by Eva Haining
The breeze billowing through my shirt as my thighs grip tightly to the horse brings a freedom I’d long forgotten. In this moment, I’m nobody, a glorious unknown capable of anything. We race through the fields and out into the forest, Mad and Jax trying to best each other any chance they get, but there’s no beating Maddox Hale. The man has no fear. As the brush below becomes grass, and the trees begin to thin, the sound of rushing water fills my ears, pushing silence to the side and flooding me with the seduction of a creative muse.
We come to a grinding halt.
“I know what I want to do.” Maddox looks to Jax with a knowing smile.
“Told you he’d have the eureka moment.”
“Yes, oh, ancient one. How blessed we are to be in the presence of such wisdom.” Jax can’t be serious when it comes to his best friend. I’ve yet to hear a conversation between them that doesn’t center around mutual mockery. They remind me of some of my friends back home, the ones who knew me before fame and fortune. In truth, I haven’t had much time to foster those friendships in recent years, and fame has become a life of shallow acquaintances other than Cece, or so I thought.
“Spit it out then, pretty boy. What’s the plan?”
“I’m the only person who believes in me right now, so the only way to salvage this is to bankroll it myself.”
“Bingo.”
“I need to bring in a screenwriter to fix the script and find an amazing leading lady. My agent, Ethan, is already setting up auditions.”
“Perfect. What else do you need?”
“Money. I need an investor to believe me when I say I can turn this into a blockbuster. I only have about half of what I need to really make this happen. I have to make some calls.” I wrestle my phone from my jeans pocket before having it swiped from my hand by Maddox.
“If only you were as smart as you are pretty.”
“What? This is a great plan.”
“Yeah, it is. Glad you finally caught up.”
“Caught up?” Jax jumps down from his horse and leads it to the river’s edge to drink. They exchange a knowing look before turning their attention back to me.
“Look around you. We’ve created a booming business, a movie set, and we’re the smartest investors in Texas. We have everything you need right here.”
“You’ll still let us use the location, even with a delay? It could be months before I can get it up and running on a revised script.”
“We can do you one better. We’ll invest in the movie. Set up a studio with you, fifty/fifty. The ranch is a business entity with more than enough capital to back you. Trust me.” I can’t believe my ears.
“Fuck. You hardly know me.”
“I beg to differ. We know everything about you, and everything that matters in business. You’re box-office gold. The only gamble is believing your side of a media storm.”
Jax interjects. “Mad and I aren’t exactly strangers when it comes to being judged harshly. We have pretty good instincts when it comes to people, and even better when it comes to business. This isn’t a gamble. The way we see it, you’re a sure thing.”
“Then, hell, yes! On one condition.”
“Shoot.”
“I don’t want the cast and crew to know.”
“Done. Now, where do you start?”
“I need to get a writer ASAP, send the cast and crew home for a while. I’ll cover their wages, and I need an actress. I can fly back and forth to audition some people, but for me, I want someone to run lines with whenever necessary.”
“A local?”
“A real actress, not an extra. A needle in the proverbial haystack around here.”
“We know just the person.”
I hold out my hand, a gentleman’s handshake to secure the deal.
“It’s going to be a pleasure doing business with you, gentlemen.”
We don’t waste time, letting the horses rest just long enough before returning to the ranch to set the wheels in motion.
The director was almost in tears when I shared my ideas. He knows as well as I do, if we can pull this off, it will make his career, salvage mine, and make everyone involved a lot of money.
Let’s just hope I don’t lose the shirt off my back in the process.
LA is alive with a million possibilities just waiting to be snatched up by those who prove themselves worthy. The past few weeks in one-horse-central have felt like a lifetime, but I’m back to find my new leading lady and auditions start today. There’s got to be a diamond in the rough. The director and I met last night and discussed at length the kind of actress we want for the role.
Driving up to my agent’s building, the road is blocked by hundreds of women. Shit! They’re all here for the audition. Ethan suggested holding them in his offices, but I can guarantee he’s regretting it right about now.
Jack turns to me, speechless at the sight.
“You ready to make a blockbuster? I need to know you can do this, Jack.” He stares me down with the intensity of a serial killer, disconcerting, to say the least.
“I’ll not let you down. You can count on me. I won’t squander this opportunity.”
“Okay. Okay. Dial it back a little. You’re freaking me out.”
“Sorry.” His hands are visibly shaking as he takes in the crowd of budding actresses. I feel a sudden pressure—this movie is about more than just my career, it’s his as well. And, whoever we choose will shoulder some of that burden. If I don’t find the right girl for this, it will more than likely leave me bankrupt.
I park around back, so we can slink inside without being seen. Jack already looks whiter than my shirt and on the verge of losing his breakfast. I doubt a screaming throng would help matters.
Ethan looks almost as ashen when he sets eyes on me.
“I need to talk to you.”
He shoos Jack, corralling him into one of the offices. “Make yourself at home. My PA will get you anything you need. We’ll be ready to start in a few minutes.”
A deathly silence falls between us until the door to his office clicks shut.
“I’m so fucking sorry, J.J., I had no idea Turner was as dumb as she looked.” Pacing the floor, he runs his hands through his hair with the air of a man gone mad. “I’ll make it right. We’ll get you back on track. Dump this project. I’ll find you something big by the end of the month. You have my word.”
“Sit down. You’re making me nervous climbing the walls like a junky.” He does as I ask but still radiates frustration. “I don’t want to dump this project. I think I can make it work, and what better way to prove myself? Maddox and Jax are committed to investing, and I think they’re right.”
“You’re going to listen to those hillbillies? No offense, but that’s just crazy. What do they know about making a movie?”
“They believe in me. At a time when I’ve been thrown to the wolves… and what are you doing to correct the situation? Nothing.” Taking a seat to curb his energy, he can’t hide the twitch of his knee. It gives him away.
“I’m trying to help you, J.J. Until we can prove it was Cece, I promise you the press would slaughter you for being what they perceive as petty and deceitful.”
Every time I hear her name, a new wave of anger slams me like a tsunami. I don’t trust Ethan to fix this. I have to go with my gut instinct, and that’s always been to remedy my problems myself in a way I can live with at the end of the day. Rising to my feet, I tower over him.
“We’re done talking about this. I’m doing this my way, and you can either get on board, or I can get a new agent.”
“Don’t be hasty, J.J. If this is what you really want, then tell me what you need, and I’ll help in any way I can.”
“Good. I’m going to start the auditions. Unless a miracle occurs, and we find a diamond in the rough right off the bat, you need to find me an actress in Kingsbury Falls to run lines with for the next few weeks to help with the script rework. I want to ensure every scene and every word is worthy of the big screen
. I need to feel it come to life rather than just on paper.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“And find the scriptwriter somewhere nicer to stay while he works. I don’t want him in some crappy B&B.”
“Done.”
The sun is hiding behind the Hollywood hills as our day draws to a close. We saw a fraction of the actresses who were camped outside the office waiting for a chance to prove themselves worthy of the lead role in this movie. Word spreads fast, and my town is abuzz with news that this movie production just had a major cash injection from unknown investors and is now set to be a billboard contender.
I haven’t found that spark—the onscreen chemistry that will make for an electric performance. Some of these girls have real talent, but nobody wowed me. I read lines with most of them, and half of them couldn’t control the blush of their cheeks being close to me. I’m not bragging, I get that reaction a lot, but when it comes to a co-star, I can’t have a fangirl working across from me. What I’ve learned from my success is that you have to be laser-focused. You can’t let yourself get distracted by your cock. I did that with Cece and look where it got me.
Striding out into the hallway to address the extensive line of hopeful actresses, I want someone to stand out from the crowd, to strike me as perfect for this character, but I’m left wanting.
“I’m sorry, ladies, but we’re done for today. If you want to come back tomorrow, we’ll see as many of you as possible, but I can’t guarantee it. As you can see around you, there’s a large volume of auditions to get through.”
These women are dedicated, I can’t deny it. Most of them take a seat on the floor and get ready to camp out for the night. Whoever makes it through and brings a good performance in the audition will earn my consideration. I don’t know that I’d have been so staunch early in my career. As a thank you for their perseverance, I arrange for take-out to be delivered and distributed to everyone as they settle in for the long haul.
I have one more day to participate in auditions before I need to get back to Kingsbury Falls and get up to my elbows in the business end of getting this movie to where it needs to be.
Chapter Three
MAISIE
I didn’t think I’d be back working the nightshift at Cardinals so soon. I should’ve known it was all too good to be true. Production on the movie has been postponed, but I’m pretty sure that means it will start up again sometime never. I’m going to have to save a little longer for a one-way ticket to LA if I want to pursue my dreams.
In the spirit of finding the silver linings as my momma always taught me, I’m happy to have connected with Thomas again. We’ve been on a few ‘dates’ since shooting stopped. I use the term loosely because we haven’t gone past first base. Not shy in being forward, he kissed me the first time we went out, and it was a really good kiss. I don’t have much free time in between my many jobs, but he’s come to the bar a few times to spend time with me which has been nice.
I’ve also had the opportunity to chat a little with the director. When he’s in town, I serve him every morning at the diner, and in the evenings, I find him propping up the bar at Cardinals. He probably thinks I’m stalking him, but a girl’s got to work, and Kirby Hollander’s bar is the only one in town, so he’s stuck with me.
“Good evening, Mr. Reynolds. What can I get for you tonight?”
“I’ll have a whiskey sour, thanks, Maisie. And a favor if you’re interested?” My interest piqued, so I mix his drink quicker than a prairie fire with a tailwind.
“Depends on the favor…” I flash my best bartender smile and hope he’s not going to end up being a creeper.
“I need an actress.” My heart skips a beat.
“Look no further. Although, I thought production was postponed?”
“Yes, but… and this is just between us… the movie is going ahead with a much larger budget and a view to having it release worldwide.” An unrecognizable squeal escapes my chest. Kingsbury Falls on the big screen, it’s a dream come true. And he wants my help.
“Anything. I’ll do anything.” His gaze reflects the mortification I feel at my overeager exclamation. “What I mean… what I meant to say was, how can I help, Mr. Reynolds?”
“I need someone to run lines with J.J. while the script is reworked. His agent found someone, but apparently, J.J. said no. He wants to test out each scene before bringing in the cast and crew, and he’s chomping at the bit to get started. It would be a few weeks, great pay, and I’m sure we can find you a small speaking part in the movie. What do you think? Maddox and Jax have been recommending you daily.” I’m moved by my friends’ willingness to get behind my dream and me.
“He’s not my biggest fan.”
“What? You’ve met?”
“I ran lines with him on the first day. He didn’t like me very much. There was a… misunderstanding. I’m not sure he’d want to work with me.”
“Leave him to me. Do you want the job?”
“Yes, of course! It’s an amazing opportunity, so thank you for asking.”
“Great. He’ll be back in town tomorrow. I left him in LA after the auditions. Unfortunately, he didn’t find anyone he gelled with. I need you at the ranch before ten.” He rummages in the messenger bag that never leaves his side. “Here’s the script so far.”
“You got it, boss.”
The rest of the night goes by in a blur of anticipation. No one and nothing can touch the joy emanating from deep inside me.
I don’t relish the thought of seeing our new town celebrity’s reaction when he finds out I’m his rehearsal partner for the next few weeks. I can only hope I manage not to piss him off or send him into a fit of rage or vice versa. I need to stay professional at all times. This is a chance of a lifetime, and I certainly don’t intend to squander it at the hands of some bad boy who thinks with his junk.
By the time I ring the bell for last orders, my feet are throbbing, but there’s an overwhelming ache in the pit of my stomach, a nervous energy that keeps me going. I go through my usual nighttime rituals cleaning the bar, sweeping the floor, and locking up before I leave. This is my favorite time of night to walk the streets of Kingsbury Falls. It’s quiet without prying eyes. I can drink in the beauty of the town basked in moonlight. It’s the one time I don’t feel hemmed in by this place. The night sky is full of possibilities, the darkness providing a blanket to hide my deepest fears and greatest aspirations.
Tonight, I know sleep will evade me as excitement awakens every fiber of my being. I revel in my sleepy little town, walking every familiar street, reading the script rewrite, entranced by the female lead. It’s as if the writer knows the intricate corners of my mind. I envy whoever lands this role, but for now, I want to do my best to impress J.J. and possibly kickstart my career with a small speaking role.
I’m regretting last night’s decision to stay up until the sun came peeking over the horizon. It wasn’t until I unlocked the doors to the diner for the morning shift that a wave of exhaustion overtook my entire body. The smell of bacon grease is making me nauseous as I drag myself through table prep, finishing just in time for the cowbell above the door heralding our first customer of the day.
“Oh, it’s you.” The gravelly tone in his voice makes my insides squirm.
“Points for remembering we’ve met before. What can I get you?”
“What do you recommend?”
“Can’t go wrong with a short stack, bacon, and eggs.” I hold my notepad like a shield. I can see why J.J. is a movie star. He’s entirely too good-looking for regular life. It’s disarming and irritates me beyond measure.
“Sounds good. I’ll have that, thanks.” I’ve never seen him this disheveled. He must have been out running. His hair is slick with sweat, his t-shirt clinging to all the right muscles of his taut torso. And his shorts…
“You look like you’re about to eat me for breakfast. How about putting that order in?” My entire body heats at him catching me ogling. I chance an apologetic g
lance his way, but I’m not prepared for the sexy smile he gives me. I turn on my heels and head for the kitchen. A swing door between us isn’t enough to calm me down, but it will have to do for a moment. I can’t hide in here all morning, and I’m going to have to deal with my unwanted reaction if we’re going to be working together. With a few deep breaths, I compose myself and swing the door open to see him sitting at the counter.
“Did you just spit in my food?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t tell you.” I shoot him my own winning smile and busy myself with ringing up his order.
“I deserve that. Sorry for going off on you when we met. I was having a bad day. It’s not an excuse, but I’m not usually like that.” Ignoring the thunderous beat of my heart, I settle on making nice for the sake of a functional working relationship.
“Sure. You get one pass. Third chances don’t exist in this town.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Can I ask you a question?” He eyes me warily.
“I guess. Don’t know if I’ll answer it, but go ahead.”
“Why did you agree to do this movie? It seems… beneath you.” I can see I’ve hit a nerve.
“Don’t act dumb. It doesn’t suit you. Everyone who’s ever read a newspaper knows why. I’m not talking about this.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“That’s exactly what you intended. At least own it.” He drops a fifty-dollar bill on the counter and leaves before his food arrives. I shout after him, but he’s gone in a flash.
Working with him was already going to be uncomfortable after our first interactions, but I’ve just made it ten times worse. I’ll be lucky if I don’t get fired on the spot when he sees I’m supposed to be his reading partner. Surely, Mr. Reynolds told him? If not, he’s in for a surprise when I show up.
I wade through the morning rush before ducking home to shower and haul ass over to the ranch by ten. Not so fresh-faced, I do my best to tame my hair and present myself as best I can. I need this job.