Freddy Perkins comes to California hoping to become a movie star. Changing his name to Les Banister, he surrenders his principles as he gives into the demands of a casting director to secure his first role. He relinquishes control of his personal life so the studio can build an image of him as the next American heartthrob. This means giving up Russ, his loving and supportive boyfriend, to hide the truth from his fans. He’s gay.<br><br>These sacrifices pay off for the young actor and he becomes a star. But as Les continues to pay the price for fame, he realizes at the height of his success that it’s cost him too dearly. Will he have the courage to take the chance of losing it all to be true to himself?

The Price of Fame

The young star was caught off guard by the next question: “So, when will you and Hillary be moving in together?”. Les had put his foot down when Sid and Frederickson had suggested that he and his fiancée cohabit as further proof of his heterosexuality. 


“That will do for tonight,” Jacob Frederickson said, coming to Les’s rescue. The four were whisked away in a studio limousine. 


Tiffany was dropped off first, then Hillary. Les walked her to the door, where they played out a love scene for the benefit of any paparazzi who might be lurking in the shrubbery near her condo. 


Once back in the limo, Les switched on the intercom to the driver. “Tommy.” 


“Please take Mr. Williams home first.”


“Okay, but that’s out of your way. We’ll actually go right past your place…sir.” Tommy seemed to add the final word as an afterthought.


“I know, but we have some financial matters to discuss.” He smiled at Russ and took hold of his hand. 


Chapter 22