Room 702

by Benjamin, Ann

  “But that’s it – that’s as far as it ever goes.”

  “Where do you want it to go?”

  “I don’t know. Are you happy? What are your goals? What do you want to do after you retire from playing?”

  “And did you tell them this?”

  “I tried to. Actually putting the words together was more difficult than I thought it would be.”

  “Do you think they understood what you were asking?”

  “No.”

  “How did Dani help?”

  “She stood by me and tried to give examples. We didn’t want to bring her parents into it.”

  “Good – I don’t think a comparison to your in-laws would’ve helped make any progress. Now, when confronted, did they recognize there were issues?”

  “I think so – I mean, it’s not like I surprised them. This behavior has been going on for years.”

  “As a percentage, how much would you say you got through to them?”

  Oscar taps his long fingers on his knee and answers, “Not as much as I would like.”

  “But it was a start.”

  “Yes.”

  “And maybe now they see you as more of an adult, or more than just a basketball player?”

  “I certainly hope so.”

  “What would it take for you to feel you had resolved things with them?”

  “I’m not sure exactly. Look, I know it’s difficult for people to change – and they’ve been the same way for years.”

  “Could you ever accept them the way they are?”

  Oscar takes a moment to consider the question and answers, “No.”

  “Why not?”

  “One day, they will be grandparents. I want them to have a relationship with my kids.”

  “That’s a topic we haven’t got into just yet.”

  “What?”

  “Children.”

  “Oh. Yeah.”

  “What does that response mean?”

  “Dani wants them now,” Oscar mumbles.

  “And you don’t?”

  “We’re still young!”

  “Of course you are.”

  “Is there something you need to prove or do before you would feel ready?”

  “I’m not sure – I just know that now is not the time.”

  “Okay – off the table is fine, but maybe that’s a good ‘real’ conversation to have with your own parents.”

  “How do you mean?”

  “Ask them about when you and when your siblings were born. Maybe you could get a real dialogue going.”

  “You think?”

  “You won’t know until you try.”

  “I hate it when you make sense, Doc.”

  “That’s what you pay me for, right?” Nancy asks with a smile.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  April 1, 10:30 A.M.

  Desiree Guthrie sighs to herself as the door to the suite closes. She’s catching a few moments of peace before the preparation for her first major press junket begins downstairs. It’s not that she’s not grateful, it’s just that when she studied acting, she hadn’t realized all of the endless promotion that went into the process. This is her second studio film. To date, she’s been involved mostly in independent films and stage work prior to her ‘big break’ on a short-lived sitcom last fall television season.

  “First world problems,” she mutters to the empty room.

  As predicted, the desk is overflowing with a selection of fruits and other snacks. A giant bouquet of Stargazer lilies (her favorite) sit in a beautiful vase next to the treats.

  A knock on the door alerts her to the hair and make up team, undoubtedly sent by the studio.

  Pasting a radiant smile on her face, she opens the door with her trademark greeting, “Hi y’all!”

  “Hey gorgeous!”

  In recognition, they air kiss and Desiree is delighted to see Francisco, a man who actually understands hair. Although Desiree has long worn a weave, she feels confident with the effeminate man in front of her. Feeling better now she knows she’ll be in professional hands, the actress wheels out the chair from behind the desk and, sitting down says, “Do your best.”

  Francisco swings her into the bathroom, and meeting her eyes in the mirror, asks, “What are you thinking about today?”

  “They want me in some sort of Lily Pulitzer dress. Very fitting with my character, of course.”

  As Francisco starts his work, he asks, “How was filming? I don’t think I’ve seen you since the Emmy’s a few years ago.”

  Desiree appreciates his memory, and feels special that he remembers their connection as well. As opposed to many in the industry, Francisco came across as very genuine.

  “Filming was fine,” she answers, unsure if she should dish about sleeping with the supporting male lead, Charlie Baker. As they were both unattached, it made the hours on set go a little quicker and kept life interesting. They were both smart enough to keep the affair quiet and had ended things close to the last day of principal photography. Desiree had felt the relationship had the potential for something more to develop, but in their ADR sessions her cast mate hadn’t made a move to see her again.

  “Just ‘fine?’ Girl, you got some sort of paycheck for this, didn’t you?”

  “I did.”

  “Glad the studio finally wised up.”

  “Let’s hope I give them the return on investment they’re looking for.”

  April Fools, a perfectly formulaic romantic comedy, is set to open on this day around the country. Desiree is not nervous – after all, she has done her part to the best of her ability and was now taking an active part in the publicity that surrounded the event. She has already completed the mandatory daytime talk show circuit as well as many of the late night shows. She has pasted a smile on her face and has been equal parts fun and cute and pretty. Part of the circus she does genuinely enjoy, but at some point she looks forward to having her life back.

  “So, what is today about?”

  Desiree rolls her eyes and says, “Some PR executive’s brilliant publicity stunt to tie in the day and opening of the film into a boozy lunch for journalists. Very original.”

  “Will he be here?”

  ‘He’ was none other than Blade Mathers, an up and coming young actor who had got his start in reality television on the hit show, Take One! Mulholland High! After the third season the show ended, the crowd favorite and perennial bad boy had booked an agent and for the past two years had been slowly spinning his five seconds of fame into five minutes. When the studio had chosen him as the lead role of April Fool’s, Desiree, already attached to the film, had cringed – Blade couldn’t act his way out of a paper bag. She had dealt with his antics from the beginning and tried her best to remain professional.

  “Probably.” Desiree doesn’t want to start rumors, but she also can’t get excited about spending more time with the immature brat.

  “Why? Honey, those abs are fantastic! That shot from the trailer is to die for!”

  Desiree sighs and remembers filming that day – it was the first time she and Charlie slept together. While she can’t discredit the studio from generating a great trailer, it seems the universe wants to remind her of the relationship. Pulling her out of her reverie, a knock on the door alerts them to the make up team, along with the studio PR representative and Desiree’s agent, a bottle blonde name Nikki. The agent looks discerningly over the space and judges the suite to be of the calibre she would expect for her client. Most of the time Desiree appreciates Nikki’s effort, but doesn’t understand why such a big fuss needs to be made on certain occasions.

  Scanning her ever present Blackberry, hands busy typing, and not looking up, Nikki asks, “When was the last time you tweeted?”

  Desiree, who actually became an actor for other reasons than constant attention, has issues with inviting the public incessantly into her private life. The actress has no desire to become a Kardashia
n, or provide a constant over share into her personal details. Maybe it was time to think about switching up the management of her career. Gritting her veneers, Desiree answers lightly, “I was just about to send one out about the press conference.”

  “Good. Please see that you do,” Nikki answers, then immediately presses the Bluetooth device in her ear and barks aggressively at her assistant about rolling a call.

  While people buzz around her, Desiree’s iPhone vibrates with a new next message.

  >> Which room do they have you in?

  It’s Charlie. Desiree allows herself the smallest of smiles.

  >> 702. Where are you?

  >> Just down the hall.

  >> Did you get the lilies?

  Upon entering the suite, Desiree assumed the bouquet was from the hotel and didn’t think to check to see if they were actually from someone. Politely excusing herself from the chair, she walks over to the desk and looks at the arrangement, their fragrant perfume reaching her senses. Sure enough, tucked in the center is a card. Pulling out the card she looks and reads the message, ‘Come away with me?’

  She puts the card to her lips, because the message has a few meanings. First and most important, he’s actually written the note himself. She would recognize the terrible handwriting anywhere. Secondly, for whatever reason, while filming, her iPod seemed to have a proclivity for playing Norah Jones, a detail she remembered, but didn’t think he would. And finally, because ‘away’ was a specific place. Having been so entirely focused on making it, Desiree has not seen a lot of the world. Moving to California from Florida straight after graduating high school, Desiree hadn’t seen much of the country, let alone the world. Growing up, Desiree’s idea of a holiday was Disneyworld or one of the sunshine state’s many beaches. She hadn’t left the state until departing for Los Angeles. When other actors chatted about all the fabulous places they had been, she had always kept quiet. In some of her conversations with Charlie she had come clean about her desire to travel and see the world.

  Opposite to her upbringing, Charlie Baker came from a privileged background and visited numerous places. He’d been to six out of seven continents (Antarctica is still high on the list) and had friends spread all over the world. What she liked best about him was that although he was well travelled, he never made her feel inadequate that she hadn’t. In fact, once or twice he had mentioned something along the lines of ‘I can’t wait to take you there.’ She’d been in town long enough not to put a lot of belief in his statements, but being near him again, well… she wonders.

  Walking back to sit down, she pulls out her phone and texts:

  >> Where are we going? :)

  >> Where do you want to go?

  “What are you smiling for, honey?” Francisco asks, noticing her change in personality.

  “Nothing.”

  “Who’s that smile for?”

  “No one.”

  He fusses with her hair and says, “Fine, be that way. At least tell me what y’all are talking about?”

  She nods to the arrangement and answers, “He sent the flowers.”

  “A man of taste, obviously. Actually…” Francisco taps a manicured finger on his mouth and says, “Darling, do you want to go for something a bit more dramatic?”

  “How do you mean?”

  “Let’s use one of Mr. Mysterious’ flowers in your hair!”

  “That’s a fantastic idea!”

  While Francisco goes in search of the perfect flower, Desiree composes a response on her phone.

  >> Anywhere I can use my passport.

  >>What are your plans this week?

  Desiree, still unsure if Charlie is being serious or not, thinks a minute and then sends a relatively non-committal text:

  >> Nothing I can’t get out of.

  >> Good to know.

  >> Why?

  >> That’s for me to know and you to find out.

  Desiree’s mind reels with possibilities and suddenly the press junket seems a distant event.

  >> Can you give me a hint?

  >> I could, but I won’t.

  “Here we are!” Francisco comes forward with a flower and carefully pins it behind her ear.

  Finally complete, Desiree, already a beautiful young woman, looks like a more perfect version of herself. Her shoulder length hair has been curled and styled, her make up is camera ready.

  There is a knock on the door and a frazzled looking PA with two walkie talkies and a Blackberry asks, “Is she ready?”

  “Sure thing!” Desiree jumps up, excited to be reunited with Charlie.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  April 2, 12:03 A.M.

  A slightly inebriated Desiree comes through the door, thoroughly delighted with life and trailing one Charlie Baker behind her.

  “My room is bigger,” he says.

  “Of course it is,” she giggles as she raises her eyebrows suggestively in his direction as she crashes on the couch.

  “No, seriously,” Charlie says, sitting down next to her.

  “And just how did you manage that?”

  “Ken Petersen.”

  “Really?” Desiree questions. “I forgot he reps you.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  “No – I mean, good for you, I’ve only heard great things about him.”

  “Once I started getting roles, I did my research. He might not have all A list clients, but he is there for me,” Charlie says. “I wanted someone that would help my career and be reliable. And your agent?”

  “Nikki tries hard, but she doesn’t get me or what I want to do with my career. I mean I’m glad to get a big studio thing, but I’d like to test my chops now and then, y’know?”

  “Do you want an introduction with Ken?”

  “That would be fantastic.” Trailing her hand on his arm, Desiree says, “So? Were you looking to share a cup of coffee with me, or did you just want to get laid?”

  “A little of both, maybe…”

  Desiree looks at his handsome face and is glad things might be rekindled with the actor. In all honesty, she hasn’t had sex since they wrapped a few months ago. She finds most guys and other actors in Los Angeles require too much of an effort. Now that she’s borderline B-list, she can’t tell if potential dates genuinely like her or are just trying to use her to forward their career. Enjoying Charlie’s company and not ready just yet to go to the bedroom, Desiree changes the topic slightly and asks, “How about Blade today? Can you believe him?”

  “Aww, give the kid a break.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I know you don’t like him that much, but he’s going through some stuff.”

  “What kind of stuff?” Desiree asks. “I don’t know what gets him off the hook for his behavior. He’s not on drugs, is he? He wasn’t when we were filming.”

  “I think he’s still kind of hung up on his first love.”

  “Chloe Winterhaven?!”

  Charlie smiles and says, “You watch that show?”

  “Maybe sometimes,” Desiree admits. “Anyway, getting hung up on love doesn’t give him the right to act like a complete dick in front of the press.”

  “Don’t stress – I’m sure we’ll get some media coverage out of your little spat today.”

  “Want a drink?” she asks, on her way to the mini-bar, while snagging some of the chocolate chip cookies from the tray of goodies which had mysteriously appeared in the room during their absence.

  “Just water – I don’t want to be dehydrated tomorrow.”

  “Really? Why’s that? Off to Joshua Tree again?” Desiree keeps the disappointment out of her voice. Somewhere along the way she thought tonight might stretch into spending time together tomorrow.

  “Nope. Didn’t you get my text earlier?”

  Suddenly hopeful, Desiree squints at him and handing a bottle of water over, slides next to him on the couch and asks, “Which one?”

  “I asked if you
were free.”

  “You did.”

  “And you said you were…”

  “Charlie, ?”

  “Yes?”

  “Where exactly are you going with this?”

  “Did you know Emirates airlines flies direct to Dubai from LAX?”

  “I did not know that,” Desiree answers. “In fact, until you just told me, I had no idea there was an airline called Emirates.”

  “Did you know that the weather is supposed to be lovely there this time of year?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Charlie takes a big drink and sends a grin in her direction. Desiree hits him with a nearby pillow and says, “You didn’t.”

  “I most certainly did. I had to call and get your passport details from your agent, but I didn’t think you’d mind.”

  “So, you mean, Dubai – tomorrow? As in we’ll be on a plane?”

  “Up in the front – my treat.”

  Desiree looked down and admits, “I have something entirely embarrassing to admit.”

  “What’s that?”

  “I don’t even know where Dubai is! I know it’s fancy and Tom Cruise went there in Mission Impossible 4, but that’s all I know!”

  “That’s nothing to be embarrassed by.”

  His comment reminds Desiree forgot how much she missed his spontaneity and generosity. On the last day of principal photography, he had taken everyone out for a memorable night out at a nearby bar – picking up the tab for nearly fifty people. A gesture like this was perfectly in line with who he is.

  She pauses a moment and Charlie asks, “Please say yes?”

  Leaning over to hold his chin in her hand, she draws him in for a deep kiss. Breaking the embrace, she says, “Does that answer your question?”