Chapter 4
Jeff
“Dad?” Shaun said.
“Yes, son?”
“I want one more story tonight.”
I was reading bedtime stories to my son — I worked long days and irregular hours so things like bedtime stories weren’t always a given. That’s why I always made sure, in between films and whenever my schedule allowed, that I set time aside to do just that. I knew from my childhood that it was those simple everyday moments that mattered more than almost anything else.
Shaun looked so sweet and innocent when going to bed — unlike the adventurous little creature he was during the day. I smiled.
“Sure, you can have another story. But after that, daddy needs to relax too.”
Truth be told, I was exhausted. The night before, I ended up spending three hours with Pat at Mel’s Diner, which I had not expected. I had to get up at 5 AM the next morning for a shoot.
Still, Pat had been worth it. And I bet she was going to nail that audition I’d given her — it was tomorrow. It would be fun to work with her if she got it. And, I admitted to myself, it brought a certain level of excitement. Seeing her…she was still as attractive as she’d once been. In a different way. More confident of herself. Not as young and hot in that way, of course, but hot on a whole other level. I liked it. It was good to have her back.
***
The next day, I was in the studio for another shoot, which went well. We worked with big studios for almost all our productions and for the past five films we had made deals with Daylight Studios. Like the other big names, they were out in Burbank and I’d spent so much time on their lot that it felt like home.
After a long day, I was pleased with what we had accomplished — we were still ahead of schedule and under budget. I smiled to myself as I walked down the corridor. It felt good being the only person in Hollywood with a consistent track record of over delivering in the scheduling department. There was a reason the finance guys liked me.
I looked down at my phone as it buzzed — another message from my secretary. Rounding the corner, I didn’t look up until I bumped into something soft.
“Oh,” the soft thing said and I looked up to see a redheaded curvy goddess.
“Oh,” I replied.
“This time you bumped me,” Pat said with a giggle.
“I did indeed. I do apologize. But at least I didn’t bump you with my Porsche.”
She laughed.
“No, that would have been worse. I’m not sure my Beetle could have handled it.”
“So,” I said, “did you have your audition?”
“Yes, yes I did.”
She looked at me, eyes shining. The green in them would make emeralds look plain.
“And?” I asked.
“I got it. I mean I haven’t signed, but the casting director said she wants me and the director also he wants me. You’d have to approve as the main producer, but I’m guessing that’s not a problem?”
I felt a smile spread across my face. Being this close to Pat was something I could get used to…and apparently, I would. I reminded myself of my decision never to mix business with pleasure, but this was Pat — she was someone I’d known since forever, so it felt different.
“Congratulations! This calls for a celebration. I was just leaving…how about we head for drinks? Something on Sunset on the way home?”
“Sure,” she nodded enthusiastically. I could see happiness radiating from her whole being and I felt pleased I’d played part in causing it.
“I’ll race you to Chateau Marmont then. The bar. You know it’s not in the actual chateau.”
“I know. My memory hasn’t failed me yet.” She winked at me.
