Maggie felt wonderful. The last week had been fantastic. Her career was moving. Soon she would leave on tour. Two songs were in the top 40 and moving up the charts. Her picture was the number-one draw at the box office, with great reviews coast to coast. “Not bad for a novice,” she said. In her hotel room she checked her schedule for the week. “Fuck,” she shouted. She picked up the phone and dialed Karl. “Who the hell scheduled the interview this week?”
“You did. Remember? You told Maya you wanted some Florida interviews, and I got them for you.”
“How firm is this?”
“Maggie, nothing is ever firm. If you want to stay in the business, however, you don’t screw with the media, even local media. It’s really easy to be yesterday’s news. And even easier to be forgotten.”
“I know. I know. Damn, but I don’t have to like it.” Maggie wondered how to keep her promise to Susan to have free time. “Fuck! Where the hell is Maya?” She called Maya and passed on the task of calling Susan and changing their plans. She promptly arranged for the rest of her staff to meet in her hotel room at noon and prepare for the two p.m. interview. The television interviewer had been promised an hour.
By one thirty, Maggie was dressed, groomed, and rehearsed. Her staff, including her agent, generally remained present during the interview, but out of camera and microphone range. They wandered in and out discreetly, but they were never out of voice range. Promptly at one forty-five, an attractive reporter, her camera operator, and two staff carrying lights, backup equipment, and recorders arrived. Twenty-five minutes later, equipment and lighting had been set up and the formal interview began. The reporter, Gina Perry, was clearly ecstatic to be getting the interview with M.J. Carson. The first thirty minutes of the interview they covered ground agreed to before the interview: her new movie, her early music career, her recent musical successes, and finally her current stay in Orlando.
“We just completed our new CD and have been getting ready for our next tour. I’ll be doing another movie for the Disney people, but right now, I’m here with my family vacationing.”
“Where are your children? I haven’t seen them.”
“My children are not exposed to the media. I want them to enjoy childhood and not have to fear someone is after them.”
“Would you mind them going into entertainment or following in their parents’ footsteps?”
“No, if that’s what they choose. We want them to get an education first. We both did. We feel that helped us make choices in our careers. I know you have more important questions than what my children are going to do in twenty years.” Maggie flashed her most mischievous grin.
“In fact I do. I understand you are negotiating some business deals with some locals. Or is a contract signed?”
Slipping on her star persona, Maggie looked directly at the reporter and answered, “Gina, we have a lot of projects under consideration. If I give too many details prematurely, we wouldn’t have much bargaining power. We’re discussing a couple of projects involving some local people. As soon as things are finalized, Gina, I’ll make sure you are the first to know.”
“In the last few weeks, you’ve been traveling with a local resident. Who is she?”
“I told you I’m not talking about business still in the planning stages. Now, let’s talk about my upcoming tour.” She again smiled, trying to dissuade her questioner from further personal questions.
“I’m not sure this is business. Is it?”
“Excuse me?” Maggie asked.
“There’ve been rumors of some type of personal involvement. That you and she—” Perry was cut off by Maya interrupting with a phone call.
“I’m sorry, Ms. Perry. I was told it was urgent.” Maya handed her the cell phone. Turning to the reporter, she said, “It should take just a moment. Can I get you and your crew something to eat or drink?”
Maggie walked into her bedroom with the cell phone. Karl was on the line. “Where the hell are you? I thought you were still here.”
“I am,” he answered. “I’m calling from one of your bathrooms. I keyed your number into the phone just in case. Maya and I worked it out.”
Maggie laughed and made a mental note to give them a hefty bonus. “Okay, what do I do now?”
“Remain calm. You’re playing into Perry’s game. Get back in there, apologize for the delay. In ten minutes, get up, shake everybody’s hand, smile, be pleasant, then leave with Maya. She’ll have you out of here before Perry has time to push the down button. Okay?”
“Thanks. Now I know why you work for me.”
“Don’t kid yourself.”
Following Karl’s instructions, Maggie went back in and apologized for the delay, using business as the excuse. “Now, where were we?”
Gina Perry was ready. “Ms. Carson, there’s been some mention that this woman may not be involved in a business relationship with you. Maybe something more personal?”
“Ms. Perry, during the last few weeks, I’ve been spending time with my family and a few friends. My husband and I have many friends. They remain our friends because I respect their privacy. Outside of the time with my family, I’ve been dealing with business.” Looking at her watch, she stood. “I’m sorry, but I really need to run. My agent will answer any remaining questions. Thank you for coming.” She spoke briefly to each member of the news crew. She ended with Gina Perry and thanked her for being understanding. Maya led Maggie to the private elevator and the waiting limo.
*
Maggie knew she should’ve taken the rental car but wanted to get as far from the hotel as possible…and quickly. When the chauffeur dropped her off at Susan’s house, she noticed some neighbors standing outside their houses staring. “Fuck,” she muttered, “there goes the neighborhood.”
Children’s laughter floated from the far end of the house. She stood and listened. She couldn’t remember laughing when she was growing up. Nor could she remember the loud, uncontrolled giggling she heard emanating from her own children. She walked quietly toward the source. In Cady’s room, Susan and the children sat on the floor playing a board game. Maggie stopped, mesmerized. Watching Susan, she realized she was experiencing strong, unfamiliar feelings. The closer Susan got, the more frightened Maggie became.
“How’s my hugger muggers?” Maggie grabbed D.J. and Beth and wrestled with them on the floor. She saw Cady crawl into Susan’s lap while Susan became quiet and tense.
Shit, Maggie thought. Not tonight.
Maggie’s thoughts were interrupted by Beth pulling out from her arms and asking, “Mom, can we live here? I like playing with Miss Susan and Cady, and we get to see more of you. Could Daddy and Uncle Paul live here, too, and be Cady’s daddy? She doesn’t have one.”
Maggie was lost for an answer. Struggling for a reply, she avoided looking at Susan. “Beth, we have our own house in California. We can visit often…if Susan doesn’t mind?” This was a level of discomfort unfamiliar to Maggie.
Susan broke through her thoughts. “Beth, you and your family are always welcome.” She swallowed hard, then added, “You can come anytime.” Susan lifted Cady and walked out.
“Mommy, is Miss Susan mad at me?” Beth’s young voice was fearful. Burying her face in Maggie’s lap, she began to cry.
“Baby, Susan’s not upset with you. She’s probably just upset because I’m late. It’ll be all right.” She held her children close to her and rocked them, humming mostly to herself.
Maggie held her children and reassured them. Right now, she needed someone to hold her but feared it was too late.