Starstruck In Seattle

by Juliet Madison

  “Cut!” Jake called. “Awesome work Karl. Let’s take ten.” He took off his headset and expelled a big breath.

  “There’s no denying it, he didn’t get cast in the lead role for nothing.” Anna woke from her trance and turned. Charlie had appeared by her side, holding a coffee. “You’re not still holding out for him to change though, are you?”

  ”What?”

  “Because he’s not going to. I know his type.”

  Anna crossed her arms. “How do you know? He’s still young, and it’s hard for him being in the public eye. He might just need to time to work out what he wants.” At least, that’s what she’d been trying to convince herself of.

  “Anna, don’t defend him.” Charlie raised his voice, which was more serious than she’d ever heard before. “He openly dates multiple women. Unless you’re happy with that, you need to move on. You deserve someone who’s going to shower you with undivided attention and love. Someone who respects and adores you.” His eyes stared unblinkingly into hers.

  “That’s all well and good, but every decent guy seems to be taken, gay, allergic to monogamy, or. . .or. . .moving away.” She turned her gaze to the floor.

  Charlie sucked in a sharp breath. “If I was forced to choose one way or the other, I’d stay, Anna.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’d choose you.”

  He would? Anna’s heart somersaulted. She slowly raised her gaze to meet his, but by the time she did he’d turned away, tossing his empty cup into the trash and disappearing around the corner. Before she could process his words and the gymnastics tournament going on inside, a familiar spicy scent wafted nearby.

  “Hey there, stranger.” Karl offered a small smile. “Do you have a minute?”

  Considering she’d been waiting most of the day for a scene where she was needed, she said, “Do I look busy?” It came out a little more curtly than planned, and at Karl’s stiffened expression she added, “Sorry, I’ve got a lot on my mind. I watched your scene just then, it was great.”

  “Thanks, Anna,” he replied. “Listen. . . I’ve had a lot on my mind as well, what with the show ending and everything.” He clicked his fingers. “Oh, you heard I got that role in Family Laws, didn’t you?”

  She nodded. Of course, he gets everything he wants. “Congrats.” She forced a smile.

  “Anyway, I was wondering if you could meet me tomorrow morning for coffee?”

  What nerve! “Karl, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “But I really need to talk to you. And here’s not the right time or place,” he urged. “It’s not a date, I just want to talk, that’s all. Then if you never want to see me again that’s fine. What do you say?”

  She narrowed her eyes, trying to determine the nature of his motives, then sighed. “Alright. Just coffee.” Or in her case, hot chocolate.

  He clapped his hands together. “Great! Ten a.m. at Mirus café. Do you know it? It has live music on Saturdays.”

  “Um. . .the one up from Louis Vuitton, on University?”

  He nodded. She’d never been there, it looked too expensive. Not that price stopped her from checking out Mr. Vuitton’s handbag range occasionally.

  “Ten a.m.,” she confirmed, and walked off toward the bathroom to try to compose her constantly un-composed self. She passed the coffee woman nibbling on her sparkly pink fingernails as though worried or confused.

  Join the club, lady.

  11

  Anna pushed open the door of Mirus café the next morning, greeted by Karl’s dashing grin at the far table.

  “Hi.” He pulled out the chair for her and she sat, a steaming mug of froth tempting her on the table. “I took the liberty of ordering a soy hot chocolate. I know you like them.”

  “Oh, thanks.” She scooped up the froth with a spoon and slid it into her mouth. She glanced around the cafe – it was small, but packed. There was another familiar face. Anna smiled toward the woman with sparkly eyes and long curly hair seated near the musician performing an acoustic number in the corner, tattoos covering most of his body like third-degree-burns. The woman smiled back, took a bite from her choc chip muffin, then rubbed her earlobe. That and the fingernail nibbling must be her version of the nervous-shoulder-strap-hitching. Maybe she was anxiously waiting a date? Maybe – no! Could she be waiting for. . .Charlie?

  “So, have you lined up any work yet?” Karl asked, lifting his coffee mug to his lips.

  “Not yet, I’m considering my options.” Anna returned her focus to Karl and sipped from her mug too. Wow, this was the best hot chocolate she’d tasted. She sensed a hint of cinnamon and a splash of vanilla, and it was deliciously smooth and creamy. Maybe she’d come here next time instead of Starbucks.

  Karl leaned forward. “I’d like to ask you something.”

  Anna’s phone rang. “Oh, sorry. I’ll turn it off.” She dug in her bag and retrieved the phone, but her finger hovered over the ‘decline’ button when she saw it was Jean calling. Her agent never called on weekends, it could be important. But she might simply be returning her call from yesterday, rather than waiting till Monday. Still, it would be rude to answer. She pressed ‘decline’ and turned the ringer volume to low. “Now, what did you want to ask me?”

  “There’re a few roles available on Family Laws if you’re interested. I could put in a good word for you.”

  Anna gulped down the hot chocolate she’d just sipped. A potential role on Family Laws, here in Seattle? Wow, this could be good. Though she’d have to work with Karl again, which had its pros and cons of course. “Really?”

  “Yeah, they’ll need some extras – secretaries, paralegals, for example.”

  “Oh.” A bowling-ball heaviness weighted down Anna’s stomach.

  Extras.

  Not actresses.

  She’d assumed he’d meant bigger roles.

  “I’m reading the script. Great writing, awesome plot. You’ll love it!”

  It would be great to have work again so soon rather than risking her financial situation by holding out for something bigger, but for once she just wanted to have more than two lines to say; to utilize the acting skills she’d learned on New Lives and get to feel that rush that Karl talked about. And maybe even be the one people stopped in the street for an autograph. Was that too much to ask? She was only young, but getting older in the eyes of the acting business, and if she wanted to aspire to new heights she’d have to start sooner rather than later.

  “Thanks Karl, I’ll mention it to my agent and see what other options she’s found.”

  “Okay, but I hope you’ll carefully consider it. I’d miss not having you around on set.” He smiled, and for a moment Anna forgot about the make-up artist rubbing his arm, and his confession about dating other women. She was all consumed by his good looks, charm, and the memory of his kiss.

  “There’s something else I wanted to talk about,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I upset you. I really like you, Anna. And I want to try to make a go of things with you – and only you.”

  Anna’s heart lurched forwards. Was he really saying these words? These words she’d longed to hear?

  “I know it’s not something I’m experienced with, but I’m hoping you’ll give me a chance. Life hasn’t been as fun lately without you and I miss spending time together.” He took her hand and rubbed his thumb along her knuckles. She wanted to be strong and withdraw from his grasp, but she couldn’t. His hypnotic touch glued her to the spot, his mesmerizing eyes pinned her down, and his sexy, whispering voice compelled her to succumb.

  Anna glanced around the cafe, wondering if any reporters were here with their cameras at the ready behind their newspapers, hoping for a saleable scoop on Karl Drake’s love life. She also wondered if the coffee woman had some sort of fungal ear infection with the frantic rubbing going on. Then she wondered what to do. She’d longed to be with Karl, but more than this she longed to be someone’s leading lady, not someone’s extra. Would he really be able to grant her that role?

>   What if he can’t live up to his promise?

  The words Charlie had spoken suddenly popped into her mind.

  “If I was forced to choose one way or the other, I’d stay, Anna. I’d choose you.”

  Would Karl stay, even if his job required him to move away? Would he stay for her, choose her?

  More importantly, who would she stay for? Who would she choose?

  Your soulmate will bring the best out in you.

  True love will make you feel like the best version of yourself is shining bright.

  Karl. He’d made her feel like a princess when they were together. Special. Important.

  Charlie. He made her feel like. . .herself. The best version of herself.

  Oh my God.

  As a glorious sunrise of realization dawned inside, the musician’s sweet voice permeated the air with his next song. The same song she’d woken up singing. The same song Charlie had been singing, and the same song they’d danced to that night in the park.

  Anna laughed and Karl offered a curious glance.

  This was no coincidence.

  This was sweet, serendipitous certainty.

  Fate was giving her a big fat shove in the right direction. She’d been blinded by lust, star struck by success, when the right man was already in her life.

  “Anna? Are you okay?”

  “I’m sorry, Karl. I’ve just realized something.” She picked up her handbag from under the table. “Thanks for the drink.” She slid a few coins across the table toward him. He pushed them back but she slid them toward him again. “I really appreciate your offer, both your offers, but I don’t think we’re right for each other. And I’m not going to stay in Seattle after all.”

  “You don’t? You’re not? Why?” Karl looked genuinely disappointed and equally dumbfounded.

  “It’s time for me to go after what I want.” She smiled and turned toward the door. Coffee Woman had finished her ear-rubbing and sat grinning behind her mug. Anna waved, but paused as she went to pull open the door.

  Your psychic was right. Your soulmate’s name does begin with the letter K.

  She turned back briefly at Karl, frozen in the expression she’d left him in, then looked out onto the street and thought of Charlie; his glowing smile and infectious laugh, his puppy-dog eyes, his warm chocolaty skin, even his chicken dancing. She took a deep breath and yanked the door open.

  Stuff the psychic, I’m following my heart!

  Anna squared her shoulders, raised her chin, and stepped out onto the pavement. A cute white puppy sat obediently nearby, tied to a pole. It seemed to be smiling at her. Anna gave it a ruffled pat on the head, then plucked her phone from her bag and typed a text message to Charlie:

  Are you free today? Can we meet in Westlake Park near the fountain?

  His reply came right away:

  I’m already there! See you soon :)

  Already there? Fate sure was moving quickly!

  “Excuse me, aren’t you that nurse on New Lives?” A young woman peered at Anna’s face as she looked up from her phone.

  “Yes, I am.” She smiled subtly, while inside she glowed. The woman held out a pen and paper and Anna signed her autograph. Luckily she’d been practicing it since she was a teenager.

  “I can’t wait for the series final. Any hints about what’s going to happen?”

  Anna chuckled. “I can’t say much, but it’ll be worth the wait.”

  “Thanks, it was so nice to meet you,” the woman replied. And before she walked away, Anna touched her arm.

  “If you wait here a little longer, you might just catch one of the lead cast members.” Anna pointed through the glass door to where Karl sat.

  “Ohmigod! Karl Drake? Oh, thank you so much!!” The young woman jumped up and down.

  Anna waved goodbye to her and walked past Louis Vuitton, then turned the corner into 4th Avenue. She selected Jean from her phone contacts and after two rings her agent answered.

  “Anna, I’m so glad you returned my call. Do I have an offer for you!”

  * * *

  Lulu tucked into the remaining muffin crumbs and wiped her hands and mouth on a napkin. She paid her bill (angel-tax deductible of course), and as she passed the musician in the corner she tucked a one hundred dollar bill into his shirt pocket. “Thanks, darlin’,” she said with a wink.

  “Spark! My good little boy,” Lulu said after exiting the cafe. She bent down, ruffling the dog’s fluffy fur as he panted happily. “Our work here is done.” She untied his leash and picked him up for a cuddle. “And that intervention didn’t even require any special abilities. Amazing what a hundred bucks can do in this city.” Spark licked Lulu’s face with gusto and she leaned back in laughter. “C’mon, little guy, time to walk home.” She plonked him gently on the ground and hooked her hand through the leash. “Oh, wait. One more thing.” Lulu checked no one was watching and discreetly twirled her fingers toward the gray clouds, gathering the trickling drops of moisture into a ball, then blew air across her hand in its direction. “There, that should reach them at just the right time.”

  She nodded her satisfaction and took her aPhone (angel phone – yes, angels have technology too, you know) out of her bag and opened a new email message to New Angel HQ.

  Ooh, I’ve been looking forward to doing this!

  With a smile on her face, she typed:

  Mission Accomplished.

  * * *

  Beaming, Anna entered the park, walking as quickly as possible toward the fountain. The same fountain she’d cried near, when hope seemed lost.

  But now she’d found it.

  Found him.

  And she giggled at the sight of him chasing stray pages of his newspaper as the wind flapped them around the park. “Need a hand there?”

  “Oh, hi.” He looked up, then grasped the remaining two pages as they settled near an oversized pot. “The weirdest thing, I bought the Saturday paper and was walking home, when the wind picked up and blew half the pages into the park. I was chasing them when I got your text.” He folded the paper one extra time and tucked it under his arm. “So, what brings you here today?”

  Anna looked up at the gray clouds and released a breath. “I wanted to apologize for messing you around lately. I’ve been such a star struck fool.” She shook her head.

  “Hey, it’s okay. And Karl’s been the fool, not you.”

  She smiled. “I also wanted to ask if you’d like some company on your move to L.A.? I’ll need a flight buddy to help calm my nerves on the plane. Unless you want to catch a bus, but you know I hate sitting still for hours just as much as I hate flying.”

  Charlie’s eyes opened wide.

  “I’m moving to L.A. too!” She stretched an excited smile across her face and grasped his hands.

  “When did you decide this?” Charlie’s pleasure at hearing this news was obvious in his voice.

  “This morning. Quite suddenly actually, and I spoke to my agent and what she said only confirmed I’d made the right choice.”

  “What did she say?” Charlie urged.

  “She got me an audition for a leading role in a romantic comedy film! They were looking for someone of my. . .fair complexion, and wanted a new face. Someone with a little experience but who isn’t that well known. Looks like the gaps in my CV are going to be an advantage for this one!”

  “Oh, Anna, I’m so happy for you!” Charlie wrapped her in a warm hug. “Mwah!” His lips planted their congratulations on her cheek.

  “It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a chance. And if I don’t get the lead they might have another role for me.” Anna shrugged. “Either way, it’s time for a change of scenery, as you said. Time to take a risk.”

  “You’re going to blitz this audition, I know it.” He returned his newspaper to under his arm. “Have you told Rachel yet?”

  “No, I only just decided! But I will. I’m not going to let my problems with my sister affect my life anymore. It’s time to move forward. I can be as good an act
ress as her, I just need a challenge to bring out my best.” She gave a single, confident nod.

  “Well, if you need someone to practice your lines with, let me know,” Charlie said.

  Anna nodded, as a few drops of water cooled her scalp. The drops multiplied and Charlie fiddled with his newspaper. “What are you doing?”

  He ignored her question, simply folded sheets of newspaper into a triangular arrangement.

  “What’s that, a boat?” She giggled. “Somehow I don’t think that’s going to be big enough for the two of us.”

  “It’s not a boat,” he chuckled, placing the arrangement on her head. “It’s a hat.”

  She touched the ‘hat’ gently and they walked away from the unexpected downpour toward the cover of a store overhang. The hat flopped and tilted sideways. “It’s getting soggy.”

  “Here.” He took it off her head and put it on his. “Does it suit me?” The hat stayed upright for only a second before collapsing into a soggy heap.

  Anna laughed and plucked it from his head. “I’ve always loved your playful nature, you know.”

  “Aw, shucks.” He feigned embarrassment. “Yeah, everyone these days is searching for their inner child. Mine never left.” He grinned. “Gave my mother grief growing up; always getting up to mischief.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “She used to call me ‘Cheeky Charlie’. That’s how I got my name; she said my middle name was better suited to me.”

  “Wait. Charlie’s not your first name?”

  “No, but the name stuck so I’ve always used it. Haven’t I ever told you this?”

  A lump formed in Anna’s throat and she gulped it down. “So, what’s your legal name?” Her heart pounded in anticipation.

  “Kane,” he replied. “Kane Charlie Saunders.”

  Anna’s heart beat faster and an unstoppable smile arched into her cheeks. So the psychic and Lulu had been right after all. If she hadn’t stayed open to all possibilities she might never have discovered this.

  “Does my name please you that much?” Charlie asked, clearly amused by her goofy grin.