I glance back down at my phone. I’m supposed to show up at the studio in twenty minutes, but I’ve already been sitting in the parking lot for the last forty minutes.
As much as talking to Rose helped me, the dilemma of my mom is still looming large and it wasn’t something I felt comfortable talking to her about. I decided to just leave the house early and drive around, with the hope that it would help me clear my mind… but I’m still feeling the same. Mostly.
For some reason being on TV is much scarier to me, especially with an audience, even though it’s not live. I guess when I’m acting for a movie it’s not really me… it’s a character, but when I’m on TV there’s no hiding who I am—the person on TV is me, which some people clearly don’t like. Being in a TV series would probably be more like doing a movie… I think it’s just that an entertainment show with an interview scares me. Every time I think about it, I have flash backs to the night when I was on stage and Logan showed up as the next guess. It just reminds me that anything could happen when I’m out there… and I need to be ready for that.
I get out of the SUV and start walking across the parking lot to the studio. It’s not what I expected… just a large steel building that blends in with the ones around it. I suppose it’s just like everything else in Hollywood… people only see what’s happening in front of the camera.
There’s a door that says Stage Entrance and I figure it’s probably my best shot. There’s a man standing in front of it with a clipboard and he steps in front of the door as I approach.
“Hi, I’m here for the show.”
“Other side of the building.”
“Oh… this isn’t the stage entrance?”
“It is. The entrance for audience members is around the other side.”
“Sorry, I wasn’t clear… I’m a guest.”
He tilts his head down and peers over the top of his black sunglasses. Our eyes meet and he doesn’t look away. It’s obvious that he doesn’t believe me, but does he think he’ll deter me if he just stares at me long enough?
“Look,” I say, “I don’t have all day. I’m supposed to be in there in a couple of minutes.”
“What’s your name?”
“Amy Thomas.”
He looks down at his clipboard and slowly nods.
“I just need to see some ID.”
I take my wallet out of my purse and hand him my driver’s license. He looks at for a few seconds and then hands it back.
“It says your name is Amy Kendall.”
“Oh… I got married, but I haven’t had a chance to have it updated yet.”
He takes a radio out of his pocket and holds the button.
“Yo, Jeff… it’s Paul.”
“What is it?”
“There’s some girl out here… she says she’s a guest.”
“Is it Amy Thomas?”
“That’s what she’s saying… but her ID says her last name is Kendall.”
“Hang on.”
Am I really going to get turned away because he doesn’t believe me when I say who I am? So much for Rose insisting that I’m famous—this guy works here and is expecting me, but still has no idea who I am.
The door behind him opens and a man sticks his head out.
“That’s her,” he says.
The voice belongs to Jeff, who thankfully knows who I am.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes… did you not see that picture?”
Ugh, seriously? It’s been less than a day and apparently everyone has seen it already. Paul tilt his head to the side and looks at me from an angle. He starts to nod slowly and steps out of the way. Jeff opens the door the rest of the way and waits for me to get inside before he closes it.
“Sorry about that… he’s a bit… thick.”
“It’s fine.”
“Nice to meet you… I’m Jeff.”
He holds out his hand and we shake.
“Amy.”
“Follow me, Amy… we need to get you changed and to makeup.”
“Changed?”
“Yes.”
He starts walking and I have to nearly run to keep up with the much taller man.
“Do you watch the show?” he asks.
“Uh… I’ve seen it a few times.”
“So, you understand the general format of it?”
“I think so.”
“Just so we’re clear… you’re on first, Vince will ask you a few questions and then we’ll show a clip from your film. Then you move to the other chair and the next guest comes out and you only speak if one of them talks to you. Clear?”
“Yeah.”
“Here’s your dressing room,” he says, stopping in front of a door.
My name is written in black marker on a piece of tape that has been stuck to the door.
“Thanks.”
“When you’re done changing, head down the hall… makeup is the last door on the right. Try to hurry… Vince will be ready to start shooting in twenty minutes… and he doesn’t like running late.”
I open my mouth to ask Jeff what I’m supposed to change into, but he spins around and walks off before a single syllable can leave my mouth. Okay…. Was I supposed to bring something else to wear? I turn the handle and push the door open.
The dressing room isn’t shabby, but it’s not exactly luxurious. It’s functional… which is what matters, I guess. There’s a vanity and mirror with a stool against the back wall and a couch that looks like it could use a good cleaning. There’s a metal clothes rack, which holds a single garment wrapped in plastic. I guess that’s what I’m supposed to wear. On the floor, below it, is a white shoe box.
I walk over to the rack and notice the note taped to the outside. I pull it off and smile as I read it.
Amy,
Sorry that I missed you this morning, I had an early meeting. I wanted you to have something special to wear… to show my appreciation for you doing this. I’m so proud of you.
Dexter
I almost want to cry.
Dex is too much. I set the note down on the vanity and pull the plastic bag off what turns out to be one of the most stunning dresses I’ve seen in my eighteen years on planet Earth.
The arms are almost sheer, with sequins and rhinestones sewn into the fabric… which is also present on the rest of the dress. The top of the dress is a deep purple and the bottom is layer upon layer of a thin fabric to give it body and a cute shape. It reminds me of something a fairy tale princess would wear. If I’m being honest, I feel like a princess… the only thing I’m missing is my prince.
I change into the dress and take a picture of myself in the mirror. I send it to Spencer, so he can see how cute I look. I open the shoe box and slide my feet into a pair of black Valentino pumps that have thousands of tiny crystals all over them. Each one catches the light with every step I take.
As I go to put my phone back in my purse, it chirps. I unlock it and see a response from Spencer.
Good luck, baby. You look so beautiful. I love you. You should share that on social media, btw.
Blegh, social media. I’m still having a hard time using it and kind of haven’t been since Spencer left for Europe. I know I should be more vigilant, I just don’t see the point… especially after the kinds of comments people made about me today at the end of that article. Against my better judgment, I share the picture and put the caption ‘About to film The Latest Show… check it out later! #latestshow’. I drop my phone back in my purse before I change my mind and delete the picture.
I stop in the doorway and look at my purse. Hopefully, it’ll be safe in here because it’s not like I can take it out onto the stage with me. I close the door and head down the hall to makeup. The door is slightly ajar, but I still knock to announce my presence.
“Yes?”
“Um… Jeff said I should come in here once I was changed.”
“Are you Amy?”
“Yes.”
“C’mon in.”
I walk into the room and the lady I’ve been talking to turns around and puts her phone in her pocket. She smiles and shakes my hand before motioning to the chair she wants me to sit in. The room is set up similar to the dressing room they gave me, but the entire vanity is covered by every shade of makeup known to man.
“My name is Cynthia.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
She starts to pick through the makeup on the counter, grabbing a few things as she goes and setting them aside. I was really never a huge fan of makeup, I guess I never really saw the point… but it’s a lot easier to wear when someone else is putting it on and you’re about to go in front of a camera.
“I just want to say… I’m a big fan of your husband… and I’m really looking forward to seeing Good Night, Good Night.”
“Thanks… I hope you like it.”
She nods and smiles.
“I think I’m going to go kind of minimalist on you… just some eyeliner, mascara and then your lips. Are you okay with that?”
“Sure… whatever you think.”
“Close your eyes please.”
I close them and I feel a light pressure on my eyelids as she quickly applies the eyeliner. I’ve never been any good at putting it on myself, but she’s done in less than a minute.
“Okay, you can open your eyes.”
I smile as I look at myself in the mirror. She used a dark purple, it’s almost black, and gave me a cat eye look. It’s totally cool and definitely not something I’d ever be able to pull off on my own.
“You good with that?” she asks.
“I love it.”
“Good.”
Cynthia does my mascara next and then moves to my lips. She applies a ruby red lipstick and then goes over it with a sparkly clear lip gloss. True to her word, she has barely put any makeup on me… but it still looks really good and didn’t take her more than a couple of minutes.
“All right… I think you’re done.”
“Thanks, Cynthia.”
“You’re welcome… good luck.”
I smile and nod as I stand up. I’m not sure how long it’s been since Jeff told me twenty minutes, but I’m feeling like it’s almost been that long. As I leave makeup, I see Jeff walking down the hall toward me.
“Are you ready?” he asks
“Yes.”
“Good… Vince just did his opening monologue and is ready for the first guest… which is you.”
I nod and follow Jeff as we head the way he just came from. Two rights and a left later we reach the stage. Jeff signals someone else from the production staff and they let Vince know I’m ready.
“For my first guest… she’s one of the stars of the new Dexter Baldwin movie… please welcome Amy Thomas.”
Vince stands up at his desk and the audience starts to clap. Jeff nudges me and I walk out onto the stage. The only thing I can think about as I walk toward Vince is focusing on not falling. I reach him without incident and shake his hand before sitting down. The audience gradually quiets down and takes their seats.
“So, Amy… how are you?”
“I’m good, Vince… thanks for having me on.”
“Thanks for being here. So, the film… Good Night, Good Night… it’s your first role?”
“Yes.”
“I’ve been hearing good things. How do you feel it turned out?”
“I… good. It’s hard for me to say, obviously… but I’m pleased with how it turned out and everyone who has seen it seems to think the same.”
“How long were you going on auditions before you landed the role?”
“Uh… I didn’t. Dexter Baldwin… he… I was his assistant and he was auditioning girls to replace someone who dropped out of the film. Spencer convinced him to let me audition… and they liked me.”
“Wow… that’s a pretty lucky break.”
“Yeah, it is.”
“And you’re married to Spencer, correct?”
“Yes… we got married a few weeks ago… in Ireland.”
“Congratulations.”
“Thanks,” I say, smiling.
“How has married life been?”
I frown as I think about how to answer. I assumed that the interview would be about the film… not about my personal life. Whatever.
“It’s good… he’s a great guy. I was in the middle of filming, in Chicago, at the time… so it’s been a little hectic.”
“Another film?”
“Yeah… it’s the new Jim Myers film… Found Hope.”
“Ah… he directed that, too… right?”
“Yeah, he did.”
“How was that?”
“It was… a great experience. I feel very fortunate to have had several opportunities to work with talented directors and actors.”
“Wonderful… maybe we can have you back when that film is released.”
I nod and smile as I glance out at the crowd. The spot lights that are pointed right at us make it hard to see, but it looks like the place is pretty full. I’m sure they are more interested in just seeing Vince… because I can’t imagine anyone being all that excited to see me interviewed.
“So, how is Spencer doing? Any word about Pandora?”
“He doesn’t really talk that much about the film… but I think it’s going well.”
“Where is he shooting?”
“He’s been in Norway… but they are going to be shooting in Prague coming up.”
“Nice, I’m a big fan of Prague. Have you been?”
“No… hopefully one of these days.”
I know almost nothing about Prague… I’m just trying to be as agreeable as possible with the hope that Vince won’t ask me about my mom or the photos that were posted online this morning.
“You must go… it’s a beautiful city.”
I smile and nod.
“Back to you,” Vince says. “How was it working with your future husband and Dexter Baldwin?”
“Well, I didn’t have anything to compare it to at the time… but it was amazing. They were both so patient with me while I tried to figure out what I was doing. Dexter is just so cool and nice… it was so easy. And Spencer… well… he got me the role and did his best to help me along so we could make as good a film as possible.”
“And was it on set that your romance developed?”
“Yeah.”
Vince smiles and nods before taking a drink out of the coffee cup on his desk.
“So… let’s take a look at the clip from your upcoming film… Good Night, Good Night.”
Vince points at the screen behind us and I turn my body to watch. The clip starts to roll and I instantly know what it is… it’s the same clip that was showed when we were in New York last year—it’s the part in the movie where we kiss for the first time… and it was also the first time we kissed. A moment I’ll never forget as long as I live. Feeling his warm lips on mine… the electricity that coursed through my body as he touched my arm.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath—I don’t need to even watch the clip because my memory of it is even more intense than seeing it on a small screen.
Thinking about that kiss makes me miss Spencer even more, a feeling I’ve been doing my best to avoid. The last thing he needs is for me to constantly tell him how much I wish we were together… he’s trying to focus on Pandora and it’s not fair if I distract him from that.
The audience starts to clap and I open my eyes as the scene fades to black. I smile as I turn my head back around and look over at Vince.
“Wonderful,” he says. “It’s not the kind of movie I would usually see, but I’m going to give Dexter Baldwin the benefit of the doubt because he’s a wonderful director and it looks like he may have done it again.”
“I think he did. We’re pretty happy with how it turned out and I hope that everyone goes to see it now that it’s getting a wide release.”
“Amy… thank you for being here. Amy Thomas!”
The crowd starts to clap for me. I smile and look right at them, even though I still can’t make out anything other than their outlines in the darkness.
“Cut!”
The crowd stops clapping and one of the guys standing next to a camera walks up onto the stage.
“Nice work, Vince… Amy.”
I nod and stand up from the chair. I do as Jeff told me and move over the other one so that his next guest can sit close to Vince.
The man leans across the desk and whispers something in Vince’s ear. I’m trying not to listen, instead I just look down at my hands. It’s a strange feeling… being in front of a room full of people and not being able to see any of them. It kind of gives me the creeps. A flash of light draws my attention, so I look into the crowd. I smile as a few more people take pictures with their phones.
“What?”
I look back at Vince to see what could have caused the irritated tone. The other man shrugs and takes a couple of steps back. I’m kind of curious as to what could have gone wrong because Vince has a disgusted look on his face and I’m glad I’m not the other guy.
Vince takes a deep breath, shakes his head and turns toward me.
“Amy… I have a huge favor to ask.”
“Okay….”
“Our next guest… he just canceled and it’s too late to get anyone else.”
“The show doesn’t air until later tonight.”
“Right… but they have to do whatever production stuff it is they do… I’m not really sure. I just show up here and do what they tell me.”
“I’m not sure what you want me to do.”
“Can you do another segment?”
“Huh?”
“Is it possible for you to stay and do another segment?” he asks.
“Umm… sure… I guess.”
“I really appreciate it.”
I shrug and nod my head. I’ve got no idea what he could possibly ask me about… it seems like we covered everything, but they seem pretty desperate and it’s a good opportunity to keep promoting the film, which I’m sure Dex will appreciate.
“Quiet on the set!”
Vince gestures at the chair I was sitting in before, so I get up and move back. We sit there in silence for the next few seconds until they start to film again.
“And we’re back. I’m your host… Vince Brody… and this is The Latest Show!”
The crowd cheers for a few seconds and then quiets down, which is probably at the insistence of the production team. I mean… I’ve seen the show a handful of times, but these people are really excited to be here.
“I know we usually have another guest at this point in the show, but we wanted to continue our chat with Amy Thomas... to see if we can get to know the real her.”
I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean, but I smile and look over at Vince.
“So… Amy… we’ve heard rumors that your mother used to date Dexter Baldwin. Are they true?”
I glance at the camera and then back at Vince. I didn’t think the interview was going to get personal… it was supposed to be about the movie.
“Yes… they used to date.”
“And what happened?”
“Um… it didn’t work out.”
“Is your mom living in Los Angeles?”
“Yes.”
“Are you from here?”
“No… I’m from a small town, back east… Greenville.”
“Oh… really? How did you end up here?”
“I came to live with my mom.”
“It must have been exciting to leave your small town and move to Hollywood. I’m assuming you always wanted to be an actress… and that’s why you made the move.”
This interview is starting to get rather personal… and I don’t feel comfortable having these kinds of conversations with people I’ve just met, let alone everyone who will watch this show.
“No… actually. I never even considered being an actress.”
“Seriously?” Vince asks.
“Nope… I was going to be a teacher.”
“Wow… what a story.”
“It’s really not that exciting… it just kind of happened.”
“You got very lucky. Some people move here and work their whole lives to try and be in films or on TV… and they never even get a chance.”
“Yeah… I got lucky.”
“I’d say so,” Vince says.
He laughs and the crowd joins in. It obvious they’re having a bit of a laugh at my expense, but there’s nothing I can do short of getting up and walking off the stage… which I would never do. I did that in New York, when Logan showed up, and I still regret it. I’d like to think I’ve matured since then and realize how much this appearance could do for the success of Good Night, Good Night… which is what matters.
“And you keep getting roles.”
“Yes, I do. I’m shooting right now, actually.”
“Oh? A third movie in less than a year?”
“Yeah.”
“What luck.”
I frown. It may have been a little “luck” when I was cast by Dex, but I’ve worked hard… and I truly believe I’ve earned my roles.
“Some people might say that.”
“What do you mean?” Vince asks.
I can tell he’s been trying to get under my skin for the last few minutes.
“Some people call it luck… and some people call it working hard.”
“Are you saying acting is hard work?”
Now he’s just starting to make me mad.
“It is.”
“I’m sure a lot of people would love to trade places with you.”
I shrug and nod.
“I’m sure you’re right… but not everyone knows what I’ve been through or how hard I work every single day because I’m trying to be the best I can.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve had to overcome obstacles in my life… it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. I’m sure people don’t really want to hear about that, though. I’m sure they’d rather hear about the movies I’ve been in.”
Vince looks at me and I shoot him a dirty look. I can tell he’s not amused, but I’m not going to let him walk all over me.
“What are you working on right now?”
I caught the emphasis he put on working, but I decide to let it go and just try to steer the conversation away from conflict.
“I’m in the middle of shooting the film adaptation of the novel, Day One.”
“Oh… who is directing?”
“Harriet Sparks.”
“Really?”
Vince seems surprised.
“Yes.”
“Interesting. Perhaps you can come back on the show, with her… when it’s released.”
“Sure, Vince… we’d love that,” I say, in a sarcastic tone.
He smiles at me, but I can see the irritation in his eyes.
“Well, we’re almost out of time… but there is one last thing I wanted to ask you about.”
“Sure, Vince… ask away.”
“There was a news article this morning… with some photos… from what I presume is the set of your new film.”
Ugh. Anything but this.
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about… I haven’t seen it.”
Most of the time I feel guilty about telling even a little white lie, but in this case… it doesn’t bother me at all. Maybe he’ll drop it and move on or just end the interview right here and I can leave.
“Really?”
“Sorry, no.”
“Lucky for you then.”
Vince turns around to face the screen behind us just as the production staff puts up the two photos. I’m about to die from shame. So much for the photos only being seen by a few people. Now people all across the country are going to see them.
The crowd starts to laugh as the producer enlarges the picture of me changing. I can feel my face turning red as I look over at Vince. He has a smile on his face… clearly he’s amused by this.
“So… why were you changing in the middle of a parking lot?” he asks.
“I… I didn’t have a choice. We were on location and needed to start filming. The wardrobe trailer was locked and I didn’t have anywhere else to change. I assumed people would respect my privacy if I changed out of view… but I guess not.”
“And how about this picture?”
I glance back at the screen as it changes to the picture of me in Jarvis’s car.
“I was getting a ride home from Jarvis.”
“Jarvis Green?”
“Yes.”
“He’s in the film with you?”
“He is.”
“Interesting. How are you getting along?”
“Fine.”
“Really?”
“Yeah… we’re friendly.”
“That’s surprising. Did Spencer see these photos?”
“I have no idea.”
“I can’t imagine he’d be that excited about you being almost naked in the middle of a parking lot… or leaving the set with another man.”
I take a deep breath and look right into Vince’s eyes. It’s obvious that he’s enjoying this immensely… and I need to shut him down before he tries to continue this line of silly questioning.
“Spencer trusts me completely. If I choose to leave the set with Jarvis… that’s my own business and I’m not going to defend myself. People can think whatever they want, but I don’t have to answer for my actions. Not now… not ever.”
Vince just sits there with a stunned look on his face.
“Amy Thomas,” he says, breaking the silence. “See her in Good Night, Good Night… in a theater near you.”
“Cut!”
I stand up from the chair and walk off the stage before anyone can try to stop me. That’s all their getting from me. I had a feeling that things would take a bad turn, especially when he asked me to stay on for another segment. It would have been smart for me to turn Vince down, but I thought it would mean more press for the film… but I was wrong.
I go back to the dressing room and change back into the clothes I wore here. It was fun to wear the dress Dex got me, but it’s not exactly something I can wear without a purpose. I open the door to the dressing room and see Jeff walking toward me.
He waves for me to stop, but I head for the exit.
“Amy!”
I ignore him, but he manages to catch up to me by the time I reach the door.
“Wait… Amy.”
I stop and sigh, but I don’t turn around.
“I’m really sorry… I am. I know it doesn’t mean much… I’m just a lowly production assistant, but I’m sorry.”
I turn around and look at Jeff, but he looks at the floor before our eyes meet.
“Did you tell them to ask me about those pictures?”
He slowly nods.
“That was mean,” I say. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was? How it made me feel?”
“I… I didn’t think it through. I’m really sorry… I am.”
I shake my head and take a deep breath. It’s clear that Jeff proposed it because he’s trying to get noticed by whoever is producing the show, but it makes me sad that he felt putting me in Vince’s crosshairs was the only way he could do that.
I turn and open the door.
“Amy… I’m sorry.”
“Don’t ever ask me to come on this show again… you can tell your boss that we’re done.”
I slam the door closed and push by the man guarding the door. Tears are running down my cheeks as I reach my car. I put the dress and shoes in the back and climb onto the driver’s seat. What a mess today has been. So much for having a day off to relax and recover from the last few days of shooting. I’d rather be on set for twelve hours than deal with all this other crap.