HDU #2: Dirt

by India Lee

  “What do you mean?”

  Jake shrugged as he played with his drawstrings. “I don’t think she was meant to be a bad person like my dad and my aunt. I think she was meant to be like me and my mom. My mom’s into fashion and Casey always wanted to own a dress shop. She used to sew stuff these fifties-looking dresses for herself all the time. That was her dream job since before I was born.”

  Amanda’s eyes narrowed hard. “Really.”

  Jake nodded adamantly. “She never wanted to be an actress. At least she never talked about that when she lived with us back home. She used to sew a lot. And she hated drinking, she thought it was disgusting. I mean to the point where she made me think it was disgusting. I hate partying. I don’t even like watching other people party. It makes me uncomfortable and for awhile, Casey was like that too.” Jake pursed his thin lips, frowning at the skepticism knitting Amanda’s face. “I swear,” he insisted, distressed. “She used to tell me stories about my dad… like how he’d have like… bathroom accidents. As an adult. He pissed his pants all the time because he was an alcoholic. Casey would never let that kind of thing happen to her. She’s always been someone who’s in control no matter what.”

  Amanda paused, her gaze drifting as she considered Jake’s point. More than anything, Casey liked control. Even her image as a downward-spiraling addict had been one that she’d carefully controlled through Ian. Looking back up at Jake, Amanda tilted her head. “That’s… true,” she said slowly, prompting his shoulders to slump hard, his eyebrows sloping with the heaviest guilt Amanda had ever seen on anybody’s face.

  “Whatever’s going on with her right now… I know it goes back to what happened at the lake. She loved me. I know it hurt her just as much as it hurt me and it didn’t help that my mom didn’t believe her when she said she wanted to stay and that she’d be good.”

  Amanda considered everything Jake was telling her — that once upon a time, Casey had a good, loving heart. That a common adolescent mistake was what changed the path of her life forever, forcing her out of her house and putting her in an industry that she actually never intended on pursuing. Giving her a job that hardened her and turned her into the person she was now. Amanda chewed on her fingernail. It actually sounded to her like what had happened to Liam. Logan, too. They hadn’t exactly chosen their careers but they were too far in to leave anymore and they had already given up so much, changed so much to stay.

  Maybe that’s a common situation, Amanda mused. But if that were the case, that would mean that Casey did in fact have a soft spot, the same way Liam did. Suddenly, Amanda remembered the words that Casey had spoken at The Red Deer, the day that she had blackmailed over brunch.

  “In this industry, loving someone is a liability.”

  Which meant Amanda had just discovered Casey Mulreed’s liability, her weakness. And it was sitting right in front of her.

  “I swear she’s not a bad person,” Jake insisted with big eyes, studying Amanda’s face to see if he believed her. Stunned by her realization, she could only nod.

  “No one thinks Casey is a bad person,” Amanda finally said. “The world still loves her.” It was the truth. The world did. She just didn’t.

  Jake’s smile was light, peaceful. “Good,” he said quietly. “And I still love her. I want her to know that. I figure if she knows, she might… feel like she doesn’t need to drink so much or any of that other stuff.”

  “Totally,” Amanda nodded, feeling a sudden and immense wave of guilt as Jake groaned, sticking his tongue out for a second as he rubbed his eyes hard. Oh God, he’s crying. Those are totally tears.

  “Thank you, by the way,” he said, hugging his knees to his chest. “For letting me kind of vent. I know you probably didn’t want to hear all of this.”

  Except I really did. And for all the wrong reasons.

  “Of course,” Amanda smiled back at Jake, her voice gentle. “Please. Any time.”

  ~

  Feeling pleasantly lightheaded, Amanda floated up the front steps of her apartment and into the building, peering behind her to get a last look at Liam’s car before letting the door close.

  It wasn’t until she reached her floor that she felt something slightly amiss.

  Standing at her door, it took entirely too long for Amanda to realize that a figure stood on the flight of steps behind her.

  “Holy shit!”

  The words came out hoarse from the bottom of her throat, prompting Casey to giggle as she made her way down the stairs.

  “Oh, doll. You’re so dramatic sometimes.”

  Amanda’s lips fumbled over her words for a few seconds before spitting out her question mixed with confusion and fury. “What the hell are you doing here, Casey?”

  “Oh my God, lower your voice. So rude.” Casey clucked, opening her straw woven clutch to retrieve her iPhone. “And invite me in before you wake your neighbors, it’s only six in the morning.” When Amanda didn’t budge, Casey rolled her light eyes, the phony smile on her lips quickly falling. “Or you can follow me in if that’s the quickest way to get this done,” she said with irritation, marching down the last few steps and pushing through the open door of Amanda’s apartment.

  “What the — get the hell out of my apartment!” Amanda stormed after Casey’s dainty footsteps, which made their way through her small studio as if dodging non-existent messes on the floor.

  “Gross,” Casey frowned.

  Amanda fumed. “Get. The hell. Out.” She watched Casey wander about, holding her clutch to her chest as she surveyed her surroundings with body language that deliberately conveyed disgust. “I am not kidding Casey,” Amanda said between her clenched teeth. But just as she reached to grab her small hand, Casey held it away, spinning around, an actual hissing sound accompanying the snarl that curled her heart-shaped lip. Startled, Amanda froze. Casey’s pale blue eyes were so icy that they looked white for a split second.

  “Stay the fuck away from my little brother, Amanda.”

  Amanda blinked, confused.

  “Surprise. I have eyes everywhere,” Casey said, her voice low, her little frame for once rigid and tense. “I know that Jake’s here and that he got into it with your crackhead friend. I know that you guys sat in some dinky little shithole place in Chinatown for almost two hours. I know the fucking flavors of candy he was eating so I’m telling you, don’t fuck with me. That is my family. Jake is my kid brother. You have no fucking idea what we went through and you have no fucking right to bring it all back again. Or tell him anything about me. He’s only going to blame himself and he’s hurt enough in his life.”

  “I’m not doing anything to hurt him, Casey. If anything, you are by never speaking to him,” Amanda dared to say.

  “Fuck you, you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Casey hissed, raking a hand through her short hair before balling it into a fist.

  For once, she wasn’t bothering to look dainty and poised or sound witty and cute. To Amanda’s surprise, she was letting it all out. It was like watching a flower tangle in a heavy wind, its petals whipping off. Casey was flustered for once. Amanda stared, amazed. If there was any doubt as to what her weakness is, I think I just killed it.

  “Just stay the hell out of my goddamned business.”

  “Then just get the hell out of my apartment,” Amanda countered, surprised at her own even tone.

  Casey ignored her, the raging glint in her eye making it look white once again. “Amanda. If you see him again or so much as say one word to him through phone, email — I swear to God, I will find out and I will make you pay.”

  Amanda snorted at Casey’s uncharacteristically cliched phrasing. “With what? My job? Because you’ve done such a good job of getting me fired thus far,” she couldn’t help snorting.

  “Please. Leadoff’s about to tank — you can go ahead and lose that job on your own,” Casey spat. “I know where to hit you where it actually hurts now, Amanda. So unless you want me to do that, I suggest you do what I say and s
tay the hell away from Jake.”

  “Right,” Amanda nodded, feeling brazen. “And what is it, by the way, that would hit me where it really hurts?”

  Casey sneered, baring pearly white teeth that Amanda had never noticed were disturbingly small. “I told you that I have eyes everywhere,” she smirked. “I know that you and Liam are real. That you… love him.” Her smile was sinister as Amanda stood suddenly frozen before her. “Uh-huh.” Casey nodded. “I know that you talk with him on the phone all cute. I know that he snuck over to this little shithole apartment. I know all about flying to Nebraska, about meeting up at Metropolis. And guess what else I know?” she asked, the whimsical lilt returning to her voice. “I know about the contract with Terrence, how he loses everything if he’s seen with you in public. So, doll, unless you listen like a good little girl, you better believe that I’ll find some nice, juicy bait to lure your boy out with. And then it’s lights out for his career and he’ll have you thank for the rest of his shitty, embarrassing life. How’s that sound, doll?”

  Chapter 19

  A TALE OF TWO SHOWS: LEADOFF AND LEGACY’S POST PREMIERE STATS & FACTS

  Plus a little bit of rumor control!

  Celeb-o-Matic

  September 5th

  Finally — we’ve reached the much-anticipated morning after of the Leadoff and Legacy television premieres! And how did the two buzzworthy shows stack up against each other? Let’s take a look at the comparisons:

  RATINGS

  Leadoff: 2.1 million viewers

  Legacy: 2.85 million viewers

  TWEETS PER MINUTE

  #Leadoff: 5,719

  #Legacy: 8,387

  CRITIC REVIEWS

  Leadoff: 98%

  Legacy: 79%

  My, my! Despite a near perfect critical reception, Leadoff trails Legacy in ratings and social media buzz. So, what on Earth does all that mean? Exactly what you think it means — that Casey Mulreed’s hit drama is just a tad easier (and probably sexier) to watch, appealing to the masses a bit more than Tom Vogel’s Leadoff.

  Now, some Rumor Control.

  Word has it that both shows are in trouble in their own separate ways. According to inside sources, Leadoff has been forced by ZINC to rewrite and reshoot its final episode of the shortened season — and if it ain’t up to par, audiences won’t be seeing anymore Milo or Leadoff on TV next Fall. Yikes. Best of luck to the writers room!

  And as far as Legacy goes, there have been some pesky whispers of a horrifically weak Episode 2. But how can it be? The show’s pilot was snappy, witty, smart and daring. But according to some early screeners of the Casey Mulreed show, the second and third episode of Legacy don’t come close to matching the quality of its premiere. Some particularly snarky speculators have suggested that Miss Mulreed indulged in a bender too many after writing and shooting the stellar first episode. Ouch! Remember, we didn’t say it — we only heard it. Updates to come next week on whether or not it was true!

  DISCUSSION POST: WHAT DID Y’ALL THINK OF LEADOFF AND LEGACY?

  HDU

  Posted by R0X1E

  September 5th

  I watched both and gotta be honest… it’s kiiind of a dead, virtual, even-ass tie right now. Both premieres were so (ugh I’ll admit it) good that I have been rendered totally snark-less. I have no insults. The horror! But since I’m not sure how to live without my daily dose of celeb-dragging, I’m gonna need you all to deliver with your sarcastic wit and needlessly scathing opinions. Take it away, my loves!

  TOP COMMENTS

  grande9813

  holy shit I’m in the same boat. both shows were so good someone help me choose a team I am physically incapable of liking two things at once

  Bow_2_Queen_Azura

  Legacy by miles

  2Ilushump1

  team legacy/casey. i watched leadoff too and I recognize that it was good but it was too slow for me. but will say I loved the milo character I just wanted to pinch his cheeks

  mrstylerchase

  Legacy was better. I thought it was going to be guilty pleasure trashy but it was more like… classy trashy? If that’s a thing. Honestly really surprised it was so well-written. Props, Casey Mulreed.

  lies311

  team leadoff idgaf. maybe I’m getting old.

  Honeybee423

  My queen Zoe Mercury was so good. Leadoff for lyfe

  Leilani_11_13

  I feel bad liking Legacy so much because I feel like I’m encouraging Casey to keep being a total druggie. It obviously adds realism to the show. Ugh I’m a terrible person.

  foreverjung

  I AM IN LOVE WITH MILO FROM LEADOFF. WHO IS THIS BEAUTIFUL PRINCE HE IS FLAWLESS AND PUTS TEARS IN MY EYES seriously though leadoff wins just for casting this gorgeous dude as a sweet innocent guy. perfect combo

  wheres_my_straw

  when is my queen amanda nathan going to write an episode? i’ll watch then.

  The baseball was being tossed around yet again in the writers room. But there was little conversation to go with it.

  “Come on guys. Think,” Tom urged tiredly, giving a weak pump of the fist when the intern finally came in with two trays of coffee. In attempts to finally blend in with the other writers, Amanda did her best not to look too grateful as she plucked the latte marked with her name. But she was and for a variety of reasons. Obviously, it was a win to pass on the role of office gopher to someone else but mostly, Amanda was relieved to avoid Starbucks. After all, it was one of the spots where she was most likely to run into Jake, whose desperate text messages she had been ignoring for a couple days now.

  Hey Amanda. It’s Jake. Do you work today? Maybe we can meet after we get out.

  Hey Amanda. Are you free? I have a few questions if you have time to hang out.

  Hi I’m sorry to text you again, there are just some things bothering me and I was hoping to ask you about them. Thanks.

  Paranoid, Amanda had deleted the messages, regretting the fact that she had ever offered Jake her number. Thanks to Casey’s most recent threat, she had every intention of staying the hell away from him.

  “Unless you listen like a good girl, you better believe that I’ll find some nice, juicy bait to lure your boy out with. And then it’s lights out for his career and he’ll have you thank for the rest of his shitty, embarrassing life.”

  Amanda shook her head bitterly as she recalled the words, no doubt in her mind that Casey meant them — considering the maniacal lengths she had already gone to keep tabs on her, hiring someone to actually stalk her. There was no other explanation for the strange paparazzo with the green cap and no camera. Amanda’s little stalkerazzi.

  “Amanda, you don’t seem to like that idea very much.”

  I don’t. And I won’t let her screw with Liam’s life anymore than I already have. I just won’t.

  “Would you care to tell Fish what you think is wrong with it?”

  Wait — what? Blinking hard, Amanda processed Tom’s voice, snapping out of her thoughts. “I’m sorry?”

  The table tittered like a group of schoolgirls over her blank look. With a long snort, Skip nudged Fish. “She’s under the impression that you do one notable thing and then you’re set — no need to work for the rest of the season.”

  “Can’t blame her,” Fish mumbled. “How she got famous. Did one notable person, didn’t have to work for anything after.”

  “Oh, shit.”

  The reaction was shared by several of the writers sitting around the table, which seemed to put a small smile on Fish’s lips. Despite the tiny lurch in her stomach and the angry skip in her pulse, Amanda stayed outwardly calm. Taking a sip of her latte, she lifted a decidedly bored, dull-eyed gaze at Fish, all the while ignoring Connor’s stare from diagonally across her seat.

  “Gentlemen,” Tom said sternly. “And woman.” He squeezed his eyes shut and dug a knuckle into his forehead, between his eyes. “Christ, people. We’re on a time crunch here. We only have two weeks to think of a new backstory
for Milo, board all the beats and then write that shit so it can be shot in the one fucking week we have before it’s supposed to premiere. That’s batshit insane, you know that right?”

  “Yes,” came the collectively reluctant response. Heaving a sigh, Tom sat back in his chair, his eyes still closed as he spoke.

  “Alright, listen, assholes. I was going to write the season finale like I did with the other five episodes. But as you kids have exhausted me with your bullshit this past month, I’m going to give you the incentive of writing the season finale solo if you pitch me one good idea to help me change Milo’s entire backstory. Go.”

  The room was suddenly quiet, stunned.

  “We’ll get the writing credit for the episode?” Bird’s cracking voice asked, his eyes wide.

  “Yes, Bird. As long as you give me an idea because thus far, Fish has pitched the only one today and from what I observed, Amanda didn’t like it very much,” Tom said, turning to Amanda with a curious tilt of the head. “Considering how adamantly you were shaking your head. Right?”

  “Oh.” Amanda sat up in her chair, pushing up the sleeves on her cropped schoolboy jacket. “I actually wasn’t listening,” she said truthfully, though she came off as blithe. Amanda didn’t mind it though, especially as she observed Fish and his nostril-flaring reaction.

  “Great. I’m glad you’re so at peace with that fact,” Tom said sarcastically. “But since it’s our only idea thus far, I’ll just give you a quick rundown. Basically, Fish proposes that since Milo has just hit it big in New York and will have spent the previous five episodes getting acquainted with celebrity and women and around-the-clock parties, we should make the finale the start of his spiral into madness. The new backstory will be that he left behind a childhood sweetheart and the pressure of that relationship is turning him from handsome, lovable, All-American role model to cocky, entitled, party-obsessed playboy.” Tom sighed once he finished his summary, conveying just how much he disliked the idea himself. “What’s your take on that, Nathan?”