A knock at the trailer door startled both of them. Arielle burst out laughing. “I think I’m a bundle of nerves just like you, Larsen.”
Before she could get up from her chair, Lisa opened the door and rushed over to Arielle, giving her a huge embrace. Josh, a pleasant-looking man in his early thirties, walked in behind her, carrying his camera equipment, and shut the door behind him.
Larsen shook Josh’s hand, introduced himself, and watched with joy as the two best friends reunited.
Pulling away from Arielle so that she could take a good look at her, Lisa was so happy with what she saw that her eyes were watering. “Girlfriend, I have never seen you look as fabulous as you do right now, dressed in your jeans and T-shirt. You look younger and more vibrant than when I first met you. How’s that possible? Desert air?”
Arielle turned to include Larsen and Josh in the conversation. “First, thanks for the compliment. I think you might be exaggerating a wee beaucoup. But I’ll tell you this: being happy with myself, being with a man I love who loves me back, and just trying to be the best version of me I can be has done wonders. The whole time I lived in Los Angeles, I let myself be brainwashed by a horrid man who didn’t deserve to know me. I never stopped trying to compete with others, compare myself to others, and, worst of all, please the devil. Ugh! It was a horrible, vicious cycle, and it can age a person fast. I feel so free now. Being with my family again, doing something I love … hey, what can I say? It feels good to be me. And I’m blabbing waaaaay too much!”
Lisa laughed. “I’m so loving this. And, hey, I can outtalk you any day of the week, so you blab away all you wish.” Lisa reached over to shake Larsen’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Larsen. Thank you for agreeing to do a little last-minute acting. So much about this project has changed. Let me explain.”
“Thank you for asking me! And, please, sit in my chair.”
Lisa smiled and took a seat.
Arielle was pleased by Larsen’s chivalrous instincts. “Yeah, we don’t exactly have room for a conference table in this trailer, much less any extra chairs. So, what’s the deal, Lis? We’re all ears and two bundles of nerves.”
“Okay, well, the documentary is no longer a documentary. It’s going to be a cable series. Let me fill you in quickly so we can get started. A few weeks ago, Josh and I went back east to film some historical restorations underway in Pennsylvania and Virginia. There was such a wealth of fascinating information, and we’d barely begun. I didn’t see how we’d pack it all into a documentary, but we shot a ton of footage anyway.
“Then we started traveling all over the eastern states to visit barn restorations in progress. I never thought I would become such a barn freak. Did you know there are Dutch barns, bank barns, crib barns, round barns, prairie barns—”
Josh laughed. “Are you getting the idea that Lis is a barn fanatic?”
“Oh, stop, Josh. I’ve always liked barns, but now I’m in love with them. You might say I’m ‘barn again.’ ”
Everyone laughed.
“As my son River would say, ‘Good one.’ ”
Josh persisted. “Lisa’s obsession is so bad that she named her new rescue dog Barney.”
“Aw, you got a dog. You’ll meet mine in a little bit. I asked Raphael to take him for a walk because Larsen and I were waiting for you. Anyway, Lis, go on with what you were saying.”
Excitedly, Lisa continued. “Okay, so we were in Kentucky visiting a crib barn when I got the call that one of our channel’s programs was ending immediately. Unfortunately, that’s a story I can’t repeat. But OMG, what a scandal!”
Arielle twisted her mouth and eyed her friend. “Bullshit. You will absolutely tell me that one later.”
With a coy smile, Lisa laughed. “Yeah. I will. You know me too well. Anyway, you know how I’m wired. My mouth is usually five sentences ahead of my brain, but that day they were in sync, and I immediately suggested turning the documentary into a series to fill the slot. This way, we can air one-hour episodes that are much more in-depth than what would have fit into a documentary.”
Arielle was beaming. “What a fabulous idea! I so want all the dirt later. Go on, Lis. Tell us more.”
“Here’s the deal. Today we’re not only going to shoot footage of your work in progress, but we’re also making a trailer for the series. And that’s one of the reasons I asked Larsen to do a bit of acting. What better way to promote a theater than to have a real actor on the stage.”
Larsen looked nervous. “I might not be the real actor you need. I don’t really have—”
“You’re perfect. This is a small town. Nobody is expecting to see a Broadway star on this stage. A future star, yes. Anyway, we’ll film today, and Josh will be back as the restoration progresses to film some more. But we’ll both be here in January for your grand opening and talent show. I think that will make for fabulous television.”
Arielle put one hand to her open mouth and took a deep breath. Removing her hand, she paused and looked at her friend. “I am so ecstatic. This is such a gift, Lis. Thank you. I don’t know how you’re handling this huge workload.”
“Don’t thank me, Ari. It’s good for both of us. As for the workload, you remember my assistant, Petra, don’t you? She’s amazing. Except she’s got this new love interest in the building who stops by a little bit too much for my taste, but it’s no big deal. Oh, hey, moving right along, before I forget, when I was walking from our car to this trailer, I heard the song ‘Tonight’ playing. Is there a West Side Story enthusiast among us?”
Larsen looked shocked. “Uh, me. That’s the ringtone on my phone. But nobody has called me today. Besides, if even someone had, there’s no way you could hear my phone from outside.”
“Oh, it wasn’t coming from this trailer. It was coming from the theater.”
Arielle shrugged. “Maybe one of our workmen is a fan. Who knew? Speaking of the theater, is everyone ready to get started?”
As Arielle, Larsen, Josh, and Lisa stepped out of the trailer, Muggins, who had been walking in the desert with Raphael, came racing over to her and jumped with excitement at meeting new people.
Lisa flashed a big smile and hugged Muggins as he nuzzled against her legs to greet her. “You are a doll baby. And I apologize for every time in my life when I’ve referred to some lowlife scumbag as a dog. You’re a sweetie, my Barney is a sweetie, and life wouldn’t be nearly as sweet without you beautiful creatures in it.”
Wagging his tail, Muggins kissed her cheek, ran a few circles, and jumped up to give her a kiss.
“Hey, Muggins, your mama is getting jealous.” Arielle leaned forward and patted her thighs, and Muggins came running to her side.
As the five of them entered the theater, they ran into Gabe, who was heading back to the trailer. He nodded hello but did not stop for introductions.
“Ari, who is that guy?”
“That’s Gabe Martelli. He’s my new vintage restoration specialist. Talented as heck, but not the most talkative guy. Or the happiest.”
Lisa looked puzzled. “Well, I’m really going to need him to speak on camera at some point. His expertise will be invaluable to the show.”
“Maybe next time Josh comes down to film. How’s that? I need to give him some warning. He’s kind of broody. Bad divorce, I hear. His wife and family moved out to LA, and she dumped him.”
“Oh, damn. That sucks. So he’s not originally from California?”
Arielle led her guests from the backstage area, down the short hallway, through the door to the auditorium, until they were all standing in the left aisle of the theater. “Here, Lis, have a missing seat. Why do you ask about Gabe? No, he’s not from here. He’s from Jersey City.”
Lisa laughed at the sight of all of the missing seats, then her face turned a bit more serious. “I just feel so sure I’ve seen him before.”
Josh, who was getting his camera ready for action, addressed his boss. “You probably have seen him before. I have to peel your ey
es off every Italian guy who crosses your path.”
“My husband is half Italian, in case you’ve forgotten. And I’m a very happily married woman. I just like to admire the scenery.”
“Yeah, okay, boss.” Josh picked up his camera. “I’m just going to take a look in the lobby, and then I’ll be back in here when Larsen is ready to go.”
Larsen looked as if he wanted to faint. “Is it unprofessional of me to say I’m nervous?”
Arielle put her hands on his shoulders and gave them a quick rub. “You’ll do fine. You’ve known the piece for two years. Just give us your best. Stage fright is natural. This isn’t live theater, so this time, we can do another take.”
Lisa laughed. “Or three. Or four. Now, go break a leg.”
Larsen smiled and began carefully navigating a path over all of the metal frames where the seats belonged. Arielle yelled after him, “She didn’t mean that literally, Lars. Be careful. Do not break any legs.”
As Larsen headed to the steps on the right of the stage, Muggins followed swiftly.
“Muggins! Come!” Arielle repeated the command, but Muggins had other ideas. Motioning to Raphael, who had just gone back to work, Arielle pointed to Muggins, then in the direction of the trailer, asking Raphael to take the dog out of the way.
Raphael hurried up to Muggins and took him by the collar, but the dog was not happy.
Arielle turned to Lisa. “He was like this last Friday. Every time we come in here, he doesn’t want to leave.”
Larsen, now standing on the stage, was trying to find his mark when Josh came down the right aisle and gave him some direction. After catching his breath and calming his nerves, Larsen transformed himself into Othello.
Josh signaled to Lisa that he was ready, and she made the call. “Action!”
Her father loved me, oft invited me;
Still questioned me the story of my life
From year to year—the battles, sieges, fortunes
That I have passed.
I ran it through, even from my boyish days
To th’ very moment that he bade me tell it.
Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances,
Of moving accidents by flood and field;
Of hairbreadth scapes i’ the’ imminent deadly breach;
Of being taken by the insolent foe
And sold to slavery; of my redemption thence
And portance in my travels’ history;
Wherein of antres vast and deserts idle,
Rough quarries, rocks, and hills whose heads touch heaven,
It was my hint to speak—such was the process…
When he had finished, Arielle, Lisa, and Raphael applauded vigorously.
Arielle ran up onto the stage and hugged Larsen. “I expected you to have talent, but you never told me you were this good. You’re a gifted actor, Larsen. I’m so proud of you. I know you have a passion for musical theater, but just to have this gift alone is a blessing. Wow. Just wow.”
“Really? You thought I was good?”
“No, I thought you were fucking amazing. Excuse my French.”
Arielle walked to the apron and leaned forward to speak to Josh. “Do you want another take?”
“Yes, please. I’m going to shoot from a different angle.”
Arielle quickly left the stage to join her best friend. “Are you as enthralled as I am, Lis?”
“Just blown away. He’s brilliant. And with training, he’ll be world class. After this next take, Larsen can get back to work, then we’ll walk around the theater, and I’ll interview you.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
“Great. Say, Ari, what’s up with your dog? He really wanted to get up on stage.”
“You know, I think he’s a wee bit jealous of Larsen. Muggins doesn’t like to be upstaged. You know me, Lis. Doesn’t it make sense that I’d get a dog who loves the theater?”
Lisa mulled over what had just been said to her. “Actually, it does. But all kidding aside, my inner voice, the one with the common sense, tells me there’s more here than meets the eye.”
Chapter 13
Sitting on one of Mystekal High’s boulders in the bright morning sunshine, Larsen looked down at the paper in his hands and then looked up. With great intensity, he repeated the process several times. River, standing a distance away, watched his friend with interest and amusement before approaching him.
“Hey, dude. Looks like you’re talking to yourself this ante meridiem.”
Larsen looked up, using his hand as a visor to block the sun. “Say what, Riv?”
“Ante meridiem. A.M. Before noon.” River sat down next to him. “What are you doing?”
Larsen laughed. “I’m working on a new monologue. There’s a really cool speech at the end of Salinger’s Franny and Zooey. I’m just figuring out what part of it I want to memorize. Brilliant stuff.”
River opened his backpack and pulled out a poppy seed bagel in plastic wrap and a small container of orange juice. “Hey, my mom said you kicked ass on stage yesterday. Good for you.”
“I was lucky, Riv. When your mom’s friend Lisa asked me to perform something, I already knew this piece from Othello. I was flying high when your mom complimented me so much, but it also made me realize that I’d been neglecting my acting studies. I used to read plays all the time, but then my mom caught onto it, and you can imagine her reaction. She banned me from doing anything ‘gay’ in her house.”
River unwrapped his bagel. “That blows. Speaking of your mother, have you talked to her yet?”
“Nope. What’s that on your bagel?”
“Philadelphia Cream Cheese.”
“Oh. They don’t have any cream cheese in Los Angeles?”
River laughed. “It’s a brand name, dude. Get with the program. I’d offer you half, but I’m starved. I’d never make it to lunch.”
“That’s okay. I had breakfast, and I wouldn’t have given you half of mine either. In fact, if we were stranded in the woods, I wouldn’t even let you taste my food. Actually, I wouldn’t even let you see it!”
River laughed. “Good one. Glad we’re on the same page. So, what about your mom? Seriously, you gonna call her?”
“And what? Tell her that I did a monologue from Othello and that I’m going to be in a promo trailer on TV? I’m still on such a high from it all; I can’t let her bring me down.”
“Just call her and leave that part out.”
“How come you want me to call my mother so much? You know what she’s like.”
River, who had bitten off a bit more bagel than he could easily chew, waited a moment before responding. “Oh, I’m just figuring that she might call you and ream you out for not calling her. Just thinking maybe you’d want to stay one step ahead.”
Larsen nodded. “Yeah, that’s crossed my mind. I gotta think on it. No matter what I come up with, it all leads to the same place: being ripped to shreds. I really wish I could share my good news.” Larsen put a bookmark in his copy of Franny and Zooey and tucked it in his backpack.” Hey, look, Riv. Erik is coming over here. Wonder what he wants.”
Wide-eyed, River washed down a smaller bite of bagel with orange juice.
Erik kicked at the sand as he walked over to his two classmates. He looked anything but happy to be heading in their direction. He stopped just as he reached them and barely made eye contact. He looked first at Larsen. “Sorry for shovin’ you the other day.”
“Um … it’s okay. I just wanted to help, but I should have—”
“Yo, look, I need your help. Both of youse.” Erik looked directly at River.
“You need our help? My help? With Jax?”
“Fuck, no.” Erik was appalled by the suggestion. “Look, I don’t like askin’ nobody for jack. But I’m doing this for my sister. Avalon. You two are the only ones in the school who I trust when it comes to her.”
River looked alarmed. “Everything okay? What can we do?”
Angrily, Erik pulled a crumpled piece
of paper out of his pocket, straightened it out, and then showed it to River and Larsen. Drawn on the paper was a stick figure with blue hair on one side and green on the other. Written in large red letters were the words “GO HOME JERSEY FREAK!”
Erik could see that both Larsen and River were as upset as he was. “Some dipshit taped this to her locker. She was just takin’ it down when I came by. If I didn’t see with my own two eyes, she wouldn’t have showed me. Thinks I get too angry about shit. I don’t know who put this fucking garbage on her locker, but you two are the only ones I’m ruling out. Someone needs a lead pipe shoved …”
River, trying to pretend he didn’t hear what Erik almost said, reached for the piece of paper Erik held out to him and examined it. “Well, whatever ignoramus did this has obviously not been to Melrose Avenue or any other part of Hollywood. Nobody there would even notice that she looks any different from everyone else.”
Erik nodded. “Yeah. Same back home. Pretty much. So, look, I’m not asking youse to do anything but keep your eyes open, okay? She’s not gonna tell you about this, so I needed to do it. I can’t be everywhere at once, and I need to know I’m not the only one who’s got her back.”
River finished eating his bagel and stood up. “It’s cool, Erik. She’s got a friend in me. Lars, too. We’ll watch out for her.”
Erik thought for a minute. “And you’ll tell me if you find out who did this, right?”
River nodded. “Dude, not if you’re going to be wanting to shove lead pipes anywhere.”
Larsen agreed. “Yeah, man. I’m not trying to get into your business, but don’t you want to go back to Jersey when you graduate?”
“Hell, yeah! I am going back to Jersey.”
“Then just chill with the bullies. Look, I’ve been bullied for being gay more times than I can count. I’ve wanted to punch out a few people, but it’s not worth it. Seriously, man.”
Erik bit his upper lip as he pondered what Larsen was saying. “I got nothing else to say. Just thanks for being my sister’s friends.”
Desert Star Page 12