Chapter 1: New Job, Old Problems
“Show me.”
Andre gestured for Troy’s Lumen card, which was issued just two months after Troy crushed his adult film audition.
“You’ve got some serious luck, kid. This badge usually takes guys six months to land. You’re golden.”
Andre flicked the card back to him.
“So now I wait,” Troy muttered, sliding it into his wallet’s inner sleeve. “Play the long game until a studio actually books me for a scene.”
Andre stood quietly for a moment, weighing his options.
“If it’s fine with you, I’m shooting a Redvid tape with Monique Geary next week. The best part? Our third scene partner bailed at the last minute. So, are you in?”
“Isn’t she married? Plus, an independent creator platform debut?” Troy’s eyes narrowed as he searched Andre’s face.
“Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a Redvid debut. Yours truly did his first gig on Redvid, and look at me now, sitting at the top of the mountain.”
Troy nodded in agreement.
“I’m in. But what about Reggie Iron? Is he going to be present during the shoot?”
“It depends on his mood, but there’s no need to worry about him. The guy is completely chill. He even shot her last scene when my personal cameraman didn’t show up.”
Troy still wasn’t convinced because sleeping with someone’s wife felt like uncharted waters.
“Fuck it. I don’t care. As long as Monique is in, I’ve got no problem.”
A confident smirk broke across Andre’s face.
“Yeah, baby! Finally, I get to collab with a debutante after all these years.”
Andre pulled Troy into a heavy bearhug. Troy felt a wave of relief since his wait to break into the industry had just been cut short.
“I guess I’ll see you on set, then.”
Troy gave a brief nod, shook his hand, and walked out to his beat-up Subaru Forester. The car used to belong to his late father, Daniel, and Troy cherished it as his last remaining connection to him.
He had barely covered rent and utilities this month despite pulling double shifts at the gym for weeks. Still, that dingy one-bedroom apartment in Park Mesa Heights was better than being homeless.
He climbed into the driver’s seat and checked his wallet to find seven ten-dollar bills and three quarters. He had seventy dollars and seventy-five cents to survive on until that tape was monetized and he got his cut.
He started the Forester and drove through the streets to clock in for his second shift. After parking, he quickly changed into his gym shirt.
He waved to Adam, the gym owner, and spent the evening assisting members. Even though he was exhausted, he still managed to squeeze in a workout once his shift ended.
He re-racked the weight plates and double-checked the gym floor before taking a quick shower and stretching. He was desperate to crawl into bed.
Pulling on a clean T-shirt and trousers, he walked out to find Adam standing by the entrance holding a large bag.
“Interested in some steak and baked potatoes?”
Adam grinned, enjoying the immediate relief that lit up Troy’s eyes.
“Yes! It’s always a yes, especially for this.”
Troy took the bag and peeked inside. It contained two large containers of food alongside a tub of garlic butter and sour cream. Adam led him into his office, where Troy sat down and began unpacking the meal.
Adam watched with quiet satisfaction as Troy devoured the food. He was the only person Troy could lean on after Daniel’s death, and their bond had grown even deeper through the fallout of Adam’s own divorce.
“So, you’re gonna make porn now.”
Adam’s smile faded. He hated that he couldn’t offer financial help, being completely wrung dry from his alimony settlement.
“Well, I tried every other route, but my bad luck always caught up with me. Selling myself felt like the only option left.”
Troy speared another bite-sized piece of steak and chewed while staring intently at Adam.
“I wish I could’ve done more. If it weren’t for my—”
“You did more than I could ever ask for, and I’m grateful. But I’m tired of barely surviving every month. I just want a simple life.”
Troy wiped his mouth with a paper towel and packed the containers back into the bag. It had been incredible, as the last time he’d eaten steak was Christmas night when he could actually afford it.
“Thank you, Adam. Your spice rub is still unbeatable.”
Adam’s face lit up.
“I’m having another BBQ next Sunday, kid. Stop by my place when you have time.”
“Count on it.”
Troy nodded, grabbed his duffel bag, and headed out. He climbed into his car, turned the ignition, and drove home to his apartment, kicking off his boots the second he walked through the door.
He collapsed onto his couch and groaned in comfort. His phone buzzed in his pocket, so he pulled it out and squinched his eyes at the screen.
ACCOUNT UPDATE: $200 USD CREDITED. TOTAL BALANCE: $212.25 USD.
