They Like Me, Right Now, They Really Like Me

Everything had changed overnight in the hangar. Apparently, they have men working at night. They hung a huge green screen canvas and placed an older Taxi in the hangar. Toby felt his heart clench and then pound fast he knew this was for him. This was his part he had to say his lines and make them believable. 

Amy met him at the door and collected Travis and his stuff. Deb was also waiting, as were a dozen others, but Toby didn't know them. There were cameras everywhere he assumed they would man them. 

Rob was anxious this scene was the make or break for Toby. It was not a difficult scene but would show if he could act. They need to know if they have weeks of training, or if they can get started. They will know within the day, and they had a stand-by to help in his acting if needed, but he had a feeling he could do it after watching the photoshoot and how he reacted to the other people. He may not know he is a handsome man, but he knows how to use what he has. Like Missy says maybe it is good he is clueless. 

The moneymen think they have another Hank in case Toby blows it. He is an up-and-coming new actor who is handsome but not as built or as big as Toby. 

He will overwhelm the scene and fill up every room he enters and that is what they were looking for. Will the other man? He prays he can do this movie. It is like it was meant for him to play this part.

Missy is convinced Toby is going to be a megastar and has put up millions of her own money to make this movie. She was anxious to see how he did also. Once the test is done, he will stay or go, and they all hope he stays. He had the perfect look for what they wanted. Pleasing Missy was number one for Rob. She was a big star, and he was lucky to have her name on his movie. This will make his name well known and if the movie strikes gold he will be the go-to director. 

His other movies had been a niche fandom; he was lucky to fall into the books. This will be his first mainstream movie and he needs this to be a success. The studio has been sitting on this script for a few years. Once Missy signed on, the go-ahead was given and casting started. Finding Hank was the hold-up. They had a look in mind and Toby fit the bill and exceeded their imagination for the leading man.

Hair and makeup cut Toby's hair shorter than it has ever been. Bleached his teeth whiter as they cut his hair. After taking a shower Toby was looking in the mirror, he ran his hand over his head, feeling the poking stubs, and smiled checking out the gleam in the mirror. He came out looking like a recruit, very military. He still was handsome but very different. 'Wardrobe' had dress whites for him to put on, and Deb adjusted his cap before he stepped out of the dressing area looking very nervous. 

He had medals covering his chest. He has been fighting in Afghanistan for three tours as the story goes. The staff has investigated the medals he could have received and none of them were beyond the normal metals after three tours of duty for a Seal in combat.

"The President claims the war is over and my team was sent home. Half the team decided to quit instead of putting up with this bull shit, and I'm going to be job hunting in a week or so." Toby slowed the speech and smiled slightly as if he was thinking. "First, I want to spend some time with my wife. She has been patient with my wanderlust, but that is over now. She's been bugging me to have a baby, so I plan on working on that this week," he told the taxi driver and grinned as if seeing his life all figured out. He looked out longingly for his life to be complete. "I just hope she is home. I haven't been able to contact her in the last few days," he said again, slowing the lines with a thoughtful expression. "She doesn't know I'm coming home yet the decision was only made five days ago. Something is going on with her cellphone, but she has lost it a couple of times over the years," he said dismissing the concern as the taxi slowed, according to the movement of the men bouncing the cab it slowed then stopped. He looked out of the window and smiled. He was home and was happy to be there was expressed in his eyes. 

"Well, it was nice meeting you and I'm glad you made it home in one piece," the Taxi driver told him as Hank passed him the money. He slid out of the vehicle, pulled his duffel bag out, and stood on the sidewalk in front of his house. He slipped his cap on perfectly and stood to attention in front of a nice 20's style craftsman cottage. The one thing his wife wanted before he left this last time according to the script. He assumes the thought track will be added later. He straightened his coat and walked toward the house shrouded in a green screen. "CUT, Toby, that was amazing you're a natural," Rob boomed across the hanger. A red blush covered his face and then a smile.

They had seen every second of it on the monitors. Missy stood in the back jumping up and down so thrilled she had been right he was fantastic. He hadn't even been given those directions. They just let him work the scene to see how he did. He worked it naturally and so believable he was a natural.

Rob had been hanging back to see if he could do this and he did great. Let's see if the next one worked out as well. 

Now the debate was on if they should do it again in case he is better next time. Rob had a preference to do a scene at least twice, so he had a choice. They set it up again and ran over the scene again. Toby nailed it again, only using a little more facial expression this time. He was a little lustier when he talked about his wife's desire for a baby. Rob was thrilled as they cut the scene.

He saw a mockup of the home he hoped they kept going because this was boring. If they gave him a nice chair and a TV, he might be content to wait. But not in this monkey suit. He slung the duffel bag over his shoulder. It felt like it was full of newspapers. It was so light. It stood up well enough the bottom must be weighted, he thought moving it around. 

He heard Travis fuss and checked the watch they provided for him. Snack time and a nap were in that order for the king, and he hoped Amy was on it. Toby turned to see what else they needed. Rob and Stan were deep in conversation. Deb could tell he wanted out of the uniform with his third swipe of his finger around the neck. She approached to at least give him an idea of what was next. She hated the way they treated him, thinking he knew how it goes on a movie set. 

"Give them a few minutes, Hil is changing, and they should do the next scene. You did well, I'm sure they will continue with you," Deb told him. She had done her part now make-up and hair had to finish with her.

 "So, this was my chance, if I failed, I was out," Toby asked, not sure he was pleased to hear it could have been over so soon."

"I didn't say that they are just deciding on the shoot. If you are lucky that is the last take for that scene. Stop looking for trouble. They love you. All I heard before you came was excitement that they may make a new superstar. You have the looks, the temperament, and as far as I can tell you can act," Deb offered. 

"Ok, I hear you it is just hard to believe that a week ago I was installing big screens. Now look at me."

"I am and you're fine. They plan on giving that Hemsworth guy a run for his money. Your dark hair, bright blue eyes, handsome face, and amazing body are going to be the draw. So be glad you were found by decent people and not some porn filmmaker. 

"Not going to happen with me," Toby said, turning red as he thought about him doing porn. Hell, he hasn't even had sex in close to two years. Some stud he is. 

He knew he had three emotions to express in the next scenes: anticipation and excitement to see her, and that 'I'm finally home'. The next is shock when Steve shows up in the background. Then finally anger at them for being together. Oh yes, resentment for her treating him like that. Candace's statement of giving away Travis was the feeling he was going to cling to for that emotion. To this day he clung to that emotion and Travis. Amy handled Travis; he hadn't heard him crying. 

He was supposed to relax but couldn't in this uniform. He ran his finger around his collar. He felt like he needed to stand to attention the whole time and he didn't even know what attention was. It was like he was channeled a military man and then laughed at himself. 

He sounded like Regina and her obsession with spirits and those who tell people about them. If there was a ghost story or medium show, she had it on that channel. He thinks she wants her father to contact her to tell her he is sorry for treating her so badly. 

Toby hopes he is in hell, that is where he belongs. Maybe if he gets rich, he'll find someone to read her. If he is in heaven he is going to be pissed. Lord, he needs them to find him something to do, he is thinking too much. He doesn't do well lost in his thoughts.

Everyone around him was in groups talking or working to straighten a green screen. 

"You ready to keep going," Rob called out as Toby made his way to the pipe he was thinking of using for his pull-ups. He knew better than to attempt it in the uniform but had to check it out in his down and bored time. 

"Yes, please this outfit is not comfortable," Toby told him and then smiled. He was close enough to see the pipe was too close to the wall to work. Rob noticed him looking and was concerned that he thought there was a problem. "There is no gas in this building. I think the pipe is black just for looks."

"No, I was looking for a pipe to use for pull-ups. I used to do them at my old job and miss them. It helps with the muscles," Toby told him as they walked towards the fake house front. At this point, he might be able to use some of the ceiling beams in the house. He used to spend his life pulling up on those beams pulling wires. He can't believe he missed that work. 

Hil came out of the wardrobe room strutting across the vast floor dressed in a wife beater and men's boxers with tousled hair. She looks like she just climbed out of bed after a rough romp. Apparently, she was to look sexy as hell and Toby appreciated the attention Deb spent to sleaze her up. Her breasts filled the side of the shirt, and her nipples were hard poking the fabric. The crew appreciated the look too and watched her approach.

They all walked to the mock house Hil was garnering everyone's attention. Toby noticed the interior of the house was a greenscreen. They are going to superimpose the interior of the house during production. Toby realized and was impressed with himself, at his knowledge of what was going on. Apparently, he has been listening at the table and could understand the lingo already. 

"Ok, Toby you're going to walk up to the front door and knock. Turn to the left after you knock, showing your happiness at being home looking over the yard and your old truck that sits in the drive as you wait for your wife to answer," Rob told him as the cameras surrounded him. 

The shoot started and he hit his lines and Toby pushed past his wife to get to that man who asked, "Honey who is that?" his anger was evident as he set out after him. 

"CUT," Rob yelled before he could reach him.

 He kind of feared for Steve's safety until Toby smiled at him. Tentative chuckles filled the air as the men stepped away from each other.

"We just need to go to the house. He can do this probably in one run-through, as long as Steve can run fast," one of the assistants said, as everyone laughed that it had been intense. The anger he conveyed in a snap was so believable. If he had charged at them, they would have run like hell too if they could get their feet to move. 

"Good let's set that up and call Marty to take him to the firing range soon and get this thing in the can. Deb let's get him out of that monkey suit. Let's start working on the bed scene for Steve and Hil. Toby, you go relax for now, and let's see what Marty finds out," Rob told him as everyone jumped into action. 

He followed Deb to 'wardrobe' gladly to get out of this torture chamber. Forget waterboarding, just have the bad guys wear one of these outfits and they will tell you everything in a day. He started releasing that stranglehold on his neck as he walked.

*

Twenty minutes later he was lying on the pallet as Travis crawled all over him. He wasn't too sure about that haircut when his daddy first walked up. The makeup ladies called it a short George Clooney. Travis got a slight pout on his face until Toby started talking to him. He spent a few minutes touching his head and then forgot about it. It felt good to spend time with Travis. Lately, he has been so preoccupied it seems sleeping had been all the time they have had together. He hopes now they see he can act which is only reacting to him, they will get on with this movie. He was bored and that is not a good thing for Toby.

Amy sat on the far side of the pallet watching them play, "I hear you're doing well." 

"Well, thank you, I try," 

"Here, make sure you know your lines," Ashley said as she passed him his script. "We have permission to use the house tomorrow. The best light for that place is 9:30 in the morning so we will set it up and then film, hopefully, once, maybe twice," Ashley told him as she handed him the script.

"I know this part from front to back. 'Bitch get out of my house. I'll be damned if I'm losing this house to you. Since your lazy ass hasn't worked a lick since we got married, all you get from here are clothes and divorce papers. Now, Get your shit and get out.'."

"I'll pick up something like a pillow or a bar stool and throw it across the room. 'Where are the keys to my truck,' I say and look at her and say, 'Take nothing but your shit. Screw around with me and I will find you and that chicken shit boyfriend of yours. I'll be back on Friday and this pigsty better be clean and you gone. From this point on you will receive jackshit from me.' I snatch the keys from her hand, walk out get in the older model classic pickup, and take off. I bitch about her leaving trash in my truck as I'm driving down the street.'

"The next scene I'm speaking to a secretary at some security firm. Do you want the lines for that one too?" Toby shook his head, "You guys have no faith in me." 

"Not true, we are depending on you. Us taking a chance on an unknown is scary," Ashley told him, "By the way, you can go home, and a limo will pick you up in the morning,"

"What, why?" Toby asked if he didn't want people seeing him get in a limo from his dumpy place.

"We know where the house is, and you don't."

"True so what time," Toby asked with a smile he didn't want to argue.

"He will be there at 7:00. Amy, you should be with him, right?" Ashley said and looked at Amy.

"Sure, what time will I be picked up?" 

"Let's say 6:30 and that should give the driver time to get to Toby's."

*

They filmed the shot three times. Steve's stunt double tripped as he ran from Hank on the second try. There was a lot of laughter. He looked like it scared the shit out of him and couldn't get away fast enough. Overall. The takes were good. The second take of his angry departure, he swung his duffle bag and almost hit Hil in the head. She ducked and looked hurt when, "CUT," was called. The director loved the mistake and planned to use it. He felt it showed that she hurt him so deeply that he could not care less about her in that moment. 

This started Toby's new life, an early morning limo ride to another site. Placating Regina in the evening he needed to move soon. He explained the haircut as a mistake. He told her he asked for a regular cut, and this is what she gave him. His problem was he had another stalker, but this one got in his house every night. He was enjoying the work and today he was to go learn to shoot a multitude of firearms in the morning. 

Hil and Steve had their love scene at the studio and Rob sent Amy and Travis to their house and Toby off to the gun range. Everyone went in different directions that morning. 

He was excited as Marty was telling him about the different weapons he would learn to shoot today. He had never been a 'gun guy' so this will be fun to learn. They drove out past Irving. He knew Cedar Hill was past that and there were lots of hills out in the area. Sure enough, they turned onto a property where the gun range was. It looked as if they blew up the side of the hill making it a sheer cliff.

"That should stop any bullet," Marty offered as he parked. The lot was full for a weekday morning Toby thought. Stepping out the noise was overwhelming with people shooting all kinds of firearms. Out of what looked like a clubhouse stepped five men dressed in Army camo. They were all built very muscular looking tough and haggard. 

These are the men who are going to teach him to be a Marine in an afternoon Toby assumed as he stepped out of the SUV. Marty approached them being friendly as if he already knew them. Toby assumed he was right. A man larger than Toby approached and extended his hand to shake. He had an air of toughness about him that Toby could only pretend to have. Apparently, that is what they wanted him to do. Learn to be tough, not just pretend he was tough.

They had him shoot and then scrutinized his every move until he had the stance down. Then they worked on the way a sniper would lie to make his hit. Toby loved shooting and his shoulder was sore by the end of the day, but he had enjoyed the day. And he met a bunch of great guys. All of them were just back from Afghanistan and none of them had jobs yet after being sent home being told they weren't needed in the war any longer. Their story was so similar to the movie storyline it was amazing. 

They had nothing good to say about being in the military anymore. They were just thrilled to make it back alive and healthy when so many others hadn't made it back. 

*

Caught in the beginning of evening traffic they made their way back to the Forest Lane home to pick up Travis. A limo turned the corner to the house as Marty turned his SUV into the area. The guard waved them through. He knew the limo was for him and thought it was ridiculous of them to pay out that kind of money to cart him around. He would have been fine with an Uber. 

Missy stood at the top of the stairs when they entered. "Come and see the rushes of your first scenes, they are great," Missy called out using her hands in an exaggerated motion to have him come up quickly. 

Rob was sitting in one of the soft recliners with a remote in his hand. "Well, how did he do?" Rob asked Marty as he followed Toby in.

"Good he can't hit the side of a barn, but he looked like he could."

Toby smiled and chuckled. "Yeah, you didn't ask for marksmanship."

"No, I didn't, but you have the idea now," Rob asked for reassurance. 

"Sure, I can act like I know what I'm doing. The guys asked if you needed extras for the fight scene, they would be happy to be in the background," Toby told him as he had promised them, he would. They were just some guys the owner of the firing range knew when Marty told him what he needed the training for. "They could use the work being fresh out of the military." 

Rob turned and looked at Marty. "Do they have the look?"

"Yes, they just got out of the military," Marty assured him. "That would be easier than beefing up those other guys they picked." 

"Make the call," Rob told Marty and sent him on his way.

"Come sit and watch, I am very pleased with what we have so far," Rob said as Toby sat. Missy was waiting for the video to start excited for him to see. 

It looked like a movie, which shocked Toby. The background looked real. He could act, he realized, and he believed the anger he conveyed in a snap looked real. 

"Wow," Toby said.

"That is what we thought, and the lens loves you. Look how the blue in your eyes 'pop'. You look even better on film, which is usually the opposite. With other people you must be careful about lighting, not with you," Rob said. "We are going to hit it hard and heavy Monday morning," he said and looked over at Missy. 

"This may sound strange to you, but we were hoping to talk you into moving in here for the duration of the movie. You would have more time to work on your lines. Amy could just keep Travis here instead of dragging him all over town early in the morning. We have him set up in a room of his own already and you can have the whole lower east wing as your own. 

Amy already lives here and can take care of Travis anytime. She is the cousin of the script writer Devon. We got her right out of school, so we had her move in here when we saw you had a baby."

Toby's head was in a slight spin, but it would take care of a lot of his worries at least for now. 

"Could you show me?" he asked, sounding unsure. 

"Sure, Missy would you do the honors, it was your idea," Rob reminded. This whole house was her idea, but he must admit it was working out for them all. The moneymen told him it was cheaper than hotel rooms.

"Yes, I would be glad to." Grabbing his hand, she attempted to pull him from the chair. Smiling at her effort, she may have a powerful persona, but she is still a cute little thing. He stood then followed her down the stairs to the other side of the house. 

"It is more like a mother-in-law's room. You have your own bathroom and entrance plus a one-car garage to the side. It is a little feminine, but we can have Amy fix that tomorrow," Missy suggested as they entered a hallway passing up several doors. Toby could hear Travis cackling happily as they approached a closed door. Missy opened the door, calling out "Boo," and Travis and Amy turned to look. When Travis saw Toby he yelled, "Aah, DA DA, and took off across the floor towards him."

Scooping him up, the girls watched the love fest as Toby clung to his son. "Hey sweet boy, did you have a good day?"

"He has and he had a really good lunch. The cook made him potatoes and mashed carrots and he ate some chicken breast chopped up fine. We were just about to find a snack, fruit, or something before dinner," Amy told him as she collected the toys spread around the room. They had a very nice full-size crib against the wall and the window opened out to a beautiful patio with a pool out back. They had fresh clean plush carpet for him to play on. Much nicer than the small rug and tile floor he has, Toby thought as he scanned the room. 

"I'm going to go show him the room I saved for him," Missy told her as Amy approached Toby to take Travis for that fruit.'

Pushing her hands away and fussing, he showed them all he planned to stay with his daddy. Tucking his arms against Toby's chest he cuddled in.

"You go ahead, and I will bring him after we look at the room," Toby told Amy and followed Missy out to continue the tour.

Opening the door next Missy stepped in and it was a huge room. Toby noted that first not the flower bedspread. His whole apartment could fit on one side of this place. Stepping in he began to walk around the nice sitting area. It had a king-size bed he liked that he could sprawl on. The bathroom was nice, it had a tub and a huge shower. The bathroom was as big as his living room. The view was the same out to the nice pool area with a nice set of French doors. He could enjoy the outside any time he wanted. 

Speaking softly Missy told him, "If the movie does good Rob may just give you this place. You're the only one from here. It is cheaper for him to buy this place than to rent suites at a fancy hotel for months on end for us all. We have a great chef and maid service at a fourth of the cost. Plus, we are all here to bounce ideas off one another. We did it that way on my last movie and it worked out wonderfully," Missy offered, remembering the Oscar she won for that one.

Toby looked it over again with a new appreciation that this could be his. Missy continued showing him around as if she was a realtor. The garage was great, it was easy to pull into and would save his truck from the elements. It looked like it was going to spend some time unused sitting in the parking lot. As they made their way to the kitchen Toby came to his senses and realized this place was too big for him. 

If Rob wanted to give it to him, he would take it and sell it and buy a much smaller home. For now, hell yes, he will move in here. It will solve his problem with Regina and dragging poor Travis out of bed so early in the morning. He was feeling guilty about that. They had spent their lives sleeping late not having to be at work until ten was bliss. 

Some fresh sliced peaches were being puréed for Travis as they entered the kitchen. He knew this room already and became excited at the thought of food. Sure, they would move in here. It would be good for Travis to have stability. The chef was fawning over him and Amy and eyeing Toby. She had all Travis's attention with the thought of food. 

Yes, he would be glad for no more early morning jolts out of bed to be at some strange site for him stuck in some plastic pen for the day. 

"Yeah, I'll pack and come back tomorrow. He could use four to six months of stability," Toby told Missy. Travis downed an entire peach in one setting and all Toby thought about was what his poops will be like. He had turned into such a woman. But hey, that is important when you must change them. He has had a few that ran down his legs after too much fruit. He would not enjoy a repeat of that. That had been a chore to clean up. Thank God it was not at the theater store that would have closed the place down for hours. 

Missy took him behind the kitchen to show him the workout room and that cinched it for Toby. Missy stood back and watched him act like a kid trying out the different workout equipment. Knocking out five chin-ups, she marveled over his body. He was ripped, but not scary strong. Some men's muscles make you want to back off, but his, she wanted to touch him. 

He has not made one move towards her. He has not flirted or sent her a sexy smile, just been friendly, she noticed. Apparently, he isn't interested or has been hurt so badly that he is staying away from women. She wished she knew the whole story behind Travis's mother and why he had his child all by himself. All she knows is he doesn't want her. She sure does want him.

A mild fit started in the kitchen, so Toby went to collect his son. Being only four in the afternoon he had the limo driver drop him at the store. He wanted to visit the ladies, he had been gone a little over a week and it felt like a month. They would walk home later, apparently for the last time. His lease was up months ago so no big deal with him moving out, it would only cost him this month's rent. It gives him a month to empty the place. If this is the biggest mistake of his life, he knows he has money in the bank and will start over. So far, he may just be able to do this acting job. 

Stepping out of the limo with the car seat, kid, and all his junk Toby smiled. He felt like he was coming home after a long sojourn. He hadn't conquered anything, but he did make it back alive. He saw the girls rushing from behind the desk and Bob smiling as he pulled open the door. "So, have I lost my job," he heard Bob call out as he stepped in, and the girls swarmed him. 

"What is with the haircut," Liz teased as Alli ran her hands all over his head. 

"No, you of little faith, I'm just here to visit," he called back as Louise quickly came out to the showroom. "They cut it for the movie," Toby told her as Louise was looking at him as if he just got back from the war and it made him feel loved even more. Quick kisses on the cheek and the girls took Travis from him. He sees who they have missed. Louise made it to him seconds later and wrapped her arms around his middle holding him close. 

"I'm doing well, no trouble. I just wanted to visit," he whispered above her head as they hugged. 

"It's Ok you're still handsome," Alli teased about the haircut. 

"We are so glad to see you, sweetie," Louise told him and stepped back a little flustered. She hadn't expected to react like that. She knew she cared about this boy, but she was thrilled to see him.

"So how are things going?" he asked.

"Ok, not wonderful, but it is the time of year," Louise complained she knows paychecks come out of savings this time of year. But the holiday season is coming, and all will be made back. 

"Well, they have kept me busy, and filming is going on overdrive starting Monday, according to Missy," Toby said. "They want me to move into that big house while they are filming," He said gauging from Alli's reaction it was a good thing she was bouncing around and smiling. 

"Apparently Missy had another director who did that with her last movie, and it gave them a lot of time to talk about the movie and work out scenes."

"Sure, that makes sense," Alli said 

"So, what are you going to do with your apartment," Bob asked, sticking his nose into that statement quickly. His hour drive here each morning and longer at night was eating into his life. 

"My lease was up months ago, so I'll leave it."

"It is close right?" Bob asked.

"Yes, and cheap you want it?" Toby asked because that would solve all his problems, he won't need that stuff anymore and will buy new when he does finally move into his own place.

"Yeah, maybe, the drive in from Mesquite is bad."

"Yes, it is, and you live with your brother, right?"

"Yes, I had planned to move before the job change," Bob told him. "But framing in houses isn't a steady job. If it rains, you're out a day or more of work.

"Hey, I know that is why we worked for Fields. They had a roof over our heads," Toby pointed out. 

"I'll leave it furnished if you need it, I was just going to take mine and Travis's stuff and leave it for now. The rent is only six hundred plus bills. It's not fancy, but it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer and most of all it is close to here. Easy walk which is what I planned to do when Louise kicks me out," Toby said as the ladies listened to them talk.

"So how is it going," Louise asked once the conversation died down. It appeared that Bob would take the place.

"Good. They filmed that part we worked on, and I saw the rushes and it was great."

"Wow, listen to him, 'The Rushes,' like a real movie star,"

Alli teased.

"Well, they think I am, and the rushes were great, and the movie is on with me playing the lead male," he told them, hardly believing what he was saying. 

"Alli stop picking on him he won't invite us to the opening," Liz complained rocking Travis in her arms. 

"Ah hush he knows I'm teasing. Hey, some woman came in here yesterday looking for you," Alli told him. 

"Me, who was it?" Toby asked, not liking the sound of that. 

"She didn't give a name, but she didn't look happy when Alli opened her big mouth and told her you quit and was now making a movie," Liz told him, "she had dark hair a little chubby, she came in all smiles, but when Alli told her you didn't work here anymore, she was pissed and started snapping out questions," Liz told him.

"Did you talk to her?"

"Not really, Alli was full of information. I got on to her for telling your business to strangers," Liz told him, sounding above it all. Allie stood looking at the floor not willing to add her part to the story.

"So, she didn't ask for my address or anything?" Toby asks thinking it must be Candace that is the only dark-haired woman he knows that knows he worked here beyond customers, and they would know them. 

"No, she just left in a fancy car. We figured if she was with the movie, she would find you. Otherwise, she can get screwed," Alli told him, showing some attitude because she got on to her again.

"Maybe it's some star-obsessed wanna-be, don't give it another thought," Toby told them and then told them about going shooting at the range. Bob was interested in the type of guns, but the women not so much. A young couple that looked like they were on their way home from work came in Liz passed Travis to Alli and approached them. The young woman kept looking at Toby every time they moved to another set-up, she would look at him. He heard his name and looked at them. This time the man was looking at him.

"I'm sorry, but your picture was in Thursday's newspaper talking about the new movie being made in town," the woman said as she approached him.

"Could be but I'm here visiting friends," Toby told her and everyone that he didn't want to talk about it with his tone. Rob may not want his origins known. He turned and looked at Louise, had she seen his picture, and who had taken the picture? With a slight tilt of her head that told him she hadn't seen it. 

"It was just a little picture. I worked at the paper and saw the blown-up one that is how I noticed you. It's kind of hard to miss Mr. McBride, especially with that haircut."

Toby thought boy she is good he would have opened right up to this woman if he didn't know better. "They haven't started filming yet so I can't comment on if I'm in the film or not. But how did you find out my name? I'm not associated with the movie." 

"The set guard told our photographer who was involved in making the movie," the woman told him. 

"Well he knows more than they do," Toby told her.

He turned, slipping Travis from Alli's grasp, and went to Louise's office; he was finished with this conversation. She was ahead of him sorting the stack of old newspapers, Louise kept in a corner until she had enough to take to the recycling center, she found Thursday's paper and thumbed through it. 

A small picture in the third column of the star section was of Toby and Missy standing outside of the studio. 

"Good Lord, we were getting ready to leave for the day. Amy had Travis and was just inside the door waiting for the limo to the big house. Boy, they are sneaky. I'll ask Rob what he wants me to do. For now, please don't let them talk about me to the press or anyone else." 

"I understand I just didn't think I would need to have 'the talk' already. Was that Candace?"

"By their description, yes. What she wants, I have no idea."

"You need a lawyer to get full custody of Travis, she has just as many rights as you at this point. If she got a burr in her butt, she could cause trouble," Louise told him. 

Why hadn't she said this sooner Toby wondered as he listened to her suggestions. Seeing her try to snatch Travis from him in his mind pissed him off. 

"No way in hell is she taking him away. I'll talk to Rob tomorrow he may have a lawyer on call for the movie," Toby told her, he has so many people on staff he has to have someone he can talk to. That damn Candace can't come back and change her mind after nine months. He was going to make sure she couldn't. He couldn't believe she noticed that tiny article with his name on it already. With his hair cut short like that he didn't recognize himself in that picture. Could it have been seeing his name in the paper that made her try to find him? That didn't make sense, why did she come to find him? She sure as hell hadn't wanted him before why now?

Bob took Toby home; he hoped Regina would see he had company and not come over. Toby was telling him about the area, the owner, where to find a cheaper grocery store. He made it to his door before he heard Regina's door open. Toby stops and turns towards her. "Regina, this is my friend, Bob, he is taking over my apartment because I'm moving tomorrow," Toby told her and watched her eyes turn red and fill with tears. He felt bad, but he had told her a dozen times he was moving. She just didn't believe him. 

"Go on in Bob and look around, let me talk to my neighbor," Toby said, swinging the door open. His bed is not made, but what man makes his bed. He sat in the car seat and Travis inside the door, and he immediately started kicking and screaming he wanted out. Bob took care of that while Toby calmed his neighbor, he hoped. 

"Regina, I told you a dozen times I am moving. This new job needs me closer to the job."

"And they pick you up in a limo, nice job," Regina smarted back.

"It was convenient, and they knew where we were going. I don't want to fight. Bob's a jerk, leave him alone, you won't like him."

"Sure, he must be like you, bye Toby," Regina said and went back to her apartment slamming her door.

Damn, Toby thought, but what else could he do? He needs to move, and she doesn't take a clue. He owes her nothing. 

"So, what do you think about the apartment?" Toby asked.

"It is old, but will do," Bob said but seemed a little put-off.

"That was my neighbor, and you want to stay away from her. I told her you are a jerk, so she won't drive you crazy."

"Oh, I just thought you didn't like me," Bob said, sounding hurt.

"No, I did you a favor. Last year I was nice to her trying to be friendly, no sex," he said and made a face like" Oh hell no, "and she has been my shadow ever since. So just a warning, she is trouble if you give her an inch."

"Ok, I got it, no wonder you're moving," Bob said looking around the apartment. He knew he had to move once before because of some stalker chick. "So, what all are you leaving?"

"At this point, everything but my clothes and my computer will be all we need. I'll take his crib and store it in the closet there. So, if you want it, come back tomorrow morning before the store opens and I'll give you my keys," Toby offered.