by Wendy Louise
“Yes, thanks.”
Joshua gestures for me to go ahead and we make our way to the tables outside. The weather is stunning and the air is warm and humid. The tables are covered in large white market umbrellas that shade them perfectly. I pull my large black sunglasses from my bag and place them over my tired eyes. Joshua gives me a full megawatt smile and cocks his head to the side as he folds his hands on the table between us.
“So tell me Ava, what do you think of our town so far?”
“I love it, I can’t believe that I’m here really. Australia is so far away from the States, and everything we associate with it is what we see on the TV. To actually be here and see those things in person is incredible. I’m a bit awe-struck.” I admit.
“Well if you need a personal tour guide, I’m happy to oblige. I’m born and bred here in LA, so I know my way around things.”
“I appreciate that. I’m sure that Olivia will be much too busy to indulge my desire for sightseeing, so I may take you up on that. I really want to get on to that little train car and do a tour of the Studios here.”
Joshua laughs. “I’m sure we can arrange that.”
Chelsea arrives with Joshua’s latte and my green tea and sits down with us in the sunshine. She stabs a straw in to a large milk shake and wraps her perfect lips around it to take a sip.
Swallowing her drink, she says, “So Josh, have you told Ava about the party tomorrow night? You need to be there, it’ll be a great chance for you to meet everyone.”
Joshua nods enthusiastically. “Yes, you must come. Everyone is going to be there.”
“Well thanks for the invite, I’ll talk to my sister and see if she has anything else lined up and get back to you.”
I don’t want to step on Olivia’s toes. She may have organised a few things for us to do over the next few days.
Joshua and Chelsea exchange a knowing glance between them and Joshua says, “Your sister will be there for sure. Hasn’t she told you who she’s dating?”
I shake my head, with an exasperated smile. “No she hasn’t!”
“Well she’s been seeing the Producer on the film. His name is Ryan and he is dreamy,” Chelsea states with a flutter of her long dark lashes.
Joshua just rolls his eyes at that.
I think these two are definitely in to one another.
“They’ve been pretty hot and heavy for a few months. Ryan is throwing this party, so Olivia will definitely be there.”
I make a mental note to ask Olivia all about the dreamy Ryan that she has been seeing, and make it my mission to find out why she has been keeping it from everyone at home.
“Well that sounds great. I would love to get to know everyone and what better way than a party. I hope my jet lag doesn’t hold me back too much.” I can feel the weariness settling over me even as we sit here.
“You’ll be fine,” says Josh. “We’ll make sure we line up some shots for you; that’s sure to keep you going. Ryan’s parties are always over the top, what better way for you to be introduced in to the Hollywood way of doing things than a night out at a famous Producer’s house in the Hollywood Hills.”
I smile and lean back to take a deep breath. I squint in to the bright sunshine as I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. Only a few hours here in LA and already I have been invited to my first party.
I think I’m going to like it here.
My blessed life…not
I really want to make a good impression tomorrow, so I thought that asking Liv to run lines with me would help. Honestly, I don’t think I need it, I have these lines memorised and locked down, but the success of this depends on the chemistry between the two of us on screen and I can’t take any chances. I’m so sick of being seen as only Elizabeth Drake’s son, the celebrity, the playboy, the clown… I want to make an impression that is good enough to solidify my career as an actor, and to help open doors.
I cannot fuck this up.
Failure is not an option.
I yawn a couple of times while I wait for Liv to get off the damn phone. Geez, that girl can talk!
I’ve had a few late nights this past week. Too many women and not enough rest, life could be worse I guess, but I really need to learn to say ‘No’.
I watch Olivia as she talks; her plump lips moving quickly in to the speaker of the phone. She really is fucking gorgeous, but off limits now that she is dating Ryan, and truthfully, I would not want to do anything with her that could jeopardise the film. We have a long road ahead with filming, promotions, and then the possibility of another two sequel films if this one is a success. I definitely do not want to mess with that.
Her sister on the other hand…..
Olivia breaks my thoughts. “Sorry about that Ethan, they’re trying to schedule time for me with the stunt double. My diary is crazy right now.” She takes a deep shuddering breath.
“Well now that your sister is here, you have someone to manage all of that for you.”
“Thank Goodness.”
“So what’s her story?”
I’m curious. I like to know the people who are working around me. Trust is not my strong point, so I don’t let my guard down easily with anyone new. Not to mention the fact that she’s hot, with that long, thick, wavy hair and those big chocolate-brown eyes that looked right through me. It was like she could read my inner thoughts. It unnerved me. No one has done that to me before.
Ever.
Most importantly, I didn’t miss the tight little body underneath that shirt she had on too.
What I could do to that…
“Well, she just finished University and felt like she needed a break to decide what’s next. She’s also had a difficult break up in the last couple of months. I really wanted her with me and after much coaxing she decided to come out here. Ava prefers the comforts of home and people she knows around her so this is a very big move for her. We’ve always been really close so it’s hard to be away from each other for long periods of time. I’m so pleased she’s here.”
“You’re lucky to have that bond with her Liv; it would be nice to have that level of trust with someone else.”
“I can trust her with my life. That’s why I wanted her above anyone else as my PA.”
I would give anything to have someone in my life that I can trust like that. The only person that comes close is Grace, my Nanny, the woman who raised me. I don’t have that level of trust with many of my friends apart from my best friend Grayson and my PA, Joshua; and I sure as hell don’t have that level of trust with my mother.
In this town you learn quickly that most people are after something. Many who have befriended me over the years have only done so because of who my mother is, and for the doors that the friendship could open.
Dickheads!
I turn back to Olivia. “Shall we get back to these lines? I have to be out of here in an hour to meet Grayson downtown.”
“Sure,” she says opening her script. “Let’s do it.”
As I pull my sleek silver Porsche up to the valet at Chateau Marmont, I already see the eyes of dozens of women swing my way. They all spot the car before I even emerge, and that is enough for them to be interested in me – is that shallow or what?
Now I’m not complaining, because that shallow way of thinking has gotten me laid more times that I can fucking count; but sometimes I wish that people would like me for who I am and not what I have or who gave birth to me.
I spot Grayson sitting in a low leather arm chair sipping a beer. I motion to the waitress that I’ll have the same and take a seat opposite him. Grayson has been my best friend for eight years. We met when we were fifteen at a summer camp.
My mother always sent me away, whether it was to boarding school, or summer camp. I loved camp because I could be a normal kid. No one knew who I was, so I could act my age and just have fun.
Grayson and I shared a bunk bed and have been best friends ever since. He’s also born and bred in this crazy town, so we‘ve been able to m
aintain our easy-going friendship over the years. Aside from Nanny, he’s the only other person I completely trust. He’s like the brother I never had.
I sit and cross my foot over my leg. “Hey Gray, what’s up?”
“Hey man, lots and nothing. You?” he says smiling.
Grayson always answers that question in the same way - Lots and Nothing. It doesn’t give me a lot to work with really.
I chuckle. “How’s the life of a rock star treating you?”
He takes a swig of his beer. “It’s hard work man, but someone has to do it!”
He gives me a full megawatt smile, the type that makes women swoon at his feet.
Grayson is the lead singer of Awesome Rebel. He is also the best guitarist I’ve ever heard, and that’s not me being biased, he’s fucking brilliant on the strings. Mind you, he also plays piano and is pretty good on a drum kit. He works really hard at promoting the band and setting up gigs around LA. They’ve made a really good name for themselves around the clubs and I know that it won’t be long until they’re signed and hit it big.
Grayson has the looks, body and the charisma to attract the ladies, but the band still has its fair share of male fans, because they are so damn good.
“Are you guys playing the party at Ryan’s tomorrow night?” I ask as the waitress delivers my beer. She leans over to place a coaster on to the table in front of me, giving me a clear view of the cleavage beneath the white shirt she’s wearing like a second skin. I smile at her as I lean forward to pick up the beer bottle. She winks and licks her lips before turning back where she came from.
Grayson smiles. He didn’t miss that little show.
“We sure are. Looking forward to it too. I’m hoping that some of those Hollywood heavy-hitters may sit up and finally take notice.”
“It should be a good night and lots of hot ass too. I’m in need of some of that.”
“Please man, you are never in need of that, you have them practically throwing themselves at you from all angles all the time. They all want a piece of the great Ethan Drake.”
We both laugh and take a swig of our beers.
“So how’s the shoot going? Have you hit on that gorgeous Aussie yet?”
Grayson has a major infatuation with Olivia.
They met when we first started the table reads for the movie. We all went out after the first day for a drink and I introduced them. Grayson has not been able to stop asking about her since. If Olivia was not with Ryan I would try and hook them up, but unfortunately for Gray, it looks like it’s too late. I think Olivia is really in to Ryan and I know Ryan is in to her. Gray and Liv would make a very attractive couple, but at this point in time there is no chance there.
“Man, you know I won’t go there. We have to work together for a long time yet and I am not messing with that.”
“Well in that case, I will hang in the wings, wait ‘til she kicks Ryan to the curb and swoop.”
“Man, you’re such a romantic! That must work in your favour! The women must be lining up!” I scoff.
“Fuck off!” he says with a laugh, “You know I don’t have any issues in that department.”
“I met her sister this morning,” I say; not sure why I am bringing her up.
Grayson’s eyes light up instantly. “What! Another hot Aussie – maybe I can tap that?”
For some reason hearing him say that gets my back up. The hairs on my arms begin to stand on end. “No man, she seems like the sweet and innocent type, not your speed at all. Besides, she’s starting work as Olivia’s PA, so best not to tap something that will be around permanently - if you get my drift.”
“Yeah, maybe you’re right. Well let’s see how the party goes, I’m sure there will be plenty of talent to check out.”
After two hours and three beers, Grayson and I call it a day and go our separate ways. I’m in need of a good workout, but can’t be bothered to stop at the gym today, so I head home. As I pull in to the palatial gates of the home that I have lived in all my life, I decide that a swim will suffice. My mother is nowhere to be found when I enter the house - Thank God! - so I head straight to my wing of the house to change in to my board shorts ready for a swim.
Yes, you heard right - my wing! It’s a fuckin’ big house.
The pool is located in the centre of it. We have both an indoor and outdoor pool. Today is warm, but not warm enough for me to brave the outdoor pool, so I settle for the indoor heated one. After fifty fast laps I’m well and truly done, and ready to dry off.
My mobile phone distracts me as I’m towelling off, and as I reach to answer it I see that Nanny Grace is calling me. She has been my nanny from the day I was born. She worked with us and lived in our home until I turned eighteen, doing everything for me. Nanny was my ‘mom’ for all intents and purposes. She packed my school lunches, read me bedtime stories, held me when I had a bad dream, and she’s my world, still to this very day.
Over the past few years she’s become quite frail and unwell and has recently moved in to a nursing home. I can’t stand the fact that she is there. I begged my mother to let her stay with us at the house and to hire carers and helpers for her, but my mother insists that she is better off in the nursing home. I hate visiting her there and try to take her out for outings as much as I can, but with the film I don’t have much time.
I answer the phone before I miss the call. “Hey Nanny Grace, how are you?”
“Hi Ethan darling, I’m not too bad. Feeling better this week than last. I’m missing you though. How is filming going?” she asks sweetly. She is always interested in everything I do, no matter how small.
“It’s going really well. Lots to get through and its keeping me really busy, but it’s exciting. I’m really enjoying the process.”
“I’m so pleased to hear that sweetie. When will I get to see you next?” she asks.
“I’m not sure, but I’ll get there to see you as soon as I’m able to get a break in the schedule. Are they treating you okay?”
“Yes of course they are. The food leaves a lot to be desired, but the people are nice and my room is comfortable, so I have no complaints. I’ve made lots of friends.”
I hate the fact that she never complains, and it makes me feel guilty to know that she would be much more comfortable in our home than where she is right now. My mother has always been jealous of the relationship I have with Nanny, so I expect that is what stopped her from letting her stay with us.
“Make sure you get a gorgeous dress ready Nanny. You’ll be escorting me to the film premiere.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world Ethan darling. Oh, I must go, they’re calling everyone for bingo.”
“Okay Nanny, enjoy that, I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Love you Ethan, Bye.”
“You too Nanny,” I state as she ends the call.
As I place my phone back down on the lounge chair next to the pool, I think of how wonderful Nanny has been to me and how without her, I would not have had any parental influences in my life. She is the only person that has ever loved me unconditionally.
God knows that my mother has no parental bones in her body.
I think that I was part of a public image for her. The hype that surrounded my birth and the photo shoots that followed for years to come were so staged and managed. I’m sure my mother had the best publicists in the world working for her. Every event in my life was displayed in front of the camera - birthdays, graduations, any note-worthy milestones - the media was privy to all of them. Of course my mother would be there for every photo shoot, playing the perfect loving, and doting parent. In real life, I never remember her dressing or bathing me, I never remember her reading to me or playing with me, I barely remember her talking to me when I was younger.
Now that I’m 23 years old, we have a distant but friendly relationship. We talk to each other pleasantly, we spend time together when we have to, but otherwise, we are both content to live our own lives under the same massive roof. My mother lives f
or the hype and publicity; I can take it or leave it.
As for my father, well I don’t even know who he is. My mother claims that she doesn’t know and his name is not on my birth certificate. Sometimes I think about finding him, but really why would I? If he wanted to know me, he could have contacted me. Assuming he knows of my existence.
I guess that I’ve turned off my emotional radar. I don’t let feelings cloud anything that I do. Everyone who I should have been able to count on in my life has let me down – my mother, my father. I’m not complaining, this type of lifestyle works for me and works for anyone who is in this business. I concentrate all my emotion in to my acting and leave it out of my real life.
I have everything that I could ever want - amazing cars, a huge Hollywood mansion in a gated community, all the autonomy I want, staff at my beck and call….My life is fucking fantastic! The only thing I hate is the loneliness. This house is huge when you’re here on your own, and ninety percent of the time, I am. I need to keep things that way though. I don’t let people get close, so that I don’t get let down. I’m quite content with playing the field and keeping women at arm’s length. That way I can have my pick.
I have a ton of friends; mind you many of them are fellow Hollywood celebrities and the children of Hollywood stars, so whether I can count them as true friends remains to be seen. You need a thick skin in this business and I’ve certainly developed that over the years.
I tie the towel around my waist and head back to my room to take a shower and order a pizza. I think I’ll go to my home theatre and watch a few movies tonight to wind down. I contemplate calling one of the women I have on speed dial, but I can’t be bothered. I’ll get me some at the party tomorrow night.
Tomorrow I have a big day of shooting and I need to be on my game. I want this film to be the best fucking film of the summer season. This will be the start of my Hollywood career and I can finally get out of my mother’s shadow.