. I’m ready when you are.”
    Sam’s dad pushed the curtain aside and studied the Ferrari. “Let me just wash down the car. It won’t take thirty or forty minutes.”
    Sam knew better than to argue. If his dad was driving into the heart of Beverly Hills, he was going in a clean Ferrari. He returned to his bedroom and picked up his book. Forty-five minutes later, Sam heard a shout from out front. The Ferrari shone like a polished gem and his dad beamed with pride.
    â€œNice,” Sam said.
    They climbed in and headed toward town in style. The Ferrari was on its best behavior, and Sam’s dad clucked his tongue as they turned up McKenna’s street.
    â€œMcKenna Steele.” Sam’s dad touched his own forehead. “I can’t believe it.”
    â€œI told you, Dad, she’s just a nice person. We hit it off.” Sam stared out the window at the beautiful homes packed together along Beverly Drive.
    â€œIn five minutes?” Sam’s father sat up straight and stuck his arm out of the window, obviously proud of their ride.
    â€œShe said she liked my face. This is it, twenty-seven-nineteen.” Sam pointed to the number on the stone gatepost of a Spanish-style yellow home with a red clay tile roof and wrought-iron balconies that matched the front gate.
    Sam’s dad eased the car up into the circular stone driveway. Sam hopped out and headed for the front door.
    â€œWell, have fun,” his dad said through the open window. “I’ll pick you up at eight-thirty.”
    Sam turned and waved to him, wishing his father would stop sitting in his car gawking at the house. Sam rang the bell. A maid with a strange accent greeted him warmly