A Cupcake to Die For

by Mary Jane Forbes

  “I’ll take it,” Star said.

  “Good luck, Miss Bloom.”

  Chapter 24

  STRIDING OUT OF BURNETT’S office, on down the hall, and out into the sunshine, Tyler gripped Star’s hand. He opened the van door for her, helped her in, then jogged to his side sliding in behind the wheel. Neither had said a word since signing the agreement.

  Star retained the rights to the videos and had the files on a flash drive in her tote. Burnett Media was to receive twenty-two percent of any revenue earned the first year after the series went live. A handshake sealed the use of the kitchen studio for the kids’ baking class. Star told Burnett the parents of the children enrolled in the class would be devastated if the last three classes were canceled so he threw in the kitchen studio.

  Burnett wasn’t a kid person, but he couldn’t stand the thought of parents storming into his office saying he was mean, heartless, telling their friends to never see anything put out by Burnett Media again.

  Tyler turned out of Burnett Media. He passed several strip malls, a park, and then pulled into a Dunkin Doughnuts. They both sat staring out the windshield. Tyler fished across the console for her hand.

  “What did we just do?” Star whispered.

  “I believe in you,” Tyler said.

  “And I believe in you with all my heart,” Star said.

  “Okay then. We signed up. Invested in our future. Kinda like when you started your bakery. Star’s Bakery,” Tyler said raising her hand to his lips.

  “This feels way bigger. Hollywood bigger. But we don’t want to be in Hollywood. Do we?” Star said.

  “We are Star and Tyler Company,” Tyler said.

  “S&T Corporation,” she echoed.

  “S&T Jackman Corporation. No standalone bakery. No standalone animation. No standalone video. No standalone media. A business incorporating all of the above. Sky’s the limit, Miss Bloom. Are you game?”

  “As you say, Mr. Jackman, together we can do anything,” Star said leaning into him with a peck on his cheek.

  “That’s my pretty blue-eyed baker girl. Now, call Stuart Washington. Ask him if he can meet us—his place or ours. His choice.”

  Star pulled up CeeCee Washington on her cell contact list. Flashing a smile at Tyler, she tapped the entry.”

  “Star. Hello.”

  “Hi CeeCee. Tyler and I have been talking, and we’d like to meet with you and Stuart—your place or ours.”

  “Sure. When? Here would be best. Jenny Sue is resting.”

  “Now, if that works for you and Stuart,” Star said.

  “Coffee?”

  “Make it a big pot, CeeCee,” Star said with a giggle. “We’ll bring doughnuts.”

  Stuffing her cell in her tote she turned to Tyler, a grin spreading from ear to ear.

  Tyler glanced at her. “What?”

  “We’re creating S&T Jackman Corporation today. Let’s get those doughnuts, partner.”

  - - -

  The partners were lost in thought as Tyler drove to the Washington’s suburban neighborhood.

  “Tyler?”

  “Yes, babe, what’s going on under those blonde curls?”

  “Rumors…so many rumors. After Roth collapsed they were rampant—was it drugs, was it his heart, and then the big one. Was it murder? I heard other rumors, too. About you.”

  “Oh, oh. I’m really not the tooth fairy?”

  “Silly, I’m serious. You and Roxy—”

  Tyler pulled to the side of the road.

  “I heard rumors too,” he said. “Cozy lunches with you and a cameraman. I admit it hurt. I didn’t believe there was anything to it yet I felt bad that I even hesitated to debunk what was said—”

  Star turned in her seat, looked into his eyes. “Oh, Ty, that’s exactly how I felt. I hated myself when a twinge of doubt crept into my head. It was awful. Your text saying that you were in Paris...you never told me you were going and suddenly you were there. I felt so disconnected, hurt.”

  “Star, remember when we were at the beach…you had just arrived in LA?”

  “I know what you’re going to say. This place, Hollywood, cutthroat?”

  “Yes. People tell lies to get what they want and they don’t care who gets hurt. I’m sure it happens in other places, too. It just seems worse here…to me anyway.”

  “We can’t let it happen to us, Ty. It’s easy to say we’ll confide with each other if something is said that doesn’t ring true. But we have to actually let each other know when something bothers us…not just rumors, but lots of things…not let them grow to be big things. I love you, Ty.”

  “If we weren’t in the car, strapped with a seatbelt, I’d hold you close and tell you how much I love you too, but you have to wait until we get home.”

  “Yes. Wait until we get home. It wouldn’t be good with the Washingtons and their little girl watching,” Star said with a smile and a sigh.

  “Okay, Mr. Jackson, now that we’ve taken care of the rumor mill, hit the gas pedal. S&T Jackman Corporation has important business to carry out.”

  Chapter 25

  THE WASHINGTONS LIVED in a small, unpretentious bungalow in an old part of Los Angeles. The neighborhood appeared to be well kept—a patch of grass in front and a colorful bed of flowers by the steps to the front door. A carport flanked the left side of the house, a strip of grass on the right abutting the neighbor’s carport.

  Stuart greeted Star and Tyler at the front door, shaking their hands as they entered. The interior of the home was eclectic—a mix of ultra modern, steel and glass, and a mellow charm of vintage cherry and maple. A carafe of coffee, mugs, and napkins were set on a glass coffee table mounted on black iron legs.

  Hustling from the kitchen, CeeCee carried a plate of warm cookies, and Jenny Sue followed with a small pitcher of cream. Setting the pitcher on the coffee table, Jenny Sue grinned and stepped quickly to Star who wrapped the little girl in her arms.

  “How are you today, Jenny Sue? You look mighty pretty in that yellow sundress,” Star said, her eyes beaming.

  “Thank you, Star. I’m fine. I like your suit.”

  “You like it? I had a business meeting so I thought it called for a suit jacket. More professional.”

  “Jenny Sue, you can play house with your new doll while your daddy and I meet with Star and Tyler,” CeeCee said as she poured the coffee moving the white ironstone mugs in front of her guests.

  “Okay, Mommy. Can I show Star my doll before they leave?”

  “Of course, dear,” CeeCee said.

  Jenny Sue grinned at Star and then ran to her room, but she quickly returned. “I couldn’t wait. Look, Star. A baker girl just like me. Pigtails and a white apron. Her name is Peggy Jean.”

  “How adorable. She’s a fine doll. Thank you for introducing us,” Star said touching one of the dolls pigtails.

  Jenny Sue grinned at Star and then ran off to play.

  “What’s up Star? “You sounded excited, mysterious, when you called,” CeeCee asked chuckling.

  Star set her mug down on the table and leaned forward glancing at Tyler. He nodded.

  “Tyler and I met with Donald Burnett not more than two hours ago. I mentioned to you on the beach that I participated in a bakeoff TV contest and that Mr. Roth was hired as the producer. I was to be a host commentator introducing each segment. However, the show was never produced. For want of better words, the investors backed out. Burnett Media has possession of the clips, but then Roth died and the project died with him.” Star took a sip of coffee, nodded to Tyler to continue.

  “Star and I proposed to Burnett that perhaps you, Stuart, might be willing to take over the show. Burnett abruptly said he had no intention of putting another penny into the project. We made an offer that if he hired you as producer, that Star will play her part as host for a percent of the royalties. But we added the proviso that she could use the sound studio and that Star would become the owner of the original clips.”

  Stuart and CeeCee ex
changed glances. Stuart stood, paced to the window. “What did Burnett say?” Stuart said.

  “He made an interesting counter proposal,” Tyler said.

  Star snapped to her feet. “Stuart, he said no, but would give me the use of the studio for two weeks, and the rights, ownership of the video clips if Tyler and I agree he gets twenty-two percent of the revenue. No investment or money from Burnett,” Star said.

  “Star has money that let’s say came her way, another story for another time. She believes in the project and would pay you Stuart to produce and market the show,” Tyler said.

  CeeCee stood, stepped to her husband’s side and grasped his hand. A lifeline. “And…” she said holding her breath.

  “We said yes. He had a contract, a form his lawyer prepared in case he had a deal at hand. We signed it. He gave me the videos on a flash drive and the use of the sound studio for two days and the use of the kitchen studio I’m using for the kids’ class for a day,” Star said gulping for air.

  Stuart laughed, a hearty laugh, and kissed CeeCee with a quick peck. Turning to Star, he said, “Remind me to never negotiate with you, young lady.”

  “Well, Stuart, will you produce the show?” Star said her brows rose, holding her breath, then cut into the silence. “If you’re interested, can you draw up how much it will cost to produce and market the show…today. Tonight if possible so Tyler and I can see if we can swing it?” Star gulped more air waiting for his answer.

  “I was an assistant producer five months ago on a project similar to yours, a reality show. The contacts to distribute, well, let’s say they are in my little black book. I think I have to include in the budget—a director and a cameraman. You haven’t mentioned anything like that for support. Do you know what Roth had in mind?”

  “No. He never mentioned anyone. Only that we were scheduled to start next week.” Star’s heart was pounding. She obviously didn’t know what she was proposing.

  “I could help,” CeeCee piped up. “Stuart, do you mean by needing a director that would entail providing help and support to Star as the hostess? I can do that. The video clips are done. Stuart, we can work together, produce and direct as one, which might help Star stretch her investment. Jenny Sue is gaining strength so I’ll have more time. She’ll be in school and can come with me when she’s not.”

  “That’s a great idea, honey. Star will require minimal direction. I think Star is a natural and certainly knows the series from beginning to end—intimately I bet.”

  “Oh, I do, I do,” Star said looking from one Washington to the other.

  “We also need a cameraman to film your spots, Star,” Stuart said.

  “Maybe Paul Templeton can do it. He’s the freelance cameraman for the kids’ class. You saw him CeeCee. He seemed to be good with them. He’s also a wannabe actor so I’m sure he’d love the work, earn some extra money.”

  Stuart gave CeeCee a hug, as he took in a long breath. “What do you think, sweetheart?”

  “I think you need to come up with a plan, some numbers, detailed but not so detailed you can’t give Star and Tyler a ballpark figure. Tonight.”

  Stuart gave her another peck on the cheek. “How about eight o’clock tonight, here. Does that work for you two?”

  “We’ll be here. We can pick up a couple of pizzas?”

  “Now you’re talking. Ham, cheese, and pineapple. Jenny Sue loves pineapple. We’ll provide the wine,” CeeCee said.

  Chapter 26

  CEECEE AND STUART stood on the front porch, his arm draped over her shoulders. With a wave, they watched as the white van turned out of the driveway and sped out of sight down the street. Heading to the kitchen Stuart set to brew up a fresh pot of coffee as CeeCee closed the front door. She found her husband gripping the edge of the counter to the sound of the gurgling coffeemaker. Standing behind him, she laid her head on his strong back, fished her hands under his arms and held him tight.

  “I don’t know, honey,” Stuart said. “This is all so sudden. We just met Star Bloom. Who is she really? Are we going on a fool’s errand?”

  “She’s real, sweetheart. You’ve seen her with our daughter.”

  “But where does a young woman get the kind of money required to bring a show live on a network? We’re tapped out. Jenny Sue’s medical bills are mounting on top of what we already owe,” Stuart said.

  “Take a minute, only a minute, and Google her name. Maybe you’ll come up with some answers.”

  “Being a contestant in a reality show doesn’t mean she knows the first thing about bringing it to life, getting it on the television screen, getting a network to adopt it for their audience.”

  “But you know, Stuart, and Star is ready to back you. Now, set up the folding table in the living room, open that laptop and let your juices flow. Get busy on the spreadsheets, the plan. There’s only one person I believe in more than Star Bloom and that’s you,” CeeCee said with a squeeze as she stepped back. “There’s my cell.”

  “Hi, CeeCee. Tyler and I are almost home. I was looking for a file that Mr. Roth sent to me before I left Daytona Beach for Hollywood. It’s an outline of what he envisioned I would say as a host. As soon as we get home, I’ll send you the file and a couple of videos, episodes one and two along with his outline for all the episodes. Tyler and Stuart can work the numbers for the production costs, and you and I can work the outline into a script for me…if that’s okay with you.”

  “Sounds terrific, Star. Stuart and I are very excited about collaborating with you. See you tonight.”

  Stuart stood in the archway to the living room, the folding table leaning against his leg as CeeCee, a big smile on her face, stepped into his arms. A quick hug and then they set about bringing to fruition The Baker Girl reality TV show.

  - - -

  Star turned in the car, leaned against the door watching Tyler drive.

  “Well?” she said.

  “Well what, babe?”

  “The Washingtons. What do you think?”

  “Umm, I like them…a lot. I don’t think Stuart is sure about the project but he’s willing to give it a try. Right now it’s the only game in town for him…and us.”

  “I think he’ll try hard to make it work,” Star said.

  “I’m with you there. Jenny Sue—what a cute little girl. The cancer—she beat it?” Tyler asked.

  “Yes, thank God. So young. So sweet. At least that’s what the doctor told the Washingtons.”

  Star leaned across the console, giving his cheek a peck.

  Chapter 27

  UNDER A FULL MOON Star and Tyler jogged down the beach, occasionally veering away from the rising surf. After two miles by Tyler’s sport watch, he stopped running, bent over, hands on his knees, catching his breath. Star followed suit several yards behind him.

  Since leaving the Washingtons, they mulled over Stuart’s plans to produce the reality show. It was a comprehensive plan including the cost of the production, marketing to networks, and the final stab at a timeline to pull it off.

  Stuart had looked up, pushing the printouts in front of Star. His eyes squinting, questioning. Had he scared her off?

  Star had remained frozen in the black metal folding chair.

  Tyler picked up the sheets of paper, took the flash drive with the supporting files from Stuart’s fingers, and told the pair they would call in the morning.

  That was two hours ago.

  Tyler sauntered back to Star, pulled her up, held her, then both flopped down on the sand. Both started talking at once. “I think we—”

  “Go ahead, Ty. You first,” Star said managing a laugh that caught in her throat.

  “I think what Stuart laid out might cost double over his estimates. Emphasis on might. From what little I’ve seen, witnessed, heard, since I’ve been in Hollywood, the past months, it looks like he touched all the bases. As for the cost...anytime you try to put a dollar amount to a budget it always seems to turn out to be more than predicted. Over runs by a little, and more o
ften than not, by a lot. His expense line under CREW could be way off. He and CeeCee working together as one may come into this estimate, their time, but everything else…” Tyler paused. “Everything else could be way under his estimates. The only thing that’s in the can, so to speak, are the video clips of the eight episodes. There are so many unknowns.”

  “You’re right. Can CeeCee and I and Paul film my role as hostess in two days? Then there’s the editing, splicing it all together. Can Paul do that or is he just a cameraman?”

  Tyler turned his body in the sand so he could look at Star.

  “Let’s assume the cost Stuart came up with is on target, and let’s assume a network picks up the show, no guarantee there, is it worth two million dollars? Maybe double that—four million? Do you want to use the money you inherited from Wainwright this way?” Tyler said taking a deep breath, slowly blowing it out.

  Star looked straight into his eyes. “We joked about it, but what if we form a company for real? Put the whole amount, all twenty-five million of my inheritance, into that company?”

  Tyler laid back on the sand laughing, laughing so hard tears came to his eyes. “Miss Bloom, you’re amazing. I didn’t see that coming.” He sat up, grasped her hand, brushed the sand away and pressed it to his heart, shaking his head. “And how do we do that my pretty blue-eyed baker girl?”

  “We call Jane Haliday. She helped me set up Star’s Bakery. And, she wrote up the duties for the Butterworth sisters, Benny, and Wanda to manage the bakery when I came to Hollywood. We’re going to be married for better or worse—what’s mine is yours and vice versa.”

  Tyler looked out over the waves of the Pacific Ocean. What Star was proposing seemed to be on a scale of the vista sparkling in the moonlight in front of them—no end in sight. That was how he envisioned their relationship—together, no end in sight. She was proposing to put the twenty-five million, the whole kit and kaboodle, into that relationship. She could lose it all. Could he really agree to let her put that amount of money at risk? He knew one thing for sure. If he did agree, he’d work his fingers to the bone to make it work, to see a big return for putting her trust in him.