Forever Box Set

by Wendy Louise

  “See you in a few,” she calls to Olivia over her shoulder as she starts to head towards the café.

  I follow along behind, hands shoved in my pockets to resist reaching for her, amused by the fact that I’ve invited her to breakfast and she hasn’t said a word about it. Not to mention the fact that she is leading the way to the café. What if I’d had something else in mind? Her presumption annoys me so I catch up with her and grab her wrist, causing her to jerk to a stop and turning her to face me. I pull her up tightly against my chest and ask, “Where are you going?”

  Those big eyes look through me, wide and alight. “To the café, I thought you wanted to have breakfast,” she says with her chin out and head held high. I can feel her heart beating against my chest so she can’t fool me.

  “I didn’t say what I wanted for breakfast Ava. Maybe it wasn’t food,” I tease.

  Bingo!

  Those big wide eyes of hers give her away again.

  Her pulse is racing now too.

  Fast and sure.

  The little vein on the side of her neck fluttering.

  “I thought we could have something in my dressing room. I’ll have Joshua grab breakfast for us.” I had every intention of heading to the café, but her presumption makes me want to shake things up a bit.

  “Ethan, I wouldn’t feel comfortable having Josh do that, and I don’t think breakfast in your dressing room is a good idea. Last night we took things to a place that I’m not comfortable with and I don’t want us to go there again.” She juts out her chin, trying to drive her point home, but I see the conflict in her eyes. She doesn’t feel the words that are leaving her mouth. She feels everything from last night and it scares her.

  Hell it scares me too.

  “Ava, I like what happened last night and I think you did too. Why not revisit and revise?”

  She looks at me through her long lashes and tilts her head to the side, pointing her finger to my chest. “You are Ethan Drake - famous celebrity. I am Ava Lucas, girl from Melbourne, Australia. A nobody. I don’t fit in your world and you would not fit in mine Ethan. Let’s just let this go now before it goes any further. I’m not in the market for a relationship, or whatever it is that you do with women.”

  Ouch!

  She doesn’t pull any punches.

  “Please don’t call yourself a nobody Ava. That’s not the way anyone should ever describe you. Least of all me.”

  She sighs heavily. “Ethan look, I’ll admit that you’ve been nothing but nice to me since I got here, which is contrary to everything I thought you would be….”

  What the fuck?

  She continues. “…but this is not going to happen. We need to stop it here. Last night was really great but we can’t take it any further. I work for the Studio and so do you; we can’t mix business with pleasure.”

  I’m not letting it go that easily. I have to get her out of my system. I need to show her that I’m an ordinary guy. But how do I do that? I live in a fucking mansion, I have staff at my beck and call, I drive a Porsche and my last piece of arm-candy was a supermodel.

  Then it hits me.

  Nanny Grace.

  The only time I’m ever really myself is when I’m with Nanny. She brings out the best in me and treats me like the little boy she raised; not the celebrity that the world sees. I need to take this slowly.

  Change of tactic.

  “Okay Ava. If you don’t want to go there then we won’t.” I see a flicker of disappointment cross her face. Good, she’s feeling this too. “Let’s just try to be friends then. We have to work together, so we may as well get to know one another.”

  I see her considering the idea and then she smiles, a gorgeous smile, bright and pure. “Okay, friends it is.” She holds out her hand and we shake on it, and I can’t ignore the tremor in her hand as she holds mine.

  She is affected.

  As much as I am.

  “Good, then lead the way to café and let’s have that breakfast.” Ava turns and we resume our walk toward the Studio café side by side. Part one of Plan B is now in motion – friends it is - for now. I have to get her to go see Nanny Grace with me. I want her to see me outside of this environment.

  Jesus Christ, what the fuck am I doing here?

  I’ve never gone to this trouble for a girl before.

  I can have my pick for Christ’s sake.

  The only explanation I can come up with is that she is a conquest for me. I need to win her over and screw her out of my system for good.

  Pun intended.

  Later that day I’m rehearsing a scene with Madeline Rose. She’s grown up in this business after appearing on a weekly variety show as a kid. She has talent and has a great Agent who has pushed her forward in all the right ways. This is not her first movie; in fact she has two very successful hits under her belt already. Her role in our film is small-fry for her, but she’s being compensated handsomely for coming on board in a supporting role. Her name alone will draw audiences in.

  The public positively adore her.

  Her public image has been perfectly crafted.

  Her private persona? Well that leaves a lot to be desired.

  We’ve known each other for about fifteen years. We’ve travelled in the same circles and know some of the same people, but that’s it. Hollywood is a small place. I’ve never been attracted to her, despite the fact that she is insanely hot. I knew her when she was ten and in grade school, so I can’t see her any other way now. Besides, she’s too stuck-up for me.

  Don’t get me wrong, she is beautiful.

  She has the same sort of colouring as me, sandy blonde hair that she obviously highlights, and clear, ocean blue eyes. Her hair is straight and silky and falls down her back in straight lines. We’re the same age and she is one of the few women that is almost as tall as me.

  That’s where the similarities end though.

  In truth, Madeline reminds me of my mother.

  She loves living the Hollywood lifestyle and plays out everything in the spotlight. I’m sure she tips off the paparazzi so that they’re ready and waiting for her wherever she goes. Her face graces the covers of the weekly tabloids more than anyone else I know.

  We’re in the middle of rehearsing a scene where our characters are arguing about a party they are holding, when Olivia and Ava round the corner in to the Studio. Madeline straightens, and pulls herself up out of the chair she is sitting in, stalking towards them.

  Madeline does not take newcomers lightly. To say she is not welcoming is the understatement of the century.

  She has always been difficult, especially to other women. Madeline gave Olivia a majorly hard time when we first starting shooting. Olivia stood her ground though, and I think that was what impressed me first about Olivia Lucas, she didn’t let Madeline stand in her way or intimidate her. That takes a strong person. Madeline can be damn scary when she wants to be.

  “Good afternoon Olivia,” Madeline says in her uppity manner. “Who is this with you?” she asks, pointing towards Ava with a well-manicured finger.

  Olivia squares her shoulders, she can see that Madeline is about to get bitchy.

  “Hi Madeline. This is my sister Ava. She’s just arrived from Australia to work with me as my PA.”

  “Great! Another Aussie over here taking jobs that belong to Americans. Way to go!” Madeline says snidely.

  She really is a bitch.

  She turns and walks towards me with a look of triumph on her face. She throws herself down in to the chair opposite me dramatically and says theatrically, “Welcome Ava to our little family. I do hope you will enjoy being at your sister’s beck and call.”

  Ava is standing staring at Madeline like she has no idea what to do. Her little mouth is open in the shape of a perfect ‘O’.

  “Claws in Madeline,” I say under my breath.

  Poor Ava looks like she is about to run and hide.

  Madeline is of course oblivious and turns to me, picking up the dialogue exactly w
here we left it. After a moment of being ignored, Olivia and Ava leave the room. Obviously whatever they came in for is not important enough to put up with Madeline’s bullshit.

  I give them a small tight smile as they leave, trying to convey my apology for Madeline’s hostile behaviour. I don’t want to be associated with that in any way.

  Especially not where Ava is concerned.

  I continue with the dialogue on the page, turning my attention to Madeline, but it is Ava that invades my thoughts as we continue to rehearse for the afternoon.

  Wow, Madeline Rose is a cow.

  What a Bitch!

  Olivia and Joshua had warned me, but nothing could prepare me for that. She was cruel. Well my new mission is to steer clear of her for the remainder of the shoot - if I can.

  “She’s a flat out bitch!” Olivia says coldly as we enter her Dressing Room.

  “Yeah, didn’t make the best first impression on me,” I say.

  “Don’t worry about her Ava; she’s one of the ones I warned you about. We can keep a wide berth. She looks at everyone as dirt beneath her feet, unless you’re like Ethan and have grown up in this town.”

  “No need to tell me twice, I don’t care if I never see her again.” A shiver runs up my spine when I think of her. I can’t believe how nasty she was. I didn’t do anything other than look at her. She reminds me of the mean girls in high school, who spent their days trying to bully and upset those that were less intimidating than them.

  Cowards!

  “Well I’m heading to the Studio gym for a work out Sis, you coming?” Olivia asks.

  “Yep, just let me change in to my workout clothes and grab my ipod. I can’t train without Jason.” I dig through my handbag trying to find my ipod and ear buds.

  “Jason?” Olivia questions.

  “Derulo,” I clarify. “I need my tunes to keep me motivated while I work out.”

  “You have terrible taste in music Ava, what happened to loving all the classics?” Olivia laughs and heads in to the bathroom to change.

  Why does everyone here have a problem with Jason Derulo? He’s great! I’m having a love affair with his latest song – Want to want me.

  Once we’re both dressed and ready to work out, we walk the long hallway to the end and turn right, away from the café. A door at the end opens in to a huge state-of-the-art work out area. Olivia and I both head straight to the long line of treadmills. They’re situated against large windows that look over the courtyard of the studio. The late afternoon sun is streaming in, warming the space, and throwing shards of light across the shiny equipment.

  Running has always been a release for me. I love hitting my stride to a great piece of music and leaving all other thoughts behind. It is cathartic.

  I turn on my ipod and scroll to my favourite song. I turn it up loud, and start out walking briskly until I feel warm enough to let rip. I start to run and let myself get carried away with the music in my ear buds. After a full thirty minutes on the treadmill, I head over to the exercise bikes and decide to ride for a bit. My legs are already burning, but my thighs need some extra attention.

  After ten minutes, I take notice of the time and jump off my bike.

  “Liv, you have a voice lesson in forty minutes.”

  “Thanks, I’ll head back to my dressing room and shower.”

  “Okay. I think I’ll work out for a little longer if that’s alright?”

  “Go for it,” Liv says as she swipes a towel across her face. “I’ll see you after my voice lesson.”

  I nod, and as Liv leaves the room, I move to the workout ball and place it under the small of my back to do some sit ups. On my third sit up I come up and face off with a very amused looking Ethan.

  He’s smiling that gorgeous crooked smile and is crouched down in front of my workout ball, dressed in his gym gear. He has on long black shorts, a grey singlet and black trainers.

  He looks edible.

  His muscular arms are cut, tanned, and he has a tattoo on the inside of his upper left bicep. I can’t tell what it is, but it looks like some sort of Latin script. It’s small and distinctive, almost reverent on his arm. It makes him look more desirable.

  Delicious!

  I want to run my tongue over the script from top to bottom and then back up again.

  “If I’d known you were going to be in here in those tight little workout pants, then I would’ve started my work out earlier,” he says, allowing his eyes to rove over every inch of my body. The look alone is setting my blood to boil.

  I can’t help but smile at him. He’s really charming, and as much as I know he’s not the guy for me, it’s really hard to take the high road here. I really like him and I’m so attracted to him.

  Dangerously so.

  Then I remember that I’ve been in here for nearly an hour and am sweaty and disgusting. I’m sure my make-up is smeared down my face, and my hair is matted and stuck to the sides of my face with sweat. I suddenly have an urge to get out of here - really quickly. I don’t want him to see me at anything less than my best. Especially when he looks so amazing in his exercise gear. I doubt that a tuxedo could do more for him.

  Ethan stands from his crouch and unfolds his long glorious body like a panther that is ready to pounce. My breath falters once, and then I gain my composure. He smiles and turns towards the treadmills and sets the speed to run. He starts running flat out, immediately. I can’t help but stare at his long lithe body as it stretches and flexes. There is not one ounce of flesh on his body that is not toned and taut. He is incredibly beautiful and totally out of my league.

  I tear my gaze from him and return to my sit ups. I wanted to do one hundred before showering and getting ready to head back to the apartment. Liv has a date with Ryan tonight, so I’m planning a quiet night in with a book and take out. As I continue my work out, I see Ethan watching me through the mirrored walls. I can’t deny that it gives me a thrill to know that he’s doing that. I try to act as nonchalant as possible and get through my sit ups, before throwing a towel over my sweaty face and moving to leave the gym.

  Just as I’m about to head out the door, Ethan calls to me, “Wait Ava.”

  I turn to look at him.

  He’s covered in sweat, and damn if that doesn’t make him look so sexy that I can’t stand it. My body goes in to that familiar overdrive state that it always does when he is in my space.

  He’s puffing after his run on the treadmill and moves down from it toward me, swigging at the bottle of water that he brought in to the gym with him. “Can I take you to dinner tonight? As friends of course,” he adds, almost as an afterthought.

  “Actually I was planning a quiet night in. Still getting past the jet lag,” I state calmly. I’m proud of myself for trying to turn him down but I can see that he’s not going to take no for an answer.

  He cocks his head to the side and looks at me through his long lashes. He smiles, all white teeth and dimples. My God he has dimples. How did I not notice that before?

  “I can do that. How about I bring the best Mexican food in all of LA over and we watch a movie?”

  Oh god, I want him to do that. I love Mexican and the thought of eating it with him all but kills me.

  This is so not a good idea though. How will I resist him when we are alone at the apartment? What if he tries something? I may not be able to say no. In fact I know I won’t be able to say no.

  I did say I wanted to be friends though, so I should be able to enjoy a dinner with him, shouldn’t I?

  Before I can think any further I say, “Okay. How about 7pm. You bring the Mexican and I’ll order us a movie. Any favourites?” At least if we watch a movie we can take the focus away from each other for a while.

  Ethan looks relieved that I’ve accepted his proposition, a huge smile turning up the corners of his sinful mouth. “No movie preference, ladies choice is fine,” he says sweeping his hand towards me.

  “See you at 7 then,” I say.

  I turn toward the door
feeling like I’ve just made a deal with the devil.

  “I can’t wait Ava,” he says in his deep, low, voice from behind me. I don’t turn around, but I can feel that sexy smile in his voice, and I know those eyes are just staring through the back of my head like a laser beam.

  What have I done?

  Burritos and Beers

  I arrive fashionably late at Ava’s Apartment, I don’t want to appear too keen. My favourite Mexican restaurant is on speed dial, so I called and drove through to pick up the best tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos in the land. Not knowing what she likes, I ordered a bit of everything and hoped for the best. I also grabbed a six pack of Corona, may as well match the beer to the food.

  I knock twice and wait.

  The door swings open to reveal Ava dressed in a pair of faded Levis that have been artfully torn at the knee. I can tell they’re the type of jeans that you buy this way. They’re sculpted to her body and hug her hips and legs perfectly. She has teamed them with a plain white shirt that hangs off one of her tiny shoulders. She has little-to-no makeup on and she is stunning.

  The more I see her, the more attractive I notice her to be.

  She’s not wearing any shoes and she has her toenails painted a candy-pink colour. I love that I get to see her this way.

  It’s so refreshing

  Most women throw themselves at me. They want only one thing.

  Not Ava.

  She smiles and pushes the door back so I can enter.

  “Here let me help you with those.” She takes one of the sacks from my hands, as well as the six–pack, and leads us towards the patio. I’ve been here to run lines with Liv before so I know my way around the space, although I haven’t been past the main room and bathroom before.

  Ava leads me to the dining table that has an awesome view of LA. The lights through the large windows are twinkling and the sliding doors to the balcony are open, letting the warm sultry air in to the room.