The movie was a hit! When the lights came up there was a standing ovation. Murray ushered his entourage backstage where he’d staged the press conference. Before anyone could say anything, he motioned for silence and took center stage.
“Some very important news has just come to my attention.”
Everyone fell silent.
“As you may have read in the press release, because Valerie Rhodes couldn’t be here tonight, we plan on having second premiere in Boston. Seeing Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Venuti share their wonderful moment together is what we hoped for. But something unforeseen has come up. I have just been informed that Nicky will not be able to be in Boston.”
There was a lot of whispering. Murray held up his hands once more for silence.
“I know! We’re all disappointed, but with bad news there’s always something good. Right?”
He laughed and looked at the three people on stage with him who were trying like mad to keep their composure.
“He won’t be in Boston, because…he has to be in Japan!”
He gestured to Nicky to join him at the microphone. He did so, managing his magical smile, while wondering what the hell Murray was up to.
“I am very proud to be able to announce that Nicky has been asked by the Japanese government to be the Master of Ceremonies and represent the USA at their first People’s Choice awards show. Where by the way, it has been rumored…”
He paused and took a drink, milking his audience once more. “It has been rumored, he will be picking up his own award. You see, he has been voted the most popular star in Japan.”
A round of applause broke the silence. Nicky bowed his head in mock humility. He was trying to buy some time, trying to figure out what he was going to say.
Murray continued. He was on a roll, doing what he did best. Getting the studio out of another complicated predicament. His master plan to get Nicky out of town had taken a whole lot of phone calls, bribes, and promises. The deal was, during the next couple of years the studio would be obligated to shoot at least three movies in Japan. Murray had received the news that the deal had gone through just before the house went dark and the movie started. Talk about down to the wire!
“I know this comes as a surprise to you all. Hey, what are plans for if not to be changed?” He waited for the laughs, then went on. “Nicky doesn’t even know this part.”
He made another dramatic pause, put his arm around Nicky, and continued. “Because of the long flight and time change, Nicky will be leaving tomorrow.”
Another buzz went around the room. Nicky managed to smile when Murray handed him the mic. He deserved an Oscar for the performance he gave. He managed to thank the Japanese government for the honor bestowed upon him and promised to be the best delegate he could possibly be representing the USA. He even tried for a little humor when he made his apologies for leaving.
“I think I’d better go home and pack now before Murray here comes up with any more surprises.”
He blew kisses to the crowd, then to Karen and Anne and left the stage. He found the old guy at the stage door and asked him to call a cab and have it come to the alley. He was in tears when he sat in the back and gave his beach house address.
He completely broke down when he walked in and found a brief note from Steve.
“Someone came by. Something came up.”
That said it all!