Page 8 of The Stars Over Hollywood

“Don’t.” Tracy’s eyes searched hers, and Hayden found herself getting lost in Tracy’s hazel-brown eyes.

“It’s just… I feel like I’m in the company of people who really have their shit together,” Hayden said, taking another drink, forcing herself to look away from Tracy for a second, to break that intense eye contact. “And it’s not about being famous. You’ve got a successful business. Lara, who’s the same age as me, is really making a name for herself, and she’s still so new to being an agent, but she’s made so much progress since I met her.”

“I think you’re too caught up in the chase,” Tracy said, leaning back in her chair. “I asked Charlotte about you, one of the first nights we were all together.”

“Yeah?” Hayden’s heart started beating a little faster, unsure of where this conversation was going.

“Hm. I remember you were in the pool with Lara that night, and I was just wondering where you fit into their lives. And she explained how you worked together and how Kerri had found you and Lara was your agent now. But she had nothing but praise for you and your acting skills.”

“Really?” Hayden could feel her mouth falling open.

“Yes. Don’t look so shocked,” Tracy said with a smile. “Yes, she said that if you hung around long enough, the right role would come along. I know that was a friendly jab in my direction, but I know she meant it and that she wouldn’t have said it if she hadn’t. So, I think as hard it is, you just need to keep going and stop worrying about how and when it’s going to happen.”

A warmth spread over Hayden as she took in Tracy’s words. The idea of Charlotte believing in her like that gave her a boost in confidence she hadn’t realized she needed, but having the woman she looked up to most as an actress say those kinds of things? It was enough to make Hayden look forward to that audition she had lined up for next week, the one she’d been debating even going for, because she thought it was out of her league.

Their waiter returned with their lunch, and Hayden couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a relaxing day. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to talk to someone. And while she did talk to Lara, it wasn’t the same. Lara was fighting for her. She would always saying something encouraging, but Hayden had a hard time being entirely honest with her, not wanting her own agent to give up on her.

But for some reason with Tracy, Hayden felt like she could open up. She just wished that Tracy felt the same way. Hayden would love to know more about her, about why she never pursued acting further, about why she never stayed in touch with Ada or Charlotte or Kerri.

When they were finishing their meal and leaving a tip for the waiter, a couple in their sixties were being led to their table and the woman stopped short, her eyes wide.

“I’m so sorry,” the woman said, her cheeks flushed. “Are you Vicky West?”

“I was once upon a time,” Tracy said, her lips sliding into an easy smile.

The man chuckled. “I think she meant to say, are you Tracy Carrington?”

Tracy nodded. “I am.”

The woman covered her mouth with her hand. “I still watch the reruns. They don’t make TV like that anymore. You were my favorite,” the woman gushed.

“It was a great show,” the man chimed in.

Hayden stood back watching the scene, warmth spreading across her chest. “Would you like a photo?” Hayden asked them.

They looked from Hayden to Tracy, and Tracy nodded, coming around the table to stand between the two of them while the woman handed Hayden her phone.

“Smile,” Hayden said as she took five or six photos, catching the woman turning as they thanked Tracy, her smile wide, but Hayden found it hard to look away from Tracy who spent a few moments with them, talking about their travel plans and where they were from, everything about Tracy genuine.

They said their goodbyes, and Hayden waited until they had left the restaurant, falling into step beside Tracy as they walked along the port, the yachts gently bobbing up and down in the water.

“You just made their day,” Hayden said, unable to keep the smile off her face. “That was really sweet.”

“That hasn’t happened… Well, I won’t count Lara. But that hasn’t happened in probably three, maybe four years?” Tracy slid on her shades. “It’s easy to take the time when it happens so rarely. But it is nice. That people still enjoy that show. Nearly thirty years later,” Tracy said with a sigh. “Jesus.”

“I might have to do a rewatch.”

Tracy’s steps slowed. “You’ve seen it?”

Hayden nodded. “Yeah. A few episodes here and there, but when I started working with Charlotte, I watched the whole series. Twice.”

“I had no idea,” Tracy said softly.

“You were really good. And that woman’s right. They don’t make shows like that anymore.”

Tracy didn’t say anything more, and once again Hayden was biting back more questions, sure that Tracy wouldn’t want to answer them.

“Will we go back to the car?” Tracy said after a few moments.

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