Counting Stars

by Renee Porter

  “In any case, I’m really sorry that I disturbed your evening. You seemed so engrossed in…” Ryan finally eyed the cover of the book that was in front of Charlie, “Breakaway.” Ryan cocked an eyebrow up, “and all three of the novels in this collection. Not a slacker are we?” Charlie grinned and shrugged her shoulders at the tease.

  “What can I say? I’m a sucker for romance. Have you read them?”

  “Yeah. Only a couple times…or like twenty.” Ryan smirked up at Charlie who laughed. Gosh, that’s a nice sound. “I can’t wait until the next one is released.” Ryan watched as Charlie nodded in agreement.

  “I’m actually reading it for a project I’m working on.”

  “You’re in school? What’s your major?” Charlie chuckled again and shook her head.

  “No, I finished school years ago. I meant I’m reading it for my work.”

  “Oh, what is it that you do? Are you a teacher?” Ryan drew her eyebrows together, not understanding why a job would require someone to read post-apocalyptic novels. She waited for Charlie’s response who was obviously trying to gage her answer.

  “I’m in the entertainment business.” Ryan’s throat tightened at the answer. Of course she would be in the business. Just my luck, Ryan thought to herself. She set aside the familiar pang of hurt as she cleared her throat.

  “That’s nice. Stressful, I’m sure, but nice.” Ryan smiled at Charlie wondering why it was so obvious that she was uncomfortable with speaking about her job. But, if it was one thing that Ryan did not want to talk about it was the business.

  “I would ask you if you are in entertainment as well, but seeing as you don’t seem to watch movies or TV I assume you wouldn’t be.” Ryan laughed heartily which pulled a smile from her ‘date’.

  “I run a non-profit LGBTQ charity in downtown.”

  Charlie just nodded, eyeing Ryan with that unusual glare again. Finally, she seemed to set aside her thoughts. “You must love your job.” Ryan was about to answer with a resounding ‘yes’ but her gaze fell to Charlie’s phone as it pinged with an incoming text. The woman’s mouth frowned and then as her eyes drew up to Ryan’s she said, “Sorry Ryan, I would love to hear about your charity, but my ride is here. Thank you for keeping me company.” Charlie stood and Ryan followed, reaching out to take her hand. Charlie finally removed her sunglasses, pushing them up over head. The deepest blue eyes sparkled and Ryan’s heart thudded at the beauty in front of her.

  “It was great meeting you too, Charlie.” Charlie smiled and went to say something, but instead she just nodded her head and walked back into the café. Ryan sat again for a moment, replaying their short exchange in her head. She had been late, stressed, and ditched her date. So why then, was she still smiling?

  Chapter 2

  “So how did it go?” Ryan winced at Jonathan’s overly ecstatic voice.

  “I couldn’t tell you,” Ryan stated as she moved to turn her coffee pot on. Ryan heard Jonathan shift over the line and suddenly his voice came in a whisper.

  “Why? Is she still there? Did you take her home?” Ryan glanced down at the cell to make sure she was talking to her best friend, because surely if she was, he would know that she doesn’t sleep with anyone on the first date.

  “No, Jon, she’s not here.” She heard him sigh in defeat.

  “I know, I just glanced outside to see if there was another car in your driveway. Alas, you’re alone, again.”

  Ryan pursed her lips. “Yes, I am alone. And for the record, Mandy isn’t my type.”

  “Okay, don’t hound on me for that one. Katie is the one that set you up. But what was wrong with her, if you don’t mind me asking. Did she talk too much? No common interests?”

  Ryan squeezed her phone as she prepared herself for the Jonathan’s assault. “I told you I couldn’t even tell you because I didn’t go through with the date.” She removed the phone from her ear as Jonathan’s voice rang out quickly and fervently. When it sounded like he was out of steam she finally placed it back to her ear.

  “Are you done?”

  “Ugh, yes. Why didn’t you go through with it?”

  Ryan shifted as her coffee pot beeped. She placed creamer in her cup as blue eyes entered her mind. She sighed as she realized that she would probably never see the woman again, which, in her mind was probably for the better. Charlie had said that she worked for the entertainment business and Ryan fought hard to exclude a certain amount of herself from that life.

  “Because I showed up fifteen minutes late and I, unbeknownst to me, ended up having a conversation with a woman that had Mandy’s description but ended up not being Mandy at all.”

  “Oh, really?” Jonathan’s interested peaked suddenly but Ryan ended it there.

  “Yes really. And before you ask, no, I didn’t ask for her number. No, I’m not going to see her again and no, I don’t think she was even gay. I had a nice time but that was it.”

  “But she was hot?”

  Ryan released a frustrating growl and Jonathan clucked his tongue waiting for an answer.

  “Yes, okay? She was beautiful. And she was funny and really easy to talk to. But she left without giving me her number and all I have is a first name. And to top it off,” Ryan sighed, “she works for the industry and you know I’m not about that.”

  “Damn, that sucks. But like you said, at least you had a good time?” Ryan was glad that Jonathan didn’t push. Once he heard that the woman worked in the entertainment business he knew she was off limits.

  “Yes. That’s true. Now, enough about me. What are you up to?” Ryan was grateful to get her mind off of herself and onto something she was more comfortable talking about.

  “Oh you know, just setting up for the holiday party Sunday night.”

  “Yeah, about that. I don’t think I’m going to make it this year.” Ryan took a sip of her hot coffee, holding her cell phone between her shoulder and ear.

  “But you have to come. It’s so boring without you. And plus, don’t you want to talk up some people for some money? You know, a charity can be a very expensive thing to run.”

  “I’m no good at networking. Especially with your work friends. They are all so…different than me.”

  “Yeah, exactly. They are boring and you are not. You know, as your best friend, you have a duty to…”

  “Fine, gosh. I hate when you pull that card.”

  “Yesssss…” Jonathan cleared his throat. “Now, please wear that little black dress that I bought you for Christmas last year. Oh, and don’t forget to wear your hair down and put on some lipstick.”

  “Yes mom,” Ryan said in the phone.

  “Excellent. It’s at 8 sharp, don’t be late.”

  “I seriously live two houses down from you, Jonathan. Even if I left at 8 I would get there on time.”

  “Yes I know, but I also know how you diddle dally.”

  “I do not diddle dally.”

  “Yes you do. Don’t argue with me. You’ll have all day to get showered and dressed, looking single and ready to mingle.”

  “Please don’t tell me you’re hooking me up with someone. You know how I…”

  “I’m not sweetie. I swear. I want you there all for my selfish self.” Ryan smiled and nodded as if Jonathan was right in front of her.

  “Okay, I’ll see you at eight. Do you want me to bring anything?”

  “Just yourself. Oh and those gorgeous legs.”

  “I don’t think I could leave those at home, Jon.”

  ***

  Ryan entered the party already in full swing. She felt awkward immediately, even though she had been to Jonathan’s Christmas party every year since they met. They were always over the top, men and women dressed to the nines and by the time that Ryan got there many were already buzzing with excitement and alcohol. She reached out for a champagne flute as soon as a waiter passed and drank it greedily. She was going to need some liquid courage if she was going to get through tonight.

  It wasn’t that Ryan d
isliked sociable events. She had grown up in this type environment and knew the etiquette quite well. But that was a time in her life that she had purposely set aside. When she was eighteen she chose to live a more sheltered life away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. She wasn’t surprised to hear that her new neighbor and soon to be best friend was an entertainment talent scout, and Ryan had almost disconnected from him because of his position in the industry, but she realized it was futile to stop a friendship with Jonathan. He was addicting and Jonathan knew the score. He kept his job mostly out of their relationship, and for that, Ryan was appreciative.

  Ryan glanced around the room as people scurried around one another, talking and acting as if they were somehow better than the other in some way. She recognized a few from previous parties. Many were probably directors and producers. Some were also probably up and coming actors, but Ryan wouldn’t know who or what exactly these people did. She moved from group to group, conversing lightly and answering questions from obviously rich patrons. When she started to speak about her work at the shelter she seemed to bring in a large group. Her passion and love for her charity was evident in every breath she took. By the end of the night, she was sure, she would have enough donations to secure the charity for at least another six months.

  But even though donations were helpful, Ryan knew that the charity would never close. It was too important to her, and the kids, to ever allow it to shut down. No, if for some reason the donations stopped coming in, Ryan would front the costs. It wouldn’t be hard for her to do, not with how much she had in her account and had invested. She was thankful that her father had left her as much as he did.

  “So, did you come here with a date?” Ryan looked down at a Danny DeVito look - alike. Or maybe it was Danny DeVito? She had remembered watching his movies with her father but that was many years ago. But the short man could definitely be an older version of the one she remembered on screen.

  “No, my best friend is Jonathan Baker. I actually haven’t even seen him yet and was trying to make my way over. Do you happen to know where he is?” Ryan skillfully dodged the obvious pick up line and Danny look alike widened his eyes.

  “Oh yes, I saw him over in the back with his cousin. Who would have thought that Charlotte Baker would come to one of these things? You know, when I was as big as her in my day, I wouldn’t be caught at a party like this. It would be Spielberg or Cameron. Although I do love Jonathan, he’s helping my friend’s daughter make great connections.” Ryan just nodded, remembering now that Jonathan’s cousin was finally back in town. She smiled knowing that he finally had her here. He would frequently talk about how much he missed her and she knew that he had offered her to stay with him until her home in Malibu was fully restored. “Have you met her yet?”

  “No, I haven’t. I know Jonathan talks about her a lot though.” Ryan glanced over the crowds trying to catch a glimpse of Jonathan. She would love to meet the woman who held the man’s heart.

  “Well, I think they’re outback. I would love a chance to meet her. Follow me.” Ryan scrunched her nose up as fat chubby fingers grasped her arm. Danny chatted away like they were old friends and she laughed at a couple of his jokes. He was actually sweet and funny. When they finally made their way to the back, Ryan noticed a large group of people huddled around an outside bar. She easily made out the back of Jonathan and finally relaxed as he turned his head and met her with smiling eyes.

  “Ah, there’s my girl,” Jonathan said as he turned grabbing Ryan into a hug. She kissed his cheek as he shook Danny’s hand and then the group widened as he allowed room for them to enter. Ryan glanced around the circle and as her eyes landed on blue eyes and a knowing smile, time seemed to stand still.

  “Ryan, this is my cousin Charlotte. Charlotte, this is my very best friend, Ryan.” Charlotte moved closer and held out a hand, her smirk growing wider.

  “Nice to meet you, Ryan. Jonathan has told me so much about you.” Ryan shook her head and chuckled as she took Charlie’s hand in her own.

  “Small world, I guess.” Ryan muttered. Charlie nodded as she backed away, placing herself in the outer ring of the circle again. Jonathan eyed them and Ryan saw the confusion.

  “I’ll tell you later.” He took that as a fine explanation and the group went on to talking again. Many people seemed engrossed in every topic that Charlie was talking about and Ryan knew why. Her speech was eloquent and her personality infectious. It was curious though, how Charlie seemed to be more reserved than the easy going woman she had met only a few days ago. It was during this time that she realized that Charlie wasn’t some up and coming actress that she had originally thought. When Jonathan would bring her up in conversation he had always seemed to keep her profession as “actress” and Ryan hadn’t thought much about it. But, as she soon found out, Charlie was actually the It girl in Hollywood. And for some reason, the most popular woman in Hollywood seemed to be interested in the very, not so popular woman at the party. Ryan would frequently catch the actress eyeing her skillfully and a shy smile would spread across her face as she knew she was caught. Ryan figured the woman was still humored that they ended up being at the same party.

  When the topic changed to charity work, Jonathan finally popped in. “Ryan actually runs a very prestigious charity in L.A.”

  The group turned to Ryan, eyes now fully intent on the brunette. Ryan smiled as best as she could, not liking when attention was fully given to her. She knew she probably seemed nervous and was grateful when Charlie saved her.

  “That’s right. It caters to the LGBTQ community, am I right?” Ryan smiled a thanks and Charlie’s eyes sparkled with a knowing glance.

  “Yes, we work primarily with kids who no longer have a home due to hardships with coming out. But we do not turn anyone away. You don’t have to be gay or transgendered to find a place within our charity.”

  “That’s very honorable work. What did you say the name was?” Someone from the group asked.

  “Alexis’s Hope.” Ryan said simply. The man who had asked the question then followed up, “Interesting name, how did that come about?” Ryan smiled as she explained.

  “Before I started the charity I did some volunteer work at the LGBTQ center in downtown. There was a woman there, Alexis, who was having a difficult time coming to terms with her sexuality. Her parents were devout Catholics , and so was she , but she didn’t want to hide who she was anymore and wanted to tell her parents . But she was scared. She didn’t know how they would react after telli ng them , especially since she had been dating boys to hide who she really was.” Ryan took a breath. “So she would come to the center and we became friends. Finally she had decided to come out to her parents but like she expected it did not go well.” Ryan looked over to Charlie who had a sympathetic gaze. “Her father told her that she was no longer welcome in their house and she was quickly kicked out. She was only sixteen, had no money and no family that would take her in. I offered her a place to stay for a couple of nights but one day she never came back. I hadn’t seen her for months and then one day, by chance, I passed a homeless woman on the streets asking for money. She was dirty and tattered but I would know those eyes from anywhere. It was Alexis. She pretended not to know me and I never understood why. So I didn’t press, and I gave her all the money I had in my pocket.”

  “What happened to the poor girl?” Charlie asked.

  Ryan shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t really know. I hope that she was able to make it out of her state but after that day I realized just how much she could have benefited from a charity that would have fed her and given her a place to stay. Or given her the resources she needed to get a job and start an independent life. So I worked hard for the next year and finally opened Alexis’s Hope.

  The men and women in the group applauded Ryan and Charlie seemed to beam wide with pride. “Do you ever accept volunteers?” Charlie asked as she cocked an eyebrow up.

  “Oh yes, we love any help that we can get.”

  �
�Well, I would love to come by and take a look, if you don’t mind.” When the words were said the group agreed and Ryan stared into humor filled eyes. Charlie knew exactly what she was doing and by the end of their conversation, Ryan had a handful of checks in her purse with donations that could last her another two years.

  The conversation flew after that as people danced around Charlie who seemed to draw different people to and from the group. Although Ryan had wanted to get into another conversation with Charlie, her time seemed to be reserved for the rest of the patrons that hadn’t had a chance to speak with her yet, so Ryan dutifully extricated herself from the group to find a quiet corner where she could people watch. Sometime during the night, however, Ryan watched as Charlie excused herself from the outside party and settled herself back in the house. She could tell that the woman was tired and she understood why. She herself was exhausted herself a nd she wasn’t anywhere near Charlie’s league. When the larger group finally broke off into smaller groups, Charlie made her way from her quiet corner to the kitchen grabbing two bottles of water. She hesitated for a brief moment and then decided to take the stairs up to the guest bedroom. She walked carefully through the hall, coming to the opened guest room door and hesitated briefly when she saw a silhouette leaning against the protruding railing of the room’s deck. Without another thought, she made her way over to Charlie’s shadow.

  “You know, when you said you worked for the entertainment business I was thinking more along the lines of writer, script editor…maybe producer?” Charlie’s posture tensed but as she turned to see who was next to her, her shoulders visibly relaxed. Ryan held out a bottle of water for Charlie who accepted it with a thankful smile.

  “Well, I’m not imaginative enough to be a writer or savvy enough to be an editor. But I have produced a small independent film.” That slow smile appeared and Ryan returned the gesture.

  “Well then, I guess I wouldn’t be able to be a writer either, seeing as I can’t even put two and two together.” Ryan smiled shyly at the woman. “I’m sorry I didn’t recognize you, I bet you don’t get that too often.”