Second Act (His Chance Book 1)

by Alexa Land

  My breath caught as he began to turn the pages. After the article was a six-page layout of the action movie I’d done, even though I only had a couple of lines before dying. There was a copy of the movie poster and everything I’d sent her from the set, including behind-the-scenes photos and the script page with my lines on it. There were also six ticket stubs from when she and my dad had gone to see it in the local theater—three times—and blurry photos of me playing the part. I realized she must have gotten them by taking pictures of the TV after she bought the movie on DVD.

  It didn’t stop there, either. Page after page had been made with love, using patterned papers and stickers and cute captions, and they included every single thing I’d done as an actor. For each of my commercials, my mom had either taken photos of the TV or found pictures somewhere online and produced two-page layouts. Whenever possible, she’d even included something from the product I was advertising, like the front of a box of crackers.

  The album went on and on. Every head shot and resume I’d ever sent her was included. The playbill and a bunch of ephemera from the crappy local theater production I’d done took up six pages. She’d even included postcards and letters I’d sent her, where I talked about taking classes and going on auditions.

  When we finally reached the last page, my mom said, “Now, don’t you worry. That cover I made can expand, and I got a special kit to add twenty more pages to this scrapbook. I know we’ll still end up overflowing it, and that’s fine too, because I’ve already started working on the cover for volume two.” She paused for a moment, and then she asked, “Willie honey, are you crying?”

  “No.”

  “Yeah, you are,” she insisted. “What’s wrong?”

  “I just always thought this album was empty,” I said, as I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand. “I imagined it sitting here all these years with blank pages, and I felt so awful for letting you down.”

  “Lettin’ us down? Why, you’ve never made us anything but proud, son,” Dad said.

  “We would’ve been proud even if you’d never gotten a single part,” my mom told me. “Don’t you know that, Willie-bug? Now, I certainly enjoy the fact that you’re a huge success, because I know how hard you worked for it. But I’d be braggin’ about you no matter what you did. That’s just what you do when you’re the parent of an awesome kid like you.”

  “Come on now, no more tears,” my dad said, as he threw his arms around me. “What we need is a group hug.” My mom tried to stretch her arms around all of us, and Dad exclaimed, “Get on in here, Lorenzo! You’re a member of this family too, so don’t think you get to sit this one out.” I was worried about how my boyfriend might react to finding himself in a Smith sandwich, but he just chuckled and went with it.

  Chapter 17

  It was always hard to say goodbye to my mom and dad after a visit. There were tears, lots of hugs, and promises to come back as soon as possible. The dogs even started howling when they saw how emotional we all were. I loved the fact that Lorenzo and I both got the same treatment from my parents, before we drove off and left them waving to us from the middle of the road.

  I was quiet and introspective as I stared out the window of the half-empty 747 on our flight to Los Angeles. We were somewhere over Texas when Lorenzo murmured, “Those two weeks really flew by, didn’t they?”

  “It always goes by way too fast, no matter how long I’m there.”

  “Have you ever tried to get your parents to move closer?”

  “Many times,” I said. “Maybe someday, I’ll convince them. But for now, their life is in Louisiana, and mine is in California.”

  “I guess they must be pretty happy there, since they refuse to leave.”

  “It’s all they know. I think they fear the change that’d come with a cross-country move more than anything.”

  “Speaking of moves,” he said, “have you given any thought to where you want to go when you finish filming in San Francisco?”

  “I want to be wherever you are, Lorie. That’s all I care about.”

  He grinned and brushed my overgrown hair from my eyes. “That’s my plan too, just being wherever you are.”

  I perked up a bit and asked, “What do you think about finding a house to rent for the two of us in L.A.? I’ve loved living at the resort on Catalina, and the guys will always be family. But I want a home, one with a kitchen so we can cook together, and a big, comfortable bed so I can spend every night in your arms, and maybe a little fenced patio, so Madame Leota can sun herself.”

  “That sounds wonderful.”

  “It doesn’t have to be very big, or very fancy. And if I don’t land another movie after this one, I’ll wait tables and get a second job to pay the rent and help my parents.”

  “I can easily find work, too. You don’t have to do this yourself.” Lorie caressed my cheek, which probably felt like sandpaper, since I was in the process of growing back Alex’s scruff.

  “Okay, but let’s make a deal. If I do keep getting acting jobs, you’ll focus on work you’re passionate about, whether that’s with an animal rescue, or wildlife conservation, or whatever’s going to make you happy.”

  “A lot of the types of organizations you’re talking about pay their veterinary staff,” he said. “My options were really limited when I was on Catalina, so I was strictly a volunteer. But it’ll be a different story in L.A.”

  “As long as you love what you’re doing. That’s all I care about.”

  He kissed me before asking, “Are you excited about getting back to filming next week?”

  “Definitely. It’ll be great to see the cast and crew again, and spending three weeks in San Francisco with you will be fantastic. Did you see the pictures of that gorgeous, romantic hotel suite where we’re staying? It’s going to feel like we’re on our honeymoon.” One of those wide Cheshire Cat smiles spread across Lorenzo’s face.

  Phoenix, Riley, and my cat were all waiting for us when we arrived at LAX. Riley had five days off before he was due on set in San Francisco, so he and Phoenix had driven back to L.A., where they both had apartments. I hugged my friends and thanked them for picking us up, and when I climbed into the SUV, Madame Leota jumped into my lap and started purring. “Aw, you actually missed me,” I said, as I scratched her ears and she rubbed against my chest.

  Riley caught us up on the gossip from the set as Phoenix drove us out of the airport. Then he asked, “Are you sure it’s okay if we come with you to Catalina? It was really nice of you to offer, but I don’t want to be in the way.”

  “It’s more than okay. I already let my friend Beck know both of you are coming, and he’s looking forward to meeting you. He’s the co-owner of this place, and one of the nicest guys on the planet,” I said. “He’s throwing a dinner party this evening, and he wanted to make sure I invited both of you.”

  “I’m excited,” Riley said. “I’ve never been to Catalina.”

  “You’ll love it,” Lorenzo told him. “The island is gorgeous, and the ranch is something special.”

  “It’s a ranch? I thought it was a resort,” Riley said.

  “It’s both,” Lorenzo explained. “It’s an upscale hotel that also has a fantastic equestrian center.”

  Riley seemed so innocent and childlike when his eyes went wide and he asked, “Do you think it’d be okay if I went to see the horses while we’re there? I’ve never been around any, but they’ve always fascinated me.”

  “I’ll make a point of taking you to the stables and showing you around,” Lorenzo said, and Riley’s face lit up with a huge smile.

  As Phoenix merged onto the freeway, he said, “I know we’re all supposed to be on vacation right now, but let me know when you’re ready to talk business, Will. I have some good news for you.”

  “What’s the news?” He asked me to look in his messenger bag, so Lorenzo fished it out from behind the seat and found three large envelopes with my name on them. I traded the cat for the envelopes as I asked, “What are thes
e?”

  “One of those contains your scenes for next week. I looked them over, and they’re all marked and ready to go. There’s also an advance copy of the magazine that’s coming out next week with your interview,” Phoenix said. “You ended up with a five-page spread, and both the article and the photos are sensational. But the real news is in the thickest envelope.” I lifted the flap and pulled out a script entitled Nights in Mississippi.

  “That’s Gage Lang’s next project,” Phoenix explained. “He got the greenlight from a major studio this morning and sent this to me by messenger, so I could forward it on to you. It’s an original screenplay that he’s been trying to get picked up for more than two years.”

  I turned to the first page and said, “That’s great, but what does it have to do with me?”

  “He wants you for one of the lead roles.”

  My heart skipped a beat, and I blurted, “What?”

  “I took the liberty of reviewing the script for you, and it’s smart and funny. It’s a buddy picture about a white guy and a black guy who’ve been friends since grade school and are trying to make it as jazz musicians in a small southern town. Lang noticed on your resume that you play several instruments, but even without that, he thought you’d be perfect for the role of Eddie.”

  I asked, “When’s he holding auditions?”

  “He doesn’t need you to audition, since he’s obviously very familiar with your work. You will have to read for the studio, but that’s just a formality because this project is Lang’s baby all the way. In fact, the screenplay was written by his nephew.” I flipped through the pages and saw Eddie’s name again and again as Phoenix continued, “Lang wants to talk to you as soon as possible. He’s very eager to sell you on this role.”

  “Even though we’ve worked together, I’m still surprised he doesn’t want me to audition.”

  “You’re in the big leagues now, Will,” Phoenix told me. “Alex and After brought you there, and when the film is released, you’re going to be in demand. Lang knows that, so he’s trying to make sure he gets you signed to this new project before your schedule fills up.”

  I murmured, “Holy shit.”

  “Sylvia has already been on the phone with Lang, and she wants to meet with you before you leave for San Francisco. She’d like to talk strategy about which projects to take on and when, but if you ask me, this would be happening at the perfect time. They’ve allotted five months for pre-production, but even with that, you’ll finish filming before Alex and After hits the theaters. That means your schedule will be open when all those offers start rolling in.”

  “You mean if,” I said.

  “No, I definitely mean when,” Phoenix insisted. “Your role as Alex is a career-maker. There’s no question about it.”

  I turned to look at Lorenzo, and an astonished burst of laughter slipped from him. The cat didn’t like that, so she crossed the backseat and returned to my lap as my boyfriend said, “Welcome to the A-list, Will.”

  I was a bit dazed as we rode the ferry to Catalina. Beck was waiting for us at the dock with one of the hotel’s red and white trolleys, and after he and Lorenzo exchanged back-slapping hugs, my friend grabbed me in an embrace and asked, “Are you okay? You look mildly freaked out.”

  “I think I just landed another movie.”

  Beck exclaimed, “That’s fantastic! But why do you look so stunned?”

  “It totally caught me by surprise, partly because I’d been trying not to get my hopes up about what was going to happen after this current film.”

  Beck’s blue eyes sparkled as he put his arm around my shoulders and told me, “I’m so happy for you, Will, and I always knew you could do it.”

  I introduced him to Phoenix and Riley, and then we boarded the open-sided trolley with the cat and all our luggage. Riley was enchanted as we drove through the beautiful town of Avalon, with its palm trees, quaint shops, and hilly streets lined with golf carts. He kept pointing out everything that caught his eye, while Beck played tour guide and told him about the local attractions.

  Meanwhile, I sent a text to Lang to let him know I was definitely interested in the movie, and he confirmed the role was mine if I wanted it. We made plans to hash out the details when we arrived in San Francisco, and when I returned the phone to my pocket, Lorenzo squeezed my hand and whispered, “Are you really okay? You still seem a little dazed.”

  I clutched my cat and said, “I guess I’m just not used to having so much—the man of my dreams, the career I always wanted, an end to my financial worries—I feel like I’m living someone else’s life.”

  Lorenzo’s touch was so tender as he ran his fingers down my cheek. “The career isn’t just being handed to you. It’s the direct result of all those years you spent paying your dues in Hollywood, learning your craft, and never giving up.”

  “I almost did give up, though. At the start of the year, I was ready to accept the fact that I’d failed. But somehow, that was right when I landed a job.” While I was talking, the cat put her front paws on the half-wall beside me and stuck her head out of the trolley, like a dog. I grinned and held her harness to make sure she didn’t tumble out, but I also went ahead and let her have her fun.

  Phoenix was sitting directly in front of us, and he turned to look at me and said, “Here’s my theory, not that you asked for it. I’ve seen a lot of actors who want this more than anything, and they put so much pressure on themselves that it throws off every audition. Even just a bit too much intensity or the subtlest whiff of desperation will cost them the part every single time. The only way to turn it around is to decide it’s not the most important thing in your life after all.”

  “I really felt like I had nothing left to lose when I re-auditioned for the part of Alex.” I met Lorenzo’s gaze and told him, “And it definitely wasn’t the most important thing in my life.”

  Phoenix turned back around in his seat and said, “I rest my case.”

  Seahorse Ranch was all lit up and looked wonderfully inviting when we arrived a few minutes later. Vee jogged over as soon as he saw us, and then he grabbed my cat and dotted kisses on the top of her head before exclaiming, “I missed you, baby girl!” Then he smiled at me and kissed my cheek. “You too, superstar. I want all the tea on your famous costars over dinner. Leave nothing out.”

  “Riley’s the resident tea expert,” I said. “He’s a makeup artist, and his department always knows the juiciest gossip. Riley Palma, please meet my dear friend Vihaan Khatri. We all call him Vee.”

  “Oh, we’re definitely going to be BFFs. I just know it,” Vee said, as he linked his arm with Riley’s and his new bestie gave him a big smile.

  Beck told him, “Before you whisk him away, let me give Riley and Phoenix the keys to their rooms. They might want to drop off their bags and freshen up a bit.”

  “Okay fine, but Madame and I are coming with you,” Vee said, as he shifted my cat in his arms.

  They all took off in the direction of the hotel lobby, and I slid my hands around Lorenzo’s waist and said, “Alone at last, at least for the next thirty seconds until the rest of our friends discover us.”

  Just then, Vee’s little blue parakeet soared over to us and landed on Lorenzo’s head, which for some reason was one if its favorite perches. It could only say one thing, but it delivered its line with panache as it demanded, “What the fuck?”

  We both chuckled, and Lorenzo said, “It’s nice to know some things never change.”

  I traced his jawline with my fingertip. “This is a pretty great place. Are you sure you want to leave it?”

  “Seahorse Ranch will always be here, and when we’re living in L.A. it’ll be quick and easy to visit, especially with my plane.” The Cessna was currently waiting for us in San Francisco, where we’d left it before our vacation.

  “That’s very true.”

  “I can’t stop thinking about finding a cute little house for just the two of us,” he said. “Maybe a vintage bungalow with old Hollywoo
d charm?”

  “I’d love that. Not to get ahead of ourselves, but if and when this other movie comes through, we may be able to afford a down-payment on a place of our own, instead of renting.”

  He said, “That’d be great, but either way is fine with me, as long as we’re together.”

  “I agree. That’s all that matters.”

  Lorenzo smiled at me. “You know, we really should get married, since I plan on being with you forever.”

  I grinned and leaned back to look at him. “Was that your idea of a proposal?”

  “Needs work, huh?”

  “Maybe a little bit.”

  “Okay, how about this?”

  The parakeet flew off as Lorie went down on one knee, and I whispered, “Oh my God.”

  He looked up at me and took my hand. “I absolutely adore you, Will, and there’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

  “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you.” He slipped a silver band onto my finger, and when he stood up, I launched myself into his arms and said, “I adore you, Lorie.”

  “I adore you, too.”

  He picked me up, and I wrapped my arms and legs around him. “That seemed spontaneous, but you must have planned ahead, because you had this beautiful ring.”

  “I asked for your parents’ blessing when we were in Louisiana,” he said, “and your mom gave me the ring. It belonged to her granddad. I didn’t know how or when I was going to ask, but the moment felt right, so I went with it.”

  As we kissed each other, we heard Ren yell, “Did we just see what we think we saw?”

  Everyone was rushing into the courtyard, and Lorie put me down and announced, “We’re getting married!”

  In the next moment, we were inundated with hugs and well-wishes from our friends. Vee pushed through the crowd and crushed me in a bear hug, followed by Beck. Pretty soon, someone busted out the champagne, and as glasses were passed around, I stretched up and whispered in Lorie’s ear, “As fun as all of this is, I can’t wait to get you alone tonight.”