Page 4 of The Location Shoot
“Hey, baby,” he said, slipping under the covers beside her.
“Didn’t you say you’re leaving town today to film a movie?” she asked.
“Later, but we have time for round two,” he said, pulling her body against his.
“HE DID A GREAT JOB WITH YOUR HAIR.You look just like a young, brown-eyed Marilyn Monroe,” the makeup artist said as she adhered the final false eyelash.
“I don’t know how I’m going to survive the next three months without my glam squad,” Willow said, admiring her newly styled platinum blonde hair.
“I’m sure you’ll be in good hands with the makeup artists and hairstylists on set.”
“It’s not the same. We’ve all been friends for so long,” she replied, sipping her light Caramel Frappuccino, careful not to mess up her lipstick. “You guys always take care ofme. But Jean’s people were awfully specific with my management team—no entourages allowed.”
“Beauty, you’re starring in a Jean Mercier film. Don’t you worry about a thing.”
“All I do is worry,” Willow replied, looking down at her nervously wringing hands. “I don’t know why he cast me. I’ve never done anything like this before. I mean, I’ll be acting with Albie Hughes, Finn Forrester, and Charlotte Reed! They’rereal actors.” She gazed straight ahead at her reflection. “I look at this girl in the mirror and wonder who the hell she thinks she’s fooling. This is so far out of my league. What if . . .”
“What if you have some confidence for a change and realize that you’re a brilliant performer? I know it’s not my place to say, but Brian’s always trying to get you to take jobs where you strut around like some kind of sex symbol. There’s so much more to you. You’re multitalented. Maybe this film will finally prove it to you.”
“I’m afraid that . . .”
“If you’re worried that you’ll start drinking . . .”
“No, it’s not that. I don’t expect anyone to believe me, but I really have a handle on that and I know what to do if I get in trouble. I just don’t want to embarrass myself. I’ve had enough public humiliation for a lifetime.”
Just then, Willow’s manager, Brian, came bounding into the room with his assistant. He pecked her on the forehead and said, “Doll, you look gorgeous. The car is waiting outside. Before you leave, we need to discuss some opportunities that have come in. Now that you’re ready to perform again, everyone wants you.”
“Yeah, okay,” she said.
“Maximwants you for another cover shoot. They’re thinking topless with long hair extensions that will cover your breasts.”
“Oh, I don’t know . . .”
“It’s major exposure. If you want more Hollywood roles, you know the score,” Brian said.
“What else?” she asked.
“There’s a guest spot in a music video. You’ll be reprising your role for the fifth installment of that horror franchise; this time you can really cash in. Then there’s one more that you may not like, but hear me out.”
“What is it?”
“A cruise ship line is putting together a slate of former pop stars for a spring cruise through the Caribbean. You’d just have to perform a few of your old songs, complete with backup dancers. When you hear what they’re willing to pay you . . .”
“Brian, none of this is what I want. When I came back to work, I told you that I wanted it to be different this time. Then I landed this Jean Mercier film . . .”
“Well, that’s just it, doll. This film came out of nowhere. We still don’t know how you got it. We need to cash in on this momentum and build your brand again. Don’t I always take care of you?”
“Yes, but . . . I need some time to think things over.”
“They really need answers to these invitations. I’ll go ahead with the bookings, and you can always back out.”
“That makes me look flaky. I don’t want to earn a bad reputation again. Please just wait until . . .”
“Listen, the car is outside. I’ll ride with you, and we can chat more on the way to the airport.”
“Fine,” she said reluctantly, staring at her reflection and trying desperately to recognize the face staring back at her.
FINN DROPPED HIS LUGGAGE IN THEfoyer as the doorbell rang. He opened the door, visibly surprised to see Savannahstanding there, decked out in a tube top, skinny jeans, and stiletto heels. “Uh, hey,” he mumbled.
