Chapter 9: Austin Grant

The room is very luxurious. Everything here is very expressive. After all, he doesn't lack money anymore. He's successful. He's rich. He's supposed to have expensive stuff, isn't he? But all you see here is hardly bought by his own money. The sofa, the vase, the TV, the table, and almost everything is sent to him from his beloved fans. Fans who love him and hope that he'll meet them one day. They send him gifts and food also. These gifts come to his place almost every day. Sometimes there are big boxes and sometimes there are heartwarming letters from fans. When he reads one of them he gets emotional. He would cry while reading the words written in deep colors. Black. Blue. Red. He smiles, he laughs, he cries. His fans are very important to him.

The sun rays fall on his bed directly every morning. He could make the curtains fall so the sunlight doesn't bother him. But he doesn't. Because he likes waking up like that. The sun rays fall on his beautiful body and it looks like he's shining. He also wakes up like this today. He's still sleepy and wants to sleep. He came home late from yesterday's party. The success part of the recent show. The concert for promoting the series in which he got the main role was a huge hit. The series gained more popularity than he had thought. Sure he knew people would like it but he didn't expect this much. He had worked on other projects but didn't get the recognition until he signed the contract for "Our Love The series"

One show changed his whole life. It's been almost three years since he worked on that project and he has done several projects after that too. But people are still in love with his previous project. People love Patrick. People love Austin Grant. He thought people would forget about it but he's wrong. People can not forget Patrick and Josh.

He intends to fall asleep again but he can't. He has to wake up and get on the set as soon as possible. When you do 3 successful series in a row, you can't expect to be free. You'll always be busy. Busy on a set. Busy giving interviews. Busy doing photoshoots. Busy signing books for fans.

He comes out of the shower wearing a towel and then looks at his reflection in the mirror. He turns left. He turns left. His abs look perfect. Austin signed for a new TV show two days earlier. He has to reach the shooting spot in time. He's never late for things like this. He's punctual. He hears his phone's ringtone and picks up the call. It's a video call from Josh. He turns on the camera and sees Josh's beautiful face on the screen. The thing about Josh is he always prefers his real name as the character's name he plays on series or movies. On "Our Love The Series" he didn't change his name either. The character's name was supposed to be Kevin but now it's Josh.

"Sawatdee krub P'Austin. Congratulations on your success" Thai people add "P" in front of someone's name to call them with respect.

"Thank you, Josh. And you too. When does the shooting on your new film start?"

"Thank you. The shooting starts in a few days. What about you? I read you signed a new series?"

"Krub.Yes. Mine starts today. I just showered as you can see and now I'll leave for the spot"

"Ok. Good luck. I'm hanging up, P'Austin. I don't want to make you late for today. Bye Bye"

Josh smiles at the camera and hangs up.

Austin has worked with so many actors so far. But Josh is his favorite co-actor. They worked on two projects together and both have been a huge hit worldwide. Josh has also started working in movies. Both stay busy every day but they always find ways to keep in touch.  Both are best friends.

Austin has to move carefully into his house because there are gifts everywhere. Sometimes it's overwhelming. He moves past the gifts and gets ready. He takes his car keys and wears sunglasses. He's about to lock the door when he gets a call from his manager. This manager has handled Austin's work pretty well but he's very strict like a math teacher. He acts like he's the boss and Austin is his worker. Austin picks up the call.

"Sawatdee krub"

"Where are you" the manager's voice sounds deep. Like he's trying to hide his anger "Do you have any idea what you did last night?"

"I am leaving. And yes, I do"

"Then how come you sound so calm? Don't you know how it can affect your career? You should start thinking before you open your mouth" the manager yells.

Austin becomes frustrated. He hangs up the call. He doesn't want to listen to his bullshit. His phone chimes. A message from the manager.

"There's an exclusive interview today after your shooting. I'll meet you at the shooting spot"

Another one comes instantly

"Do not disconnect my call next time!"

***

Interviewer: Welcome, Austin Grant to our exclusive interview today.

Austin: I'm really glad to be here. Thanks for having me.

Interviewer: You're now more successful ever. 3 series in a row! That's a big deal. And also my sources say you're signing a movie as well.

Austin: [laughs] Thank You. Um..I've always wanted to work in a movie but about that, I can't say anything now.

Interviewer: No, I really get it. But how does it feel? You know, being Austin Grant? You have now over 31 million followers on social media. Fans all around the world!

Austin: To be honest it feels great but at the same time I feel very tensed because as you said those 31 million followers expect so much of me and I'm not sure that I can but I really try. Being Austin Grant? [chuckles] No one really thinks that they're going to be popular and I was no exception but I am really grateful to my fans. I love them.

Interviewer: Yes. That's a lot of pressure right there but let's talk about the recent event everyone's talking about. I mean last night what you said.....

Austin: I stated my honest opinion yesterday at the conference. And few people are taking it the wrong way. I don't blame them because I think I should have been less...you know.. straight forward. Because you see people don't really like it.

Interviewer: I agree but AWAN is like one of the biggest companies in Bangkok right now. And women from all over Bangkok are using their beauty products and they're selling very well. And you said they are using too much chemical... I mean your statement is more like accusations without any proof.

Austin: I'm glad you brought it up. Because I have this video clip you all might want to watch.