by Jade Winters
“Getting in touch with a producer Naomi seems to have contacted about the script—I’m going to ask him if he’s interested in funding the film.”
“Do you want some help? I could do it for you,” she asked enthusiastically.
“No, it’s okay. I’m happy to be doing something constructive, if I’m honest. In a few days you’re going to have more than enough on your hands,” she said, closing the file she’d been reading. She looked up at Leah with a sympathetic smile. “You know you don’t have to go shopping with my mum if you don’t want to.”
“Now, we both know that’s not true,” Leah said, smiling as she turned and walked to the door, glancing back briefly when she reached it. “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I’ll keep her out as long as I can.”
“I truly don’t deserve you.”
Leah’s smile faded. “No, it’s me who doesn’t deserve you, Hannah.” Within seconds she had disappeared from view.
Hannah smiled and was relieved when minutes later she heard the front door close. Sitting back in her chair she let out a sigh of relief. It was sod’s law that just when she thought she was taking one step forward her mother would appear, making her feel as though she was, in fact, moving backwards.
Chapter 15
Alisa lay in the candle lit bathroom, replaying Bobby’s words over and over in her mind. Was this all her fault for having such high expectations of a mere mortal? She reached out with her soapy hand, dripping suds on the tiled floor, to grab the can of coke from the edge of the bath.
Earlier that day, she had attended the audition Bobby had set up for her. The casting team and producer had been delighted with her performance and Bobby was sure it was just a formality. She had starred in a number of high budget Hollywood movies over the years and rarely had to audition nowadays. This film, though, was going to star Greg Jameson, the highest paid actor in Hollywood. Playing opposite him with such a good script could be the highlight of her career.
Under normal circumstances she would have been ecstatic but her heart just wasn’t in it. Could she turn down such a great part to play the lead in an independent British film about Naomi’s lies and deceit? There you go again, judging her. She took a sip of coke before placing it on the side. Closing her eyes she sank her head underneath the water, holding her breath until she was forced to resurface.
Decisions, decisions. She hated making them. That’s why she relied so heavily on Bobby but she knew what direction he favoured. Despite what the new role would offer her and for him, she knew he would still opt for her working with Hannah.
She was still reeling from the shock of Hannah's intentions. The last thing she’d expected was for her to take the script any further other than just reading it. Had she known that she would actually want to turn it into a film she would never have given it to her in the first place—but someone else would have, she reminded herself. She’d been aware Naomi had given it to a few other people to read and it would only have been a matter of time before it landed on Hannah’s lap. If she had ever found out that Alisa had held it back from her, it would look like she was deceiving her again. So, rightly or wrongly, she had decided to give it to her. Now she was regretting it fast—but maybe she could turn this into a positive, like Bobby said, and actually use the time to try and rebuild their friendship.
But what of Leah? How could she cope being around that woman knowing what she did? You’re an actress aren’t you?—act, her inner voice told her.
If she did take the part, it would have to be the greatest role of her life.
“Oh, what the hell. I’ll do it.” What did she have to lose? Maybe Bobby was right, she could put this whole situation to bed and afterwards move on with her life, maybe with Hannah back at her side as a friend or dare she think it, something more.
Hauling herself out of the bath, she wrapped her towel around her and went in search of her phone. She’d better let Bobby know and he could contact Hannah. It felt good to have finally made a decision. She just prayed that she had made the right one and wasn’t going to live to regret it.
Chapter 16
“What’s got you grinning like a Cheshire cat?” Leah asked Hannah as she came through the front door carrying a handful of shopping bags, Maggie close behind her.
Hannah turned away from the phone. “I just spoke to Bobby and he said Alisa has changed her mind—she’s going to take the part.”
“Oh.”
“Do you really think this is a wise choice, Hannah?” Maggie asked in a tone that made her feel like a petulant teenager unable to make decisions for herself.
“I think it’s a brilliant one. Having a major star on the picture should make it easier to find investors.”
“I agree with your mum, I think you’re making the wrong decision,” Leah said. “I’m surprised you can bear to be in the same room as her after she betrayed you.”
“It’s just work.”
“I personally don’t think she can be trusted,” Maggie said, as she carried her bags to the guest bedroom.
“That remains to be seen, doesn’t it?” Hannah turned her attention to Leah. “Right, we need to start the ball rolling. I’ve left a list of people who need to be contacted on the desk. Bobby is contacting Skye Daniels to see if she would be interested in an audition. So if you could liaise with Bobby that would be great.”
“Okay.”
“Also, I found the copy of the script on Naomi’s computer. When you’ve got time can you email a copy to the editor, ask her to read it. We can then get together to discuss it. I have some ideas I’d like to go over with her. We also need to get a creative team together as soon as Larry gets back to me—I can’t see him turning down this film with Alisa in it.”
“Sure.”
“In the meantime, I’m going to sort my bedroom out. The last thing I need is my mother trying to do it for me.”
“That’s good. Do you want me to make a start on things once I’ve helped you upstairs?”
She thought about it carefully. “No, I’ll be fine. For some reason I feel stronger now.” And in control, she failed to mention. It felt good to be moving forward with a purpose. Maybe it was a blessing that Naomi had left the script behind—something she could put all her energy into. By working on this she felt close to her again. Before today, that was something she could only have dreamt of.
She took the stairs one at a time, consciously trying not to relive that day. It’s just a staircase, she reminded herself, it has no memories, it can’t hurt you. She made it up to the top—her heart still intact. Now for the big one. Again, she started the thought process that had brought her thus far. It’s only a room, it’s only a . . . . Slowly pressing the door open she paused in the doorway. It looked like a museum where time had stood still. Everything remained as it was that night. The bedding was still ruffled from where the paramedics had lifted Naomi off the bed. The case Naomi had taken the necklace from, remained on the dressing table, the lid still off. A choke caught in her throat. She had to do this. She had to be strong. It was over, Naomi was gone. She was dead. Though her heart knew it, she still couldn’t bring herself to say the words.
She stood there for a long moment, afraid to go in, yet at the same time knowing she had to if she was ever going to find peace. Tentatively, she put one foot in front of the other until she reached their bed. The worst was over. She’d made it inside. At that moment she knew she’d done the right thing in going to Cumbria. A year ago this would have broken what little she had left. She lowered herself onto the bed—Naomi’s side. Falling back amongst the pillows she turned and buried her face into them, desperately hoping that Naomi’s scent had somehow prevailed. But it wasn’t to be. Curling up into a foetal position, she lay there and cried. The tears came as though it had happened only moments ago. She didn’t try to stop them, she just let them continue until the bank was dry. She wanted to stay in this moment forever.
“Are you okay?” Leah’s voice spoke from the doorway.
Sounding spent and drained she replied, “Yes, I’m fine.”
“I thought you might need these.” Leah held a roll of black bags in the air.
Hannah remained as she was, slightly opening one eye. “Thank you.”
Leah moved towards the bed and sat down beside her. “You don’t have to do this—I can do it for you.”
Hannah’s voice emerged stronger now. “No, I need to.”
“Then let me help you, you don’t have to go through this alone.”
“Oh . . . okay.”
“Good.”
“You know, I really don’t know what I would do without you. You’re so kind to me.”
“I’m sure you’d do the same for me if the boot was on the other foot.”
Hannah nodded weakly. “Yes, I would.”
Leah stood and held out her hand. “Come on then, let’s stare the beast straight in the eye.”
Hannah moved to the edge of the bed. “Do you think I should decorate in here?”
“Definitely not. I wouldn’t advise on any drastic changes, Hannah. The only way you’re going to get past this is to face it head on.”
“I suppose you’re right,” she said, taking Leah’s outstretched hand. “I don’t want to pack everything today, just a few things.”
“Okay, when we’ve finished, I’ll run them to the charity shop.”
“No, don’t be silly, I’ll do that.”
“I won’t hear of it, you already look exhausted. I need to pick up some bits anyway.”
“Okay.”
***
Hours later, putting the last black bag into her car, Leah slammed the car door shut.
“Leah, wait,” Hannah called, running down the path to her, “I just found this.” In her hands was Naomi’s favourite khaki jacket she had bought on a trip to Australia.
Reaching Leah, she handed it to her. “There’s no point keeping it is there? If I keep one, I may as well keep them all.”
“I think you’re right,” Leah said as Hannah reached out and hugged her. Taken aback she asked, “What’s that for?”
“Because I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d do just fine. You’re a lot stronger than you think.”
“So everyone keeps telling me but it doesn’t feel like it.”
“I know, but it will.” Hannah gently squeezed Leah’s arm as she slid into her car.
As she drove out of sight, Leah slammed her fist hard down on the steering wheel. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” she mimicked in a whiny voice. Anger washed over her uncontrollably. She couldn’t take it anymore. Everything was about her, wasn’t it? What Hannah wanted. Why didn’t she just grow a pair and shut the fuck up. Anyone would have thought the world revolved around her and her grief. Well, guess what, honey. You haven’t got the monopoly on grief. She’d love to be able to tell her the truth, just to watch that doe eye look that was plastered permanently on her face, disappear as she realised it was all fake, that her whole relationship with Naomi was based on a lie.
She drove the few miles to the charity shop. Pulling over, she adjusted her make-up in the mirror then took a deep breath before walking the short distance to the shop.
Kerry, the manageress, was an elderly woman with grey thinning hair and was so frail Leah wondered how she managed to make it through each day alive. Maybe if she introduced her mother to Kerry and she saw how much better off she was, she would stop whining about herself—she doubted it though. Kerry moved slowly around the counter and upon seeing her said, “Ah, Leah, how are things?” Surprisingly for someone so frail, her voice was strong and clear.
Leah let out a sigh then smiled. “Not too good, I’m afraid. Hannah’s having a difficult time readjusting with being back in the house.”
“I can’t imagine how hard this must be for her.”
“She’ll get through it. She has a lot of support.”
“I know. She’s lucky to have such a good friend as you.”
“I do what I can,” Leah said modestly. “Anyway, I know Hannah said that I was bringing some clothes in but it seems she’s had a change of heart. She wants to keep everything. I tried to talk some sense into her—you know—about letting go and moving on. To think of all the poor little innocent cats she could be helping.” Leah shrugged her shoulders. “But not even that moved her.”
“That’s a shame.”
“Yes it is. Anyway, I kind of feel bad. I know the stuff would have brought in a fair amount of money so—” She opened her bag and dug into it until she found her purse. Withdrawing a wad of notes she handed them to Kerry. “I hope this may help a little.”
Kerry’s mouth dropped open. “You don’t have to do that.”
“Please take it,” Leah said, holding her hand and placing the money into it. “The little kitties shouldn’t have to be the ones to suffer.”
“Leah, you’re such a good person, thank you. Are you absolutely sure?”
“Positive, and if you wouldn’t mind, let’s just keep this our little secret. Hannah wants people to believe that she’s on the mend but. . .”
“I understand. I won’t say a word.”
“Good. Anyway, I must dash, Hannah needs me. I can’t leave her alone for more than five minutes before she starts panicking.”
“Poor you, having to deal with all that responsibility, and who looks after you?” Kerry asked, looking at her with sympathy in her eyes.
“Oh, it’s okay. I’m strong, Kerry. You know what they say—nothing’s thrown your way that you don’t have the strength to handle,” she said as she hurried out of the door.
She only had twenty minutes to get home unload Naomi’s belongings into her flat and get back to Hannah’s. When she got home later that evening she could go through the clothes and hang them up in her wardrobe where they belonged.
The next few months were going to be tough but she was just going to have to put up with it. She would offer her shoulder when Hannah needed to cry and offer her words of wisdom when she needed a lift. Hopefully once filming was over, Alisa would return to L.A. and life would return to normal. She didn’t want anything to become between herself and Hannah—it was the only through her that she felt close to Naomi.
Chapter 17
Time was ticking by as they all waited patiently for Skye to attend her audition. Hannah looked around the bright and spacious casting studio whilst drumming her fingers on the long white table in front of her. She still couldn’t believe this was all happening, that the film was actually becoming a reality. Larry Connors had called her as soon as he’d received her email, he’d absolutely jumped at the chance of getting involved and had quickly found investors. That was two months ago now and since then it had seemed like a whirlwind. She had worked closely with the film editor to make the most of her vision of the movie. The creative team was in place and they had a screenplay breakdown. Now it was just finding the right actors for the parts.
In the seat next to Hannah sat Jen Brightman, the casting director, who had been auditioning people for supporting roles for the past three days. She was a short, stocky woman with cropped brown hair, and had worked on Hannah’s last film.
From the other end of the table Leah piped up, “I thought Bobby said she was reliable.”
Hannah looked at her. “Maybe she got the time mixed up or she’s stuck in traffic.”
Leah rolled her eyes. “Or she’s just unprofessional.”
“Let’s give her another fifteen minutes, if she doesn’t show I’ll give Bobby a call,” Hannah said with finality.
Larry stood up and walked over to pour himself a coffee, offering one to the women, who all shook their heads. “Ladies, in the world of make believe being ten minutes late is nothing,” he started before taking his seat again. “Not mentioning any names but once we waited the whole day for a certain actress to show up, and when she finally did, she came with a list of demands even a saint wouldn’t tolerate. She required a certain temperatur
e of bottled water, lights had to be dimmed, no one could talk to her. . .”
“What happened?” Leah asked.
“I told her in no uncertain terms to piss off. Honestly, the cheek of some people. The worst thing was she couldn’t even act.” Amusement flickered in his eyes. “She had risen in status through knowing the right people, if you get my drift. What I’m trying to say is, ten minutes is nothing in the grand scheme of things.”
At that moment the door burst open and Skye Daniels strode in with all the confidence of a woman who was aware of her beauty and the impact it had on both men and women. Tall and slender with long ringlets of golden brown hair, she couldn’t have been more than twenty two. Hannah knew immediately before she even spoke a word that she would cast her. Naomi’s character Courtney was sassy and confident—in control of every aspect of her life. Exactly how Skye appeared. She didn’t seem the slightest bit fazed by the four of them sat around the desk all staring at her.
“Sorry, I’m late. It’s such a lovely day I decided to walk,” she said, giving them all a captivating smile. Larry shifted in his seat, apparently taken in by her display of youth and charm.
“The important thing is that you are now.” He rose from his chair, script in hand and strolled over and handed it to her, his big smile matching hers. “I’m Larry Conner, the producer. Let me introduce you to the others,” he said as he held out his hand towards Hannah. “Hannah Richards the director, her assistant, Leah, and Jen Brightman the casting director.
Skye giggled like a teenager, a bemused look on her face. “Well, hello, Larry the producer, hello everyone.” She cooed as she nodded to each of them.
“I’ll be doing the scene with you,” Larry said, opening the pages of his own script. “Would you like something to drink before we start? Water perhaps?”
“No, thank you. I’ve kept you all waiting long enough.”
For the next fifteen minutes the occupants of the room became mesmerised by Skye, as she took the part of Courtney as her own. She had vibrancy and energy about her that Hannah knew would work well with Alisa. As the scene ended the room erupted in a round of applause.