by Lisa Smartt
Arthur grinned like a kid who got caught in the cookie jar.
Arthur: “Touché. I like a woman who doesn’t kiss and tell. Oh, and I saw the movie this afternoon. You’re right. It’s amazing and I agree with the talk about Academy Awards. I do. Entertainment Weekly says both you and Blake should get the nod. So, congratulations. To both of you. Blake, what did you think when you first read the script? I mean, did you know right away that the film would get this kind of accolade?”
Blake: “My first thought was, ‘There are a lot of kissing scenes. I hope my co-star is hot.’”
Arthur: “Well, clearly, your hopes were realized. Ashley’s a beautiful girl.”
Blake put his arm around Ashley like all of this was just a game and they were the best of friends.
Blake: “Actually, she’s a little lukewarm and uptight for my taste, Arthur. It must be a southern thing.” The crowd was silent except for a few loud sighs. Ashley’s face turned bright red. She looked at Arthur Lockhart as though she were asking him to rescue her.
Arthur: “Well, it’s definitely time for a word from our sponsors. And we’ll be back with Ashley Harrison and Blake Blanton, telling us more about Over the Hills.”
Not surprisingly, Aunt Charlotte was the first one to speak. “He’s a stinker! A real stinker! I don’t like that Bucky whatever-his-name-is.”
Without a word, Dave walked into the kitchen and started pouring flat ginger ale into his cup. Doug and I immediately followed him and pretended we were using the commercial break to clean up the kitchen. I’m sure Dave knew it was all a con because I’ve never used commercial breaks as cleaning opportunities. That’s why I can quote every line from the Geico commercials.
Doug tried to be enthusiastic. “She’s done well, I think. I mean, that’s not the easiest environment and she’s holding her own. She is.”
Dave was silent. I put my arm around him. “She ought to just punch Blake Blanton in the stomach. Seriously.”
Dave laughed as he cut a piece of coconut cake. But he never said a word.
Aunt Charlotte hollered loud enough for the folks in Greenfield to hear. “It’s back on! Ya’ll come back! It’s back on!”
The extreme close-up on Arthur Lockhart reminded me of the close-ups they do when presidents give speeches or news people announce breaking news about tornadoes. He spoke somberly, “And we’re back with Blake Blanton, one of the stars of Over the Hills which is opening nationwide this Friday. Unfortunately, his beautiful co-star, Ashley Harrison, has become ill during the break and can’t continue with this segment. She’s getting great medical care backstage and I’m sure she’ll be feeling better soon.”
Our little living room crowd made a collective sigh as Uncle Bart growled, “She’s prolly sick of them idiot boys!” Aunt Charlotte commenced to shushing everyone so we could hear the rest of the interview.
“Blake, you play a destitute commoner who falls in love with a woman of high social standing. Any personal experience with that? Ever fallen for someone who’s out of your league?”
“Is Oprah out of my league?” The crowd cheered. “’cause I’ve been in love with her for like, forever.”
Arthur’s laugh seemed condescending. “Yes, she’s definitely out of your league, Blake. Sorry.”
“Then yes. But seriously, I’m a very sensitive guy and I’ve gotten my heart broken a few times.” He looked at the audience like a puppy begging to be taken home from the shelter. “But I haven’t given up hope. I still believe in true love. I believe she’s out there. Somewhere.”
The crowd did a collective “awww.” Our living room focus group did a collective, “Oh brother.”
Arthur: “What will ‘the one’ be like? How would you recognize her, say, if she were in our audience right now?” The crowd cheered wildly.
Blake: “That’s easy. Oh, she doesn’t have a certain ‘look.’ I’m not picky about that at all. It’s a presence, a certain sacred presence. Kind eyes. Warm smile. You know, like the country song says, a good-hearted woman.”
Arthur: “Any of you women volunteer?”
As the studio audience cheered, Dave patted Aunt Charlotte’s arm and loudly rose from the couch. “I’m tired. And I’ve had enough of this guy.” He walked quickly toward the kitchen door and turned back briefly. “Doug, Carlie, thanks for having us. Tell Maxine that Collin’s bag is right by the bed.”
I hurried toward the door and caught him on the front porch. “Dave, wait! I’m sorry. I didn’t think about how all this was gonna turn out. You’re right. He’s an idiot.”
Dave shook his head, “And all I could think about was, well, Ashley was, you know, with that guy.” He bowed his head and spoke with a combination of pain and anger. “No offense, but how could any woman fall for that?” He pointed inside the house, “For that, that nonsense.”
“Look, it was a big mistake. But really, when I first met him, he was very charming. He has a way with words and he did the whole ‘We’re both from small towns and my daddy’s a pastor’ speech. He convinced her he was just a rural good ol’ boy who happened to be blessed with acting ability. I was there one night, with both of them. Yes, he’s a con artist. But I promise he seemed very genuine, legitimate. I mean, that’s how con artists make it, right? By being convincing?”
“I guess.” His expression softened. “And so much for my ‘she’s just a friend’ speech, huh?”
I patted his arm, “Oh, I never believed that speech for a minute.”
He walked off the porch but as he reached the bottom step, he turned back and said with a smile, “Neither did I, Carlie. Neither did I.”
I wanted to yell out, “Whatever you do, don’t drink tonight, Dave. Don’t do it.” But it’s kind of like telling a teenage driver, “Don’t have a wreck.” A teenager doesn’t want to have a wreck so why bring him down by reminding him of his vulnerability. And Dave? Dave doesn’t want to repeat the agony of the last year. It’s true what ‘they’ say. Sometimes silence is golden.
By the time I got back in the house, Doug was hugging Aunt Charlotte and everyone was gathering their belongings.
Uncle Bart said with a huff, “Well, that was ‘bout what I expected.”
I laughed, “We try to never disappoint you, Uncle Bart!”
After they all filed out the door, I walked up behind Doug, wrapped my arms around him, and whispered, “Thank you.”
“For?”
“For never leaving me. For never chasing someone different or better. For not humiliating me on national television.”
He turned to face me. “And I could say the same.”
“Yeah, but here’s the deal. There really isn’t a man better than you.”
He kissed my cheek. “I doubt you’ve been looking very hard.”
I picked up a Styrofoam bowl of half-eaten sweet potato salad and deposited it in the trash can. “Maybe that’s the secret.”
Chapter 49 CARLIE: Go Get ‘Em, Girl
I rarely have a hard time sleeping. But I was worried about Ashley. I called after everyone left but got her voice mail. Clara sent me a simple text message at 11:15. “That didn’t go well at all. Dusty and I are heartbroken. Do you think she’s sick or simply sick of Blake?”
I replied, “I have no idea. If I learn something, I’ll message you tomorrow.”
I finally got to sleep around 1:00. When the phone rang at 5:00, I was barely coherent.
“Hello.”
“Carlie, I’m sorry it’s so early. I need to talk to you.”
“Ashley, hey, no problem. I’m glad you called. We’re worried. All of us.”
“You should be worried, worried that I’ll murder Blake Blanton in the dark of night and run away to a foreign country.”
I stumbled out of the bedroom and managed a quiet laugh, “That’s exactly what we’re worried about. I think Uncle Bart was ready to get in the F-150 and head up there last night and take care of it for you. But don’t worry. We talked him out of it.”
&nbs
p; Ashley said with unusual humor, “You should have given him gas money. Listen, I’m in the limo. We’re supposed to be on the TODAY Show set in less than an hour. I don’t want to do it, Carlie. Tell me I don’t have to do it.”
I poured a glass of orange juice and sat at the kitchen counter. “You don’t have to do it. All you have to do is pay taxes and die. But you should do it. You should.”
“Why? You know they’re gonna ask about last night? About Blake and me? Are we having conflict? This is just gonna make the studio look bad. It’s gonna make the movie look bad.”
“I doubt it’ll make the movie look bad. And sadly, the studio is probably glad to have the extra publicity. I’m not sure Blake Blanton didn’t pull that whole stunt for the very same reason.”
“Why would a famous actor do something so stupid to get publicity when he already has publicity? I mean, he’s famous, right?”
“But it’s not enough. It’ll never be enough. It’s the same trouble he has with women. Listen, you can’t let someone like that run your life. Go on the TODAY Show this morning and kindly stand your ground. You starred in a movie, a good movie. Talk about it. Be proud of it. The end.”
She spoke with resignation. “You’re right…and you’re a good friend.”
“I try.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
“Yes?”
“I’m glad you and Doug walked into the diner that day. People probably think I’m glad because you got me out of the diner and into a major motion picture. But that’s not it. I’m glad because you’re a true friend and that day in the diner was the beginning of that friendship. So thank you for that. Even if the movie business goes away tomorrow, we’ll still be friends, right?”
“Absolutely not. I only love you for who you know and who you can introduce me to.”
“Ha ha ha. I’ll give Matt Lauer your love.”
“Yes, and tell him he still owes me a cappuccino over the 49-ers game. He’ll understand what you’re talking about.”
“Will do. Bye.”
I decided to put on the coffee as going back to bed would only make me scowl when the alarm went off. And excessive scowling produces forehead wrinkles. I read it online. And no, it wasn’t on the same site as the Yura Buttinski story.
Chapter 50 DAVE: Today is not Just the Name of a TV Show
Doug stuck his head in my office, “No pressure but the TODAY Show is on in the lobby and Ashley’s on in a few minutes.”
“I’ll pass.”
“She called Carlie early this morning, wanted to just give up the promo tour altogether. But Carlie told her not to, that she should show ‘em what she’s made of.”
I pretended to be working on my computer, “Good for her.”
“And?”
“And I think Carlie is right. She shouldn’t let Blake get away with whatever it is he’s trying to do.”
“Carlie thinks it’s all about publicity. Gotta run.”
I could hear other employees gathering in the lobby. Over the last two years, Ashley had become more than a celebrity who sometimes visits Sharon. She’d become part of our community. She even spoke at the Youth Rally in downtown Martin and the Kiwanis Breakfast last year.
I discreetly turned the sound down on my computer and pulled up the site where I could watch the TODAY Show from the comfort of my office chair. Though the volume was low, when I stopped rocking back and forth in my creaky chair, I could hear every word.
Matt Lauer: “Over the Hills is a film about a young Irish commoner with an uncommon love. While some commentators have said it’s an Oscar-worthy film, others have been more focused on the possible internal conflict between co-stars, Blake Blanton and Ashley Harrison. Both Blake and Ashley are with us today. Welcome, both of you.”
Ashley should have looked scared, unsure. Blake had leveled some pretty heavy criticism on her. But she didn’t. She looked like a woman on a mission. A beautiful woman. Entertainment Weekly gleefully reported she gained back the fifteen pounds she lost for the movie. But her body was beautiful. Perfect. She replied before Blake had a chance, “Thank you, Matt. We’re both happy to be here.”
Matt: “Blake, before we get to Over the Hills, I want to run a clip from last night’s appearance on The Tonight Show with Arthur Lockhart.”
Blake smiled. “Sure, that’d be great.”
I dreaded watching it again. But I did. When the camera went back to Matt Lauer, he said, “So, is there something you’d like to say?”
Blake: “I’d like to apologize to my beautiful co-star, Ashley. I shouldn’t have said those things last night. I’m sure I was still a little injured from our break-up this year. She broke my heart, Matt. I mean, look at the woman. She’s beautiful. She’s a heartbreaker alright.”
Matt: “Ashley, any commentary?”
Ashley: “Yes, about the movie. I have a lot of commentary about the movie. Over the Hills is a powerful story, a love story. But what makes it great really is…well, Daniel, the main character has built his whole life around truth, work, integrity. He takes care of his widowed mother. He blesses his little village with humor and kindness. So when people say he’s not good enough for the wealthy heiress…they’re wrong. He’s more than good enough for her. Actually, he’s too good for her. His goodness causes him to wake up every morning and labor and take care of the people who depend on him. Day after day. Week after week. By most standards his life is ordinary. But really, it’s anything but that. It’s extraordinary. And my character, Emily, well, she’s drawn to that. She should be.” Ashley smiled and paused. “I’m drawn to that. Who wouldn’t be?”
Matt: “And according to reports, Blake here, he became your Daniel, yes?”
Ashley: “He’s an actor, Matt. Like me, Blake memorizes lines and delivers those lines as effectively as he can. And believe me, when it comes to this movie…this role…the role of Daniel…well, Blake should get the Academy Award. Hands down. He’s an excellent actor. And I’ll leave it at that.”
Matt: “Blake, you’ve never been nominated for an academy award. If you do get the nomination, what’s the first thing you plan to do?”
Blake: “Go to Disney World, right?”
Matt: “Not a bad plan. Ashley, you’ve been there before. If you get the nomination, any big plans for Oscar night?”
Ashley: “First of all, there are a lot of tremendous women in this business and I won’t be surprised at all if I don’t make the cut. But if I did, well, win or lose, I’d like to celebrate the way I did last year. With friends and family. And to answer your next question, yes, I’ll probably wear a dress from Aunt Millie’s bridal shop in Birmingham. It’s been a good year so I may even up my budget to $500 this time.” Matt smiled and touched her on the arm.
Matt: “Both of you are a delight. I’ve seen the movie. The writing is typical Alistair McCutcheon brilliance and you both deliver stellar performances. Over the Hills will be opening in theaters nationwide on Friday. We’ll be back with Jim Barrett and the story of his two hundred pound weight loss.”
I spun around in my chair and lay my head back. I couldn’t help but laugh aloud. She did it. She stood her ground. She didn’t seek to humiliate Blake Blanton because that’s not her style. She just told the truth. And looked beautiful and classy while she did it. Amazing. My plan to forget her hadn’t worked. At all. Maybe Dusty was right on the porch that day. A plan to forget a beautiful woman is a flawed plan to begin with, a plan that made him laugh. He was right. About so many things. Responsibility. Women. I still remembered his words in the truck that day. “I’ve loved two women.” Could that really be possible? Two completely different women.
Doug ran into my office and spoke with the enthusiasm of a kid on the way to Six Flags, “My gosh, she did it. You should have seen it, man. I’m serious.”
“I did. On my computer.”
“She’s some kind of woman, huh?”
“She is.”
He sat in the chair across from my desk. �
�What’d you think about what she said about the movie? I’d never really heard the plot line. Hard-working common man. A high-society woman who becomes impressed with his work, his life. His responsibility.”
I smiled, “And you’re saying…”
“I’m saying I’ve sat right there…in your chair. Working at this bank and watching a famous woman on TV…trying not to love her. Wishing with everything I had that I didn’t love her. Praying God would help me not to love her.”
“And Carlie? Carlie was having sex with a movie star when you were going through all that? Is that it? She was pining for the baby she’d lost? The baby whose Daddy was a pompous know-it-all? Enlighten me, Doug. I totally forgot that part of your little love story.”
Doug calmly stood up to leave as I felt a twinge of guilt. He’d been nothing but a good friend. I repaid his kindness with anger that had nothing to do with him.
He put his hand on the door facing and turned back to look at me. Surprisingly, his face was free of anger or animosity. “Maybe you’re right. Life’s not a movie. Or a fairy tale. It’s messy, full of regrets. For all of us. But that high horse, the one you’re riding on, I hope it’s comfortable, man. I do.”
Chapter 51 DAVE: And the Winner Is…
“Hello, this is Dave.”
“She got it! She got the nomination!” Carlie’s voice was overflowing with enthusiasm, pure joy.
“Good. That’s great.”
“The movie was nominated too. And Blake Blanton and Alistair McCutcheon, oh and one more, I believe. Maybe the costuming or the set. I can’t remember. Anyway, Ashley got the nomination. I’m so excited. Feel like a trip to California?”
“Not this time. I’m pretty busy at work and Collin doesn’t travel as well now that he’s older.”
“Dave, stop. Just come. She’s not seeing anyone. I promise. That whole Ben Peterson dinner was a long time ago and it was set up by the studio. She said it was a scheduled meeting over dinner. All the movie folks were there too. Nothing more. She asks about you almost every time I talk to her. She does.”
“And what do you say?”
“I say, ‘Dave’s doing great. He goes to meetings, works out at the gym. He’s working on getting a promotion at the bank. He teaches the Jr. High Boys Sunday School Class now. Randy Bennett says he’s the best Sunday School teacher he’s ever had. Collin and James enrolled in half-day preschool at First Baptist in Martin and Dave is buying a log house out on Ralston Road. It’s surrounded by woods and has a tree house and everything. Lovely. Serene.’”