Lovestruck in Los Angeles

by Schurig, Rachel

  “Thomas!” Jonathan replied warmly, shaking his hand with enthusiasm. “How wonderful to see you. I’m hearing good things, my man, very good things.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Thomas said, grinning. He pulled me forward a little. “Gentlemen, this is my lovely girlfriend, Lizzie. Lizzie, this is Jonathon Ginelli, the producer of our little film. And these are his associates, Peter, Ken, and Henry.”

  Jonathon stepped toward me, taking both of my hands in his and leaning down to kiss my cheek. “Lizzie, I’ve heard a lot about you. It’s wonderful to meet you.”

  “Thank you.” I did my best not to mumble or blush, though his greeting had been a bit overwhelming. Maybe it was a Hollywood thing. The other men in the group raised their hands in greeting, but no one else tried to kiss me, thankfully. With the introductions out of the way, Jonathon quickly asked Thomas something about the film. I thought they were talking about the cinematography, but it sounded complicated and technical to me. I did my best to look engaged even though I was bored within a few seconds.

  “Sorry, Lizzie,” Thomas said suddenly, squeezing my hand. “We’re talking too much shop, aren’t we?”

  Jonathon laughed before draining his drink. “This can’t be too interesting for you,” he said, winking at me. “So, tell me, how are you enjoying Malibu?”

  “It’s wonderful. Such a beautiful place to live.” I felt shy with all of their eyes on me. “We just love being so close to the water.”

  “Are you originally from a place near the ocean?”

  I laughed. “No, I’m from Detroit. Quite a ways from the ocean.”

  “You’ll miss it when it’s time to go home,” Jonathan said, and I nodded.

  “We’re just trying to store up as much sunshine in our bones as possible. We’re in London now, and it gets pretty cold there in the winter.”

  “Well, if I have my way, this guy will be spending plenty of time here in Los Angeles in the future,” Jonathan said, slapping Thomas on the shoulder again. He grinned in return, but I was pretty sure there was a tightness near his eyes. Was this Jonathan person trying to convince Thomas to relocate to L.A.?

  “He tells me the two of you love London, though. What do you think, Lizzie? Wouldn’t you rather move here where it’s sunny and warm?”

  I looked from Jonathon to Thomas, not knowing how to respond. “Well, London is home. We have been very happy here in California though.”

  Jonathon laughed again. “I like that. A very diplomatic answer in a town that’s usually very opinionated. Hang on to this one, man.”

  “Oh, I plan to.” Thomas winked at me.

  “Look, there’s Hunter,” Jonathon said, waving at someone across the room. “Will you all please excuse me?” He turned to me again, taking my hand. “It was delightful to meet you, Lizzie. I hope we’ll see you again soon. My wife and I have a weekend place in Malibu. You must have dinner with us.”

  “Of course.” I managed not to flinch this time when he kissed my cheek, then Thomas was saying goodbye to the other men and pulling me along.

  “Well done, love. That man controls all the money for the entire production.” He let out a long breath. “Hardest part’s over.”

  “You’re better at schmoozing than you led me to believe,” I said.

  He poked me. “You’re one to talk. You were pretty charming with those guys, Lizzie. You could have a career in L.A., you know.”

  I snorted. “Yeah, sure.” I paused. “Are we going to have to have dinner with him and his wife?”

  It was Thomas’s turn to snort. “‘Wife.’ That woman is about nineteen years old and has more plastic in her than flesh.”

  I moaned. “Oh, God. I have no idea how to entertain people like that.”

  “Don’t worry. Jonathan is usually really busy, so I doubt he’ll get around to it. I’m surprised he was here, actually.”

  I was about to ask Thomas what Jonathan had meant about wanting him to move to LA., but another party-goer chose that moment to call out a greeting to him. “Sorry, love. Here we go again,” Thomas said, kissing my wrist before leading me to the next cluster of people he needed to network with.

  It went on like that for most of the night. Everyone in that room seemed to know who Thomas was, and most of them were eager to get their few minutes of face time with him. The reaction to me was anywhere from genuinely friendly to patronizing to complete disinterest. I did my best to keep a broad smile on my face regardless. My cheeks ached within the first hour.

  I wasn’t truly happy to talk to anyone until Thomas finally led me to a group that included Jenner himself and the co-star of the new movie, Annie Duncan. Annie was a gorgeous redhead about Thomas’s age. I’d met her once before and was pleased to find that she was a totally normal, down-to-earth person. And, best of all, she was from Detroit, too.

  “Lizzie,” she said, smiling broadly at me. “I’m so glad to see you.” She poked Thomas in the side with her elbow. “Working with this guy I feel like I know you already, he talks about you so much.”

  For a brief second I felt a stomach-clenching jolt of jealousy. It was hard, sometimes, knowing that Thomas’s job included working so closely with gorgeous movie stars. But the look in her eyes when she looked at him quickly put me at ease. It was clear that she liked Thomas, but there was nothing but friendly admiration in her face. And I could tell, somehow, that she wasn’t joking when she said he talked about me all the time. I felt better.

  “I hear a lot about you too,” I said, realizing that my face no longer ached with this smile—probably because it was the first genuine one of the evening.

  “This is my Nate,” she said, nudging the tall blond man next to her. He was handsome and tall but looked pretty much like your average guy—not really who I would expect a movie star to be dating.

  “Nate is from Michigan, too,” Thomas told me. “Right, Annie?”

  She snorted. “Hardly. He’s from the east coast. He just likes to pretend he’s cool enough to be a Detroiter.”

  “I live in the city now,” he said. “I can’t help where I was born.”

  She rolled her eyes, but I could tell he enjoyed the teasing.

  “So, Lizzie,” Annie said, turning to me. “How are you handling the madness of LaLa Land?”

  “What do you mean?”

  She held her arms out to encompass the whole room. “I mean, all of this. The lovey-kissy fawning and the behind-your-back death glares. The gossip and the judgment. Isn’t it fabulous?”

  Thomas was laughing. “Didn’t I tell you Annie was one of us?” He bent down and said, in a loud stage whisper, “She’s normal.”

  “Don’t let any directors hear you say that,” she said. “They’ll take away my actress card right away.”

  I laughed too, realizing that Thomas was right. Annie was completely normal. “It’s a little strange sometimes,” I said. “Everyone here seems to be very…tall.”

  She laughed. “You’re so right. What is with that? Is it something they put in the water, or do all the tall people from the other fifty states just flock here?” She leaned into me. “Has anyone asked you if you have representation yet?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, actually. Some guy by the bathroom asked me that an hour ago.”

  “Ninety-nine percent of the time they’re creepers. Stay clear.”

  “Don’t listen to Annie,” Jenner said, smiling at her in a fond way. “She’s well known for being way too skeptical.”

  “I am not,” Annie protested, but Nate only laughed.

  A man with a camera approached Jenner and whispered something in his ear. “You’re right,” Jenner said out loud. “Hey, guys, let’s get a few shots of the cast before people start taking off.”

  Thomas looked at me uncertainly, but I shooed him away. “I’m fine. Go ahead.”

  He still didn’t look completely sold, but he allowed himself to be ushered over to the grand staircase, along with Annie, Jenner, and many of the executives we had talked to
throughout the night. I watched them for a minute, smiling when Thomas’s eyes would meet mine.

  Suddenly, I felt a hand on my arm and turned, thinking maybe it was Nate. I gasped. “Jackson! What are you doing here?”

  Jackson Coles grinned at me. “Hello to you too, Lizzie.”

  I blushed. “I didn’t mean it like that. You just surprised me! Thomas didn’t say you’d be here.”

  “I’m not sure he knew,” Jackson said, his hand still on my arm. “Come with me. I want to get a drink.”

  I shot a glance back at Thomas, but one of the suited men was standing in front of him. “Oh, come on,” Jackson said. “You don’t need permission, do you?”

  “Of course not. I just don’t want him to be worried.”

  “We’ll stay in the room, Lizzie.” Jackson rolled his eyes. “I promise not to abscond with you somewhere.”

  I laughed. “Okay, let’s go find a drink.”

  Jackson led me to a passing waiter, snagged us each a glass of champagne, and then led the way to an abandoned white suede and chrome couch. “Swanky digs,” he said, plopping down on the couch. I sat next to him, careful not to spill my drink. The couch probably cost more than I made in a year.

  “I didn’t even know you were in California,” I said. “Are you working?”

  He shook his head, his blond-streaked messy hair flopping over his forehead. “Nah, just making an appearance. My agent is trying to get me into some new project in the fall, and one of the producers is here. Thought I should put some face time in, you know?”

  “Wow, that’s a pretty serious flight for some face time.”

  He laughed. “My job is much less glamorous than most would think.” His eyes found mine. “Then again, you probably totally get that now, don’t you?”

  “I guess I do.”

  He looked around. “So where is Tommy, eh? Leaving you alone at a party like this hardly seems like him.”

  “Duty called.” I pointed to the group by the stairs.

  “Ah, yes, more of that same glamorous life. So, let me guess, you’ve had to suck up to a bunch of rich movie people tonight that wouldn’t give you the time of day if you weren’t here with that guy?” He gave me that cheeky grin of his, and I laughed in spite of myself.

  “How did you know?”

  “Let’s just say I’ve been to plenty of these things in my day.” He watched me for a minute. “What I haven’t seen much of, though, is someone’s girl going through all of it with him when there’s nothing in it for her.”

  I shifted on the couch, not liking the turn of this conversation. “What are you talking about? There are plenty of people here with a boyfriend or girlfriend who isn’t in the business themselves.”

  “Think again. I’d be willing to bet that a majority of the plus-ones in this room are hoping to get something out of the event.” He pointed at the same brunette I’d noticed when we first arrived. “Aspiring model, I guarantee it. Her boyfriend gets the honor of escorting a beautiful, impressive woman, and she gets to network with studio big wigs and directors. Win, win.”

  “I think you’re cynical.”

  “I’m actually trying to pay you a compliment. Being the exception to the rule in a room like this is a good thing, Lizzie.”

  “Well, thank you then. I guess.”

  He leaned back into the couch, crossing an ankle over his knee. The picture of casual confidence, very Jackson. “I was a bit worried about you last year, you know.”

  I stared at him. “You were worried about me? Why?”

  “When everything went so nuts for Thomas after Hostile…I just didn’t know how he would react, you know. I mean, I thought I knew—”

  “Jackson, what are you talking about?”

  “It would turn a lot of heads, is all I mean. And I never thought that would happen to Thomas. He’s always been so steady. But I’ve seen it happen to so many actors. One day they’re you’re average, hard-working bloke, And the next…they change. It goes to their head. Messes with their confidence. I didn’t want that for him.”

  “I don’t either,” I said softly. “But I don’t think he would ever change, not really.” There’s an almost pleading note in my voice, like I’m asking him for reassurance, and I feel immediately guilty for it. Disloyal.

  “I don’t think he will either, Lizzie. It shocks me sometimes actually.” He reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, and my back suddenly tightened at his touch. He flirts with everything that moves, I reminded myself.

  “When I see the two of you together, you’re so…normal,” he said.

  “And that’s a good thing?”

  He laughed, low in his throat. “There are days when I would say no, to be honest. Days when I wonder why Thomas doesn’t act a little more like a movie star.”

  “Like you and Killian and Lola, you mean?” There was a bite to my tone, but if he noticed he didn’t mention it.

  “Well, yeah. I mean, it’s normal for someone in our position to throw around their money every once in a while. Or go out and really party, not just sit in a comfy little pub every night.”

  “Thomas likes those pubs—”

  “I know, that’s my point. Sometimes I’ve wondered if there wasn’t something wrong with him, not wanting to be out there living the life. But now…”

  “What, you had some big change of heart?” I asked, eyebrows raised. “Seen the error of your flash ways?”

  “I just see the two of you together and I realize that it’s real.” He was staring at me, completely serious. “You have no ulterior motive, Lizzie. It’s clear to anyone.”

  “Of course I don’t—”

  “But you also don’t see how unique that is in our line of work. Everyone is trying to get ahead. But not you.”

  I blushed, not sure if he was complimenting me or not but feeling very exposed all of a sudden. Where was Thomas?

  “I wonder if I’ll ever have anything like it,” Jackson murmured, and I realized with a shock that he was sad. I didn’t think I’d ever seen Jackson anything other than cocky and carefree.

  “Of course you could, Jackson,” I said. “You’re a catch. A million girls would love to get to know you.”

  “Yeah, but not for me. That’s my point. All this time I thought Tommy had it backwards, but I’m starting to realize it was me. He’s going to have a wonderful life with a girl who genuinely loves him. What am I going to have? How will I ever trust that someone is with me for me, and not because I’m Jackson Coles?”

  I swallowed, feeling very sad for him. He sounded so desolate, so hopeless. “I don’t think it has to be that way,” I finally said. “I think if you really want it, you’ll find someone who doesn’t give a shit about all of this.” I waved, gesturing to the room. “But, you know, you’ll have to start looking outside of all of this to find it.”

  He laughed. “Good point.” His gaze was feeling too intense on me, so I turned away, taking a gulp of champagne and pretending to look around the room. He watched me for a moment before finally changing the subject. “So, how’s Malibu?”

  I breathed a relived sigh. “Beautiful. Just like you said.”

  “And have you called my surf guy yet?”

  I shook my head. “I’ve been staying pretty busy hiking, actually.”

  He perked up at that. “I really got into hiking when I was out here a few years ago. Have you been to Runyon Cannon yet?”

  We chatted for a few minutes about hiking trails we’d enjoyed, Jackson’s mood improving until I could almost pretend I hadn’t seen that moment of hopelessness so sad it took my breath away.

  “Thomas!” Jackson suddenly said, jumping up from the couch. Thomas was walking toward us, his face drawn and tired. He didn’t seem surprised to see Jackson though and slapped his costar on the back in greeting.

  “How are you, mate?” Thomas asked, but his eyes darted over to me. Was I imaging the accusation in them? I stood to join them, but he made no move to take my hand.
r />   “I’m good, just keeping Lizzie here company while you worked.”

  Thomas’s eyes darted to me again. “Sorry about that,” he said. “There was a bunch of people to talk to, and I couldn’t get away.”

  “It’s no problem.” I gave Jackson a small smile. “It was nice to run into someone from home.”

  “Did you want a drink?” Jackson asked, gesturing at Thomas’s empty hand. Thomas rubbed the back of his neck, a gesture I associated with him being stressed.

  “No, thanks. I’m actually really beat.” He raised his eyebrows at me. “I’m ready to head home if you are?”

  I felt a rush of relief. I didn’t think I had ever been so ready to leave a party. “Sure.”

  Thomas and Jackson said their goodbyes, promising to meet up one day while Jackson was in town. Jackson then turned to me and pulled me into a hug. “Thanks for listening, Lizzie. Sorry to bring you down.”

  I patted his back awkwardly, unable to ignore the look on Thomas’s face behind him. “It’s no problem.”

  He released me, giving me a last smile, before turning to the party, his megawatt movie-star smile back in its proper place.

  Thomas was quiet as we made our way to the door. He accepted my hand when I took his but granted no reassuring squeezes. Outside, he handed his keys to the valet, and we waited in the darkness, looking out over the valley stretched below us. “So,” he finally said, his voice tight. “What was that all about?”

  “What?”

  He didn’t look at me. “You and Jackson.”

  Oh, God. I should have known he would get jealous. Thomas had once dated a girl who had been using him to get close to Jackson. To say it was a sore spot would be an understatement. But it still stung a little that he might doubt me.

  “We were talking. He saw me standing alone and kept me company for a bit.”

  Thomas blew out a loud breath. “I get it. I neglected you, and he swooped in to save the day. I can’t be mad because it was all my fault.”

  “Why would you be mad anyhow?” I asked, my voice rising. This was ridiculous.