“Why should anyone care about me?” he repeated, buying himself time. “Well. I’m trans. Happy. Accepted by my family.”
“That’s your angle?” Ranielle said, in a way that suggested perhaps Beck wasn’t the only trans contestant they’d considered for the show. She gave him the once-over. “Are you on any medication we should be aware of ?”
“Just the binder for now.” Beck gave a winning smile. “But no, that’s not my angle.” He glanced at his parents, then back again. “How do you feel about intergenerational family dramas that revolve around deception, betrayal, and millions of dollars lost to gambling debts?”
Beck’s mom inhaled sharply. His dad crossed his arms. But neither of them spoke.
“I’m intrigued,” Ranielle said.
“Then let me tell you why I’m going to win.”
Audition Video: Aditya Parvesh
THE ESCAPE GAME
SEASON FIVE
The woman has waist-length black hair, perfect posture, andflawless brown skin. Her lips are full and glossy, but her eyes are hidden behind a pair of enormous Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses. She is supermodel stunning, and it’s clear that she knows it.
She is also decidedlynota teenager.
“Ranielle, darling,” she purrs before fluttering pink manicured fingernails in a careless wave. “And . . . other casting directors. Symphony here. You probably recognize me as the star of multiple box office hits and current spokeswoman for Best Life Nutrition. Remember—a healthy life is yourbestlife.” Behind her there are glimpses of an infinity pool and teak sun umbrellas, but then she steps through gauzy curtains into a sleek living area. Mid-century modern furniture. Abstract art.
“This is the official audition video for my son, Aditya Parvesh. As you’ll see, he’s made for the screen—just like his mama. He’s smart. Charming.” She smirks knowingly at the camera. “Ridiculously handsome. He obviously gets those genes from me.” She titters, but then her voice lowers as she adds, “Heaven knows they didn’t come from his father.”
She pushes open a swinging door and enters a bright kitchen. A metal bowl filled with papayas and dragon fruit sits beside a box of Froot Loops on the granite counter. A boy hunches over a bowl, spoon in one hand and an enormous tome of a book in the other. He doesn’t move when his mother enters, just shoots his gaze suspiciously in her direction.
“Aditya! Say hello to the producers ofThe Escape Game.”
The boy swallows and lowers the spoon into the bowl. Heisridiculously handsome, with thick black hair that falls over broody eyebrows, and a strong jawline touched with stubble.
“What’s going on?” he says, shifting the book a few inches closer, like it could be a shield between him and the camera. Or possibly him and his mother.
“You’re going to be onThe Escape Game.”
“Ugh, Mom. Not this again. We agreed no more auditions.”
“My Aditya isverygood at puzzle-solving.” Symphony bends close to the boy, angling the phone to put them both in the frame. “Especially those word ones. What do you call them? Where you mix up the letters to spell something new? An analogy?”
“Anagram.”
“Right! Here, watch this. What’s a word that can be formed from some of the letters in . . .Symphony?” She lifts her sunglasses to wink at the camera.
Adi stares at her for a beat, then deadpans, “‘Phony.’”
His mother beams. “Isn’t he clever? He’s especially excited at the prospect of winning tickets to that new little puzzle resort.”
“Wait, what?”
Despite her son finally showing some interest, Symphony pulls away, keeping the camera on herself. “Of course, this is just a formality. We look forward to hearing from you, Ranielle. Au revoir!”
Producer notes:
Having regrets.
Although the kid seemed witty—loved the phony comment.
And heisgorgeous. The next Alicia?
