Feeling unexpectedly sentimental, I continue my impromptu toast. “If you’d asked me six months ago about doing a reality show, I would’ve laughed in your face. I never thought I was a creative type—and yes, Brian, I see you rolling your eyes at me. It’s just that I’ve always been good at the numbers, the details. You know me, I could organize and make lists, endlessly. But Never Cry Wolf… the chance to have my own show… it’s an opportunity I didn’t even know I was looking for and I am so grateful to have. It’s going to be an amazing ride.
“Billy, Adam, Sophie…” I lump them all together and throw Adam in the middle on purpose. I don’t want Brian or my brother to see him getting any special attention from me. “Thank you for helping prep me for the presentation, for dressing me so well, and for everything else this week. I’m so glad to have you on board as the show’s publicist, Sophie.” She raises her glass in salute.
“Janine, thank you for your tireless work getting that sizzle reel ready. I almost passed out more times than I can count, but you kept going. Your talent as an editor is only outmatched by your Energizer Bunny endurance.
“Brian, Matthew, Lily, you all paved the way for me at home. I know you went out of your way behind the scenes to get people on board and willing to be a part of it. And I promise to never let you down. I will protect the town and the people and tell the true story of Wolf every episode.”
“Of course you will, Maddy,” says Matthew, always with unwavering confidence.
“Okay, enough from me! Let’s eat!” The food comes out in waves, a vast array of sushi and seafood. Those of us who don’t normally go to five-star ocean-side restaurants can’t stop commenting on the sound of the waves crashing right next to us as we enjoy our delicious dinner.
I take a deep breath and realize it’s probably the first time I’ve been still for this long in a week. Ever since I met Ed Greenling, my life has been completely hectic. We’re powering through the final episodes of the season for The Wrong Doctor, and during my off hours, I’ve been in meetings and conference calls regarding Never Cry Wolf. I don’t think I’ve slept more than four hours total all week. I plan to sleep till at least noon tomorrow. Even Ed Greenling can’t work on Sundays, right?
“Great speech, Maddy. You told me you’d never done any public speaking. Liar.” But the way Adam says “liar” sounds like an endearment, and he brushes my shoulder as he reaches across me to scoop up a spicy tuna roll.
“It’s true, I hadn’t. But spending all day pitching to strangers definitely immunizes you to speaking in front of a group.”
“No doubt. Trial by fire, right? But you did it. You should be so proud.” Given how absolutely crazed it’s been this week, I haven’t had a lot of time to talk with anyone, including Adam. Our kiss seems like a lifetime ago.
“I wasn’t kidding. It was a brutal day. All those rooms. Some of those executives were even colder than your practice session. But if I hadn’t prepped with you, I wouldn’t have made it into room two. I would have fallen apart. So thank you, again.”
“You don’t have to thank me.” He sets down his chopsticks and turns to look at me. “I was glad to help.” I am completely lost looking in his eyes. I don’t hear my brother’s laugh, or feel Lily splash me with soy sauce as she clumsily tries to use chopsticks for the first time. I just stare at Adam. The spell isn’t broken until the waiter clears his throat and I realize he’s been standing there for a while.
“Would you like another cocktail?” Apparently, he has already gotten everyone else’s drink order.
“Yes. Please. Another mai tai.” Because as it turns out, I do like fruity drinks. Even though he’s taking a sip, I catch Adam’s smirk at my order.
“Shut up.” I lean in and shove his knee with mine, feeling completely at ease with our proximity.
“You’re not always right.” He focuses on scooping more rice onto his plate, his smile firmly in place.
Which reminds me…
“Speaking of being right. I forgot to tell you I saw Lola the other day at Soho House. And you know who she was with?” I poke his arm. I could get used to this, touching him whenever I want.
“Mmmm… let me guess… Derek Jordan?” he says with a knowing grin.
“Exactly. And she was all over him,” I say with relish. “So, I guess I should pay for your next whiskey.”
“Well, that wasn’t the bet, Maddy. Technically, you have to come to my favorite bar and buy me a whiskey there. I’ll have my people text you what dates I’m available,” he deadpans.
It takes me a second to register that he’s joking.
“Isn’t that what we diva actors do… have our people call your people? Just trying to live up to your expectations.” Adam is laughing.
“Oh, I know you have a diva in you, Adam Devin.” It feels nice that we can tease each other like this. Adam puts his arm around my shoulders and pulls me in close. Everyone else at the table is deep in other conversations, but I look up and see that Billy is watching us. He winks at me, and I smile.
“When were you at Soho House, by the way?” Adam asks as I’m taking another sip of my mai tai.
“Um, last week? The night you helped me prep for the conference. I met with Hogan before I saw you.”
“Ooh, really?” Adam leaps on the information. “You’ve known you lost the bet all week and you’re just telling me now? There should be a fine for that. Withholding,” he announces as if he’s a referee at a football game. “It incurs a second date penalty.”
Adam and I are clearly lost in our little bubble, because suddenly all around us the group is gathering their things and getting up. Apparently Billy has paid the check and we’re all going to head to the lounge area.
Lily, Sophie, Janine, and I hold down some seats near the fire pit while the guys get drinks. Minutes later Adam returns handing me another drink, this time with an actual umbrella in it. I smile back at him, knowing that he requested that especially for me, loving our inside joke.
I can’t tell if my giddiness is exhaustion or Adam or the three drinks I’ve had, but I feel lighter and looser than I have in months. It’s a good feeling. Janine is telling us a story about her latest date, when the guys head back to the bar. I guess when she got to the part about how the guy said he was going to run out for smaller condoms, it was TMI for them. I am still laughing as I head to the bathroom minutes later.
On my way back, I see the guys are in a huddle, chatting just off the side of the bar. They don’t see me as I approach, but I stop short when I overhear Billy say, “I’m just saying she doesn’t need someone else jerking her around. She’s been hurt enough.”
Instantly, I know they are talking about me. I am equal parts touched and mortified.
“I’m not going to do that,” Adam replies intently.
I can’t see my brother since he’s obscured by a row of tall lights, but I hear his voice loud and clear. “Just because I don’t live here, man, doesn’t mean I can’t come down here and kick your ass.” I am relieved when Matthew cracks a laugh, which Adam joins in on. These two are going to get along.
“Okay, guys, back on track. Let’s get to the part where we get to kick Craig’s ass.”
“I’m already on that, Brian. Don’t worry.” Billy’s Texas justice system is very straightforward.
“Hey, guys, what’s up?” I interrupt, stepping around the corner. I’m too embarrassed to look at Adam, so I choose instead to stare daggers at my brother, which he knows means “I’m going to kill you.”
“Oh, hey, Maddy.” Adam pushes away from the wall and puts a proprietary arm on my shoulder. “We’re just talking about how much we adore you.”
“Well, some of us more than others,” jokes Matthew, looking pointedly at Adam.
“What do you mean?” I suppose it’s too late to play innocent, but I give it a go anyway.
“I like this one, Maddy,” Matthew says as if we’re alone. “But as your brother, I have to tell you, you haven’t always shown
the best judgment… so I had to let him know”—he jerks his head at Adam and continues in his matter-of-fact tone—“if he hurts you…”
“All right, back off, Cujo. You’ve made your point.” Billy gives Matthew a friendly slap on the back. “Come on, guys, let’s leave these two alone. I’m buying the next round.” Matthew and Jacob trail Billy back to the bar, leaving Adam and me alone.
“I’m so embarrassed.”
“Don’t be; you’re lucky you have so many people looking out for you. Your brother is definitely a trip. He challenged me to some sort of Iron Man obstacle course. I guess that means he likes me?”
“It does. You may have to let him win, though.” We make our way over to the railing that looks out over the ocean.
“It’s a great night, huh?” Adam looks up at the stars in the dark blue sky.
“It really is. I’m exhausted, but I’m so excited about everything that I can’t even sleep.”
“You mean you don’t sleep because you’re working so much. I see you, Maddy Carson.”
“What does that mean?” I feel myself getting defensive.
“It’s not a criticism, that’s for damn sure.” He leans his forearms on the railing next to me so our faces are at the same level and we’re both looking at the water. “You’re an amazing woman, Maddy. No question. But I’ve seen you on set. You are always doing nine million things at once. You think it has to all be on your shoulders or you’re failing.”
“That’s not true.” Except actually he hit the bull’s-eye.
“Just take care of yourself. That’s all I’m saying.”
“I will.” Although I really can’t imagine things slowing down anytime soon.
“I’d like to help.” He turns to look at me. “If you’ll let me.”
I think I know what he means, but I need clarity here. “You mean, you want to help me with the show?”
He smiles at my misunderstanding. I think he knows it was deliberate. “I want to take care of you, Maddy. And before you get all twenty-first century on me, I just mean…” His eyes roam my face. “Well, I guess, I just mean, I want you to give me a chance. And we’ll take it from there.”
There are a thousand things I could say, namely, “Yes, I’d like that,” but instead, I reach over and kiss him deeply and hope that says it all. We walk back to the table hand in hand and are met by smiles all around. Adam goes off to get us a drink while Lily, who is clearly a little tipsy, grabs me in a big hug. Brian, who is standing behind her, offers an indulgent smile. I guess Lily is making the most of her rare Mom’s night out.
“It’s just so beautiful here, Maddy. Thank you so much for inviting us. It means a lot to Brian and I to celebrate your big news with you,” she gushes.
“Of course. I’m so happy you’re here. I hope I get to come up to Wolf a lot this winter with the show. It’ll be great to see you all so much.”
“A lot of fun, Maddy. I’m going to picture you at dinner meetings here every night now. It’s just so glamorous.”
“Oh, right. Yeah, this is how I roll.”
“Well, you are dating a real live TV star.” She giggles and then hiccups.
“What are you talking about?” Again, I try to play dumb. “Matthew told us about Adam. He’s sooooo cute, and he really likes you. Brian and I are so happy. Aren’t we, honey?” She looks up at Brian, who is nodding and smiling.
“We are, kiddo,” he says with touching sincerity. “I just can’t believe you’re breaking your number one rule. Never thought I’d see the day. I guess not everyone in LA is a stereotype, as it turns out, huh?”
“I know, right? Well, I trusted my gut with Craig, and look how that turned out. Maybe I’ll try trusting my heart this time instead of my gut.”
Brian looks at me, and I can see the Santa Monica lights twinkle in the distance over his shoulder. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Act Five
Scene 001
Int. Maddy’s apartment—night
Flipping through the channels in my flannel pj’s and wolf slippers, I catch a glimpse of my all-time favorite movie, The Princess Bride, playing on TNT. I sigh with relief, happy to sit back and enjoy Wesley and Princess Buttercup instead of thinking about Adam walking the red carpet, women screaming at him, starlets brushing up against him. Ugh. My imagination needs to be reined in, but this is what it’s been like ever since I officially started dating him.
Not that anyone knows we’re dating. And at this point I want to keep it that way. And I have to say that the secret, stolen moments on set have been, well, in a word: hot.
Yesterday, for example, Frank told me Adam needed to change some lines. I went to his trailer to go over it with him, only to be completely swept off my feet. Literally. He was kissing me before the door clicked shut and lifting me off the ground to spin and sit on the tiny sofa in his trailer, placing me on his lap. We didn’t speak for at least five minutes. It could’ve gone on for twenty… or forever, as far as I was concerned, except Frank didn’t feel the same way. My walkie-talkie, which had fallen to the floor, came alive with Frank’s voice: “Does anyone have eyes on Scripty?” Obviously, I was so distracted I missed Frank’s call, so now everyone on set was searching. I should have been completely horrified by how unprofessional I was behaving but there wasn’t room in my brain. (And even now, looking back on it, I don’t regret it for a second.)
“I thought I was the only one who gets to call you ‘Scripty.’ ” Clearly not perturbed by the idea of a manhunt for me, Adam didn’t stop nuzzling my ear.
“Frank’s going to freak out if I don’t get back to him,” I said breathlessly. He didn’t stop me from grabbing my walkie-talkie, but he also didn’t remove his hand from the inside of my thigh.
“Call him, then,” he said teasingly. “Tell him where you are, that you need a ten.” He slipped one hand under my shirt. “Better make it a twenty.”
I laughed. I wanted nothing more than to disappear into the moment with Adam, but I forced myself to pull away and radio Frank back.
A split second later, he responded. “Maddy, you’re needed on set. ASAP.”
Adam reluctantly let me detangle myself from him.
“Come with me tomorrow.” He’d been harping on me to go with him to the premiere of one of his friend’s new movies all week, and all week I explained over and over that it just wasn’t my scene.
“I would, but I swore when I broke up with Justin Timberlake that I just wouldn’t do red carpets anymore.” My comedic skills were clearly lacking, as my joke had exactly the opposite effect. Any hint of a smile was gone, and Adam was looking at me completely seriously.
“What is it? You’ve never hesitated to shoot straight with me, Maddy. Don’t start now.”
Collecting my thoughts, I stepped down to the door of Adam’s trailer. It also gave me a hair’s distance, as it was hard to think clearly in such a small space with him.
“Adam, you’ll never know what it feels like to walk next to someone who is famous. Meeting fans on the street, the one-on-one stuff is fine; I can handle it. But at a big event like that? I’ve been there. Done that. And the T-shirt’s not worth it.” I turned back at the bottom step inside the trailer, looking up at him, but with the window behind him he’s a little bit silhouetted so it’s hard to read his expression.
“Everyone’s there to see you. It’s work. You go do your thing. I would just be in the way.”
“You could skip the carpet, wait inside while I do the photos and press?” One last push from a guy who probably doesn’t ever hear “no.”
“Lurking solo in the lobby, making small talk with the popcorn guy? Wishing they hadn’t taken my phone away at the security check so I’d have something to at least pretend to occupy me until you got back?”
“I’ll skip the red carpet. You’re killing me here.”
“Now you just don’t want to lose,” I teased lightly. “You should go. It’s fun for you—it’s your job and career, and you’re help
ing promote your friend’s movie. I totally get it. I want you to go.”
“Okay, okay,” he relented. “I’ll swing by after, maybe?”
“Sounds good. Text me.” I was out the door of his trailer before I remembered, turning back. “Were you really going to give me a line change with some advance warning, for once?” He just grinned at me.
“Whether you like it or not, Scripty, ad-libbing is not a criminal offense.”
“Actors,” I humphed, but couldn’t stop smiling as I headed back to set. It was definitely worth the awkward questions from people wondering where I’d been.
And now here I am sitting at home while he’s out in front of the historic Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, posing for pictures that have already surfaced on the Internet. Adam and the female lead of the film in her barely-there dress. Adam signing autographs for a huge group of fans on the other side of the barricades. Adam in the middle of a throng of girls who look ready to be in the next Girls Gone Wild video. What kind of girlfriend am I if I won’t toughen up enough to go out in public with him?
But he’s right; I have been there before. Once, when I first started, and it’s not like it scarred me or anything, but that’s what life is, right? Learning those lessons. I learned that approaching a fancy, crowded red carpet, in a beautiful dress I borrowed or spent too much on, balancing on stupidly high heels, is tough enough without some junior publicist’s assistant shoving me out of the way the instant the cameras turn in our direction. Which leaves several bad options:
Ducking behind the backdrop, trying not to trip on wires, cables, crew working, and security giving you the evil eye
Charging the gauntlet so the photographers are yelling at you to get out of the shot, which inevitably means backing into the extremely excited fans shrieking at you because now they can’t see the star they camped out to catch a glimpse of
Waiting patiently inside the lobby area. And maybe this is what I’ll end up learning to do. Standing by executives and bigwigs who drop their voices and speak in codes because they don’t want me to hear who they’re talking about. And listening to starlets and wannabes not-so-quietly commenting on the “nobody” parked in the corner. How did humans survive before Words with Friends for distraction?
Scared Scriptless Page 22