His Leading Lady

by Jean Joachim

  Mark worked hard every day. He showed up early and stayed late. Afterward, he stopped at the corner candy store to pick up a copy of Celebs ’R Us. Each week, he went over every inch of the new issue, looking for Penny’s pictures or mention of them. He let out a breath when he didn’t see her naked body strewn all over its pages.

  The time difference made communication slow, killing spontaneity. Every evening, he looked forward to the “ding” that told him he had a new email. She wrote to him early in the morning, and he received it eight hours the night before.

  Hi, Honey,

  How was your tryout? Any word? Wouldn’t it be great to have Darvin kicked off the team? I know, never happen. Spain is beautiful. Makes me miss you more. I want to share all the beautiful places and food with you, but you’re too far away. I’m working hard. Memorizing my lines, trying to focus, when all I can think about is you. Hope you’re well and working hard.

  Love,

  Penny

  He read and re-read every word a dozen times. Her messages put a smile on his face before he climbed into his empty bed alone.

  ****

  Mark believed Celebs ’R Us was ignoring Darvin’s package of Penny’s pictures. By the second week after Darvin had said he had sent the pictures, with nothing appearing in the magazine, Mark relaxed. But he still bought it, planning to read it while he ate dinner alone, waiting for an email from Penny.

  He picked up a Philly cheese steak sub from the joint down the block and hit the button on the elevator. He’d been working hard and was tired and hungry. He opened his sandwich and spread the newsprint publication out on the table. After popping a beer, he sat down and took a bite as he read.

  The gossip about movie stars seemed endless. The information bored him. Who cares who’s doing what in their private lives? Who cares who wants to have sex with men or women or both? Not me. Then, his eyes stopped at a headline. A chill zinged through his body.

  Guess Who Posed for Nudie Pics?

  We can’t say her name, but she used to be on Las Vegas Beat. Did she get fired for posing nude? Or did she leave to do porno flicks? Wish we could print her hot pics, but alas, we don’t have the rights. This steamy, blonde tootsie looks even better topless.

  Shit! Almost as bad as if the pictures were reprinted. It’s obvious they’re talking about Penny. Fuck! Then, he heard the ding on his computer. Penny. Did she already know, or would he have to tell her? Damn. I wish this would go away. Enough is enough. He read her short message then crafted his reply.

  Hey, Baby,

  Glad you’re doing okay. Any word on when you can come home?

  I miss you like crazy. I’ve been working hard. I’m too tired to go out with Harley, though someone needs to keep him on a leash. Did you see Celebs ’R Us today? No pictures, but there’s a piece about them. Look under “Hot Flashes.” I’m sorry, honey. Hope there’s no fallout from this. Love you and miss you every day.

  Mark

  There was another ding right after he sent his response.

  Shit! I didn’t think he sent them. Damn. This is going to bite me in the ass. You can’t do regular films and be porno, too. Pray it dies down.

  Love you and miss you, too,

  Penny

  Mark got into bed and tried to sleep. He was exhausted, but his mind wouldn’t shut off. In the morning, he had to drag himself out of bed. He wanted to kill Darvin Sweetwater, but took his anger out on the track and the barbells. That scout’s coming. I need to build some muscle.

  Harley cornered him in the parking lot. Mark turned hostile eyes to his friend.

  “Buddy, don’t look at me like that. I didn’t send those pictures.” Harley held up his hands.

  “What do you want? I’m not exactly in the mood to go out drinking tonight.”

  “That’s okay. Just wanted to tell you not to worry. You’ll have your chance. When the scout is here, you’ll be playing, not Sweetwater. So, be prepared.”

  “What makes you so sure?”

  “Trust me. Stop asking questions. The less you know, the better. Go home. Get a good night’s sleep, and get in shape. This is your big chance, buddy. Take it.” Harley clapped him on the back then got in his SUV and drove away.

  Mark watched his car leave the lot and wondered, What the fuck? He’s up to something. Just don’t get arrested, Harley.

  ****

  Penny closed her computer and let the bad news sink in. Crap. Maybe no one will know it’s me. Clinging to that hope, she threw on sweats and made her way to makeup. She swore she was getting funny looks from some of the crew. Don’t be paranoid. They can’t know yet. Maybe online? Celebs ’R Us does have an online subscription. Penny’s stomach knotted. Continue as if no one knows. Assume the best. Move on.

  Penny forced thoughts about the nude pictures out of her mind, focusing on the scene she was shooting. They did thirty takes, and she was exhausted by the end. Plopping down in a director’s chair near the buffet on the craft table, she noticed a few of the men looking at her askance.

  They read the article, and now they’re staring at my chest, imagining God knows what. She squirmed under the leering looks thrown her way. The assistant director approached her.

  “Nice work today, Penny. We’re almost caught up.”

  “Thanks, Alex.”

  “Hey, I read an article about you.”

  “Yeah?” Crap. Here it comes. She fidgeted with a tissue.

  “About some topless pictures?”

  “What about it?” Please don’t make a pass at me, Alex. I like you.

  “Is it true?” He took his glasses off and polished them on his shirtsleeve.

  “Why do you want to know?”

  “Well, just that…uh…that kind of publicity. Well, this is a family picture.”

  “I understand. It’s true. They were taken a long time ago. It was a special situation. I didn’t do it voluntarily, or to vamp my career or anything. I did it under duress.”

  “Oh, okay. I didn’t want to ask, but the producer made me.”

  She rested her hand on his forearm. “It’s all right. I get it.”

  “I’ll tell him it’s a mistake.”

  “Don’t lie for me. Tell him to ask me himself. I’ll tell him the truth. I’m sure this will blow over in a couple of days. Long before this film comes out.”

  “Probably right. Okay. I’ll tell him. Thanks for being honest. Sorry you have to live through this.”

  “Yeah? You and me both.” She smiled. At least he was nice.

  She packed up her stuff and made her way back to the hotel. The next day, she reported to the set early and a member of the crew pulled her aside.

  “Did you really pose nude?”

  “That’s none of your business.”

  “Aw, come on. You can tell me.” He grabbed her arm.

  She jerked away. “Get out of my way, Earl.”

  “We’re friends, right?”

  “I said, none of your business. Now, let me pass.”

  “Okay, okay, don’t get so touchy. Show me. Come on.” He was staring at her breasts.

  Penny lashed out, shoving him in the shoulder. “I said, get outta my way!”

  She caught him off guard, and he went reeling back, into a flat. He bounced off and came at her. Seizing her forearm, he twisted it until she cried out.

  “Don’t ever do that again, you little whore!” She smelled whiskey on his breath.

  “Don’t speak to me like that. You’re drunk! Let go! You’re hurting me.”

  “I’ll do more than that if you open your mouth. Or shove me again. Bet your tits aren’t so great, after all.” He spat on the floor and moved away.

  Penny was shaking. “Wait until I tell Alex.”

  Earl turned on his heel and was pushing his nose into her face within two seconds. “Keep your big yap shut, ya hear? Or, I’ll mess you up. Mess you up good.” He raised a fist, his eyes wild with drink.

  “What’s going on here?” Alex said, strolling ov
er to Penny.

  Earl backed away immediately. Penny’s eyes were wide, and she was trembling.

  “Nothing, nothing. Ms. Thatcher dropped her pen. I was picking it up, is all.”

  “He’s drunk, Alex. And he was threatening me.”

  Alex motioned to the crewmember. “Earl, come here, will you? Let’s talk.” Earl shot her an evil look and walked off in Alex’s custody.

  As soon as Earl was far away, Penny broke down. This wouldn’t happen if you were here, Mark. I need you so much.

  Things on the set died down within a day or two. Penny was happy to become old news. Apparently, the same wasn’t true in Los Angeles. When she had time to check her cell, Penny had ten messages from Keith Peters.

  There was no free time to talk to Keith while she was on the set, so she had to wait until she returned to the hotel room. Her hand shook as the phone dialed his number.

  “Penny? It’s about time! Where have you been?”

  “On the set. I’m doing a movie. Remember?” She didn’t like his tone.

  “Oh, yeah. Right. Have you seen Celebs ’R Us?”

  “I saw it online. I’m in Spain. Don’t think they sell it here.” She stretched out on the bed.

  “So, you saw the bit about you and those damn pictures?”

  “What’s your point?”

  “I’ve been getting calls from porn filmmakers, asking about you.”

  “Oh, God, no!” Her hand covered her mouth.

  “Oh, yeah.”

  “Those were taken five years ago. What are you telling them?”

  “What do you want me to tell them? Are you game for doing porn flicks?”

  “How can you even ask that, Keith? I’m a serious actress. I’d never do porn!”

  “Most serious actresses would never have nude photos taken.”

  “It was under duress. I did it to keep my dad out of jail.” Penny paced.

  “Water under the bridge. No one cares why you did it. You did it. And they’re out there, forever in cyberspace.”

  A wave of nausea hit Penny. “Just tell them ‘no,’ Keith,” she said in a low tone, struggling to keep her composure.

  “Okay. But don’t count on getting too many legit offers, now. I wish you had told me about this before.”

  “What would you have done?”

  “Probably dropped you as a client.”

  Penny’s stomach knotted. “And now?”

  “I’m stuck with you. At least until our contract runs out.”

  “Your loyalty is touching,” she said, tears biting at the back of her eyes.

  “This is business, Penny. Nothing personal. I like you. But it’s about money.”

  “I get it. No more movies for me?”

  “I don’t know. Never like to predict, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Sure as hell not family movies. Let me know if you change your mind about porn flicks.”

  “I won’t.” She closed her cell.

  Tears burst through. Mark, I need you so much. She wanted to curl into his embrace and hear him tell her everything would be all right. She sent him an email, detailing her conversation with her agent. Then, she crawled into bed and turned out the lights.

  The next evening, when she returned to the hotel, dejected and exhausted, she was heartened to find a dozen red roses waiting for her. The card read—

  To the world’s best actress, and the light of my life.

  Love,

  Mark

  The flowers and note decided something she’d been kicking around for weeks. The decision made her smile. Sleep came quickly to a mind at ease.

  Chapter Nine

  One week later. Las Vegas.

  Mark woke up refreshed after going to bed early the night before. Today was the day the scout was coming. Although he often doubted Harley’s good sense, he believed his friend when he assured him that he’d be the quarterback today. He didn’t want to know what the scheme was, he only prayed that it worked.

  He did some calisthenics before his shower. Then, out to breakfast at the place he often went with Penny. Wish she were here. He chowed down a huge meal, heavy on the protein, while he read the morning paper.

  He was confident, if his game went well, he’d stand a good chance of getting an offer. No one had been able to find out which team had sent their agent. Mark didn’t care. He wanted to leave the Gamblers and all the bad karma behind, even if it meant separating from his best friend, Harley Brennan.

  He drove to the stadium, singing along with the radio. He took his time dressing, wondering how Penny was getting along after her conversation with Keith Peters and the announcement in Celebs ’R Us. His heart had ached when he had read her email. He had cursed about not being there for her when she needed him. Frustration had sent his temper through the roof. That’s when he had gotten the idea for the flowers.

  He smiled, remembering her response. She had called him right away. Hearing her voice had warmed him. They talked for half an hour. He grinned at the memory, keeping her close to his heart. But today was all about football.

  The locker room was abuzz with questions and rumors about the scout.

  “I hear he’s from L.A.” the tight end said.

  “Nah, Miami.”

  “You’re both wrong. He’s definitely from Chicago.” Harley had arrived early. He grinned at Mark.

  Darvin strutted in. “This scout rumor is crap. I don’t give a damn. Just signed a new, three-year contract with the Gamblers. You can go fuck your scout.”

  Mark ignored him.

  “Hey, Davis. Looks like you’re not taking over the Gamblers, and since I’m playing today, no chance with the scout either. You’re my bitch, baby.”

  Mark shot an angry look at Sweetwater, but didn’t speak.

  Harley approached Darvin. “Congratulations. Have a Gatorade, on me. Got cherry, your favorite.” He said.

  “No way!” An evil grin stretched Sweetwater’s lips. “You think I trust you not to put something in there so I can’t play? I’m not stupid, Harley, you asshole.”

  Harley looked crestfallen. Mark was disgusted. Is that what he planned to do? How lame.

  “I’ve got my own, right here.” Darvin grabbed his own brand of sports drink.

  “Damn! Guess I can’t fool you, can I?”

  Darvin chugged the entire contents. Mark donned his jersey and picked up his helmet. Sweetwater shot him the finger before he headed to the field. Mark pulled Harley aside. “How idiotic was that? That was your master plan? Drugging Sweetwater? Brilliant, Harley.”

  His sarcasm didn’t miss its mark. The corners of Harley’s mouth turned down in a frown. “You think I’m that dumb?”

  “Looks that way.”

  “Just wait.” A mischievous smirk flashed across Harley’s face.

  The two quarterbacks were called to the center for the coin toss. The Pennsylvania Panthers won and elected to kick off. Mark watched from the sidelines. Suddenly, Darvin Sweetwater bent over, grabbed his guts, and ran off the gridiron. Mark’s head snapped around, and his gaze connected with Harley’s.

  “Laxative in his drink,” he whispered to his friend.

  Mark’s eyes got wide. “You didn’t?”

  “I did. His real drink.” Harley popped open the Gatorade he’d offered to Sweetwater and took a healthy swig. Mark burst out laughing.

  “Davis, you’re up,” the coach called. Mark stood up, and ran onto the field. His pulse kicked up, and adrenalin flowed in his veins. He scanned the line of men who’d be trying to take him down. In the huddle, his center gave him a thumbs up.

  “This is your day, Davis, don’t fuck it up,” his guard said.

  When they broke, Mark glanced at the stands, out of habit more than anything else. His eye was caught by a hand waving wildly. OMG! It’s Penny!

  He stopped for a second, until the center whispered loudly, “Davis, delay of game!” That snapped his attention back to football. Energy flowed through him. He called the signals and took the snap. H
is blockers protected him, giving Mark the time he needed to find his man downfield. Harley was covered, but Hank Cummins, a running back, was clear. Mark fired off a pass, and Hank plucked it out of the air. He made five more yards before being taken down. A first down on the first play. The fans went wild.

  Another huddle and a hand-off to Harley, who made five yards through the middle. Slowly, the team advanced down the field, with Mark calling the shots. Then, it was time for the hot dog play. Hank was covered this time, but Harley was down on the Panther’s ten-yard line. Mark rifled off a long pass right at his buddy, who made the catch easily.

  Two more plays and then Mark got the chance he’d been waiting for. Running backs were covered, wide receivers were covered, tackles and guards were holding the line. Mark found a hole and sneaked through to score the touchdown himself! This was his first time scoring on his own in the pros. He leaped up. A glance at the stands saw Penny out of her seat, cheering and jumping up and down.

  Mark left the field as the defensive team took their places. He snapped off his chin guard, removed his helmet, gulped some water, and grinned.

  “Sweetwater’s got some intestinal thing, Davis. Looks like this is gonna be your game,” the assistant coach said.

  Mark nodded, trying to keep the smile off his face. Harley sat next to him.

  Mark covered his mouth with his hand. “I owe you big time.”

  “Yeah, you do. You can thank me later. But then, you introduced me to your sister. She’s smokin’. Guess this is payback.”

  “Shut up, Harley.” Mark pushed to his feet and moved closer to the line, watching the Panthers run through the Gamblers defense. The Coach was hollering instructions at the team and turning red in the face when the Panthers scored a touchdown. Shit! The ground I gained is lost. Mark turned to glance at Penny, who threw him a kiss. Strength and focus returned as he trotted out on the field to begin another Gambler rally.