The Fallen Starlet

by Eve Corso

  Jack scooted closer to her. “Hey, no. I’m glad you’re here. I am. It’s nice to have a friendly face around here. I kind of don’t really know what I’m doing here myself, and I’m taking it a day at a time. Thank you for coming.”

  He set his wine glass down and took her empty glass and set it down next to his, then gave her a big hug. “Let’s just take these few days to get to know each other better, yeah?”

  Molly looked up at him and nodded.

  “Look, I like you. I like you a lot, and I can definitely see it going further, but let’s not rush it.”

  “Okay, you’re right. I just...” She shook her head and looked down, hiding a smile. “You look incredibly hot right now.”

  Jack smiled. “Thanks. And I have yet to tell you how incredibly beautiful you look tonight, too.”

  She gave him a bashful smile.

  “I mean it. You look incredible.”

  “Thanks, Jack,” she replied with a loud sigh. “You know, I have something crazy to admit?”

  “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  She laughed. “I don’t even know if I should be telling you this. Okay, here it goes. So, when I do work on someone’s landscaping, I also do follow-ups. Small ones. Like, a few months later, I’ll go back and just inspect the work, make sure it’s all still up to par. Not long ago, I made a visit to your neighbor’s place and I noticed your gardeners working on your lawn. I pulled the main guy aside and suggested an idea for your lawn.”

  “The rocks and lights along the path?”

  Molly nodded and laughed, hiding her smile, feeling super embarrassed having admitted it.

  “I loved that idea. Why didn’t you tell me it was yours?”

  “Well, I didn’t have your number or anything like that. And it would have been super weird to just knock on your door and suggest it to you.”

  Jack smiled. “I would have loved to have seen you again.”

  “I wanted to see you again, too. But I didn’t want to seem like a crazy stalker.”

  “And you don’t seem like one now?” he joked.

  She laughed. “Hey, but did you implement it?”

  “You mean you haven’t done a super creepy drive-by to check in on my lawn?”

  Molly laughed. “I’ve been a little busy. I had a lot of work before this vacation came up.”

  Jack took his phone from his pocket and showed her the picture of his lawn, with the rocks and solar lights added. “I absolutely love it.”

  She was pleased that she had been right. His lawn looked great. “Good, I’m glad.”

  “I was thinking of something similar for my mom’s place. With the solar lights and some décor here and there.”

  At that moment, loud thunder shook the motel. Lights flickered for half a second. Molly looked around. “Shit, it sounds pretty bad out there.”

  Jack made sure his phone had enough charge in case his mom called him for anything. He hadn’t expected her to, but he promised her he’d be available if she needed anything. He set the phone down on the bed and got up to pour some more wine.

  As he handed a glass to her, the lights flickered once more and then went out completely. Molly looked up in the darkness. “Uh, Jack, did we just lose power?”

  He peeked out of the window outside. “It looks like it’s all over. Hopefully it’ll be short-lived.” Jack looked back at Molly. It was dark but he could see that she looked worried. “Hey, are you okay?”

  “I hate storms like this. We used to get them back in Tallahassee sometimes. One time we had this really bad one when I was little. It always kind of freaked me out. It even tore some of the roof off, over in my brother’s room. We didn’t sleep that night.”

  Jack sat down next to Molly. “Hey, we’re going to be okay.” He placed a comforting hand on her knee. “I don’t have to be anywhere right now. I could stay here if you want to.”

  Molly nodded. “I’d like that.”

  “Okay, let me just go brush my teeth. I’ll be right back.”

  A few minutes later, having changed into a T-shirt, Jack returned, a little uncertain this time. He didn’t know Molly very well and wasn’t sure what he was doing. He had just reacted to the moment, or maybe he was just nervous. He couldn’t tell.

  “It’s pretty bad out there,” he said to her through the bathroom door, where she was changing and getting ready for bed.

  She came out of the bathroom in a long T-shirt. She made a face when she saw him. “Thanks for coming back. You know, I wasn’t planning on anyone actually seeing me in my PJs when I packed for Florida.”

  Jack laughed. “That makes two of us.” He sat down, taking off his shoes, his heart racing. “Well, I didn’t bring any, actually,” he said, slightly blushing.

  Molly got underneath the covers and tried not to watch him as he took off his belt and jeans. She picked up her phone for a distraction, but peeked a few times, trying to hide her smile.

  Jack kept his T-shirt and boxers on as he crawled into the bed with her. “You smell nice,” was all he could think to say.

  Molly set her phone down and looked at him in the darkness. “Thanks.” She turned on her side, propping her head up on her hand, and watched him in the darkness, hearing the rain hit the roof of their motel. “You know, you have a very nice profile. It’s very distinct.”

  Jack laughed and turned to face her, too. “And I like your freckles.”

  “My freckles? Are you kidding?”

  Jack shook his head. “Nope.”

  “Well, you’re in luck. I have a lot of them.”

  “I know. They’re great.”

  Molly smiled and kissed his arm ever so softly. “It’s good that we’re taking our time through all of this. I’m glad you’re here tonight, though. It’s nice.”

  Jack was starting to feel more comfortable now that the pressure had lessened. He took a deep breath. He had come to Alabama to find his biological mother, but hadn’t expected to find this. And while he was looking forward to it, it was also a lot to take in, and he wanted to make sure he was really ready for it.

  Chapter Ten

  Jack woke up the next morning to the sounds of the chicken crowing. He was briefly surprised to see Molly in bed, but then he remembered last night’s events. The lights had come back on at some point, but they must have slept through it. He turned off the bedside lamp and lay back down.

  “Is that an actual chicken?” Molly asked sleepily, turning on her side to look at him.

  “Yeah, believe it or not. It’s still dark out. We don’t need to wake up yet.”

  “Is it still raining?”

  “No, it stopped. How’d you sleep?” Jack looked at her, pushing a strand behind Molly’s ear. It was a moment that filled Molly’s heart with hope towards the future.

  “I slept like a log. You’re good company, you know that?”

  They decided they were going to try and sleep for another hour. Jack listened to the sounds of Molly’s easy breathing before falling asleep himself, feeling comforted by her at his side.

  JACK WALKED QUICKLY to the Get It N Go to pick up some light breakfast and coffee while Molly took a shower. He had let her sleep in a little longer while he took his in his own room.

  When he got to the restaurant, Willadeen greeted him as soon as he walked through the door.

  “Why, there he is. I heard you came in last night with a lady,” Willadeen said loudly.

  Jack smiled. “I did, yeah. She absolutely loved everything. Now, I’m back to pick up some basics for breakfast.”

  Willadeen was smiling, giving him an all-knowing look. “Mmhm, gotta make sure you have enough calories to burn off later, if you know what I mean.” She laughed and gave him a wink.

  Jack smiled. “She’s a friend from LA, but yeah, maybe somewhere down the line, it could be more.”

  Willadeen gave him a look. “Did you say you were from LA? As in Los Angeles?”

  “Yeah,” he nodded. “Why?”

  Willadeen leane
d in closer to Jack. “Well now, I can’t believe I didn’t ask you before. I didn’t know you were from Los Angeles. Ole Lady Viv spent some time in Los Angeles, didn’t she?”

  “Yeah, she did, actually.”

  “And you’re a relative or something?”

  “Something like that,” he said with a short smile. He wasn’t ready to discuss Molly or his biological mother just yet, and could feel himself getting a little defensive.

  “Well, whatever the situation is, I’m sure glad you keep coming here and for your support and what not. Now what can I get for you this morning?” Willadeen asked, unperturbed by his brief shortness.

  “Yeah, okay, I’m going to need this order to go. I’d like two of your amazing coffees, cream and sugar on the side. A couple of croissant egg sandwiches, hash browns on the side, and some fruit, please.”

  Willadeen took his order, pouring him a coffee on the house as he waited.

  When he got back to the hotel room, he knocked on Molly’s door.

  “I figured a breakfast in here would be kind of nice. None of those prying ears.” Jack laughed. “It’s nice how close-knit everyone is here, but people are also really nosy. I’m not used to that.”

  “You’re not used to people being all up in your business?” Molly asked as her eyes twinkled, watching Jack arrange their breakfast items on the bed.

  “Friends and family, sure. But strangers? No way.”

  Molly shrugged. “It’s how small towns are. I guess I know what you mean, but I’m kind of used to it by now. It’s funny. I love Los Angeles, but when I first moved there, I thought everyone was a little cold and distant.”

  “Really? I don’t feel that way at all.”

  “Well, you’re used to it. You’ve been in Los Angeles your whole life, right?”

  “Yeah, my mom got pregnant with me there.”

  “And does she know who the father is?”

  “Yeah, he was a big Hollywood name, too. But he stayed behind the scenes.” Jack showed Molly the picture of his parents on his phone.

  “Wow, Jack. That’s incredible.”

  Jack told Molly what his mother had told him. “She came back here broken-hearted and alone. She’s been that way ever since. I think she even blocked some of it out. Having me, putting me up for adoption. When I showed up, at first it was like a foggy memory, but now she’s as clear as day. I don’t honestly know how my presence here is affecting her. But I’m taking it day by day. I want to help her fix up the house.”

  “You said yesterday that she’s a recluse?”

  “Yeah, she’s not like a hoarder or anything. She’s clean and has a clean house for the most part, it’s just old and gone to hell. And it’s so big. I don’t know if she needs such a big place.”

  “Which one of you wants her lawn upgraded? You or her?”

  Jack shrugged. “I do. I guess if she sees it, maybe it will lift her spirits. I don’t know, she seems so lonely. I feel like I have to try something, you know?”

  Molly nodded. “Well, that’s very kind of you, Jack, to think about your mother that way, but just be careful and make sure you’re not overstepping any boundaries. She’s probably used to her life by now.”

  “I’m trying to stay sensitive to that. So far, she likes to have me over for brunch and dinner. I have a feeling she kind of likes having me around. But trust me, the moment I feel otherwise, I’ll leave her be. I’m not out here to make anyone’s life more difficult.”

  Molly took a bite of the croissant sandwich. “My God, this is so simple, yet so delicious.”

  “Yeah, I think there’s a sauce in this.”

  Molly opened it up and smiled. “Yep, you’re right.” She took her finger and dipped it into the thick sauce to taste it on its own. “I can’t tell what it is, but it’s amazing.” She took a sip of her coffee, then looked across the bed at Jack. “Okay, here’s the plan. We’ll go to your mom’s. We’ll take a look at the lawn and talk specifics. I can make a list of what we need, make some phone calls back home to California and Florida, so you can still have brunch with your mom. Then we’ll head out to the hardware store and pick up what we need and order the rest, if we need to.”

  “Aye aye, Captain,” Jack said with a smile.

  “Oh, before we leave, I’ve been thinking. Last night was really nice. Having you in my bed. I was thinking, maybe, we could do that again?” she asked, sounding like a kid asking for some candy money from a parent.

  Jack stopped chewing and took a serious look at her. “You want to check out of your room?”

  Molly searched his eyes. “Is that being too forward? I mean, we don’t have to do anything. Like I said, it was just nice having you there.”

  Jack nodded. “Yeah, sure. I’d like that.”

  They finished eating and Jack helped her check out and move her items into his room. It pleased him to see her things amongst his own, and he wondered where the night would lead them and what he would be ready for. He wanted to be ready, that much he knew. He liked Molly, and things felt easy-going with her and natural now that he knew they were going to take things slow.

  Afterwards, they made their way to Vivianne’s. The sun was shining and there was little sign of the rain from the night before. “It’s so nice that you can just walk everywhere.”

  “Well, this heat isn’t so nice. I don’t think I could get used to all this humidity.”

  “Just drink plenty of water.”

  Jack laughed. “My mom only serves the hard stuff.”

  “Let me guess. Iced tea?”

  Jack laughed. “Well, sometimes she has iced tea.”

  When they arrived at Vivianne’s, Jack warned Molly. “She doesn’t like to be up too early. So, we’re just here to take a look and see what we’re up against.”

  “Okay, I have a tablet in my purse and can draw up some rough ideas, too.” She wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand as she looked around the lawn. “The good news about all this humidity is that if we go with new grass, it won’t need too much watering. It’s all pretty much in the air. But we have to check on this soil. Does your mom have gardening tools we could use to dig up some of this?”

  Jack shook his head. “I doubt that very much, and I don’t have the keys to her place.”

  Molly used her fingers to dig into the soil. “It’s not shot to hell, surprisingly. But there’s a lot of ground to cover.” She took a measuring tape out of her purse.

  “Don’t tell me you went on vacation with a measuring tape?” Jack asked with a smile on his face.

  Molly laughed. “What? No! I’m not that bad. I swiped this from my parents’ house before I left.”

  Jack stood off to the side as she measured the lawn and did some quick calculations on her phone.

  “What about artificial grass?” Jack asked.

  “Well, yeah, but it’s ridiculously expensive to install. You would have to dig all of this up, pour some sand to level it all out, add some rubber pellets and then the artificial turf. And the fake stuff by itself costs an arm and a leg. No, you’re better off with sod.”

  “Okay, you’re the expert.”

  “It’s still expensive, but less so.”

  “She doesn’t have sprinklers. Will she need some?”

  “It would help, but with the humidity here, that might have to make do. Someone would just need to water it with a hose when it gets dry.”

  “What about this fountain over here in the middle? Can it be saved?”

  Jack walked Molly over to his mom’s three-tiered fountain, which was covered in dirt and grime.

  “Yeah, some elbow grease should do it. The pump may need replacing. We can add some lights to the fountain if you want.”

  “Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. I’d love that. I’d like to add some solar lights around the place, too. Something minimal, but with enough of an impact to brighten it up a little bit.”

  “How much do you know about basic gardening and maintenance?” />
  Jack laughed. “Not a damn thing.”

  Molly laughed. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m here.”

  “How much do you think a new lawn would run?”

  “More than a grand, but not more than fifteen hundred, is my guesstimate.”

  Jack whistled. “That’s still a pretty penny.”

  “Yeah, it’s definitely not a cheap project, Jack. Why don’t you try taking up something less expensive while you’re here? Maybe take up painting, learn the guitar?” she asked a smile as she squinted in the sun.

  Jack shrugged. “Let me run it all by her. Who knows, maybe you’re right. I may come back to Los Angeles with a new guitar or two by the end of all of this.” He looked at his watch. “Alright, I’m going to go inside. You’ll be okay? You know the way back to the motel?”

  “Yeah, I’m good.”

  “I’ll be back in an hour or so. And thanks for all this.”

  “No problem,” she said and walked back to the water fountain, to inspect the pump.

  Jack knocked on the door. Vivianne answered it a few moments later. She was dressed in a black dress with billowy sleeves and wore four strands of pearls around her neck and one strand on her wrist, with a pair of sequined household slippers. Her make-up was as heavy as usual and she wore a short dark black bob wig.

  Vivianne looked past Jack at Molly, who was on her knees working on the fountain, completely immersed in her work. “What, she isn’t going to come in and meet me?”

  “Well, I wasn’t sure how you felt about meeting strangers,” Jack admitted, trying to sound as kind as possible.

  Vivianne scoffed loudly and gave him a nudge. “Nonsense, Jackson. Go get that young girl and bring her to me this moment.”

  “You sure?” he asked.

  “You’re my son, now aren’t you? And this is the woman who you want in your life. Now, bring her forth.”

  He trotted back to Molly. “Apparently, my mom thinks it’s rude of me not to have introduced you.”

  Molly got up and looked past him at the woman in the doorway. “Okay, sure.”

  “Ready?”

  Molly wiped her hands on her jeans. “Yeah, I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like I’m twelve years old again,” she said as they walked towards the porch.