Forever and a Day (7 page)

“I guessed. I’m Caleb… do you know Mr. Ascher?”

“Good to meet you Caleb. Ari Ascher? Not until a few minutes ago.”

“Oh. Well let’s get going. Your audition is at 2:30.”

Xander followed Caleb to the parking lot and saw the van that the young man pointed at: It was a new, white Chevrolet cargo van. On the side, it had the name of a Production Company. It read, Heaven’s Raines Productions. Below that was a blue tinged cloud with a gold halo above it, below the cloud were three water droplets cascading down.

Caleb helped Xander with his bag and soon they were driving towards the Best Western on West Olympic. The entire trip there Xander could sense that Caleb was agitated. Twenty minutes of silence led them to the front entrance of the hotel. As Xander was ready to get out Caleb could not hold back his silence any further.

“Hey man, wait up! I’m sorry to have to ask this. My boss wanted to know who, what and why concerning Mr. Ascher. This spy shit is not in my deal memo… know what I mean?” Caleb gave him a pained look.

“I understand.” Xander smiled. He then told him all about Tina and the flight and up to where they were. Xander began chuckling, “I should go buy a lottery ticket or something. The chances of meeting Ari Ascher face to face are one in billions.”

Caleb chuckled in return, relieved he got that conversation out of the way, “Man, you burned all your luck out on that one. Save your cash!”

“Ha! No kidding!” Xander laughed.

“I’ll pick you up right here at 2:00. You got one of those ‘actor cards’ with your cell?”

Xander handed him his card. He got out and Caleb called out to him.

“You really pass up Mr. Ascher’s offer to call my boss for you?”

“You know it.”

Caleb shook his head, “That’s just crazy. You do know who he is, right?”

Xander chuckled, “That I do.”

“Alright, man. See ya and don’t be late, they hate that upstairs.”

Xander nodded with a smile and shut the door.

The hotel clerk handed Xander the bill and his eyes widened at the price. $229 plus tax for a Best Western room with no view. At least the clerk gave him a room away from street so he would have some quiet. Gathering his bags, he headed up to his room. Once there he immediately opened his bags and began pulling out his clothes, determined to choose the right look for the part.

He settled on a pair of his Calvin Klein dark gray jeans then came a black V-neck, tight fitting short sleeve shirt. He chose his ‘Ranger’ style belt with faded silver stars and a silver buckle and his black cowboy boots. Examining his choice he decided it looked more ‘tough guy’ rather than cowboy.

Grabbing his toiletries kit, he headed to the bathroom to work on his hair. He wet it and began playing with different styles. He finally settled on an awful, gelled and combed straight back style, much like Michael Douglas’s character, Gordon Gecko in ‘Wall Street’.

He quickly dressed and looked at his visage in the mirror. He opened up a leather glasses case and removed a pair of Italian made Aviator style sunglasses. He stared at them for a long moment then put them back. He decided on the cheap black plastic pair he usually wore, he tried them on and the look worked.

He began pacing the room and started going over his lines. When he was sure he had them down he stood in front of the mirror and tried out various gestures and facial expressions; knowing if he was slated and on camera he couldn’t move out of frame.

Two hours into developing his character and memorizing his lines, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He checked the text. It was from an anonymous number and it read:
I’ll be there in 10. Caleb.

Xander texted back:
You bringing the Limo? J/K!

He quickly got a reply:
You bring your Oscar?

He laughed aloud and texted:
I wish! Lol! See you soon!

With a final run through, he checked his laptop bag, which doubled as his actor’s bag and contained all the items he might need. From a mini sewing kit, to a small first aid kit, everything was there. He placed the script inside and zipped it up, checked himself in the mirror and was out the door.

“JJ, have Craig move the camera to Susie’s left side and have him keep it at her eye level please. Megan must have bumped it after the last read.”

“I’ll get Craig right on it, Halo.”

Halo smiled at her best friend and assistant, Jenni Jones, whom she referred to as JJ since they first met at an audition sixteen years ago.

Over the years, JJ grew to a lanky five foot nine. Halo stopped at five foot three and had a near perfect, voluptuous body for her height. JJ looks went the boyish route with soft blue eyes and dishwater blonde hair. JJ eventually stopped pursuing acting while Halo became one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood, if not the world. She often was referred to as ‘America’s Sweetheart’ by the media worldwide.

She loved JJ like her own sister and the feeling was mutual. JJ and her mother quickly became family with her own, with both of their mothers developing a lasting friendship. It was a natural transition for JJ to segue into becoming Halo’s assistant. In return, Halo was generous to a fault with JJ, and JJ was fiercely loyal and protective of Halo in return. At work though, it was all business and Halo was definitely the leader and boss.

JJ picked up the wireless headset, pushed the send button and tested the volume, “Test. One, two, three. Craig?”

“Loud and clear, JJ.”

JJ gave Craig, Halo’s instructions and she got a ‘copy’ in return.

Halo looked up at the large HD TV screen in her office and was satisfied with the positioning of the camera.

“Halo, the last audition is here. The guy from Oregon. He’s in the lobby.”

Halo sighed as she got up out of her high backed executive chair and came around the desk and leaned close to JJ, “I feel bad for making this guy come all the way down here. I really hope he is good… or at least better than Johnny Stone is. It’s going to be one hell of a fight to get Joel to agree to go with someone other than Johnny the Stoner…”

JJ leaned in close to Halo’s ear, “Johnny has always given me the creeps. I feel so bad for you.”

“Just the thought of him pawing all over me in that scene makes me want to throw up. I wish Deacon was with me on this… all he’s interested in is Johnny Stone’s name recognition.”

JJ gave her a sympathetic look.

“I don’t think I can win this one…”

JJ watched a shadow of sadness wash over her friend’s flawless face, “I’m sorry, I wish I could do something to help.”
 

“Listening to me whine and complain is more than enough. Hey, did you check out the Oregon guy in the office’s security cam?”
 

“Nope, not yet.” JJ giggled a little, “I always feel like such a sneak when I do.”

Halo gave JJ a playful push towards the office door, “Well girl? Go check him out and report back!”

JJ groaned and left Halo’s office for the adjacent room. Looking into the monitor, she gave a squint as she made out Xander sitting on the couch. JJ stuck her head back into Halo’s office, “Hey!” She whispered loudly, “Come here!” She giggled, “I think he’s asleep!”

Halo grinned, “Really? Ok, I gotta see this!” She snickered and joined JJ in the adjacent room. She squinted at the image of the person on the monitor, “It’s hard to tell, but looks like he is… his eyes are closed.”

JJ pointed at the monitor, “He looks different from his head shots. Is that really him?” JJ squinted again at the monitor.

“One sec.” Halo went back into her office and retrieved his file. Back at the monitor, she pulled out his 8x10 glossy headshot and held it up so they both could see it. She paused for a long moment as she looked at his picture, “Oh, uh, his hair is done differently, but yes I think it’s him.” She looked on the back of the headshot, “Xander Kostinos is his name, sounds Greek to me!” JJ joined Halo in giggling.

JJ pointed to the headshot, “Nice looking guy.”

Halo gave JJ a big smile, “Hey, why don’t you go in there and say hi. Grab a water bottle or something…” Halo elbowed her friend, “that way we know for sure!” Halo bounced her blonde eyebrows at JJ.

JJ’s eyes widened, “What? No way!” JJ begged off with her hands waving at Halo, “Oh come on, please don’t make me go in there! Halo!”

“Come on JJ!” Halo gave JJ a little playful push, “Just go in there and introduce yourself and ask him, um… about Oregon or something!”

JJ opened her mouth then quickly closed it, hoping Halo would change her mind by her staying silent.

Halo pouted and patted JJ’s arm and began moving towards the door, “Ok, I’ll go in there then…”

JJ grabbed Halo’s hand, “No! Holy cow Halo, you can’t be serious. You might make the poor guy nervous! The first thing he needs to see is you. You know how guys get around you…”

Halo wrinkled her nose at JJ, “Alright. Then you have to do it.”

JJ rolled her eyes and looked up at the ceiling and raised her palms up in the air, looking back to Halo she nodded, “Fine, FINE! I’ll go be your spy.” JJ sighed, “Do I look ok?”

Halo shrugged, “Don’t hunch, you are always hunching. Be happy you are tall, and yes you look fine.”

“Yeah, yeah.” JJ said and headed out the door.

“Oh, JJ?” Halo said and watched JJ turn to her.

“Yes, what now? Want his marital status too?”

“Sure. But I want you to ask him how his meeting with Ari Ascher went today.” Halo watched JJ’s jaw drop and Halo let out a laugh.

“Oh my God! He met with Ari today! How?” She exclaimed.

Halo waved JJ off with her hand, “Forgot to tell you. Caleb called me with the details. I guess he sat next to Christina on the plane down here. What are those odds? Anyway just kidding about asking him about Ari, I think I’ll give Ari a call myself.” Halo made a shooing motion at JJ with a mischievous smile.

“Fine, boss lady. I’m going!” JJ huffed.

“Oh, don’t mention you are my assistant.” Halo watched JJ throw her hands up in the air as she disappeared from view.

Halo chuckled as she went back to her office. Sitting down in her chair, she reached for her Dolce and Gabbana, black satchel, dug out her cell phone and dialed up Ari Ascher’s private number. She swept back her long wavy golden blonde hair and put the phone up to her ear. She heard the phone ring once before a man’s voice answered.

“Good afternoon, Halo. I was expecting your call, albeit sooner. What question can I assist you with? I do assume it’s about Christina’s… excuse me, for some ungodly reason it’s now Tina.” Ari cleared his throat and continued, “Tina’s new crush and benefactor, Xander Kostinos.”

“Hello Ari, hope I’m not catching you at a bad time?” Halo asked.

“Halo, my dear. Honestly it’s never a bother taking your call.” Ari replied.

“So what can you tell me about my mystery man, who was seen by my driver talking to you this morning, please?”

“Of course, but first I must remind you that as a producer you have to stay on top of events and being a young woman here in the business, you have to be doing everything exceptionally better and always stay a step ahead. I keep explaining this to you out of my affection for you and out of respect for your father and mother.”

“As always Ari, thank you. My Mystery man?” Halo did her best to hide her impatience.

“Of course.” Ari replied and Halo thought Ari might be smiling into his phone as he continued, “As you know we all usually fly Virgo, apparently Tina’s flight was cancelled and Annabeth put her on the next available flight. Unknown to myself, Tina took it upon herself to pass on a tranquilizer.” Ari paused and mumbled to someone from where ever he was, “Apologies, where was I? Oh yes, Xander, your mystery man, was seated next to Tina and was able to assist her through her anxiety spell. Rather odd fellow, he had the flight attendant help her with her seatbelt rather than tighten it himself. Very proper and polite I’d say. As a matter of fact he respectfully declined my offer of assistance in calling you personally about his audition today.”

“Really?” Halo said interrupting Ari.

“Yes. As I recall he said something to the fact: ‘I will kick myself later, but I feel I must do this on my own with my abilities. Oh yes, and that I promised I would keep it quiet, as his agent would terminate him as a client if he found out he passed on my offer. I offered him my discretion and expect the same from you.”

“Of course Ari.”

“Halo, other than what I described, he apparently is a good fellow and as Tina reported, very intelligent. Concerning his acting ability? I have no clue, though if my daughter had her way she would be rallying the troops at your door for his cause.”

Halo heard Ari let out a short chuckle, “So, how is um, Tina doing?”

“Fine, her new ambition is to become a pilot to overcome her fear of flying. This I owe due to your mystery man’s conversation with Tina. Other than that, she wants to grow up to be you.”

“Aww.” Halo gushed, “Well give her a hug and kiss for me please.”

“Certainly. Halo, have you completed the audition as of yet?”

“Soon, we are waiting for Joel to get back from lunch.” Halo sighed into the phone, “Joel and Deacon are adamant on keeping Johnny Stone on…” Halo heard Ari grunt quietly.

“Speaking of the devil himself… about Joel Miller.”

“Ari, thank you but my dad already warned me about him.”
 

Ari interrupted, “My dear, there are things even your father does not know about Joel Miller. Please take heed when I tell you this.” He paused.

“Yes Ari, I’m listening.”

“Good. About Joel… watch your back with him and do not ever embarrass him in front of people. If you were my daughter, I would advise you to limit your time alone with him. I am sure he will behave, as he knows your father and I do business together. Now listen closer, if Joel ever threatens you, you will call me. I have people who can help. You understand my meaning?”

“Um… yes Ari. I—I do. I’ll be careful.”

“And stay one or more steps ahead at all times.”

“Thank you Ari.”

“Yes, and if your Mystery man proves to be a decent actor I will expect communication forthwith.”

“Of course Ari. Oh, Ari?” Halo smiled into her phone.

“Yes?”

“Hope you have a happy birthday!”

“Oh?” He chuckled, “My thanks. Good day to you Halo.”

Halo heard the line go dead. She smiled bigger as she put her phone in her jeans pocket. Ari Ascher was one of the biggest Producers in Hollywood, as well as the most mysterious. Most people only knew him by his name and his appearances at charity functions, other than that he kept to the shadows. She had deduced it was his birthday or something special as Christina was visiting while school was in session.

Halo got up and checked the security monitor. She saw JJ sitting on the couch with the Mystery man, close but not too close to be awkward. They were both chatting away and JJ was clearly enjoying it.

Halo’s phone vibrated, it was a text from Joel saying he was on his way back from lunch.

Halo quickly shot off a text to JJ to come on back. Soon she heard JJ coming down the hallway and met her at the door. JJ was smiling ear to ear, “Ok JJ, what’s up? You looked like you were enjoying your conversation with my Mystery man!” Halo giggled and grabbed JJ’s hand and pulled her into her office, “Fess up!” Halo urged.

“Well, he is a very, very nice guy! He has these really intense deep green eyes, and he’s got that beautiful skin tone…” JJ gushed and smiled at Halo, “He told me his father was Greek and his mother was from England…”