Claire & Theo

12.

"You ruin everything for me, really..." Theo remarked during the car drive he was having with Lucas.

"I did not mean anything by it. C'mon, it is just a kiss on the cheek!" Lucas groaned.

"You do realize that every female is not exactly going to like your straightforward affection!" Theo was frustrated.

"No woman knows how to dislike me... well, except Claire! She was being fussy for no reason!"

"Claire had every right to act that way! She is very protective of the ones she cares about the most." Theo was hoping that he was also one of those special ones... "Just promise me Lucas that you will not mess with Anastasia Renee ever again."

"I hate promises..." Theo gave Lucas, 'the look,' "Fine! I promise but only because it is you."

"Thank you." Theo finally released the knotting stress in his mind.

"Also, Mr. Williams, the main producer for the film noted to tell me that the table read is this evening. He will be presenting himself there as well," he reported to Theo.

"Okay, that is good. But I forgot to ask, who is the male lead?" Theo asked in agitation.

Lucas avoided his glance, "Oh... well... it is Christopher Maguire..."

The car abruptly stopped, since Theo pressed against the brakes aggressively, "What!?"

Lucas looked irritated, "There was a last-minute change to the casting, since Peter Castillo..."

"What happened to Peter?" The anger was getting the best of Theo.

"Peter stated that he had personal matters to take care of at the family estate in Spain." he paused, "because of your sister trying to meddle in the fashion part of the family business."

Theo parallel-parked the car on the side of the road and hit his steering wheel, "Damn it, Nicola!"

"It is not like Chris is a bad actor, Theo. He has gotten three Emmy awards and one Oscar. You got the whole package here." stated Lucas.

Theo was shocked, "You do realize who that narcissist is, right?"

Lucas stared back with a chuckle, "I know he is your douche of a cousin, but he is a good actor, and you cannot lie about such a fact."

Theo groaned with all the startling thoughts he must think about. He hated his cousin, Christopher Maguire, ever since they were kids, and the feeling has always been mutual for Chris too. They could not stand each other's presence; it was due to their family problems. Chris always tried to compete with Theo in any expertise that involved Theo, but one thing he could not accomplish was the business. Christopher's father was always jealous of Theo, but Theo did not give any fuck to what his cousin's father thought of it. Therefore, to make it more problematic, the reason Chris exists is that Theo's aunt married Chris's father.

One thing for sure, however, is that Christopher Maguire is an egocentric, know-it-all, and self-serving jerk. That is how Theo can sum up the meaning of his cousin's existence.

Theo hated where this was leading.