“Yep, can’t wait to start.” She looked at Jamie and gave him a lingering kiss on the cheek. “How’re you doing, Jamie?” He blushed.
“Cool, really stoked to start. This is my girlfriend, Lily. Lily, this is Natalie. She plays Cassandra in the film.”
“Jamie’s leading lady and love interest.” She beamed at me.
I shook her hand. “Sounds like we have something in common.” The guys laughed. Natalie totally ignored the joke and moved closer to Jamie.
“Jamie, do you know what time the cars are picking us up for the airport tomorrow morning?” She took a sip of her martini.
“About six, I think,” he said.
“Jamie, you live on Pacific Coast Highway, right?” she asked.
“Yep.” He answered her, but glanced at me.
“Well—why don’t we take one car—save the film a couple of bucks? We can also go over our lines and get a head start.” She put her hand on his shoulder. Jamie looked uncomfortable. My radar started kicking into high gear.
“You know, Natalie, that’s way too early for me to talk, much less run lines. We’ll have plenty of time later on.”
“You’re right; it’s a long plane ride, and a long shoot,” she said.
Just at that moment, the director of the film, Pete Larson, came over to us, shook hands with the guys, and kissed both Natalie and me. Years ago, he was the assistant director on a film I had starred in, so we were old friends.
“Hey guys—how’re you all doin’? Congrats on your nomination, Lily. Good work, doll!” he said.
“What nomination?” Natalie asked.
“Miss Lily here got an Emmy nod for her role on St. Joe’s,” Bobby replied.
“Oh, I thought you were talking about the Oscars,” she said dismissively.
Pete ignored her. “I’m going to be rooting for you, for sure. It’s in a few weeks, right?”
My stomach flipped. “It is,” I replied.
“Well, we’re gonna do our best to shoot around this guy for a couple of days, so he can go.” He pointed to Jamie. “We’ve already started working it out—that is, if he’s going to be your date. If not, and you want a really good looking guy, I can get my tux out of mothballs and you can walk in on my arm!” We all laughed. Pete was at least a head shorter than Jamie and about twice his size.
“Well, sounds good to me.” I pointed to the other side of the pool. “There’s Theresa over there. Let’s see if she thinks it’s a good idea for you to escort me to the Emmys.” Theresa was Pete’s wife. She and my Mom had become really good friends years ago. That’s how Jamie got the first audition. I had Mom talk to Theresa, who talked to her husband. I love Hollywood!
“Somehow, I don’t think she’d like the idea.” He paused a second. “Unless, of course, she could come, too.”
“She’ll have to wrestle Daisy to the death for her seat. And as we all know, Daisy can be tough,” I joked.
“That’s for damn sure!” Jamie agreed. Even though I’d said it first, it annoyed me a little that Jamie agreed so readily.
Pete put one arm around Jamie’s shoulder and the other around Bobby’s, and said, “Jamie, Bobby, I want you to come over and meet Nick Gallo, the lead stunt guy on the shoot. Make friends with him; he’s gonna make you two look like you actually know what you’re doing. Will you excuse us, lovely ladies?”
He winked at us and they walked away—leaving me with good old Natalie and her double D’s.
“You’ve been acting for a long time, right?” she asked.
“Right, since I was a kid,” I replied.
“You’re older than Jamie, right?” she asked.
“Right again.” Where was this going, I wondered?
“It’s good for him to have an older woman who’s experienced—to teach him the ropes, I mean,” she said innocently. “You know, like Tom Cruise and—shit—what was his first wife’s name?”
“Mimi Rogers,” I answered. “Natalie, I’m only two years older than Jamie. I certainly wouldn’t consider that to be in the older woman category.” I smiled.
“Oh, I’m sorry, you looked… I mean, I thought you were much older. My bad. I guess it’s ‘cause you’ve been around so much—in the business, I mean.”
“I know exactly what you mean,” I said. By this time I felt like dropkicking her into the deep end. “Natalie, I’m gonna go over to talk to Theresa. I haven’t seen her in a while.” I turned to walk away.
“I’m so glad you’re okay with me and Jamie.” She had my full attention.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Okay with the talk we had. I mean—he said you were.”
“What talk?” I asked. My radar was going off in all directions like friggin’ fireworks on the Fourth of July.
“Well, it was after I found out that I got the role of Cassandra. I was actually at The Coffee Bean. You know, the one on Cross Creek Road in Malibu?”
I nodded.
“Jamie came in. We knew each other from the auditions and found out we both got the jobs! Amazing, huh? So, anyway, he sat down and we talked for a couple of hours. I told him it was important to me that my character and her relationships be authentic. So I was very open with him. I told him I have to be completely committed; I’m the type of actor that has got to be in the moment for it to work.”
“Meaning?” I asked.
“Well, if I have a love scene with an actor in a film—like this one—I make sure to fuck him beforehand. A lot. This way we’re really comfortable and take all our passion and chemistry and put it into the film.”
I felt the blood rush to my head. Even though part of me knew that Natalie was doing this for a reaction, another part of me really, really wanted to react.
“So when he thought it was a great idea, I asked him if his girlfriend would mind. He told me that you were a real pro in the business and would be cool with it. I thought, wow, she must be rad!”
It was all I could do to keep my voice steady and calm.
“Yeah, I guess that’s one of the perks of dating an older woman. Now excuse me, I’m going over to say hi to Theresa.”
I refused to let her see me upset. I knew she was watching as I walked across the patio.
Theresa was a good-looking woman, one of those down-to earth people who never lost sight of where she came from and where she was going. She was smart, savvy, and swore like a sailor. She and Pete met years ago when they were dirt poor, he an up-and-coming director, she an aspiring actress. She gave up her career to support his and to raise their family. She never regretted it. Now that the kids were grown and out of the house, Pete gave her a small role in every one of his films. This way they could be together and she was able to get her acting fix. I walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“Lily, I was just making my way over to see you. How is everything?” she asked. “I spoke to Daisy the other day, and she is over the moon about your Emmy nomination. We are, too.”
“Thanks, Theresa. Mom said you’re going out to the Island to visit her soon,” I said.
“That’s right. I’m going with Pete tomorrow to New Mexico—do my couple of little scenes—I figured I’d keep going east and see Daisy. We always have a blast together.”
“Mom says the same thing. I’m actually gonna try to fly out just around the same time. She has something she wants to tell me, but says we need to talk in person.”
“Sounds mysterious,” Theresa said, and grabbed a mini quiche from a waitress walking by with a tray of hors d’oeuvres.
“Mysterious, not so much. Probably just her way of getting me home for a visit while Jamie’s shooting.”
I moved in closer and lowered my voice. “Theresa, I cannot believe what just happened—I’m still in shock. Don’t turn around and look, but you know Natalie—the one playing Cassandra?”
“Of course.”
“Well, she just told me that in order to get into her part completely, she’s going to have to get into my boyfriend’
s pants, if you get my drift.”
“No, she didn’t! What a little bitch!” Theresa said, shaking her head.
“It gets even better: She said Jamie agreed.” I teared up.
“Listen, Lil, I know the type. They’re all over Hollywood, skulking in every corner, ready to pounce.” She put her arm around me and steered me toward the bar area and away from the crowd.
“Believe me, hunky leading men aren’t the only ones who get that action. Plump middle-aged directors get their fair share too. It’s something Pete and I have an open dialogue about. There were a couple of times—early on in the marriage—when things were questionable. He’d be away on a long shoot … in a remote location … I was home with the kids … who knew what might’ve been going on? After I heard a whisper of gossip, Lil, I was straight up with him. I told him that before he goes to bed with any slut actress climbing the ladder, he should think hard about me and the boys. Because if I ever found out, all he would hear is the door slamming shut and locked tight—after I kicked his chubby ass out.
“So before Jamie leaves for location, Lily girl, let him know that you’re quite hip to what’s happening. And it’s totally unacceptable if he wants a girlfriend to come home to. Oh, and you tell him to be careful—there’s going to be eyes watching him.”
“Wow, you’re my hero.” We both laughed.
“Hero, no. Experienced in this business, yes.” She put her arm around me. “C’mon, let’s go make a dent in Wolfgang’s thin crust pie. It’s divine. And I’m sure most of these skinny bitches are starving themselves, so there’ll be plenty for us. By the way, that Natalie could use a burger!”
We laughed and talked about a charity event that she and my Mom were co-hosting in a couple of months in LA.
I caught Natalie staring across the pool at me. She didn’t turn when I looked back. She just kept staring. I took Theresa’s hand and said, “Well, I’m going to tell Jaime I want to leave. I’ll definitely fly home when you’re with Mom so we can all hang out together. Just call me and let me know when you’re done shooting. And Theresa thanks so much for your advice—and for the eyes… ”
“Remember, always keep your eyes open too and remember you are Daisy ‘The Dukes’ daughter.” We both laughed.
Theresa gave Mom that nickname years ago when Pete and I were working together on the film. It was during filming that Theresa and Mom became good friends. My studio teacher wasn’t keeping a good enough handle on my school hours or my safety. California laws are strict. Every actor under the age of eighteen must complete three hours of schoolwork each weekday. The studio teacher is not only supposed to adhere to the rule, but also to enforce it. She or he is also supposed to watch out for the child’s safety. Mom felt that the studio teacher was remiss and didn’t have my safety, schoolwork, or interest at heart. So she went full-on into battle mode, and of course she won. The studio teacher was replaced with one my Mom picked out. Theresa has called her Daisy “The Dukes” ever since.
I saw Jamie out of the corner of my eye talking to couple of actors. I gave Theresa a kiss goodbye and walked over to him.
“Hi, everyone, I’m Lily,” I said in my very best cheery actress voice.
After I’d met everyone, I whispered to Jamie. “I’m tired and I have an early call time tomorrow. Think we can leave soon?”
He looked puzzled. “Babe, I know Harvey is making a toast in a few minutes, then … well… I guess we can go.” He didn’t look too happy but I didn’t give a shit. My head was ready to explode.
Harvey asked everyone to gather around. He lifted his drink and said, “I want to make a toast to all of you and to the success of the movie.” Everyone clapped and cheered.
“You all know your director; you probably met him at the hundreds of callbacks you had to suffer through.” Everyone laughed.
Peter waved his hand and said, “Guilty as charged! Sorry about that, guys. I’m a perfectionist, what can I say. But I got what I want—the best damned group of actors for my film!”
Everyone clapped and cheered again.
“One more thing,” Harvey said. “Jamie, Natalie, come on over here.” They walked over and stood on either side of him. He put one arm around Jamie’s shoulders and the other around Natalie’s waist.
“Everyone, meet the stars of Standoff in Sante Fe.” Everyone clapped again. Jamie and Natalie were eating it up.
“I know you guys are gonna be great. Shit, from the first audition you did together, we all knew that you were perfect together. Isn’t that right, Pete?” Pete nodded in agreement.
“You two ooze chemistry!” Harvey continued. “Hell, after your first audition together, I felt like lighting up a cigarette—and I haven’t had a smoke in twenty years!” Everyone laughed and Theresa shot me a warning look.
“Well, folks, thanks for coming tonight, there’s more food and drinks, so enjoy yourselves. But remember, starting tomorrow, you’re all on the clock.” Everyone clapped again.
At this point, I’d had enough. When Jamie walked back to me, I hissed, “I want to go, now!”
He looked puzzled and shot a nervous glance in Natalie’s direction. That was the moment I knew she was telling me the truth. We said goodbye to everyone and left.
We got into the convertible and drove through the gates. Jamie asked, “What got into you tonight?” As we drove down Sunset Boulevard, I told him everything Natalie had said. “You’re joking, right?” he said.
“No, I’m not joking. That’s what she told me!”
“Babe, she was just pulling your chain. It’s not true, I swear,” he laughed.
“Then why would she say it?”
“Why do people say shit? I don’t know. Ask her.”
I played what Natalie had said over in my head again.
“Jamie, something doesn’t make sense,” I said.
He raised his voice to be heard over the wind. I could tell he was getting annoyed.
“Shit, can you just give it a rest, for Chrissake? I don’t know why the bitch said what she said, but I have no control of what other people say, Lily. C’mon, don’t ruin a perfect night.”
I thought about what he said and knew it would be our last night together before he went on location. But something else was also bothering me…
“Jamie, how come you didn’t ask me to visit you on location?”
“’Cause I’m working.” His voice was even louder.
“But you visit me when I’m shooting. What’s the difference?”
“You know this is my first big movie; I don’t want to be distracted.”
“Distracted? Now you’re saying I’m a distraction?”
“Give me a break Lily—what’s your problem tonight?”
“What’s my problem? What’s my problem?? My problem is that some slut told me she’s gonna screw my boyfriend and he thought it was a fantastic idea and that I’d be totally cool with it!”
“Lily, would you just shut the fuck up already? This whole conversation is asinine. Enough!” He slammed his hand hard on the steering wheel and pushed down on the accelerator. We sped way too fast down Chautauqua, a steep, windy, narrow road that takes you from Sunset Boulevard down to the beach in Malibu.
“Slow down, Jamie!” I shouted. He was making me really nervous.
He slammed on the brakes at a red light right by Patrick’s Roadhouse, a local restaurant and pub where we often have brunch. It’s across from the beach.
Two guys were coming out of the pub and spotted us. They looked really high.
“Hey, look, it’s Lily Lockwood. Hey, Lily, let’s play doctor. You can be my nurse anytime, baby,” one of the guys slurred. The other one thrust his hips in an obscene gesture. They both laughed hysterically. I ignored them.
“Assholes,” Jamie said. He slammed the car into park and opened his door. He was going after them.
“No!” I screamed. “Jamie, stay in the car. Just drive, go, go! The light’s green—GO!”
The cars behind us
started honking. Jamie closed his door, made a screeching right turn onto the Pacific Coast Highway, and accelerated fast. I was shaken.
I’d seen Jamie’s temper before. One night we were coming out of The Viper Room in West Hollywood, and two obnoxious photographers were taking pictures and being rude, trying to pick a fight. Jamie took the bait and went after them, breaking one guy’s camera and running down Sunset after the other one. It was really scary and made all the papers. I didn’t want to go through that again.
We drove in silence for the next five minutes until we’d pulled into the driveway and entered the house.
I headed into the kitchen to get a glass of water. I admit it; I was slamming cabinets and glasses and making lots of noise. Jamie was behind me and said, “I’ve had enough of this shit. I gotta start packing.” He went upstairs.
I went to put the water bottle back into the refrigerator and saw a container of Jell-O. I remembered the first day we had met and what Jamie had told me about really getting into his role by “feeling the scene.” I was boiling mad. My gut was telling me that he was, without a doubt, lying to my face. I stormed up to the bedroom.
Jamie’s clothes were all over the place and his suitcase was open on the bed. The reality hit me: He was going away for six weeks and would be alone with a girl who’d already told me that she planned to have sex with my boyfriend, and that he was definitely into it.
“I don’t believe you, Jamie, when you deny what you obviously said to that girl.”
“I don’t give a shit what you believe.” He started throwing the clothes into the suitcases. “Lily, be smart and just leave me alone.”
“Jamie, I’m not stupid. Why would she say that to me, knowing I would confront you about it? Why would anyone do that? You’re lying!”
“And you’re a crazy spoiled bitch who doesn’t know when to shut her fucking mouth,” he yelled. His face was beet red, and one large vein was bulging from the left side of his neck.
The Seeds Of A Daisy: The Lily Lockwood Series: Book One (Women's Fiction) Page 5