by Renee Porter
***
“Everything looks good, B, but you’ll have to wear a retainer for a few days. The jaw is a little misaligned but this will help it back in place.” I felt the doctor place the retainer in my mouth and I immediately ran my tongue over the metal brace.
“Really?” The pronunciation felt strange as my tongue tried to get used to the foreign plastic in my mouth. I heard Dr. Moody chuckle heartily.
“Just for three days. I promise. Then you’ll be good as new.” I sat up as Dr. Moody handed me the retainer case. “You got lucky, it could have been a lot worse.”
I rolled my eyes. What could be worse than having a mouth full of metal again? Instead of voicing my true feelings, I just smiled and thanked him. Standing up, I shook his hand, ready to get out of the office and take out the offending plastic and metal in my mouth. I figured I could wear it just at night.
“Oh and B, that should stay in day and night.” I looked at him quickly, wondering if he could read my mind. He chuckled again, “I’ve been your dentist since you were a toddler. I know what you’re thinking.” He pointed a finger at me and this time I did find my voice.
“Dr. Moody, I’ll be in New York speaking with high level executives. I can’t have this thing in my mouth. I’m afraid they may turn me away with all this drool.” I wiped my mouth as the man’s eyes softened.
“You’ll get used to it. Give it a day or two and I promise you won’t even know it’s there.” I doubted that but nodded a ‘fine’ just the same.
***
“I’m headed to LAX right now,” I slurred into the phone. My mother looked over at me with a teasing gaze and I stuck out my tongue at her. It’s amazing how I was almost thirty but felt like a teenager at that moment.
“Are you drunk?” Maddie asked. She was on a thirty minute break and finally had time for a quick chat. The Los Angeles skyline came into view over the freeway and specks of light from planes peered through the dark sky.
“No. I have to wear a stupid retainer for the next few days since my jaw is slightly misaligned from where I was hit.” I ran my tongue against the plastic on the roof of my mouth.
“That’s not too bad, it could have been a lot worse.”
“Tell that to my mouth.”
“I plan to, in about eight hours.” Her tone deepened and immediately my face warmed. I looked over to my mother whose smile widened.
“Uh, I forgot to tell you’re on speaker…”
“Hi, Maddie.” My mother choked out trying not to laugh.
“Oh, uh, Joanna. Hi.” I could tell that Maddie was now successfully embarrassed and I nudged my mom’s shoulder.
“Hey, we are pulling up to LAX now. I’ll call you when I get to JFK, okay?”
“Okay. Fly safe, see you soon.”
I hung up after saying goodbye and looked over at my mother who broke out into a light laughter which in turn made me laugh as well.
“You sure you’re okay to go alone?” My mother put the car in park at my terminal and I undid the seatbelt, pecking her lightly on the cheek.
“Of course. I’ll be there soon and Maddie’s room is in the same hotel. I’ll be fine.” My mother nodded her head and I thanked her again for driving me. Gathering my suitcases from the trunk, I waved goodbye as I saw her pull out from the drop off zone. With three suitcases in hand and my retainer filling my mouth I made my way into LAX.
***
“What do you mean you can’t find my luggage?” I huffed out at the woman at the counter. She looked at her computer again and then back up to me and then back at the computer.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Montgomery. We’ll do everything we can to locate it. There was probably an error in transfer when you had the layover in Phoenix. Sometimes that happens.”
“No, no, no…” I whimpered. I closed my eyes as I tried to discern what I had in there. Only all my clothes, my makeup, my credit cards. I felt myself go sick at the thought. I rummaged through my small purse and grabbed my wallet. Forty dollars, my license and a stick of gum. Why had I decided to put my credit cards in my luggage? Why couldn’t I have just slowed down and thought about how stupid of an idea that was instead of my thoughts purely on getting to Maddie as quickly as possible?
“Of course, we will call you as soon as we find it and then have it sent to you, free of charge.” I glared at her, trying to remember that it wasn’t her fault. I smiled tightly and nodded my aching head. I was five hours late coming into JFK, my second flight from Phoenix being delayed for hours due to some electrical problem with the plane. I had texted Maddie letting her know I would be late but my phone had died before I received a response. I felt disgusting, I was sure I looked a mess since I had spilled coffee all over myself earlier and I only had forty dollars to my name until I could find a bank. The worst part was I needed to be onset in less than two hours. I looked down at my wrinkled shirt and jeans and grimaced. How was I going to get cleaned up and ready in that amount of time?
After leaving the woman my contact details, I waded through the throngs of people to the front. The studio had told me they would send a town car and when I saw my driver holding a sign with my last name, I smiled. At least one thing had gone right.
“Ms. Montgomery?” The young man asked. I nodded and sighed heavily.
“Yes. Please tell me you know where I can find an open bank and a clothing store?” The man looked at me with a shy smile.
“I’m sorry ma’am. It’s six in the morning. The banks are closed and so are most of the clothing stores but I know of one place that is open right now.” The look on his face made me shiver, but I was out of options.
“As long as it has clothes, I’ll be fine.” He nodded as he looked around me.
“No luggage?” He asked as he ushered me to the town car. Opening my door I shook my head.
“Hence the need for a bank and clothing store.” The light chuckle made me smile despite my bad mood.
“Well, let’s get you to the thrift so we can get you to the studio on time.” I groaned. At least I know I’ll get a bang for my buck.
***
I rubbed my hand over the wool sweater as Gregory, my driver, opened the door. Stepping out into the cool New York breeze I shivered.
“How do I look Gregory?” He smiled a gracious smile and said ‘good’. I knew he was just being polite. The thrift store had nothing that would shout “bestselling author”. Instead I felt like a grandmother with my beige wool sweater, white collared shirt underneath and khaki slacks that were one size too big and three inches too short. I adjusted my glasses and cursed myself that I had left my contact case in my makeup bag. How the heck could I have been so stupid? Matting down my hair that seemed to have decided not to work with me today, I felt like a total frump. I tipped Gregory my last remaining twenty and graciously gave him an autograph. He hadn’t asked but after telling me how much he enjoyed the books I offered and he excitedly accepted. I would still have to get used that.
Security ushered me on the set and took my over to where the director was already shooting. They left me and told me to wait, stating that he would be with me as soon as the scene was shot.
“Action!” I heard him yell. The set was decorated to look like a rundown basement. Water dripping from a condensing pipe that was being gathered by a bucket. Ross Johnson who played Blake was laying on the concrete, shivering in sweat. I knew this scene well. Blake was feverishly ill, afraid that he had gotten the plague and hallucinating about Holly being there with him. As soon as the vision of the scene entered my mind, I watched as ‘Holly’, miraculously clean in the dirty basement, came into view and acted her soothing lines.
Just watching Maddie took my breath away. She was beautiful, stunning and talented. Being in her presence and watching her work was like watching something miraculous happening.
“Cut! Print! Good job everyone. Let’s take ten.” I watched as Maddie helped Ross up and laugh as he groaned from laying on the concrete for so long. I smiled, watching
her smile, and as if she knew that someone was looking, she lifted her head up and caught my eye.
“Ms. Montgomery?” My gaze broke as a deep voice entered my mind. I turned my head and nodded at Bob Stillings. His gaze travelled over me as I tried to explain. “Mix up with the luggage. It was the only thing I could find on such short notice.” I plucked at my sweater, suddenly hot and I felt a bead of sweat roll down my neck. Bob nodded his head and murmured something indiscernible. Clearing his throat he finally smiled.
“Well glad you could make it. If you’ll come with me, I’ll take you around to meet the cast.” I nodded as Bob motioned and introduced me to lighting, grips and photography. A few of the supporting characters shook my hand and looked at me with confusion, wondering if I was truly the girl they had seen on TV. Even I had to admit, if I was them, I wouldn’t recognize me either.
“And this is Ross Johnson and you of course know Madeline.” I shook Ross’s hand and then leaned in and lightly hugged Maddie, not wanting to lead any more attention to us.
“Nice outfit,” Maddie managed to whisper in my ear. I gave her an eye roll to let her know just the day I had and she bit her lip to stifle a laugh.
“Ms. Montgomery I have to say that your books are just…well…they really speak to me you know? The way you wrote the characters and what their feeling,” Ross stopped and put a hand over his heart, “it sometimes leaves me speechless.” I bit my lip as I graciously smiled as Ross’s nervous outburst. I didn’t know why he would be stumbling over his words. He was Ross Johnson for Pete’s sake. He was one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood.
“Thanks, Ross. And please call me B. It’s great to know you’re a fan. I really like the way you portray Blake.” His smile widened like a kid on Christmas morning.
“Do you think…” he looked between Bob and Maddie and then me. “Do you think I could have your autograph?”
My eyes widened as I heard Bob chuckle and Maddie laugh a sigh. “My autograph?”
“Well he’s definitely not asking me for mine,” Maddie included in the conversation. Ross visibly reddened as he elbowed Maddie in the ribs.
“I have a copy of the first book in my trailer. It would really be such an honor…” I put up my hand in an attempt to calm his nerves.
“I would gladly sign your book, Ross. Just find me when you’re free.” I smiled at him and he shook my hand again excitedly. I took a chanced glance up at Maddie whose green eyes sparkled with humor. She knew I wasn’t used to the celebrity of it all and her teasing glare made my tension ease.
I heard Bob clear his throat. “Well, Ms. Montgomery, I was able to set up an appointment with the writing staff which will start in about 10 minutes. I just want your take on a few of the scenes that aren’t transferring well to the screen. Do you think you could lend your thoughts on some of the writing?”
“Sure, Mr. Stillings, I would be happy to.” I turned to Ross making sure to tell him again to find me for the autograph and then turned to Maddie, offering her a ‘what the hell am I doing here’ smile that I’m sure she only caught onto. She waved at me as I followed Bob Stillings out of the studio and into the next building.
“Do you think she’ll really sign my book?” I heard Ross whisper to Maddie who must have slapped his shoulder in play because his squealing and her laughter was the last thing I heard before I stepped out of the studio.
***
“This is Dana Couch. She is the lead screen writer. She’s done all four of the films and will be doing the next one as well, after you write the next book of course.” Bob looked over at me and playfully nudged my shoulder. I shook my head at the jest and reached out to shake the woman’s hand.
“Hi Dana, I’m B Montgomery.” I watched as the brunette eyed me up and down, a tight smile forming on her face. Her handshake was firm and confident and immediately my defenses rose. I could tell that this woman didn’t like me invading her territory.
“I’ll have Dana introduce you to the rest of the junior writing staff. For now though, I have to get back and make a movie.” I turned to Bob nodding and shook his hand in leave. He bid his farewell and left me with a room full of people who looked friendly enough, minus the dark haired woman in front of me.
Dana pointed out her staff. There was Kathleen, the new intern. Kyle who worked on all four films with Dana and Bruce who had transferred to their production from Warner Brothers this year.
I sat as a thick tension invaded our space. I waited for someone to say something but when I realized that the only thing that Dana would do was stare me down, I opened my mouth to say something. Right when I was going to ask about the scenes, Dana cleared her throat, successfully stifling any thought I was about to say. “Now to be honest, Ms. Montgomery, I don’t agree with Bob bringing you in. We’ve managed to handle things just fine without you.”
I heard Kathleen clear her throat. The poor girl looked like someone just stole her favorite Malibu Barbie. “It’s understandable that you feel that way, Ms. Couch.” I shifted in my seat and winced as my pants rode up my ankles uncovering my white ankle socks. Thank goodness that they were hidden underneath the table. “And please call me, B.” I extended an olive branch, hoping that the woman would take it. I knew that she was feeling defensive and it was totally understandable. I was sure she had worked hard on the adaptation from the book and to have her hard work criticized probably made her feel like all that hard work was for nothing.
“So then I hope you’ll agree with me that this meeting is really just for show. I don’t think we need your opinions and I’m sure your time is too valuable to be sitting here and rewriting scenes for a story you’ve already finished.” She widened her smile but it was forced. I shivered at the way her cool blue eyes bore into my own. She was establishing her dominance and she definitely didn’t accept my olive branch. And even though I understood her reasoning behind why she was so crass, I didn’t have to like it.
“Oh, well, I don’t know about that Ms. Couch. Bob called me specifically to go over some of these scenes that just aren’t quite working. I’m sure it’s not a testament to your writing, but you may find it beneficial having the person who wrote this story to help you understand what the characters were thinking to help make the scene work. Don’t you think?”
“Do you have any screen writing experience?” I opened my mouth to respond but she held up her hand to stop me. “I didn’t think so. I don’t think you would grasp just how delicate this type of writing is, Ms. Montgomery.”
I looked at her as if she had just spontaneously grown another head. Were people honestly like this in the real world? Where they undermine people that they just meet?
I cleared my throat and straightened my back. “You’re right, I don’t have any experience with screenplay writing.” She smiled smugly but I wasn’t done yet. “But I did manage to write four bestselling novels. And those novels, might I add, allowed you to make a mark in this industry. So Miss Couch, in the most honest and humble way possible, I want to make sure that my book is rightfully adapted to the screen so the audience feels a sense of closure. Now, if you don’t mind, let’s start going through some of these scenes so we can all get out of here at a decent hour.”
The room was silent sans the heavy breathing coming from the bull in front of me. I caught Kathleen in my peripheral vision, her smile wide. I was also pretty sure I saw Kyle give Bruce a low five under the large oval table.
Blue eyes were cold as steel as Dana hastily grabbed the screenplay from her briefcase and opened it up to the first scene.
Check and mate.
***
After successfully going over the scenes that Bob had wanted Dana to rewrite, I managed to make my way over to Maddie’s trailer. The sun was directly overhead and the humid, and the wet heat was surely making my hair do things that would turn even Medusa to stone. I had briefly asked Kathleen where I could find Maddie while making sure that a certain brunette with a cold blue death glare was out of ear sho
t. Her directions were easy enough and a knot formed in my stomach as the trailers came into view. I would be lying to myself if I thought that being with Maddie as something more than friends would finally allow the anxiousness of seeing her to wean. In all honesty, it only made that knot in my stomach tighten, and as her trailer finally came into view, the knot had transformed into a brick.
The lot was empty except for a custodial worker sweeping dust in the distance. Quietly as I could, I walked up to the trailer, watching in complete silence as a stunning blonde sat on her trailer steps, her head turned toward the blistering sun. She looked beautiful, remarkable, and edible and a part of me went to the time when I first saw her on that porch step. The awkward girl I once knew myself as never knew she was about to meet the woman that would literally take her breath away and nearly a decade later.
“You’re staring…” Maddie said. I felt a smile widen on my face as those green eyes finally met mine. Maddie tilted her head to her side and gave me her own slow smile. “How did it go?” She asked. She stood and leaned against the metal railing. I took a deep breath as my body immediately reacted to the way she held her body. She was my girlfriend. She was with me. This beautiful human being wanted to be with me?
“It went well,” I replied. I watched as her eyes traveled the length of me, and when I had felt self-conscious before, her gaze held no judgement at all.
“Want a tour?” She motioned toward the trailer and I nodded, swallowing heavily against a lump in my throat. She walked up the stairs and I forced myself to follow. Her trailer was fairly large and packed with a kitchen, small seating area and bathroom. The vanity directly across from the small bed held trinkets and frames and I smiled when I caught a picture of her and Ross, smiling into the camera.
