The Scene Stealer: A Hollywood Romance

“He has a handle on the situation, but don’t be surprised if they show up at one of the sets. This film is big news, especially with you in the lead role. If their goal is to make contact with you, I’m certain that they’ll find a way.”

“So the security detail is a good idea?”

“I think so. Want me to make contact with a team?”

“Yeah. Now, I’m off to go drive a really nice car really, really fast.” My smile widens at the thought of living every little boy's dream, and most adults’.

“Alright, we’ll meet up for dinner to go over your schedule tomorrow. Enjoy yourself.”

“Thanks.”

Tessa moves to leave the room but turns just as she crosses the threshold, she turns to look back to me. “Hey, Devyn. For what it’s worth, I really hope that you and Larsen can figure things out. I kind of like that little town.”

Tessa’s confession is answered in silence. I’m not sure I have the words to describe how much I wanted it to work too. It’s my fault that I’m left feeling this way, left feeling like an ocean with no life forms beneath the surface. A body of water rolling and changing without the moon to guide it.

Just as I head out of the room, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. A message from my agent reads that Elena and I have our first appearance at breakfast tomorrow. She’s nothing if not efficient.

No need for a response, she’ll make sure that I’m there on time, guiding me through the new maze of Hollywood.

Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I flag down the hotel’s valet and make my way to the racetrack.

I may be a pawn in this new game, but I can at least enjoy the adrenaline rush awaiting me this afternoon.

~

Right jab.

Left hook.

Right uppercut.

Left high-kick to the nose.

I practice the move off to the side of the set while the director reviews the previous film and sets up another angle of the camera. I repeat the movement in my head over and over until I make the move flow seamlessly.

The crowd standing behind the barrier for the set has grown since we started filming three weeks ago. Women clamor as close as they possibly can until the security guards are forced to hold them back.

Tessa strolls over with a bottle of water. Michael, Elena’s assistant, trails behind his employer as they follow Tessa toward me. Something about their approach doesn’t seem right, Michael’s eyes dart around as he tucks something black and white into his pants pocket while Elena seems to look around for the crowd of photographers.

“Here. You’re doing great.”

“Thanks. I think I finally got it down,” I tell her before I take a heavy swig of the water, drinking half the bottle in one gulp. “Hey, Elena. What brings you around? Today is your day off from filming.”

She and Michael both squint in my direction before Elena steps closer and trails her fingernail down my arm.

“I just wanted to stop by and see you,” she pouts.

“That’s kind of you, but I just saw you this morning.”

Breakfast had been staged in a spectacular fashion. Photographers had been alerted of the outing and were waiting the minute the towncar dropped us in front of the five-star restaurant. Tessa hadn’t trailed along, but Michael had and sat at a table close by neck deep in sifting through Elena’s fan mail and responding to some as well.

“Yes, well, I was told there were photographers close by, so I thought it would be helpful.”

I fake a smile in her direction and bend down so that she can kiss my cheek. Luckily, I’m saved as the director calls another shot in five minutes and I explain that I need to get my head back into the fight. She and her minion stroll off to the side behind the director.

“Well, I’m glad they’re gone. I actually wanted to make sure that you still planned on going to the baseball game this afternoon.”

“That’s the plan. I can text you when I’m done here.”