“That’s very nice of you to say.”
“I’d put a hundred dollars down that within the year; you’ll be too big of a star to come to this little neighborhood bar.”
She laughed loudly, amused by the young man. “Well, if I’m not mistaken, Marilyn Monroe was in here last night. Now that’s as big a name as you can get.”
“Ah, yes. Marilyn Monroe. You’re right. She has been in here before. A few years ago when they were shootingGentlemen Prefer Blondes. Her star really took off big time, and she hasn’t been back since.”
“But I could have sworn I saw her here last time. I mean that blonde hair is unmistakable, not to mention those curves.”
“Ah, yes. I know the one you’re talking about. A very attractive woman, indeed. She definitely has that Monroe aura.” He let out a long, slow whistle then sighed. “Yep. A real looker.”
“Do you think she’s trying to follow in Marilyn’s footsteps?”
He chuckled. “Just about every girl in Hollywood is trying to follow in Marilyn’s footsteps.”
“Right.”
“But, you are right. I do think she’s trying to break into the business. I mean she’s been in here a few nights now, always with a hotshot producer or something.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I’m guessing a new production is on the way and the producers are keeping it quiet for the moment, but...yeah. I mean, I won’t go so far as to say she was auditioning for these guys, but she certainly was working to get their attention...their full attention, if you know what I mean. Anyway, a bunch of suits have been eagerly looking at her.”
“Suits?”
He grinned. “Money. The guys who finance these things. Movie making is a risky business. You never know what’s going to hit and what’s going to miss. Believe me. I’ve seen plenty of producers, directors and some actors come in here and cry into their beer when they realize that their ‘sure thing’ turned out to be a monumental flop.”
“Do you know what her name is?”
“The blonde?” He looked curiously at her. “No. Why?”
Sonya realized she’d dug in a little too deep. Now what? “Oh. Well, since I’m in The Muse and I know a few people...I don’t know...I thought I could put a word in for her.”
His broad grin quickly returned. “That’s really generous of you. But, like I said, I don’t know her name. Truth be told, I’ve never even had the chance to speak to her. It’s always some guy ordering her drinks and paying for them.”
Sonya smiled. “A starlet. A movie star in the making. There’s something so exciting about that.” She spun around to look for her. “I’d love to meet her. Think you could introduce us?”
“I’d love to, but she hasn’t been in today. I guess she finally got her big break and she’s working on a movie.”
“Oh, right. Well, good for her. I’m happy to see her dream is coming true.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions. That’s only my assumption. On the other hand, it could be something far less glamorous that is keeping her from coming...like a doctor’s appointment.”
He suddenly grew serious, as if a weight had come to land on his shoulders.
“Are you worried about her?”Sonya said.
He shrugged. “You seem rather...well, pure...innocent. I hate to peel back the glitter of Hollywood, but...”
“I’m a big girl, Bart. I can take it.”
“I hope that your audition was on the up and up and that you were cast without...well, compromising conditions.”
Sonya frowned, not sure she followed him.
“Some producers...” He stopped himself and looked around. “These guys have money and they have power. They have the power to make or break a career.”
“That’s understandable. Like you said, movie making is a risky business.”
