Limelight (Hollywood Stardust)

by Kim Carmichael

  “Reality TV is hot, it’s an easy sell, good money and it gets you out there. People think they know you, can relate to you, and after being so silent for so long, it would be good.” He nodded.

  Dare she tell him that aside from acting she didn’t do anything? Well, she worked in a lab for five minutes and then spent the last few days hiding from the one person she wanted to be with. “You think people want to see me go about my daily life?”

  “Reality sort of has big quotations around it.” He laughed. “They want to see a slice of your life. The interesting part, like the part where you’re involved with the Hollywood Stardust sequel, the part where you’re friends with the soon-to-be Mrs. Alexander, the part where you live your life, but the interesting part.”

  Maybe she could convince Logan to allow her some access to the making of Hollywood Starburst. Her wheels began turning. Ryder would definitely be on camera with her. If Drew allowed it, it would be amazing publicity for Hollywood Glow.

  “What’s your personal relationship status right now?”

  She didn’t dignify the question with an answer.

  “We have to be straight with each other if we’re going to turn this around.” He rocked his chair back and forth.

  Her teeth scraped together, hitting that right note to finally make her squirm. “Right now it’s nothing.” She squeezed her eyes shut.

  “Well, since I know you’re not living with Brian anymore, I need to know where you’re staying.” He prodded.

  “I’ve been staying with Drew.” She lowered her voice.

  “And you think no one wants to watch you?” He rocked forward and grabbed the edge of his desk. “Go get me something with Hollywood Starburst and Drew and I’ll make you a star on the small screen that will take you right back to the big screen.”

  “So what do we do, hire a crew?” Did the man think she had a show in her handbag?

  He shook his head. “This is where you have to work. I need something to make this convincing. Everyone wants a program. Go get me some footage. It can be shot by you, but show me what you got. Give me something different.”

  She played around with cameras off and on, but would anyone allow her to film them? This wasn’t Logan’s wife and a crew. “What about a contract?”

  “I’ll give you a contract when you show me something to contract you for.”

  She stood and faced the door. When she called Rick, she practically expected him to have the contracts ready. What happened to her, her career, her life?

  Wait.

  He told her that her life was interesting. Well, could be interesting.

  With new conviction, she turned back toward him. “I have an idea.”

  “Enlighten me.” He held out his hand.

  She swallowed. “What about a road trip with me and Drew building a nutraceutical line?”

  Once more, he rocked his chair back. “I better get my cloth ready to polish up your star.”

  HOLLYWOOD STARBURST

  FADE IN:

  INT. ALBURQUERQUE, NM – INSIDE THE LINCOLN – Day.

  With the music blaring and sipping a soda, Roxy speeds down interstate 40, she spots brake lights up ahead, and frowns when traffic comes to a stop.

  Roxy tilts her head and leans way over trying to see the issue. She lifts up her map and looks out again.

  Time passes as indicated by the setting sun. Roxy starts out relaxing and ends up with her hitting her steering wheel and cussing. Finally, a man in a uniform walks down the never ending row of cars, stopping at her window.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  We had a bit of a delay today. Things should get moving here in the next thirty to forty minutes.

  ROXY

  Do you know how long that is in car minutes?

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER smiles.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  I was supposed to be getting off my shift over an hour ago. The delay was probably just as long in overtime minutes. Sorry. It couldn’t be avoided.

  ROXY

  Maybe they shouldn’t do construction in the middle of the day when it backs up everything.

  I have to stay on schedule.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  Strange thing with schedules is everyone tries to keep them and they are really hard to hold on to.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER pats windowsill and moves on.

  Montage of Roxy doing things in the car to keep busy. Folding paper, going through the glove box, shifting in her seat as she realizes she has to go to the bathroom.

  At last the, traffic moves, slowly.

  ROXY squeezes the steering wheel and shakes her head as the cars crawl along the highway. In the distance, lights flash and as she gets closer, a fire truck and ambulance comes into full view. The scowl on her face disappears, she presses her lips together and she spies the construction worker and though the road opens up ahead of her, she stops.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER walks over and motions ahead.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  Maybe you can make up some time.

  ROXY watches as the paramedics wheel away a stretcher with a body bag on it.

  ROXY

  Maybe I need to learn to improvise.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER looks over his shoulder and back at Roxy.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  Guy was scheduled to go home.

  ROXY

  I’m scheduled to go home.

  (Shakes her head.)

  I’m so sorry.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER

  Remember, be careful and always make sure you keep in touch with those who matter. At least he got to call his wife and tell her he loved her at lunch.

  We all made fun of him but...

  (Shrugs.)

  Cars behind her start to honk.

  ROXY

  I think I need to schedule a phone call. Again, I’m sorry.

  CONSTRUCTION WORKER nods.

  ROXY drives away and stops at nearest gas station.

  ROXY

  (speaks to self)

  I have some rescheduling to do.

  ROXY finds a payphone and pulls her phone book out of her purse. First, she turns to William’s number, then she bites her lip, turns to Steven’s page and puts some change in the phone.

  Chapter Fourteen

  "I HAVE THE ENTIRE SCHEDULE printed out, but I also put it on the calendar that’s downloaded into your computer and on your phone." Bambi opened the door to the SUV and put her notebook on the front seat.

  Organized. Drew grabbed her one small piece of luggage and put it in the back. Yes, Bambi was organized. Almost to the point of exhaustion, but who was he to complain?

  At least he wasn’t starting his trip by stuffing Erin's suitcases into his vehicle and praying they fit, followed by managing his own schedule, and carrying every meeting while his former co-star tapped her foot and yawned waiting to go on to a place where she could be the center of attention.

  Yes, Bambi was much better, a business associate who would take charge, knew her stuff, and understood his line of work. Bambi was a much better fit for him.

  Of course, his business associate didn't lean back on the bed and tell him to make love to her because she wanted him to, nor did she occupy his thoughts for so long he couldn't remember not wanting her. Simply put, she wasn't Erin Holland. Though it wasn’t Bambi’s fault, it doomed them before they ever really got started.

  Once he decided to take Erin, the road trip became much more than a business trip. In his mind they were supposed to take a real road trip together, a melding of both their worlds, but he was the only one who saw any significance in the act.

  Hell, he hadn’t seen her for the last two days. She only hit him with the fact she gave up and then hid.

  Yes, he might disappear, but she hid anytime she felt threatened and then everyone was supposed to move heaven and earth to find her.

  Back then he always went searching. As the filming of the movie went on, most times he hadn’t liked what he fo
und. The relationships between her and Logan, and between her and Ryder had seemed to intensify, often causing fights among them.

  Then one day he had hit a jackpot, or so he thought.

  Again filming in a new city, he glanced at the clock and waited for his bed partner’s appearance. Things had been tense today. On the flight, he’d finally gathered enough courage to ask her if they were ever going to be more than friends. Actually, more like he’d stuttered the words. She didn’t answer, simply stared at him with those huge eyes.

  He must have dozed off because when he jolted awake the same clock read two hours later.

  No Erin.

  His heart racing, he shot up and darted to the door. Where was she? Only one other time did she miss their evening rendezvous, and he and Ryder hadn’t spoken since.

  He pounded his fist to the door, before throwing it open and stomping over to her room and calming down enough to muster a simple knock.

  If she went running to one of her boys without the simple courtesy of telling him, he was going to have to stand up for himself no matter what it cost him.

  With no answer, he searched the hallway, and then pressed his ear to the door. Though he welcomed the sound of her television, she left the thing on 24/7. He raised his fist, ready to tear the damn thing down when the door opened.

  “Took you long enough.” In a pair of men’s style pajama’s Erin put her hands on her hips and grinned.

  What did he miss? She came to him. This was how they did it. “What?”

  “I didn’t think it would take you two hours. Did you fall asleep?” She giggled and backed up to let him in her room.

  The reason they always went to his room was evident in all her belongings strewn all over the place, but among the dresses, shirts, pants and beauty supplies, there was one clean spot in the shape of the bed with a tray set up covered by a cloth.

  “Yeah, I dozed off.”

  “Well, your timing is perfect. I want to welcome you to the Drew Fulton appreciation night.” She took his arm, dragged him inside, and shut the door.

  Wait. Hold on. What happened to walking in on an empty room or one where she was dressed to the nines ready to go out with one of his co-stars? What happened to her sad excuses or apologies and her running back to him in tears? “I don’t understand.”

  “I know, but you will.” She took his hand, led him to the bed and revealed the contents of the tray.

  His mouth hanging open, he sat on the bed staring between her and her offering.

  “This is my Drew Fulton appreciation kit.” She adjusted the pillow behind him and lifted his legs on the bed. “First, we have the remote control. You may choose the movie tonight, even if it’s an action one.” With a bow, she lifted the device and handed it to him.

  That alone made his night because he never got to choose the movie. He was the only male in America who didn’t control the remote.

  “I also have our snacks already prepared, as well as our drinks.” Like a gorgeous game show model, she ran her hand over the tray.

  He spied the peanut butter and chocolate coupled with some healthier choices. They would end up eating the peanut butter and chocolate.

  “I also have one more thing for you.” She pulled an envelope out from under one of the plates and took her seat next to him. “But before I give this to you I have something to say.”

  Holding his breath, he waited.

  “Sometimes I just assume you will always be there for me. I always know you will rescue me no matter what, and that’s what keeps me going.” Tears glazed her eyes, and she held out the envelope. “You deserve an answer to your question, and I wrote it down so you can see instead of hear it.”

  After forcing himself to breathe and swallow, he took the envelope and opened it, pulling out a piece of her stationary.

  Her note only had four words, but they were the most glorious words ever to exit from one of her purple pens, or maybe any pen on the planet.

  Let’s plan our future.

  Once more, he glanced between her and the note. “What are you saying?”

  “I think after this movie wraps and we have our lives back we should be together.” She licked her lips. “If you still want me.”

  “Still want you?” He only managed to utter that one question until he was left with a loss for words. Not that it mattered. His heart grew to such a point where he wouldn’t be able to speak anyway.

  She shrugged.

  Though he didn’t want to break the spell, he had to ask the next question. “Do you want me?”

  Through her lashes, she looked up at him. “You belong to me. I know I’m supposed to be with you. That’s why I could never decide between the other two, I wanted you.”

  Unsure what to do when faced with getting what he wanted, he opened his arms to her.

  Without hesitation, she went to him and curled up by his side.

  They lay together, side by side, him playing with her hair, her holding on to him. Maybe this was why he was destined to do the movie, to find the rest of his life.

  “I don’t want this movie to taint what we have, I want us to wait until the movie wraps. Is that all right?” She ran her nail over the stitching on the sleeve of his t-shirt.

  All that mattered was he had her. “We have the rest of our lives. A few more weeks won’t change that.”

  “Do you want to pick a movie?” She had nuzzled down on his chest.

  He had glanced down at the top of her head. “I’m happy just watching my star.”

  How did history repeat itself? How did he have her one second and the next was being told no one would believe they were together? How did he make love to her one night, only to have her want to leave?

  He didn't know why he expected anything different. She played her roles like a pro. With a little too much force, he slammed the back hatch down in time to watch Erin's car skid into the driveway.

  In a flurry only she could conjure, she jumped out of the car, and rushed toward him, her heels echoing a satisfying click on his stone driveway. The only break in her trek was a fleeting look at Bambi, but the presence of her foe didn’t stop her.

  "I'm sorry I'm late, but give me just a few and I'll be right down with my things." Her voice came out breathless.

  He narrowed his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

  "I just need to throw a few things into a bag and then we can start on our trip." Again, she glanced over at Bambi, but returned her focus to him.

  "The last I heard you were leaving." Did he miss something?

  She stared at him.

  “What are you doing?" He spoke through gritted teeth.

  "Are you saying you don't want me to go with you?" Once more, she peeked over at the other woman.

  "You can't do this." He crossed his arms and forced the words out. "You can't show up at my door and then leave when you want, you can't decline a trip and then come at the eleventh hour, you can't pull the same stunts you did twenty years ago and expect no repercussions. People have lives that you don't control."

  "Then let me ask you this." She lifted her chin. "Where was my control when twenty years ago you vanished without ever letting me have a say? Where was my control when I begged to have any kind of contact with you and couldn't even send a letter? Where was my control when you decided the time was right for you to suddenly come out of hiding?"

  At her accusations right back at him, his chest tightened. "Why do you want to go now?"

  "This is our trip. I can feel it." She turned down to the ground. "Just me and you."

  Damn him to hell, he wanted all her luggage, and her disorganization, and he wanted her to demand his attention after he did his work. He wanted it all, but still he had to give her one last test. "I can't ask her to leave now."

  "Whatever." Erin shrugged. "Last time you left without me it cost me too many years. I don’t care how you leave just that you don’t leave without me."

  "Do you need help packing?" He dug himself into his o
wn hole and it caved in all around him.

  "No, I'll only make you crazy." A slight smile flickered. She touched his cheek and rushed into the house.

  He opened the back of the SUV and stared inside, quickly attempting to calculate the amount of room needed for Erin's items.

  "What’s going on?” Bambi came up behind him.

  If anyone deserved the truth it was the woman speaking to him. He cleared his throat. “Erin sort of came back into my life, and I invited her to go with me. I was going to talk to you, but then she said she couldn’t go. However, apparently we had a little mix up. She and I have communication issues.”

  “What do you want to do?” She leaned on the car. “Do you want me to leave?”

  He was quite certain that Bambi didn’t want the real answer to his question, and he pushed the image of Erin in nothing but a bedsheet in a hotel out of his mind. “I don’t really know.”

  She made a clicking sound. “Maybe it’s better if I’m there.”

  “You don’t have to.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose.

  “This is my job, and I know you are not prepared for any of these meetings or your guest lecture. I’ve never seen you like this, so I’m going to go and take one for the Isaac Abram team.” She patted his arm and returned to the front of the car, claiming shotgun.

  The battle lines had been drawn.

  While maybe it was better Bambi went with them, he also foresaw pending disaster. Yes, he could tell Erin not to go or insist Bambi not go, but instead he stared into the back of his SUV knowing he wasn’t going to do either one.