Blessed Love: The Love Series, #9

1

C ut ! Harriet yells, her voice easily carrying to us.

Jarvis jumps up and extends his hand to mine. I hesitate for a brief second and then take it. He leans back and pulls me to my feet.

Thanks, I say.

He just smiles and nods in response.

That's it... we got the shot, Harriet says, as we walk toward her. Nice work everyone... see you all at the wrap party tonight. If you need directions, just talk to my assistant.

I smile as I walk up to Harriet. She takes a deep breath and then smiles back at me.

Nice work on this last scene, she says.

Thanks.

How does it feel to be done?

Strange... I guess.

I'm excited, Jarvis says, but also sad at the same time.

You're sad? Harriet asks.

Yeah... I mean... I know things started out a little rocky... mostly because of me, but I feel like we all did a really wonderful job and I think the movie is going to turn out perfectly.

I hope so.

I blink a few times and nod. I agree with Jarvis, but I'm shocked by what he just said. Never has he uttered a truer statement. It's good that he finally got himself together and we were able to finish the movie. The last few weeks have been even easier... which I think has something to do with his dating of Rose. She's still technically living with Dex, but I think she spends almost no time there. It's amazing how fast their relationship has moved. They both seem happy, though, so I guess that's the only thing that matters.

You're both coming to the party, right? she asks.

Jarvis nods in response.

Yeah, I say, I'll be there.

Good.

I'll see you both there, Jarvis says, as he turns and walks in the direction of his trailer.

I turn, too, but feel a hand on my shoulder. I stop and turn back around.

Amy... there's something I want to talk to you about.

What is it?

Harriet glances around and then shakes her head.

Not here... let's talk at the party. Just make sure you don't leave before we have a chance.

OK.

I turn and walk away from her. Weird. My mind swirls with a thousand thoughts as I try to imagine what Harriet would want to talk about that's so delicate. She clearly didn't want to say anything while we were still on set... but I didn't see anyone within earshot. Strange. I guess I'll find out in a few hours.

The mystery conversation is quickly purged from my thoughts once I reach my trailer and look in the mirror. I shake my head and chuckle at the clothes I'm wearing. They are beyond dirty... and have started to look tattered. I guess that was the whole point, but they are starting to stink and I'll be glad to be out of them for good.

Even when I've changed back into my own clothes, the smell lingers on me. It's a combination of sweat, dirt, and smoke. Not pleasant. I drape the clothes on a hanger and leave them for the wardrobe girl, who should be here any minute to pick them up. I wonder what will happen to them, now that we're done filming. Hopefully, someone will burn them and spare anyone else from ever having to come into contact with them.

I take a deep breath of the fresh air when I step out of my trailer. It feels really good to be done, but at the same time I can’t help being a little sad. I really just expected to feel relieved… it’s just that after everything that happened with Nadia, being done with Day One almost feels bittersweet. I know I can overcome anything, but her words creep into the back of my mind every few days—maybe she’s right and I’ll never work in Hollywood again. It wouldn’t be the worst thing ever, but there are things I would miss.

I shake my head and sigh as I walk toward my car. This isn’t the time to worry about my future as an actress—right now I just want to get everything in order so I can leave in a few days. My original plan was to leave as soon as we were done filming, but that has been delayed because of the whole house buying thing. I was supposed to hear from Ann today, however, there was nothing from her on my phone when I just checked. It’s already late enough in Greenville that I’m sure she’s gone home, so I’ll just call her tomorrow and see what’s happening. It would be great if things work out that my mom actually does get discharged in the next couple of days… and then I can take her to Greenville on my way to Romania.

Arte is at daycare because of the party, but the house feels so lonely when I walk in and sit down on the couch. I put my feet up on the coffee table and just close my eyes. I’ve never worked as hard in my life as I did in the past couple of months, but it was all worth it—I think Day One is going to turn out well and I’m excited to see it once it’s ready for release.

My phone chirps. I reach into my purse and take it out. I was hoping it would be a text from Spencer, but it’s from Rose. It’s not a bad thing… I’m grateful we’re back on speaking terms, but I really miss my man.

Hey, just wanted to check and see if you’re coming to the party tonight? I figure you are, but I wanted to make sure because I really want to see you before you leave for Romania.

I smile as I type a response and hit send.

Yeah, I’ll be there. I want to see you, too… especially since I really have no idea how long I’m going to be gone for.

There’s no response from her after a few seconds, so I just set my phone on the couch as I lean back and just stare at the ceiling.

Everything feels kind of surreal right now. It seems like it’s been forever since I saw Spencer… my mom is going to be released… and I’m going to head to Europe for some unknown amount of time. Not to mention my acting career might also be over just as it was getting started. It seems like it would be prudent for me to be concerned about it… but I’m managing to stay calm and so far, I haven’t regretted my decision one bit.

I step out of my car and close the door. I look down at my dress and frown as I try to keep it from riding up. Finding an outfit for tonight wasn’t an easy task… I really just wanted to wear jeans and a T-shirt, but it didn’t seem all that appropriate. Regret sets in as I walk toward the front of the art gallery that is going to host our party—pretty much every single person standing out front, or walking toward the door, is wearing something casual… and I’m wearing a designer dress and heels. Whoops. Too late to go home and change. I mean… I could… but would it be worth it? No. I should just suck it up and wear what I’ve got on. I’m one of the faces of the film, anyway, so it makes sense for me to be a little more concerned about how I look.

A staff member opens the door and holds it for me. I shift my clutch to my left hand and smile at her as I walk by. I stop a few feet inside the door and look around. It looks like everyone I know by name is here. Harriet is along the back wall… talking to Nadia. Blegh. I also see Jarvis, he’s off to my left, but I don’t see Rose. She’s gotta be around here somewhere. I know Harriet said she wanted to talk to me, but I’m not about to go over there while Nadia is within earshot… I’ve had more than my fill of her over the last couple of weeks. If I never speak to her again it’ll be too soon.

My feet are already killing me after a few more steps, so I stop to look at the closest painting… for no other reason than to rest. Stupid. Maybe someday I’ll be actually able to wear shoes like this for more than twenty minutes. I couldn’t help it, though… they match this dress perfectly. Suck it up, Amy, you can do it.

Amy!

I hear my name, but I don’t recognize the voice. I turn around and see Joanna standing behind me. She’s one of Harriet’s assistants, but I haven’t seen her around much lately.

Hey… how are you? I ask.

I’m good.

She smiles and then looks down at my dress.

Wow… your dress is stunning.

I can’t get it to stop riding up, I say, lowering my voice so only she can hear.

Joanna smiles and shakes her head.

Well, I don’t blame you for wearing something nice after what you’ve had on for the entirety of the shoot.

Don’t remind me.

We both laugh. I shudder at the thought of ever having to wear those clothes again.

Anyway… I heard you’re leaving?

Yeah… Spencer is in Romania, so I’m heading there.

Awesome… that should be fun.

Totally. I’m not sure how much I’ll get to see him… his shooting schedule is always pretty hectic, but I’m looking forward to getting away for a while. I’m feeling pretty worn out from this shoot… I’m ready for a break.

Totally.

Joanna looks over her shoulder and then turns back to me.

I… I see someone I….

See you around, I say.

She just nods before turning and walking to the other side of the room. It isn’t until she disappears from view that I realize what just happened. I think I totally stuck my foot in my mouth. Crap. I totally made it sound like I had the hardest job in the world and that it was such a relief to be done with it. It’s not easy, that’s for sure, but there’s a lot worse jobs I could imagine having. I’m sure Joanna didn’t dream of being an assistant. She probably just does this job because she wants to be in the industry and that’s all she could get. I was in the same place as her not all that long ago. I should try to find her and apologize.

I take one step in the direction Joanna just went… and my ankle rolls. I stick out my arm, trying to reach the wall to brace myself, but it’s too late. I crash to the floor, my arms and legs flying in every direction.

A handful of people rush to my aid and help me back up.

Are you OK? one asks.

Yeah… I’m fine.

My pride hurts worse than the fall. I brush myself off and look around the room. Everyone is looking right at me. I can feel my cheeks turning red. Stupid, Amy. I should’ve worn more sensible shoes. Live and learn.

I take my time and focus on each step as I start walking again. People slowly turn back to whatever they were doing before and I feel like I can breathe again. It’s silly, but I really don’t like having a bunch of people looking at me… a weird thing for someone in my line of work. I guess it’s better than if I was a stage actress. Actually, I don’t think I’d be able to do that… especially if singing was a part of it.

There’s no sign of Joanna when I walk around the wall where I saw her go. Where could she have possibly gone? Hmm. I keep walking in an attempt to locate her. I come to the end of the room and glance outside. There she is. She’s leaning up against the wall of the building on the other side of the alley from the art gallery.

I make my way out, once I find the hallway that leads to the back door. I hold onto the doorframe as I navigate the two steps that lead down to the ground level. Not an easy task. Joanna wipes a tear from her cheek and turns away from me as I get closer.

Joanna… look… I’m sorry about what I said.

She sighs and then turns back toward me.

I know it was insensitive, I say.

Really?

She has always been pretty friendly toward me, but I always treated her as an equal.

Yeah… I just wasn’t thinking about what I said.

She nods slowly. I think Joanna finally believes that I wasn’t trying to hurt her feelings.

It’s fine.

Come here, I say.

We each take a step toward each other and I put my arms around her. She hugs me back. I pull away and smile at her as she takes a deep breath.

You ready to head back in there? I ask.

I guess.

You guess?

She forces a hesitant smile onto her face. I just want her to feel like we’re back where we started. It’s likely that I won’t see her anytime soon, but I’d hate to think there’re people out in the world who feel wronged by me.

I’m good, she says.

The smile on her face changes… and looks genuine now.

Good. Let’s go back inside and stuff our faces.

She laughs and shakes her head. I’m starving after not having eaten much of anything all day. We walk back toward the door that I used to exit the building. I open it and stand aside to let Joanna in. I try to follow her, but Harriet steps in front of me.

Can we talk? she asks.

Of course.

I look around Harriet and see Joanna has stopped and is waiting for me. She has a worried look on her face. I smile and nod to let her know she should go on without me. I step back outside and Harriet closes the door behind herself.

What’s up? I ask.

Well… I wanted to have a quick conversation about Nadia… and everything that went down between the two of you.

I’m not worried. I know Harriet pretty well, by now… and she definitely isn’t coming from the same place as Nadia was.

Of course.

I sit down on the concrete retaining wall, mostly to just rest my feet… these shoes are going to be the death of me.

So, Harriet says, as she sits down next to me, I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, or not, but Nadia did come to me before she ever talked to you.

No… I didn’t know that.

It actually kind of surprises me because I feel like Harriet is the kind of person who would have tried to dissuade Nadia.

"Yeah… she did. I mean… I tried to talk her out of it, but she wasn’t being very… receptive… to the idea of just letting you be who you are."

A faint smile forms on my face and I nod—that’s the Harriet I know.

Thanks for defending me… I appreciate it.

Harriet nods and smiles.

I can tell the kind of girl you are, Amy, and Nadia is right… you don’t fit the typical mold of a young actress, but that’s precisely why I liked working with you so much. You’re an amazing young woman… you’re more talented than I think you even realize and you have a bright future ahead of you if you want to keep acting.

I swallow and look down at the ground. It’s amazing to hear that from Harriet. She’s usually all business on set, so this is not what I was expecting to hear from her. It also makes me sad… because her words just made me feel better about myself than my own mother ever has. I almost want to cry.

Thank you… that means so much to me.

I’m just telling the truth, nothing more.

I swallow and look over at Harriet. She finally looks relaxed, which is nice. The work on our film is far from over, but I have a feeling her demeanor has changed because at least we finished the actual shoot.

Nadia said she’d make sure I never acted again, though… do you think she would really do that?

She is certainly capable of trying. Nadia… she… has had a long and illustrious career in Hollywood and now feels as though everyone who has any amount of success owes her. Yes, you were helped to where you are because of other people… but you would not have been able to do it if you didn’t possess talent of your own.

You think so?

Yes, Amy… you are a talented actress.

So… you don’t think I should worry about Nadia?

She tilts her head back and forth before answering me.

I mean… yeah… I’m sure she will try something, don’t think she won’t. You have to decide if you are ready to fight back. Nadia is fading from this business… and your light is growing. Stand up for yourself.

I stand up and smile at Harriet. She’s so amazing.

I’m going to miss working with you, I say.

She laughs and shakes her head as she stands up.

It was nice. Maybe we can do it again.

I would like that.

I step forward and wrap my arms around Harriet. We hug for a few seconds before I pull back and take a deep breath.

I guess I need to go talk to Nadia, I say.

You will be great.

Thanks.

The pep talk helped, but I still feel nervous about Nadia and what she’s capable of. I’d be crazy not to be a little worried, right?

We head back inside and go our separate ways. I have a feeling it won’t be the last time I work with Harriet, which is amazing because she’s such a wonderful director. If I’m right about Day One, it’s going to turn her