Idolized (Hollywood Stardust Book 3) (29 page)

Cut!

(He gets out of his director’s chair and goes to her.)

What’s wrong?

ROXY

I can’t do this.

(She stomps off set.)

STEVEN

Everyone take ten!

(He runs after ROXY, skidding to a stop in front of her.)

What the hell are you doing?  I have to get this shot.

ROXY

Did you put this scene in here to torture me?

(She tries to move away.)

STEVEN

(Catches her by the shoulders)

We rehearsed this scene, you were there when I wrote it. What are you talking about?

ROXY

(Shakes her head)

Did you know that every time we rehearsed this proposal I thought that somehow you would come charging over with a ring?

STEVEN

Why does everything come down to this?

ROXY

Because it does.  Because I waited years for you.  Because I fought for you.  Because…

(She turns away.)

STEVEN

Because you gave everything up for me.

(He lets go of her.)

I’m not going to be threatened into marrying you.

ROXY

I’m done being your piece of clay.  I quit.

(She walks off set.)

Chapter Fourteen

THE FIRST DAY ON SET always reminded Ryder of the first day of school. There might or might not be some of the same people, the dynamics hadn’t been set yet, and there was pressure to be on one’s best behavior, look pretty and generally get along with others.

Still in afterglow mode from his early AM session with Cora, he made his way into his trailer. Long ago, he had his own trailer, but he ended up selling it off, keeping only a few select mementos, and afterward made sure these little luxuries and all the fineries were put into his contract.

He nodded at the vanity where he would have his hair and makeup done. The bathroom boasted a whirlpool tub big enough for both him and Cora, and thankfully, he asked for a king sized bed. It even contained an entertainment area, including a big screen television.

Before settling in, he checked to make sure there were exactly twelve bottles of alkaline water in the refrigerator, four bottles of sparkling water from a famed spring in France, and a jar of organic creamy peanut butter. Decorating the room was live bamboo, a Zen rock garden and a water lily in a glass bowl. He needed to add an espresso machine to his rider for his lady.

Yes, there were perks to being on set.

After changing into the costume already hanging in the closet, he heard a knock on the door. No doubt, hair and makeup was there to get him ready, and he opened the door.

“This is yours!” Erin thrust two shopping bags at him, stomped inside his trailer and motioned for the stagehand to follow. “Put him here.” She pointed to the floor.

Without a word, the stagehand deposited Spike at his feet.

“Erin, come on,” Ryder protested. “It’s our first day here.” He looked down at his furry friend. “I told you I’d make this up to you.”

Spike looked up at him and raised his paw.

“That is the most he has done since you brought him to us. Drew said no more, and I can’t stop crying.” Her hair up in curlers and in a red satin robe, Erin appeared to be an overdramatic housewife. “I can’t work and cry over a dog at the same time.”

“What am I supposed to do with him?” Unable to resist Spike’s droopy little face, he bent down and gave him a pat.

Spike wagged his tail and did that thing with his paw again.

“He loves you.” Erin’s voice broke. “I don’t know why, but he loves you.”

“Hair and makeup!” Two women entered the trailer, shoving themselves in with him, Erin and the stagehand.

“Erin,” he growled. Spike did his paw thing. At least they were in sync.

“Inside the bags are his food, his toys, his leash, his clothes, his schedule, the vitamins Drew specially blended for him, and the tablet that has his video pre-loaded, so he can watch while you’re working. I also included your monthly supply of Hollywood Glow and another check for your charity.” She put her hand to her forehead. “I’m sorry Ryder, but I’m a mother now, and I have to think of my baby first. After buying you that car, Cora can buy a dog sitter, since she obviously needs you for something.” With the flourish that only Erin could create, she looked down at Spike, pursed out her lower lip and then ran out, her red robe billowing in her wake.

“What the hell does that mean?” he asked the rest of the people in his trailer. “He watches videos?”

The stagehand shook his head and walked out.

“We’re on a schedule, Mr. Scott.” One of the women tiptoed closer. “What a lovely little dog.”

Spike took one look at the woman and hid behind Ryder’s legs.

He took his chair and his dog stayed by his side. His dog. His and Cora’s dog. They could have a pet, yes they could. They were normal…sort of.

Even he couldn’t convince himself of that one.

The women began working on him. The distinctive scent of theatrical makeup filled the room, and he sat back to allow them to do their jobs. Maybe before he went out into the trenches, he could slip Cora a quick sext.

Before he even had the chance to ask one of the girls to get his phone and his script pages, another knock came at his trailer door. Not wanting to get up with the girls around him, he lifted a finger telling them to stop. “Come in!” He expected either Edward or Logan. If Drew showed up, he needed to ask how a dog watched a video.

The door opened and Glen, his nemesis, walked inside with another man dressed in a black suit.

His skin heated to the point where he was sure the makeup would melt right off him. Asking how they even got here would be a moot point. They could go where they wanted.

“Mr. Scott, I thought we might find you here.” Glen nodded. “We brought you a little gift for your first day on set.”