by Wendy Louise
The media outlets and photographers only care about their pay day; they don’t give a shit about the lies they print and what impact they have on our lives.
The good thing is that they know Ava and I are a couple now, so most of the stories that they’ve published of late have been sweet, showing normal everyday things, like us shopping or eating out. No scandals at this stage, but I remind Ava on a daily basis to not believe anything she reads and to speak to me about anything that may upset her first before jumping to conclusions. I can only hope that her addiction to trashy mags has worn off and that she no longer believes the headlines on those stupid glossy pages.
I’ve spent a lot of time with Nanny too.
She spent a further two weeks in the hospital, being monitored and receiving the best care I could buy her. I wanted her to move in with me when she was released, but of course she wouldn’t hear of it.
I’ve been making sure that she has settled back in to her life at the Nursing Home and that she is well looked after. She is really happy there and I know they keep a close eye on her for me, so I feel confident leaving her, even though I’d much rather have her under my roof so I can keep a closer watch.
We haven’t had a chance to have the conversation that she mentioned to me when I visited her in the hospital that first day after she woke up. It was too difficult to do that when she was in there, and the past week or so has been filled with getting her settled. I need to call her tonight to make a time to sit down with her now that she’s feeling better. I’m anxious to see what she wants to tell me.
But first, I’m really nervous about getting to the Studio today.
We have a heavy shooting schedule, but more importantly, Ava’s parents have arrived from Australia to spend some time here with both her and Olivia. I’m terrified to meet them. I know that they know about me, but as always, people have a pre-conceived idea about me based on what they read in the tabloids.
Hell, even Ava had a bad opinion of me when she first met me based on what she had read.
I want to make a good impression on her parents, but I’m not sure how to go about it. Impressing the parents of a girl has never been something I’ve had to worry about before.
I’ve never cared about anyone enough to worry about being introduced to their parents.
Ava has reassured me so many times that her parents are great and will judge me based on what they see in front of them. I can only hope that’s true.
I need to stop on my way in today. It’s Ava’s birthday in a few days and I want to get her something special. I’ve decided that my present to her will be in three parts.
Yep I hear myself, and I admit that she has me totally whipped.
The first being something from Tiffany and Co.
She always swoons whenever we drive past it. She loves the little blue boxes and white ribbons, and has told me that she only has one piece from there that her parents gave her. I’ve been on line to see what I wanted to get her and pre-ordered it. I just need to call past to collect it.
I settled on a thick, white gold ring with the words I Love You engraved on the outside of the band. Something she can wear every day and something that will remind her of me whenever she looks at it. I’ve asked the store to arrange some engraving on the inside of the band.
I just want it to simply say – Always, Ethan x.
I also got her a double chain white gold bracelet with the infinity symbol on it. I thought it would represent that our love has no end, no limits.
Corny I know, and sometimes I wonder where my balls have gone - but I wanted something special to show her what she means to me. I know she’ll love it.
The second part of my gift is a new tattoo for me.
I’ve decided to get her name tattooed on the inside of my wrist, inspired by our conversation in Hawaii. Just in simple script with a small heart to the side of it. Nothing too big as I need to be able to hide it when I act, just like my other tattoos. I just feel like marking myself with something permanent.
She’ll freak out, but I think she’ll love it. She really likes my other tatts, and spends a lot of time running those gorgeous hands of hers all over them.
I’ve booked in to see my tattoo artist tomorrow afternoon to get the ink. I figure Ava will be busy with her parents, so I’ll be able to sneak out without her noticing my absence.
The final part of my gift is going to blow her away.
Awesome Rebel is playing a gig for charity a couple of nights after her birthday. They’re one of a large number of acts playing that night.
The headliner is Jason Derulo, Ava’s favourite.
Hell, she’s even had me listening to him, and now I find myself humming along to him whenever he’s on the radio. I must admit that I downloaded his latest song – Want to want me – on to my phone, not that I’ve told anyone that.
Grayson has arranged seats for us, as well as Ava’s parents and Olivia. He’s even organised back stage passes for us so she’ll get to meet Jason. Not sure I’m happy about my girl drooling over some other guy, but I know she will be so excited about meeting him so I’ll go with it for that reason. I can’t wait to tell her.
Right now, I need to get to Tiffany and pick up her gifts so I can get to the Studio on time and meet Ava’s parents.
The lump in my throat feels like it just doubled in size.
As I pull in to my usual spot at Universal, I see Madeline approaching my car. She looks like she’s just arrived too, as she is carrying a large purse and copies of today’s script and sides.
“Mornin’ Madeline,” I say as I place my aviators on my face to hide the glare of the sun.
“Hey Ethan. What’s up?” she says.
“Not much. A lot to get through today.”
“Yeah, it’s sure going to be a busy one. I think we need to rehearse a couple of our scenes too if you have the time. I want to be sure that we have the same motivation for the argument we have in the restaurant.”
I nod. We do need to make sure we’re on the same page for that one; it’s a pretty important scene for the movie.
“Sure,” I state. “Have Lucy call Josh and they can set up a time for us to get together today.” Lucy is Madeline’s assistant.
“Okay, will do,” she responds.
We walk through the main entrance and I pull the second door towards us, motioning for Madeline to enter before me. My eyes lock on to Ava’s as soon as I step through the door. She gives me a heartbreaking smile until she takes in Madeline next to me. Her smile drops from her face as quickly as it appears.
“I’ll catch you later Madeline,” I say, stepping around her and making my way to Ava in long strides. Madeline makes a disgruntled noise and turns towards her dressing room without even acknowledging Ava.
Not surprising.
I pull Ava in to my arms and give her a loud wet kiss, staking my claim. She giggles, making me think that Madeline’s cold shoulder has been forgotten.
“Good Morning beautiful. Are your folks here yet?”
“Yes. They’re in with Liv. They can’t wait to meet you. Do you want to come meet them now?” she asks tentatively.
“Sure, if you want me to,” I answer. She smiles and nods and takes my hand in hers, giving it a light squeeze.
We turn the corner and I come face-to-face with the people that I recognise from all the photos on Ava’s desk. Her parents look much younger in person though. I hold my hand out to her father.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you Mr Lucas, I’m Ethan Drake,” I say, sounding much more confident than I’m feeling.
Ava’s father gives me a good firm handshake and replies, “Please Ethan, call me James. Mr Lucas makes me feel way too old. It’s a pleasure to meet you too, the girls have told us a lot about you.”
Ava turns me towards her mom. “Ethan this is my mum, Rebecca.” Ava’s mom is a stunning woman, she looks just like Ava, and if this is what Ava is going to look like when she gets to her mother’s age then I am o
ne lucky bastard.
Rebecca pulls me in for a hug. “Great to finally meet you Ethan,” she says.
“It’s great that you could both make it over here to see the girls. I know how much they miss you. I hope that we all get to spend some time together while you’re here. I’d really love to show you around LA.”
“We’d love that. This is our first time here and there is so much we want to see and do,” Rebecca replies.
James laughs loudly. “Don’t listen to the girls Ethan, they just want to shop. Rebecca has been going on and on about shopping with her girls since we got here.” He chuckles. “Perhaps we could arrange some boy time while they do that. Do you play golf?” he asks me.
Shit.
I don’t.
I mean Grayson and I have played a few rounds before. Gray isn’t bad, but me, I’m shithouse.
Maybe I could enlist Grayson to play with us and see how it goes. I want to make a good impression on Ava’s parents and get to know them. Walking my way around a fucking golf course is not exactly my idea of fun, but at least it will give me time to get to know James.
I square my shoulders and reply. “Sure. I mean I’m not that good at it, but I would be happy to play a round with you. I’ll ask my friend Grayson to join us; he’s not a bad golfer.”
Olivia calls out from her position in front of the mirrors, “Ryan might like to join you too.”
“No worries Liv, I‘ll ask him,” I respond.
James claps his hand over my shoulder. “Great. I’m looking forward to that. Let me know when and I’ll be there.”
I really need to call Grayson and see if we can tee up some time on the golf course prior to playing with James. I need to practise so I don’t look like a complete tool.
Ava gives me her gorgeous smile and mouths “thank you.” I wink at her, place a kiss on her cheek and excuse myself to head to my dressing room and prepare for the first scene we’re shooting today.
As far as first impressions go, I think I passed the grade.
Time will only tell.
As far as first encounters with parents go, I think that went in my favour.
Josh is madly typing on his lap top when I enter my dressing room.
“Mornin’ Josh, working in here now?” I tease. “Your office not good enough anymore?”
He shrugs and turns towards me. “Sorry E, but Madeline was on one of her yelling sprees this morning. Don’t know who was on the receiving end of her phone call, but it was so loud that I couldn’t concentrate. Thought I’d come in here and shut the door to see if I could get some work done. Your dressing room is further away from her doorway than my office.”
“Well thanks for the heads up man. I’ll be sure to steer clear of her today.”
Josh shakes his head. “No can do Ethan. Lucy emailed. Madeline wants to rehearse the restaurant scene with you at 11am. Lucy said that Madeline had already spoken to you about it.”
I’d forgotten about that in all the excitement of meeting Ava’s parents.
“Shit. Well there goes my day hey. She did mention it, but it slipped my mind.”
I slump in to the leather sofa in my room and glance over the sides that Josh has for the day. These outline all the scenes we are shooting and the dialogue. I think I have it all down, but I want to be sure.
“E, the make-up team will be here in five minutes,” Josh calls.
“Cool, thanks. I’m ready for them. Hey Josh, is everything sorted for dinner at Katusya for Ava’s birthday?”
“Yep, all booked for 7pm.”
“Thanks. You and Chelsea will be there right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he replies.
An hour later I’m dressed and ready to film my first scene with Olivia. This is a honeymoon scene. One of the ones that we were supposed to film in Hawaii but couldn’t due to my time being cut short.
We were meant to film this breakfast scene overlooking the ocean, but they have now decided to set up an elaborate set that looks like a bridal suite in an expensive hotel. It is incredible.
A small table adorned with a sumptuous looking breakfast is set next to a large four poster bed that is billowing with white curtains. I’m dressed in a pair of white Calvin Klein boxers for this scene and Liv is in a fluffy white bathrobe with her long hair swept up in to a messy ponytail, just like she has climbed out of bed.
Ava and Josh stand off to the side of the camera chatting and looking over schedules on their ipads. Ava’s folks are seated towards the back of the room. They wanted to spend the day on set today to see what Liv gets up to while she is here. They look completely awed at everything that is going on around them.
We hear Mike yell “Places people,” and Olivia and I make our way to the table to commence filming.
“Here we go Liv,” I state.
She smiles and we get in to it, nailing the scene in only three takes.
I can hear Madeline coming down the hallway towards my dressing room just after eleven o’clock. At least she’s punctual. Again, she’s on her cell phone and whoever is on the other end is receiving an ear bashing. I hate it when she is in a mood like this.
She rounds the corner and pokes her finger on to the screen of her phone effectively cutting off the call.
“You ready to rehearse Ethan?”
“Yes. Where do you want to do this?”
“We can stay here if you like. Your dressing room is as comfortable as any,” she says with a wave of her hand.
We grab the portion of script that we intend to rehearse and read over it. We both agree on the motivation for the argument in the scene and start to table read the lines before we get in to it.
“So,” Madeline says. “How are you and Ava doing?”
She says Ava’s name like its poison on her tongue.
“Ava and I are doing great, thanks for asking,” I reply in a sarcastic tone.
“I’m sorry Ethan; I just don’t see how it can go anywhere. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again; she doesn’t belong in our world. You need to be with someone who can enhance your career, get you in the tabloids and shoot your rising star even higher.”
“Not interested in any of that,” I spit back. I don’t want to argue with her. We need to be able to work together and I can’t have tension between us on set. All I really want to do is tell her to shut her mouth and get out of my sight.
Wishful thinking.
This is none of her business.
She starts up again. This time I need to put a stop to it. I raise my hand, motioning for her to be quiet. She looks at me with disdain. “Madeline, this is none of your business. You have no right to tell me who I can and cannot date. I don’t want to discuss this with you and I don’t want you anywhere near Ava. Leave her alone. Don’t bring this up with me again, and we’ll be fine. Understood?”
“Fine,” she replies turning her back to me like a scolded child, and looking back down at the script in front of her. “I’m just trying to look out for you Ethan.”
“Well I don’t need you to, so let’s drop it okay.”
She nods and turns the page on her script with a sharp flick of her wrist.
I don’t know why Madeline is so troubled over the fact that I’m dating Ava. It could either be the fact that she seems to harbour a hatred for Ava that has come out of nothing, or maybe she doesn’t like to see any of us interact outside of the Hollywood circle.
Fucking ridiculous I know.
A tiny part of me is hoping that she is not being difficult because she’s interested in me. I don’t think that would be the case as we’ve known each other for some time and neither of us has expressed any interest before.
I’ve never been attracted to her; she’s too high maintenance for me.
I look down to see what page of the script she is on and turn mine to the same one.
“Let’s rehearse,” I state.
She looks up and smiles. “I’m on page four; shall we start from the top?”
I nod and we begin.
This scene takes place in a restaurant. Our characters are arguing. Madeline is playing Isabel Ross, the woman that my character – Marcus Lyons - used to date before marrying Olivia’s character in the movie. Madeline is perfectly suited to this role. Her character is nasty and conniving and is trying to win me back even though I’ve married someone else.
This scene is a pivotal part of the film as Madeline’s character tries to seduce mine to get him back. Unfortunately Olivia’s character witnesses the exchange which leads to a climatic turn in the movie’s story. We have the dialogue down perfectly, but we both need to get in to the right head space to act out such a fiery argument which ultimately ends in Madeline trying to kiss me.
We begin the dialogue on the pages, arguing back and forth while Madeline tries to win me over.
I must admit she’s good.
She’s actually very good.
She almost has me hooked. She turns her body towards me and places her hands over mine, acting out the scene and staring in to my eyes. We’re both completely lost to our characters and it feels great to be so absorbed. Madeline repeats the last line of her dialogue and moves towards me, aiming for a kiss.
My eyes dart towards a movement in the doorway as Madeline’s hand reaches my cheek. Ava is standing there looking like she is about to be sick.
I jump so quickly from my seat that my script scatters all over the floor.
“We’re just rehearsing the restaurant scene babe, it’s okay.”
I wrap my arms around her and place a kiss on top of her head. She’s lightly shaking. I release her but keep one arm around her waist, pulling her close to my side. She looks like she’s about to bolt.
Ava looks to Madeline who is watching this whole exchange with an amused grin on her perfectly made-up face. Being the better person, Ava says, “Good morning Madeline.” She smiles, but the smile doesn’t reach her eyes, it’s taking all her effort to keep it there.
Madeline stands and simply responds with - “Ava.” She marches past us and then turns back towards me. “Ethan we only have a couple of days before we shoot that scene, we need more rehearsal time. I’ll get Lucy to call Josh to schedule another time.” With that she leaves the room, leaving the air filled with her expensive spicy perfume.