“A bit? So what about Aspen? Could you see yourself with her long term? If she’s even into that?”
“Long term and me don’t mesh. I would like to have some fun with her for the next few months, though. She is crazy-hot. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to, if you would just get me set up.”
“Me?”
“Why not? You guys will be spending a lot more time around each other. You could certainly put in a good word for me. You know…put a bug in her ear on my behalf.”
“And tell her what?”
“God, Wren. Tell her how cool I am. What my preference is. And then schedule up something fun for us to do on a date. You’ve got the connections.”
Wren scowled. Did everyone in the world like her for her fame?
“Oh, come on. I know you could find us something unique to do, and save my purse big time bucks when you explain who you are when making the reservations.”
“I’ll think about it.” Her words came out quickly.
“I so knew that you’d help.”
Kerri reclined the chair back and waited for Wren to take a seat at her table. “Wren, you are the best BFF anyone could ever have.”
“I’m your BFF, huh?” She took a deep breath, realizing just how tired she had become. “It’s going to be another late night. Let’s take a quick nap before we go back over my lines.”
“No arguments here.”
Chapter 6 – Truth or Dare
“Hold on,” Aspen yelled out. Seated atop her dirt bike, she had her forearm raised high enough in the air to reduce the brightness of the lights that stressed her sight.
Everyone on set froze. How would the director respond to the sudden disruption?
Director Wolff squinted toward the gleaming set. The veins popping from his sweaty forehead and neck weren’t a good sign. He lifted his hand in a saluting position to scout out where the noise had come from. “Aspen, was that you?”
“Yes, Sir.”
He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “What’s wrong, Aspen?”
“I can’t see, Sir. The lights are blinding me. I can’t see the ramp so I can hit it right.”
Director Wolff spoke to a nearby assistant with urgency. He pointed to the lighting overhead. He cupped his hands around his mouth. “Fix the lights,” he yelled out. “You heard her. She can’t see.”
More than two dozen staff members started darting about the set, taking care of the situation.
“Time is money,” Zoltan Szekely yelled out from a dark corner of the studio. No one had known he was there until he spoke up.
The lighting directed at Aspen softened. Director Wolff cupped his hands over his eyes like he had hold of invisible binoculars. “Is that better, Aspen?”
Aspen held her gloved thumb in the air. “I’m good. Thank you.” She arranged her goggles and gripped onto the throttle, ready to fly.
Director Wolff pointed his index finger high in the air. “Ready. Set. Action!”
~~@
“Cut,” Director Wolff called out. He and Zoltan spoke for a brief moment by the cameras. Moments later he meandered his way over to the actors, waving Aspen and fellow stunt double, Malachi, to get off their dirt bikes to join them.
“We are going to take about thirty minutes to change the set around. I want you guys ready when I call you back. We catered in some sandwiches in the actors lounge. Get something to eat, but stay alert.” He went back over to the cameramen and started giving them additional instructions.
“Does he ever eat?” Aspen asked.
“I’ve never seen him eat,” Kerri answered as she joined the group. “Hi, Aspen.” She strolled in next to her before addressing the rest of the group. She quickly looked back and winked at Wren who pretended not to notice. “You guys are making my job pretty easy today. You all look fabulous.”
“I have a feeling it’s going to be a long day and night,” JT said. “I’m sure we’ll make you earn your keep.”
“Yeah, and it’s only five am now,” Malachi looked at his super-sized divers watch. He strutted as though his muscles were two times the size they really were.
“You didn’t have that watch on during take did you?” Kerri questioned.
“Of course not. I keep it in my pocket.”
“Well, I hope you can hide that huge thing from bulging in your racing pants.”
Malachi smirked.
“It’s your head on the chopping block if the director sees the extra contraband during filming. It already takes enough time to try and get you guys to appear alike.” Malaki was not only shorter than JT, but much brawnier.
“No worries,” Malachi countered. “I know what I’m doing. Besides, if I need to get out of a pinch, I know who to ask.” He nodded toward Aspen without her knowing.
“Yeah, she’s sure got the director wrapped around that finger of hers,” JT said. “Can’t blame him.” He eyed Aspen from behind, fixated on her rear.
Wren rolled her eyes. She noticed Aspen was preoccupied listening to Kerri chat about, who knows what?
The crew of five made it to the actors lounge and started pulverizing the fresh food like they hadn’t eaten in days. Who knew when the next opportunity to eat would arise?
“Can’t say I have ever had lunch before breakfast,” Aspen bit into a roast beef sandwich wedge on wheat. She knew the turkey would make her sleepy.
“When we’re in the studio there is no such thing as time.” Wren replied. “Morning, noon, or night; it doesn’t matter. You just work within the timeframe Director Wolff tells you to. No questions asked.”
“I see that.” Aspen popped a cherry tomato in her mouth and mixed it with the chewed up piece of sandwich. “Glad the food is at least healthy.”
They all found a place to sit on the oversized U-shaped sofa made of genuine leather. Kerri sat as close to Aspen as she could, but just like everyone else, the number one priority at that moment was to overdose on nourishment and appreciate the few minutes away from set.
“Aspen,” JT called out. “Truth or dare?”
Wren rolled her eyes. “Not this again.”
“Truth or dare?” Aspen shifted in her seat. “How about truth.”
“All right. Are your parents hippies? What’s up with the name Aspen anyway?”
Kerri and Wren looked at one another, realizing JT had no idea about Aspen’s mom.
Wren interrupted, “What, you couldn’t have just asked her about her name instead of this becoming a truth or dare game?”
“I was actually hoping she would request a dare.” JT winked.
“My name? Well, my parents met in the northeast where there are lots of Aspen trees.” She looked over at Wren who listened intently. “Their first kiss was under one,” she added.
“A dare would have been better,” Malachi spoke under his breath.
“Okay, Aspen. Now you ask one of us truth or dare,” JT instructed.
“It’s my turn to come up with something? I don’t know what to say.”
“I’ll do it,” Kerri chimed in.
Aspen gave her a smile. She could always count on Kerri to take the uncomfortable focus off of her.
“Wren, truth or dare?”
“Dare. I hate telling the truth.”
“I dare you to dance on JT.”
“Oh, come on,” Wren protested.
“You have to do it, Wren. You chose dare.” JT spread his legs and patted the cushion between them.
“I don’t think so.” Wren stood up. “Up against the wall, boy.”
JT stood up and leaned against the wall while Wren shot Kerri an infuriated, ‘I’ll get-you for that later’ look. “Thanks a lot,” she mouthed the words toward Kerri.
“You’re welcome, Sweetie.”
Aspen sat up when she saw Wren approach JT like a cat stalking its prey. She wanted to swallow, but for some reason her throat felt paralyzed.
Wren wrapped her hand around the back of JT’s neck and sensuously rolled her body only inches from
his. The roused look on JT’s face was immediately followed by his eagerness to grab her swaying hips.
“Don’t touch!” Wren suddenly dropped down, forcing him to release his hold. She pressed his wrists against the wall before slowly making her way back up.
Everyone gasped when they remembered to breathe.
“Damn, Wren. You can’t do that and then expect me to keep my hands to myself.”
Wren shoved her leg between his. “You don’t have a choice.” She leaned in for a kiss, but turned away right before their lips touched.
Everyone in the room began sweating from the exchange. Wren almost chuckled aloud as she walked away, leaving JT unsatisfied.
“Is that it?” He complained.
Aspen didn’t realize her mouth hung wide open until Wren approached their seats. She slammed her mouth shut, hoping no one noticed.
“That was more than enough,” she answered. “Kerri,” she spoke loud. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“I dare you to choose someone to dance on.” Right after she said it she wished she would have been more specific as to whom. She already knew who Kerri would choose, and for some reason it bothered her more than it should.
Kerri looked around the room. “Malachi, you’re too muscular. JT, you just got a dance. Wren sweetie—I love ya, but more like a sister.” She looked at Aspen and held out her hand. “Wanna dance, Stunt Girl?”
“All right,” Malachi and JT shouted in unison. They clapped frantically.
Reluctant to reach out her hand, Aspen felt compelled to do so anyway. She backed up against the wall and her body stiffened.
“Relax.” Kerri turned around and pressed her backside into Aspens textile pants. She wiggled from side-to-side and then oscillated up and down in slow motion.
While the guys hooted and hollered, Wren searched Aspen’s expression. She could tell how uncomfortable Aspen had suddenly become. “Okay, Kerri. I think Aspen’s had enough of your bobbing booty.”
“Oh, I’m just gettin’ started. Hey, JT,” Kerri yelled out as she continued to press up against Aspen. The palms of her hands were now rubbing against Aspen’s thighs. “I dare you to come help me out over here.” One way or another, she would find out Aspen’s preference.
“My pleasure,” JT hopped up and ground his crotch against Aspen’s hip.
Aspen braced herself against the slippery wall, trying desperately not to lose her balance. She glanced over at Wren with and expression of total discomfort.
“Okay, guys.” Wren stood up and pulled the gyrating duo off Aspen. “Get off her.” She yanked them away. “You’ll wear out the protection in her armor.” She took hold of Aspen’s hand and led her back to the couch.
“What about me?” Malachi asked. “Do I get a dance?”
“No!” Wren and Kerri yelled in unison.
Malachi pouted. “Fine.”
Aspen sat back down with her arms folded in front of her.
Wren stood in front of her. “Sorry, Aspen. They obviously need to get laid.” She sat down next to Aspen so no one else could and scowled at Kerri.
When Kerri finally realized Aspen’s discomfort she announced, “I think the game is over.”
“Everyone on set!” They heard the announcement from outside the hallway.
“Time to get back to the grind.” JT attempted to wrap his arm around Aspen as they walked out the door, but Wren cut in between them before he could make contact.
Aspen saw Wren in a whole new light and she couldn’t help but like it.
~~@
When Aspen revved her engine, Malachi echoed the sound. They were ready to race and Aspen—according to the director—must ultimately win.
“Make it look good, guys,” Jasper yelled out. “Cameras will be rollin’ this time.”
“Not a problem,” Malachi responded. “I’ll make Aspen look good when I let her win.”
Jasper held up a flag.
“Action!” Director Wolff shouted.
Jasper slashed the flag downward as Aspen and Malachi flew out of the gate. Aspen darted off in front of her adversary a second ahead. When they hit their first turn she cut the corner tight. Malachi started to fall farther behind. Realizing she needed to make the race look close, she eased the throttle forward and Malachi raced up next to her like it were his skills that closed the gap. They came upon a group of ‘whoops’ and hopped over them like frogs.
Aspen looked ahead, seeing the triples come next. She laid into the throttle so she would have enough power to fly off the first swell and skip the other two. Malachi mimicked her movements, only he got so close, Aspen feared they would knock handlebars. She pulled ahead of him and he almost crashed into her back tire.
Everyone on and off set watched in excitement. “They look like sworn enemies,” JT whispered to Wren. “Who knew they could act?”
“Yeah,” Wren answered with nervous anticipation. “It looks like they’re going for blood.”
Aspen cleared the triples and Malachi moved in right behind her. Privy to his overly aggressive behavior, Aspen decided to deepen the distance between them. She pulled back on the throttle and dirt shot from her back tire. The next obstacles were a bridge of logs. She bounced over their slippery surface with no issues. Malachi fell farther behind as Aspen set her sights on the final obstacle; the jump. She needed the aerial to look amazing, and the more she distanced herself from Malachi, the safer she would be in completing the stunt. She reached the jump well before he did. She hit the ramp, and in midair, performed the difficult Tsunami.
“Holy shit!” The words leaked out of Jasper’s mouth before he could stop them. He hoped the microphones didn’t pick up on his indiscretion.
Everyone watched in awe as Aspen’s bike swung vertical and she performed a hand stand on the handlebars. She came back down in a seated position just before landing. Excited about the perfect execution, several Extras on set made a hand pumping motion with a swell of cheering. Aspen stopped her bike just before running into the edge of the set. She turned toward Malachi, who had just left the ramp.
She held her breath when she noticed his front tire start to drop.
Malachi did a panic rev and pulled out of the dangerous position just before landing. He barely prevented a massive wipeout. Disgusted with himself for not performing any type of stunt he shouted, “Damn it!” He started to brake late and lay onto both front and back brakes as hard as he could, but it was too late. He T-Boned Aspen, and in a split second, she flew off the dirt bike and into the set.
“Cut!” Director Wolff yelled as the medics rushed to the scene. Wren, JT, and Jasper were already sprinting toward the accident. When Aspen stood up to wipe the dirt off her clothing, Wren let out an audible cry of relief. “Aspen!”
Seeing that Aspen was moving, Malachi threw his helmet to the ground and approached her in a huff. “What the hell were you thinking?”
“You’re riding dirty, Malachi.” She removed her dirt-swathed helmet. Her hair stuck to her head like she had just stepped out of the shower.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes I do. You’re a squid.”
“I’m not dangerous. You have no clue what riding with the big boys is like.”
“Dude, you just T-boned me.”
“You didn’t move.”
“Move where, Malachi? It was the end of the ramp. The set is right here. Get your eyes checked, Man!”
The medics swarmed around Aspen.
“I’m okay.” She pushed against them, but lightly. “Thank you—really—but I’m okay.”
“Aspen, are you okay?” Jasper reached her next and embraced her.
She squeezed him back. “I’m fine, Jasper.”
He pushed a sweaty lock of her hair from her forehead and wrapped it around her ear. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Wren and JT reached her just in time to hear her last words.
Relieved, Jasper wrapped h
is arm around her shoulder. “Aspen, I have never seen a perfect Tsunami like that before. You’ve been holding out on me, girl.” He patted her on the back armor. They separated from their friendly embrace.
Aspen grinned; her reddened face glistening with sweat.
“Don’t blow sunshine up her ass, Jasper. She’ll let it go to her head.” The corner of Malachi’s lip elevated and he practically growled like an animal.
“Don’t be such an douchebag,” Wren yelled at him. “Don’t you know how to control your little bicycle?” She snapped. “You should. It’s what you’re getting paid to do.”
Surprised by Wren’s sudden outburst, Malachi took a step back. Everyone else shifted their gaze toward Wren.
JT stood in front of Malachi. “Cool off, Man.” He put his arm around Malachi’s shoulders. “Let’s go get some water.” He pulled Malachi away, wondering if Wren would have actually thrown a punch if he hadn’t intervened; a characteristic not typical of the actress.
“That last scene’s a keeper,” Director Wolff yelled out when he witnessed his stunt doubles walking away unharmed. “Be back on set in fifteen minutes. And by fifteen minutes I mean no more than ten!”
~~@
“Wren, are you okay?” Kerri asked as Wren stood in front of the mirror, rinsing her red face in the basin.
“Yeah, I’m just tired of hearing Malachi’s shit. He gets so super competitive, he becomes a loose cannon.”
Kerri giggled. “Well, I think you pretty much knocked him down off his pedestal with your outburst.” She handed Wren a fresh towel to wipe her face dry. “Don’t smudge the make-up any more than you already have.”
“He deserved it.”
Kerri shrugged her shoulders. “I guess.” She inspected the condition of Wren’s make-up. “So, you and Aspen going to go over some of the upcoming scenes tonight?”
“That’s the plan.” She set the mascara stained towel next to the sink.
“When?”
“I don’t know. Some time tonight. I told her I would meet her over at her trailer.”
Kerri smiled.
“Why?”
“You’re going to put in a good word for me, right?”
“What?”
“Very funny.” She snatched a tube of mascara out of her pocket and leaned in to fix Wren’s eyes. “You know what I’m talking about. Just make sure she knows what an awesome person I am. How you couldn’t do all this acting stuff without me and my support. Yada-yada. You know.”
Aspen's Stunt Page 4