by Lisa Smartt
He’d never believe what she was doing now. The teenage girl who ran away with him to a roach-infested hotel in Pensacola was now filming a major motion picture in Ireland…with Blake Blanton.
I waited exactly 24 hours before crafting my response. I didn’t need to seem desperate, but I didn’t want to seem uninterested either. I felt certain I’d gotten it right this time.
Ashley,
You’ll be happy to know I’ve gotten into very few diner brawls since you were here. I’ve mostly been helping people with loans. I’ve also been potty training Collin, which has been much more difficult than brawling. I think he’s finally got the hang of it but I’m hesitant to declare him cured just yet. Tell me about the worst and best part of your Ireland experience so far.
Dave
Chapter 21 CARLIE: Where’s that Pot of Gold?
Doug had agreed to leave for Spain a few days early so we could spend a little time catching up with Ashley in the countryside outside Dublin. Ireland was as beautiful as I’d remembered. Green and lush and tranquil. We’d been in Dublin a few years ago thanks to a wedding gift from Uncle Bart and Aunt Charlotte. The shooting schedule was crazy but Ashley still begged us to come, promising we could at least spend some time together in the evenings. She’d agreed to meet us for supper at the quaint little inn where we were staying. It was within walking distance of the set.
“Well, look at this! The Jamesons have overtaken the Emerald Isle!” She approached our table with her arms out. Her hair was in a ponytail and her gray Roll Tide sweatshirt hung loosely over some faded jeans.
We immediately stood and I hugged her as though it had been months instead of weeks. I could tell she’d lost weight. “We’re here to see our favorite movie star!”
She patted Doug on the back. “I’ll see if Blake Blanton is around then.”
She reached over to James and rubbed his head. “Hey little man! Aunt Ashley’s been missing you!”
He yelled, “Spider, Ashwee! Spider!”
She did a quick rendition of Itsy Bitsy Spider and then sat in the old wooden chair across from us. “I guess you guys have had quite a trip.”
“We have, but we slept a lot of the way. So we’re fine. James will have his days and nights messed up for a while, but we’re good. Tell us all about the movie. How’s it going?”
“It’s good. We’re all tired. Y’know, getting used to the shooting schedule. But it’s good. I like the people I’m working with. Two weeks down. Five months to go!”
Before we could even order, James started crying and rubbing his eyes and Doug agreed to take him upstairs and put him down. He patted my shoulder and kissed my cheek. “Just order me some fish and chips, if you don’t mind. But no rush. I’m not that hungry right now. Good to see you, Ashley. But this little guy is in serious need of a bed. Plus, I’m sure you girls have got plenty of catching up to do. See you tomorrow.”
I ordered a sandwich I’d never heard of because I’m a culinary thrill seeker. I just hoped it didn’t involve squid or something rubbery. Ashley ordered water and a Diet Coke.
“You’re not eating?”
“No. I’m barely fitting into the dresses as it is. If I gain a pound, I think they’ll have me committed to the fat farm. Those corsets are brutal enough.”
“So, tell me all about the movie, the set, the other actors.”
“The movie, it’s gonna be great. Seriously. The writing is over the top good, the kind of story you’ll love because it’s all about people and family and conflict. And look around.” She pointed out a huge glass window. “The set, the set couldn’t be more beautiful. The other actors have been really friendly and nice. I’m still the novice but I’m learning.”
“And?”
“And what?”
“What about Blake Blanton? This is a love story, right?”
Ashley bowed her head and started laughing, “Yes, it’s a love story. Oh, and I guess I should shoot straight with you, Carlie. I’ve fallen in love with Blake Blanton. Yep, already! Can you believe it? We’re getting married this Saturday. Too bad you’ll already be on that promotional trip in Spain and you won’t be able to be my bridesmaid ‘cause I already had this Pepto-Bismol pink sleeveless dress picked out. Real real poofy, y’know? You’d love it. You’d just love it. The press will be here in full force so I’ll need to hire Aunt Charlotte as my body guard. It’ll be great. Really.”
“Okay, okay. Go ahead and make fun. I was just asking if there were sparks? That’s all. I mean, how are you supposed to convince me you’re in love with someone on screen… if you’re not in love with them for real?”
She started laughing. “Are you serious? It’s called acting. I’m acting. He’s acting. It’s our job.”
“Okay. I get it. So you’re not marrying him on Saturday, but do you like him? Is he a crazy narcissistic Hollywood type or a regular guy?”
“I do like him. He’s the most regular guy you’d ever meet. Matt Cooper was so, well, you know. You remember being on set. He had to have everything his way. He was always saying stuff like, ‘My contract says this’ or ‘my contract says that.’ Blake just does what they tell him to do. He’s easy. I like that about him. Plus, he’s from Missouri and when he talks about his family, it’s like he’s talking about my family. Yeah, we’re getting along great.”
“And he’s not married, right?”
Ashley laughed, “No, not until Saturday.”
“Hey! I was just asking. Does he have a girlfriend?”
She took a big drink of Diet Coke and shook her head. “One of the make-up artists said he broke up with his girlfriend six months ago. They’d been dating since college. Evidently she still lives in Missouri. It was in all the tabloids that she was horribly jealous and couldn’t handle his fame. He couldn’t handle her unwillingness to leave Missouri. I don’t know. Who knows if any of that stuff is even true? But I will say make-up artists are like hairstylists. People tell them stuff.”
“So poor lonely Blake Blanton from Missouri ends up in lovely Ireland for six months with poor lonely Ashley Harrison from Alabama. That sounds like a tabloid headline right there.”
“Ha ha. Except for the poor part. Not today anyway.”
“Yeah, but nobody wants to hear about a lonely rich couple. It just doesn’t have the same ring to it.”
Ashley leaned back in her chair and laughed. “You’re so insightful. You should be a writer.”
A man’s voice startled both of us. “You ladies look like you’re deep in conversation. Am I interrupting?”
I looked up as Blake Blanton grabbed Ashley’s shoulders like they’d been friends for years. He was dressed in faded jeans and a tight blue t-shirt that read, “Joplin 5K Fun Run.” He was as handsome in person as he was in the movies. It’s not that all his features were perfect. They weren’t. He had a long nose and his dark brown hair was receding slightly but there was a rugged presence about him, a familiar kindness. I realized he was a lot like Ashley. Ashley was a beauty, but not without flaws. Blake had a body that had obviously been carefully sculpted by trainers but he hadn’t had his nose fixed. Maybe he was just normal enough to make the rest of the world feel normal.
Ashley touched his hand and spoke with way too much enthusiasm, “Blake, I’m glad you’re here! This is one of my favorite women in the world. She’s more like a sister than a friend. This is Carlie Jameson.”
He put out his hand, “The writer? Wow, great to meet you, Carlie. And your books? They’re great!”
I smiled cautiously, “And I’m supposed to believe you actually read A Single Woman’s Guide to Ordinary?”
Blake placed his hands on Ashley’s shoulders and started laughing. “Okay. Busted. I didn’t read it. But hey, every woman I know read it. So that should count for something, right? My sister stood in line to meet you in St. Louis. She said you were the real deal. It’s nice to meet you, Carlie.” His brown eyes spoke with kindness. Ashley was right. He wasn’t the Hollywood type. He seemed muc
h more like the men back home.
“Well, Blake, according to my friend here, you’re not so bad yourself.”
He glanced down at Ashley and smiled. “This woman right here is a gem. She’s a saint. Who knew movie making could be so easy?”
“I’m glad you feel that way. We all think she’s pretty special. Have a seat. You wanna order some dinner? I’ve already downed a sandwich made out of something I didn’t recognize and I’m choosing not to analyze it. Ashley’s not eating at all which makes me worry that she’ll dry up and blow away.”
He sat down, leaned forward, and looked at Ashley with concern, “You didn’t eat much at lunch today either. You feelin’ okay?”
Ashley touched his hand. “I’m feelin’ like a fat girl trying to squeeze into a Victorian corset. That’s how I’m feelin’.”
He responded before I had the chance. “You’re definitely not fat. No. You’re just right. And don’t let anybody tell you different.” He touched her hand. “You’re a classic beauty and you don’t need to change a thing.” He raised his right hand to get the waiter’s attention. “And yeah, I am ready to order. I’m starving.”
Blake ordered the mystery sandwich plus a huge order of fries, or chips as the Irish would say. He said he ordered the mystery sandwich because he couldn’t bear the thought of being outdone by a writer. When I walked upstairs an hour later carrying a large bag of fish n chips, I glanced back and saw they were both still sitting at the table laughing and telling stories from their poverty-stricken pasts.
The three of us stayed in Ireland for two more days. When we boarded the plane for Madrid, I felt certain of one thing. Within a month, Blake Blanton and Ashley Harrison were going to be more than friends. And Dave? Dave was going to be in Sharon, Tennessee, potty training a three-year-old. Sadly, there wasn’t one thing I could do about it.
Chapter 22 DAVE: Learning to Live in Cyber Space
10:30 PM
Dave,
The best and worst part? Well, the best part is that I’m working with some great people. Salt of the earth kind of people. The worst part? It’s been raining. A lot. That makes everyone testy because we get behind schedule. But overall, it’s going well. Doug and Carlie were here for a few days. James and I have decided to make a blockbuster recording of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Be watching for it as it should be on I-Tunes within the month.
Ashley
I decided not to even bother with the “waiting so as not to look desperate” routine.
Ashley,
I’m sure your stay in Ireland is far less exciting than your time in West Tennessee. But try to make the best of it. The lack of sweet tea sounds harrowing to me. You should have that put in your contract next time. I won’t even ask about gravy as I’m sure you’ve had none.
I can’t offer the scenic vistas of the Emerald Isle. But the next time you’re in Sharon, I promise to make gravy and biscuits for you. Can’t wait to hear your rendition of “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” You’re brave to record such a classic. Tell me there will be a YouTube video. It will go viral.
Dave
Dave,
Gravy sounds so good right now. You have no idea. I’ll definitely take you up on the offer someday. Yes, James and I will most certainly be a YouTube sensation. I only hope he can handle all the fame at his tender age. I feel confident Doug and Carlie will keep him in his place by making him take out the trash and help Aunt Charlotte make pickles. Break is ending. It’s back to the salt mines.
I feel blessed,
Ashley
I felt no need to write back tonight. I’d wait till the next evening. We were finding a pattern. A pattern of communication which made me happy and which could eventually lead to something that would make me even happier.
Ashley,
I miss you. Why aren’t more movies filmed in West Tennessee? Don’t cornfields make a serene backdrop? We had Sammy’s roast beef tonight. Carlie said it was your favorite.
Wish you were here,
Dave
Chapter 23 CARLIE: Beauty and the Banker…and Blake
The whirlwind week in Spain was just that. A whirlwind. James got sick. Doug got sinus headaches. And I did Spanish talk shows promoting the books and the movie, soon to be released on DVD. A large Nordic blonde woman with a southern accent is evidently a hot commodity on Spanish TV. Was it respect for my work or a fascination with watching a large woman speak Spanish with a southern accent? I didn’t know and decided I didn’t want to know.
We were all glad to be touching down in Nashville. Dave was meeting us at the airport but I dreaded seeing him. Of course, he’d ask about our time with Ashley. I had no idea what to say. That might be a first.
His hug was genuine and he looked better than I’d seen him since Shannon’s death. I felt confident he had indeed kept his promise to stop drinking. “Hey Guys! Glad you’re back!”
James immediately started yelling, “Cowin! Cowin!”
“Sorry, Buddy. Collin is with Aunt Charlotte this afternoon. You’ll see him at church in the morning though.”
James frowned but he was so sleepy I knew he’d be snoring by the time we hit I-40. We got our luggage in record time and strapped him into Collin’s car seat for the ride home. I told the guys I’d sit in the back with him so they could catch up on bank business.
I leaned my head back on the worn leather seat while rubbing James’ curly little head. I was blessed beyond measure and I knew it. The ever-familiar interstate ride home felt comforting and within minutes the purr of the engine had rocked James to sleep. Doug and Dave did discuss a few work issues. But soon there was silence. I knew Doug was still recovering from his sinus trouble and from jet lag.
Dave broke the silence as he looked into the rear view mirror. “So, Carlie, how was your time with Ashley? Is she doin’ well?”
“She is. The movie business is tiring but she looked good. I worry she doesn’t eat enough, but yeah, I think it’s going well.”
“Is she liking Ireland? She said she’s never been before.”
“She does like it. It’s beautiful and rainy and what’s not to love?”
He sighed. “Yeah, I guess. Did you meet any of the other movie folks? Any famous people?”
I knew he’d ask. “Yeah, I was around Blake Blanton a few times. I guess he’s considered pretty famous right now, huh?”
Dave tried to sound like he was talking about the weather but I wasn’t buying it. “What’s he like?”
“He’s a pretty regular guy actually. From Missouri. Not near as much high-maintenance nonsense as Matt Cooper.”
“That’s good. That should make the process easier. Yeah, Ashley and I’ve sent a few e-mails back and forth. Nothing major.”
I’d always believed Dave was a catch. Faithful. Honest. Hard-working. A man of faith and conviction as well as a great sense of humor. It didn’t hurt that he was handsome and a good father. But I felt certain he’d been outdone by someone else this time. Someone he couldn’t compete with. Blake Blanton and Ashley simply had too many things in common. Small town roots and values. Show business and all the wealth and privilege that comes with it. Blake had even made a big deal about his dad being a small town pastor. Ashley was visibly impressed with his detailed stories of faith and family. And now they were in Ireland together, and not for a few weeks. Oh no. For six long lonely months.
Chapter 24 (FIVE MONTHS LATER) CARLIE: Homecoming
Ashley should have seemed happy. The movie was done. The power players were happy with it. I’m sure the check cleared the bank. But she wasn’t happy. On the phone she sounded like there had been a death in the family.
Now that the movie shooting was over, I assumed she’d be going home to Alabama for some rest and family visiting. My next guess was that she’d be going to her home in California. She had a modest little house right on the beach. What better place to rest and relax after a busy six months?
But no. She quietly requested a few weeks in our guest room in Sharon.
We were happy to oblige. I mean, Ashley is family. She even offered to keep James for a few days or even a week, if Doug and I needed to get away and have some time just the two of us. But there was something else. Something she was unwilling to say on the phone.
Ashley entered the luggage claim wearing a blue ball cap and old jeans. She was accompanied by an older man who looked like the guy on those late night infomercials advertising Testosterone cream. All buff and muscled, he was at least fifty-five years old. She’d told me the studio had assigned a body guard to at least get her to Nashville. I assured her that once we got in the car, we’d just make a straight shot home. I looked forward to the three-hour drive. I’d missed six months of her life and it was time to catch up.
As I merged onto I-40, she visibly relaxed and looked out the window as though she were planning something. “So, I bet James has grown since I saw him last.”
“Oh, he has. He’s saying more stuff now too, stuff we can even understand. This morning he said, ‘Gwavy is the goodest food, Mama.’”
She laughed, “Hey, ‘gwavy’ is pretty darn good. The kid’s got taste.”
“Girl, you don’t look like you’ve had much gravy lately. Have you lost more weight?”
“Yeah. A little. The corsets are no longer cutting off my ability to breathe and that’s a good thing. Of course, the movie’s over now. She laughed, “Isn’t that the way it always is?”
I smiled, “I guess. So what’s your next project? I hope you’re taking at least a few months off.”
“I’m supposed to start shooting an action movie this fall. But I’m more of a secondary character. I’m like the best friend of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s girlfriend. Evidently I’m her roommate and I steal money from her and then Jean-Claude gets involved. He finds out I’m being blackmailed by some folks in Australia who are trying to infiltrate the drug market. Truthfully, it sounds crazy to me. But after a romantic movie, my agent says I definitely need to diversify. And evidently, stealing money from Jean-Claude Van Damme’s girlfriend is diversity.”