HeartWorks

by Charmaine Gordon

  Chapter 7

  A pot of coffee brewed while the men walked Queenie and chocolate chip cookies baked filling the shop with an aroma to bring a few customers to the shop. “You’re open, right? I need some of your special cards and a couple of cookies.”

  “I guess you want a cuppa, too.”

  “You’re a honey, Liz.” Mrs. Johnson poured coffee, walked over to the Queenie card and took two. “Let me know when the cookies are ready, please.”

  A few more customers walked in to browse and that’s the scene George came into. “Perfect. Homey, funny. What do you think, Ken?”

  Ken set the puppy down and watched the scene. A few small kids hurried over to pet their dog wagging her tail and licking their faces. Liz, radiant with the fun of it all, enjoyed every moment. A young woman with long blond hair walked in and greeted George.

  “You caught me just in time. I needed work and here I am.” She looked around. “What a sweet shop. What’s my job?”

  “Shh. You’re the assistant to the owner. She’s a natural. Mingle with the customers the way you did in the last show. Be sweet and natural. I’ll introduce you right now.”

  George walked Samantha Michelle, a real actress, over to Liz. “Liz, this is Samantha, a friend of mine. She’s worked with me many times. I’ve called her in today to be your assistant. We’ll do a take in a little while. Just be natural the way you are. Samantha will fit right in.”

  “Hi, but I’m not an actor. I’m just a person with a card shop.”

  “That’s cool. Continue to be just that. I’d love to see you sketch one of your special cards, if you don’t mind.”

  “Uh sure. Over here.” And off they went to the big table where Liz slipped into her apron and thought. She dipped her pen in red ink and wrote: ‘Marilyn Monroe I’m not, This is what you’ve got; Lucky you, Lucky me. Happy Valentine’s Day to us.’ She drew her version of the famous star holding up her red dress.

  “Liz, you’re wonderful.” Samantha hugged her. “I’m so happy to be here today.”

  Other customers hurried over to see the latest card. “How sweet,” was heard all over the shop. I must take two or three.”

  Cameras were ready, lights up, everything accomplished while Liz did her thing as shop keeper, no script used. The scene George watched was very natural and funny. Would it sell? He had no idea. Something inside of him said go for it, be natural not like the usual sit- coms. He signaled to sound and light and they were off. He called cut quietly and they moved next door to Ken’s store to take a look.

  Ken had no experience but he thought the scene looked good. The crew weighed in with advice and encouragement. George nodded. “How can we improve the scene?”

  Roger entered, watched a run to suggest a key ingredient. “We need a script. Something catchy, keep it friendly and let Samantha carry the burden. Like uh, Cheers, from long ago where everyone knows your name but sweet because you’ve got the card shop, Liz, and her goofy for real cards.”

  “You are so right, Roger. Let’s get hold of some old Cheers episodes and see what we can do. Ken, would you mind being the romantic interest?”

  The shop keeper next door turned pale. “Hell no. You’ll ruin my reputation. I love Liz but no show business for me. Find a real actor. Don’t let him get too close to my girl, though.”

  “Okay. It was just a thought. Ask Samantha for a suggestion. She knows everyone.”

  “As for the extras, we may need some real actors, maybe not. Let’s see. The first presentation must be charming, humorous with a touch of sweetness. Let’s do it, people.”

  Chapter 8

  A flurry of calls were made and soon a few attractive guys arrived to read for the love interest. Roger wrote a short script for him to read with Liz. Liz shook her head. “No way is this going to work but I have an idea. Let Samantha be the shop keeper and I’ll be her assistant and do the cards, make coffee and stuff. Try it. She’s a polished actor. I’m just me.”

  “Well okay, let’s see how this works. He called Samantha over. She hugged the actors she’d suggested. “Read the script together and let’s give it a shot. Sam, you have the experience. Be Liz, kind of sweet and goofy. She meets the guy and it doesn’t take long for them to fall for each other.”

  Actor number one and Sam move to a corner and read the script a few times. The last time, Roger stared as they embraced and got into a hot kiss. “Cut. Actor number two please read with Sam.” They read the script and it didn’t come to life like the first actor. “Actor number three you’re up. Take your time.” Now he watched both Sam and the actor flirt, get to know each other using the script and before long the hug and then came the kiss. “Nice. Try it on camera.” The performance was close to what they were looking for. George and Ken shook hands.

  “I think we have a winner here. This is great team work, kids.” George hugged the actors, thanked the ones who didn’t make it and Roger worked on the script for the shop where they first meet. Liz had her hands full in the shop and didn’t know what was going on and didn’t care. The cash register rang all afternoon . Good news for the little card shop on Fourth Street.

  She thought for a moment. My name is Liz Gleason. How about calling my card shop Gleason’s Greetings. When Ken came back to the shop, she jumped into his arms. “How about Gleason’s Greetings for the name of my card shop.”

  “Just perfect, honey. Let’s go upstairs and make love.”

  “No, silly. The shop is still open and the actors are here. How did the new guy work out?”

  “Looks good. So after they leave can we uh?”

  “If you really want to, Ken.” Liz gave him a little peck on the lips.

  “That’s the perfect way to greet me, sweetheart.”

  She ran to the big work desk with an idea, grabbing her paint apron to tie in the back. Then Liz stopped. ‘A peck on the lips is not as fine as getting it on between the sheets; so don’t be in a hurry just be my Valentine and take your time’ She used pink and red ink and a dash of blush. A customer stopped to watch. “Oh Liz, you’re in love.”

  “This fits for anyone. It’s romance. This is the time of year with cupids all over the place.”

  “I’ll take one and hope it brings some romance into my bed. It’s been a while.”

  “Take two cookies at the register and wrap them with the card. I guarantee romance.” She hugged the woman and wished her well. The cards sold out right away and Liz drew another batch. She thought about the meaning of St. Valentine’s Day. She searched her memory. This is important, she thought. Emperor what’s his name, um Claudius 11 decided young men made better soldiers than those with wives and families so he outlawed marriage for young men. Wow! Just like the Wild West but in the third century. Here comes the good guy, Valentine, a priest who defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages in secret. Way to go, Valentine. But damn Claudius found out and put him to death. Tears trickled down her freckled cheeks.

  Liz recalled another part of the story included a jailor and his daughter. She and Valentine fell in love. The last thing he did before dying was to write a card that said From Your Valentine and so the holiday began. Ken came over to blot the tears still rolling down her face.

  “What’s the matter, sweetheart?”

  “I just remembered the true meaning of Valentine’s Day. Now I’m going to post it for all the customers to see. It’s not just a card. There’s true love and meaning to the story.”

  As she worked, unaware the camera and lights were on filming the scene with Samantha and the new actor Brad meeting and also catching her spontaneous tears and drawing, magic happened. George called Cut without anyone but sound and light hearing. They went next door to check it out.

  “Did you see what I saw?”

  “Yeah. I saw magic happen and that’s unusual for a first take.”

  “Don’t touch it. Who are you going to send it to?”

  “I have just the right group. They’re looking for something fresh and new a
nd we’ve got it.” He quick punched in the number for Allied Pictures and asked for Mike.

  “Hey Mike, this is George Martin from Screen Writers Associates. You said if we ever had a property worth looking at, I should call. Well, we’ve got one. Right. We’re down on Fourth Street at a small card shop called Gleason’s Greetings. That’s not far from you so come on over, bring the kids, your partners, whoever. You’re the first one I’ve called. See you soon.”

  He raced back to the shop to speak with Sam and her partner. “I have a prospect coming over to take a look. Be cool, run lines and be ready to wow the guy. He has a small company. It would be a great start for all of us so do your best. Ask Liz to make more cookies and design another set of cards. Don’t tell her anyone is coming to watch. When they come in, treat them like customers.”

  “That’s a tall order, Boss.”

  “Just do it, Samantha, the way you always do.”

  Of course she did with the aid of her partner Brad who whizzed through making coffee and actually made the cookies with his own recipe. The shop had a great aroma by the time Mike Lassiter and his entourage swaggered in. Liz wore the big apron and drew two cupids in flight. ‘You think you’re smart flying up high, well I can do it, I’m not shy but I wear undies

  The sophisticated New Yorkers cracked up big time. She glanced up with her innocent look to see what the big deal was. And there stood a bunch of snappy dressed New Yorkers grinning at her latest drawing.

  “You like?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Thanks a bunch. Now I’ll draw eleven more, let them dry and sell them.”

  “Save some for me.”

  “Sir, I find my customers need to pick and choose as they like so I can’t hold anything for anyone. I appreciate your asking though and do help yourself to a cuppa and some fresh baked cookies.”

  The men walked away to head for her cuppa and cookies. “Is she for real? What a marvelous person and so pretty.” They browsed the small shop, watched the action and went into a huddle. “I see possibilities here. This is something different and could turn into a bonanza with the sweetness of it all. What’s your feeling, gang?”

  Mel, the clever one, agreed. “Let’s look at a take of the show and decide. We have nothing like it and our budget has room for one more show. Ask George if he has a cut we can check out right now.”

  George beamed at the request and again they trooped next door with Ken watching with care. After Mike Lassiter and his team noted ever moment and asked George questions, Mike nodded. “George, let’s give it a trial run. Can you give us a once a month taste to get the show rolling? That’s four half hour shows, humor, drama, romance all in the little card shop. We’ll handle the promo, all the hype to get it rolling and see what happens.

  Ken interrupted Mike. “My fiancé is Liz Gleason. The shop is belongs to her. What portion of the money comes to her?”

  “George, will you explain to this gentleman the way salary works and so forth. We’ve got to get going. We’ll send a contract to you tomorrow morning. This is the best presentation we’ve seen in a long time. Liz is a unique character, so natural and funny.”

  Annoyed, Ken had a few more words to say. “She’s not a professional actor, you realize.”

  “Hmm. We’ll get her a union card right away because she’s a major character in the show.” That said, the group of men shook hands with George and left.

  Ken paced the floor of his large computer store. “George, everything is out of control. Liz and I just met, fell in love, rescued Queenie and now this. It’s your fault. Liz will go all Hollywood on me and leave for another man.”

  “Not so, Ken. First, she loves you and her shop. Second, this is not her goal to be a star. It happened by chance, the script, her cards, Valentine’s day. She’ll make money from this, lots of customers will flock in to buy her cards and you guys will get married. Trust me, I’ve seen it before.”

  “No George, I don’t trust anyone. That’s why I’m so successful. I want a legal agreement for Liz regarding the money. You’re using her shop and so much more. I’ll have my lawyer figure it all out and we’ll go from there. I sure hope the show is a big success. That would be great. Now it’s time to close up. We don’t work on Sunday and already it’s dark. See you tomorrow.” He locked his store and went next door to Liz. She needed dinner, the pup had to eat and take a walk. This is his family now to love and cherish.

  Chapter 9

  “Folks,” he announced, “in case you’ve all forgotten, today’s Sunday and Gleason’s Greetings is never open on Sunday. Thanks for coming by, there are more fun and surprises tomorrow. Valentine’s Day is approaching soon so make your plans for romance.”

  With reluctance, customers checked out their cards and left the shop with a cookie or two. Ken locked the door and breathed a sigh of relief. He opened his arms to a weary Liz. “What a day with the television people all over my little shop. And yet I did business. A lot of sales were made today. Kind of exciting and kind of a pain. How do you feel about it, Ken?”

  “Same as you, sweetheart. If you don’t mind, I’m going to call my lawyer to draw up a deal to protect you moneywise. By the way, the TV people loved your work. They will get you a Union card so you can be on the show.”

  “What? That seems ridiculous.”

  “I know but of course that’s show business. The plan is to film one half hour show a week for a month and see how the public likes it.”

  “I open a little card shop a few days ago and suddenly I’m on TV. It’s nuts.” Liz threw her arms around him. “On the other hand, how could they not like my shop and cards. I never dreamed it would be so much fun in such a short time and Ken,” Liz hugged him tight, “look at us, we just met and already we’re talking about getting married.”

  “That happens when your older, honey, like we are. There’s no time to waste.”

  She beamed, radiant with his words. “How about Valentine’s Day for the ceremony?”

  “Perfect. I know a little church nearby.”

  “Whoa, Ken. I need non-denominational.”

  Baffled, he said, “How come? We never talked about religion before.” The moment had come. They stared at each other taking in every feature as if that would tell the difference; Liz with her red curls and green eyes and the cute turned up nose he loved, Ken with dark brown hair and dark eyes and a narrow long nose.

  “My God, Liz, you’re Irish.”

  “And a touch of Jewish relatives all over.”

  “And my family came from Russia to Ellis Island with a strong business sense to bring to the new world.”

  Liz covered his face with fierce kisses. They shook with laughter. Even the pup got into the act dancing around their legs until Liz picked her up for kisses. They walked around the block, snow falling and they didn’t care. There were plans to be made and fast. They sat cross legged over a pizza, Ken called the synagogue to ask about Wednesday for a good date. Once he got a yes, Ken requested Deacon Collins to officiate as well.

  “Why? I know him very well. Oh, I see. Your bride is not Jewish.”

  “She is partly yet most of her is Irish and we would like this to be non-denominational to some degree.”

  “You cannot have everything, my son but since your father had always been generous and is no longer with us, I will do as you ask. Wednesday it is. Valentine’s Day, correct?”

  “Correct and thank you.”

  Liz called her Dad. “Daddy, you won’t believe what’s happened in less than a week since you bought me the little card shop.”

  He cleared his throat. “I can’t imagine, dear daughter. You always surprise me.”

  “The shop is doing great, I fell in love with the computer store man next door, a television company is going to film four episodes of a script about the shop and my cards are flying off the shelf.”

  “Take it back to where you fell in love, please.”

  “Yes. He is Ken Lerner and we’re getting married on We
dnesday. And you thought I’d never be a wife. See, anything is possible.”

  “I guess so. Congratulations, my dear. And where will the ceremony be held?”

  “At the synagogue around the corner with Deacon Collins joining in with the rabbi.”

  “Wonderful, dear. Nothing is ever simple with you.”

  “No, I guess not. I’d like to wear Mother’s dress if you still have it.”

  “I do always with hope you would someday walk down the aisle wearing her special gown. I’ll bring it over so you may try it on. The dress may need alterations and I’d like to meet your Ken.”

  “Thanks, Dad. I love you. Come now if that’s possible. Ken’s here and we have a puppy. You’ll love her.”

  “Don’t overdo it, Liz. I’ll be there soon.”

  “Kenny, my Dad is very droll. You’re going to like him a lot.” Liz danced around the room, noticed Ken lay undressed, a wicked smile on his face and hollered. “You put your shorts on, my dad’s coming over right now.”

  “Now? We were just about to. . .”

  “Hush, get dressed.”

  Liz remade the bed, sprayed freshener all around while Ken rumbled his way through the small shower. By the time her Dad rang the bell, both upstairs and downstairs were ready for company. Ken opened the door to shake hands with a dignified gentleman who looked like an ad from GQ magazine.

  “Sir, I’m honored to meet you. Liz speaks of you often with so much affection. She wants to please you after all the effort you’ve put in to provide her with the shop.”

  “Nonsense, Kenneth. This time we struck it right after all the years of trying one thing and another. But I never gave up on my daughter and don’t you. She’s high spirited and will make an exciting wife.”

  Liz flew down the stairs, Queenie tucked under her arm. “Daddy, here is your grand dog.”

  A slight smile crossed the elder man’s face. “Followed by some grand babies, of this I’m certain.”

  “But Dad, I’m forty eight.”