Chapter Seven

Happy Saturday! I hope all of you are having a wonderful weekend. Since yesterday was a work Friday (I have every other Friday off.), today was errand day for me - gas, groceries, pedicure, etc. All of the necessities of daily life. Today also started "extra" Saturday cheerleading practices for my seven year old. It used to be that the girls practiced twice a week, but starting last year, the gym went into super overdrive. No two days a week now. "Extra" practices start in August and continue until March. That's three days a week of practice and a fourth day for a private lesson - times two kids. It takes dedication to be the Mom of a competitive cheerleader, probably much like being a mom of a baseball player, club volleyball, swimmer, etc. I have a co-worker who's daughter is a 10 year-old level 8 gymnast. He tells me she practices something like 4 hours/day, every day. Wow! It'd be amazing to watch your kid in the olympics, but the amount of time and money to get them must be overwhelming. I'm happy to stick with cheerleaders.

My fifteen year old is waiting for me to pick her up, so I'm going to get right into Chapter 7. In Chapter 7, we meet Logan St. James. I mentioned earlier how I started writing Hollywood Dreams at Disneyworld, right? Well, I decided on the name Logan while I was there too. I wanted something Hollywoodish. The St. James just sounded right, but I couldn't figure out the right first name. Naming your characters is the worst! It's so hard. The name has to be just right - like when you name a baby. Anyway, I was at a loss, and then I went into this Finding Nemo show at Epcot. It was the one where you interacted with the animated turtles from Finding Nemo. At the end of the show, kids get the chance to ask the turtle dude some questions. One of the little kids asking questions was named Logan. The Disney cast member announced his name and the light bulb went off... ta da! Logan!! So thank you little kid at Disney. Even now over year after naming Logan it still feels right.

When I post my first book, Short Skirts and True Love, I'll tell you the story about how the hot brother (Admittidly he's jailbait, but he's still hot.) of my seven year old's friend was the inspiration for my sexy hero, Ethan. But, that's a whole different subject. Smile.

Chapter 7

The hotel ballroom was decorated in Midnight’s Dawn memorabilia. Mixed in among the movie posters, old props, and costumes were pictures of the cast on the original set and at various openings and award ceremonies. From every wall, Mom’s smile beamed. In the pictures, Kyle typically accompanied her, but, in a few of them, I could see Dad standing in the background. Poor Dad. It must have been hard to be eclipsed so completely by his beautiful wife.
Despite tonight’s elegant surroundings, the dress was casual – or as casual as a group of Hollywood elite could get. And this group was definitely Hollywood elite. The best and the brightest had been hired to work on Dawn’s New Light, and although the room was currently packed with at least two hundred people, Mom assured me that before the movie was complete, thousands would have a hand in its production.
Simply walking into the ballroom was nerve wracking. Mom promised my light summer sundress and strappy sandals were perfect, but I wasn’t so certain. How was I to know what was right? I suppose Mom would have told me if I looked like a troll, but next to her, I looked blah in anything I owned. I wish I could have gone on the promised shopping trip before having to face these beautiful people. If Kyle was a shock, I could only imagine my reaction to meeting Savannah Sears. Her beauty was bound to be a hit to any normal girl’s ego.
“Bridgette! Hello! I’m so sorry I missed meeting you at the airport myself. Things have been so crazy here. I’m nearly tearing out what’s left of my hair.” A distinguished looking man, a bit on the short side but with plenty of hair to tear out, bounded up to Mom, enthusiastically hugging her before stepping back to study her intently. His eyes started their inspection at her head, traveling slowly down her body until they reached her feet.
With his inspection complete, he looked back up. “I see you’re as beautiful as ever. Perfect. You know there are those who thought I was crazy to insist you play Anna. They were certain you’d gotten all farmwife pudgy and wore only overalls or something. I’m glad to see I was right – as usual.”
My mouth dropped open, appalled at his rudeness. As if my Mom would have gone fat!? What’d he think we did in Minnesota? Sit on our butts and eat Jello molds? I was insulted on the entire state’s behalf!
Mom surprised me when she burst out laughing. “It’s nice to see you too, Jackson. And I’m glad to see you haven’t changed either. Blunt as usual. Someday someone’s going to be less than charmed by you. Who knows what will happen then? Be careful. This is Texas; people carry guns here.”
“Oh, Bridgette. You know I love you. I never believed a word of the speculation.” Jackson had the grace to blush.
I still hadn’t forgiven him for his dispersions on my home state when Mom turned to me. “Jackson, this is my daughter Kate. Kate, this is Jackson Michaels.”
“Be careful of this one, Kate,” Kyle warned as he moved to stand between Mom and me. “As beautiful as you are, he’ll be trying to recruit you into the movies before the film is half over. He’s a tricky one.” I hadn’t seen him arrive, but once I became aware of him, I found it hard to believe I’d been so blind. Kyle Thomas lit up a room, making it almost impossible to ignore his presence once he entered the same space as you.
I noticed, although his words were addressed to me, Kyle’s full attention was on Mom. His eyes were a little too attentive, and he stood just a little too close. Mom seemed drawn to him too. The way she leaned toward him slightly, as if a force field was pulling her, startled me. Guys didn’t affect mom! Heck, I couldn’t even tell you the last time she went on a date. She always said that part of her life was over. Seeing her with Kyle now, I wasn’t so sure. I also wasn’t sure I liked it – or him for that matter.
“I’m glad to see you could make it, Kyle. Of course, you never could stay away from Bridgette.” Jackson studied Kyle and Mom. After watching his earlier inspection of Mom, it wasn’t surprising to see it happen a second time. “Ah, yes, I was right. You two are still magic together. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. You were always magic. Still, I wondered if it’d still be there after all these years.”
In reaction to Jackson’s clinical words, Mom and Kyle looked toward each other. As their eyes met, the connection that flowed between them was almost visible. Magic. Jackson was right. They were magic together. I decided then I didn’t like Kyle. No way. He could just take his magic far away from my mother.
“Now, Jackson darling, don’t you ever turn off your director’s mind and just have some fun?” The sultry sounds of Savannah Sear’s voice floated across the short distance separating her from our group. I watched in awe as she glided up to place her arm around Jackson’s shoulders.
“Savannah, dear. I hope that is just Coke you’re drinking.” Savannah’s flirtatious look faltered, turning briefly to annoyance, before settling into a mock frown. I glanced at the small glass in her hand. It was brown and had bubbles. If it wasn’t Coke it was Dr. Pepper or maybe Pepsi. How odd Jackson would care.
“Jackson, don’t believe all those dreadful rumors you hear about me. I’m still that innocent little girl from Georgia. It makes me terribly sad people are so willing to think the worst of me.” Her lip trembled slightly and her expression saddened. I felt the urge to reach out and pat her perfect blond head in comfort. I never considered that all those rumors could be false. Seeing Savannah’s innocent, ethereal face now, I found it hard to believe she could be anything but sincere.
“Give it a rest, Savannah. Save it for someone who is less familiar with the havoc you can cause,” Jackson’s words were harsh (how mean!!), but he leaned in to place a kiss on Savannah’s flawless cheek.
“Ooooo, who do we have here? You haven’t replaced me again, have you?” Savannah’s eyes settled on me. I’d been charmed watching her banter with Jackson, but now, with the force of her gaze directed at me, I was overwhelmed. This was Savannah Sears. In person. Looking at me!
At least this time, unlike with Kyle, I could speak. “I’m Kate Swanson. Bridgette’s daughter. It’s an honor to meet you, Ms. Sears.”
“Oh isn’t she precious. How have you kept her hidden, Bridgette? Hollywood would just eat her up. Figuratively speaking, of course.” Savannah looked at Mom with calculated disregard obvious behind her smile. For the first time since meeting her, I wondered if Savannah was as sweet and innocent as she appeared.
Mom stuck out her hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you Savannah. It’ll be great to work with you. I’ve heard so many stories. I’m sure it’ll be a unique experience.” Her pleasant words were laced with mocking sarcasm. I didn’t know what I just missed, but I was sure it was something significant. Everyone’s words seemed to have about twenty meanings. It was all a bit confusing. In Minnesota, people usually said what they meant and meant what they said. Mom, though, followed all the undercurrents perfectly.
Turning away from Savannah, Mom looked at Jackson quizzically. “So, where’s our boy villain? You promised me he’d be here.”
“Oh, he’ll be here, Bridgette. The night’s still young.”
The boy villain? Jackson hadn’t even finished speaking when a shrill screaming rose from outside the ballroom.
“I’m guessing that’s him now, Bridgette. Despite all the money we pay security, one or two determined girls always make their way through. Ingenious little things. I’m not sure how they do it.” Jackson laughed indulgently as we all turned towards the door. My knees nearly buckled when Logan St. James entered the ballroom, shutting the door on an increasing level of screams. I barely breathed as he began making his way over toward where we all stood.
Logan St. James was the biggest teenage star in the history of the world. Well, maybe not the history of the world, but in the history of my world. Not yet in his twenties, at nineteen, his movies were almost always blockbusters, and his female fan following was legendary. I guess that explained the screaming.
I’d swooned over him myself, not realizing his perfection could be even more awe inspiring in person. His hair was strawberry blond and styled long enough to show off its beautiful color. When combined with sparkling blue eyes and a magnificent body sure to make any male model jealous, he looked the part of a genuine Hollywood superstar.
“You do know how to make an entrance, Logan.” Jackson reached over to shake his hand. Logan looked slightly embarrassed as he acknowledged Jackson’s greeting.
“I’m sorry, Jackson. I can’t seem to help it.” His abashed smile was charming in an unpracticed way. It was easy to see how he maintained the reputation of being a truly nice guy. A reputation that only served to increase his appeal with every female on the planet. There were so few truly nice guys…
“Logan, I’d like you to meet Bridgette Broucheriou and her daughter Kate.” Jackson deftly introduced Mom and I to the single most perfect guy in the world. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t think.
Thank goodness for Mom. “It’s nice to meet you, Logan. I’m truly looking forward to working with you.”
“Bridgette Broucheriou! Wow! I’m honored. I’ve watched all your films. I’m the one who’s privileged to be working with you. It’s truly an honor.” Not a trace of sarcasm was present in Logan’s words. I could tell Mom was thoroughly charmed.
“Logan, darling…” Savannah dislodged herself from Jackson to plaster herself in a proprietary manner to Logan’s side. “Be nice, you’ll make Bridgette feel old… like our mom or something.”
Before Mom could respond, Savannah turned her gaze to me. “Of course, our lovely Kate here is the only one who can truly call her Mom. Right Kate? Oh, and don’t call me Ms. Sears again, it makes me feel nearly as old as your Mom.”
Savannah chuckled as she watched my face go white before turning red. I was generally not good at meeting new people. When the people were some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, I was apparently pathetic. “That’s right… uhmmm… please excuse me…” I mumbled as I made my escape. I could hear Savannah chuckle again as I exited the ballroom in search of the restroom.
I used a few minutes in the bathroom to compose myself before forcing myself to return to the party. I might be a naïve country girl, but I had no reason to hide. I was Bridgette Broucheriou’s daughter, and I belonged here as much as anyone. I was definitely going to have to get over my nerves, or I’d continue to embarrass myself.
Despite my internal pep talk, I cringed when I re-entered the party to find Mom locked in conversation with a new group of people I didn’t know. Rather than go and join Mom, I went in search of food. Thankfully there was a lot of it, all delicious. I happily settled down to comfort eat and star watch.
Mom was amazing. Her charm lit up the room, especially when Kyle was beside her, which was most of the time. They seemed drawn to each other, only temporarily separating to talk to different people, before unconsciously moving back together as if by design.
Others seemed drawn by their combined force too. One by one, I watched as almost every one of the two hundred people in the room made their way over to greet Mom and Kyle. Some were obviously important, while some were just as obviously not; however, regardless of their position, Mom took the time to say hello. She was in her element, looking more complete than ever before. How could I have never understood? This, all of this, was a necessary part of her. How could I not have realized a part of her was missing all these years?
Savannah stuck close to Logan’s side, apparently intent on staking her claim. Since nothing had been reported in the gossip magazines, I was almost certain they weren’t a couple. I was just as certain Savannah wanted to change that fact. Logan, on the other hand, seemed vaguely annoyed at her attentions. Although I doubted Savannah ever failed to get exactly what she wanted, I wondered just how open Logan was to Savannah’s plans. It’d be interesting to watch this real life soap opera play out.
I eventually tired of eating and watching people fawn over Mom and decided to go in search of the pool, which I heard was on the roof of the hotel. The nighttime view of my new home was sure to be spectacular. It only took a few minutes for me to make my way to the top floor and step out into the muggy Houston night.
Although the skyline view of the city was spectacular, the luxuriously padded chase lounges called to me. I didn’t take the afternoon nap Mom suggested and was exhausted from lack of sleep and the stresses of the day. Perhaps if I just closed my eyes for a couple of minutes, I’d feel better.
I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I was being gently shaken awake. I jumped slightly before opening my eyes to find the startling handsome face of Logan St. James only inches away.
“Kate. Wake-up.” His whispering voice was gentle. I would have thought I was dreaming, but there was no way my mind could invent anything as amazing as the reality of Logan St. James.
“I’m awake,” I claimed. The husky tone of my voice disputed my words. When I struggled to sit up, Logan reached out to help me. A spectacular jolt of awareness pulsated through my body. If only we’d both felt it, I thought regretfully before immediately taking it back. The jolt was only my imagination. I loved Erik. No “non-Erik” jolts were allowed!
“Your Mom’s looking for you, Kate. It’s time to go. The party’s over.” Logan still spoke in a soft whisper. This time when I responded, my voice was stronger and louder.
“Oh, God. How long have I been up here?” Although horribly embarrassed, again, the fact that Logan St. James woke me up kept flickering through my head (what girl didn’t dream of that???). Just wait until I told Melanie!
“An hour, I think. Don’t worry. I saw you head up the elevator. I told your Mom I’d come and get you.”
“Thanks. I guess I better go.” I stood up, stumbling a bit in my haste. Logan took my hand, pulling me back to sit down. When he didn’t immediately let go of my hand, my heart started to pound loudly in my chest.
“It’s fine. Just sit and wake up a bit. She’ll wait.”
“I know. I just hate to worry her. She knows I’m not used to all of this….” I was certain Mom would be worried.
“She’s okay. I don’t think she even noticed. She was pretty busy holding court in there. Everyone is so excited to have her back.” His words, although meant to comfort, made me uneasy. I couldn’t imagine Mom not noticing I was missing. But, Logan was right; she focused on everyone else tonight. She may very well have lost track of me - something inconceivable at home.
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” The sad note in my voice made me feel silly. It’d been such an overwhelming day it was virtually impossible to stop the slight whine.
“Hey, it’s okay, Kate.” Logan gathered me into his arms for a hug.
Oh my God! Logan St. James was holding me.
For a moment, I let myself be comforted. Then I remembered Erik and pulled back. Every instinct told me I was absolutely insane. This was Logan St. James! Still lightly holding my hands he continued, “I was born in a small Iowa town. Mom and Dad moved me to Hollywood after I started acting. I remember how it feels. Nothing feels the same any more. This might not be Hollywood, but it’s close enough.”
It was nice to hear I wasn’t totally over reacting. At least I wasn’t the first or only one to go through this.
“I know. It’s just there’s so much I don’t understand. Everyone talks in code, and I embarrassed myself thoroughly with Savannah earlier. I acted like a country bumpkin!” I let irritation at my earlier actions leak into my voice. Strangely, I no longer felt nervous around Logan. Outside of the realization that I was sitting holding hands with the man of my dreams (literally!), I felt completely comfortable with him.
“Don’t worry about Savannah. She means well. It’s just that she grew up in Hollywood. Oh, she claims to be from Georgia, but the last time she was there, she was still crawling. I suspect she’s fascinated about the way you grew up more than anything else. Give her some time.” Logan stood up, pulling me with him as he did so.
“Let’s go find your Mom.” We continued to hold hands as we walked to the elevator, riding it down to the ballroom level. We were still joined when we exited the elevator and walked directly into Savannah who glanced sharply at our hands. I pulled mine away as fast as I could, not caring how it looked. Erik!! How could I keep forgetting?
Logan smiled at me, ignoring Savannah to hug me goodbye. “Kate, it’s been a true pleasure to meet you. I’ll see you soon.”
The incredible sight of him walking away wiped every image of Erik from my memory. Logan St. James was everything the media made him out to be. Intelligent, funny, warm, and caring. I almost didn’t feel guilty for how he made me feel. Almost. For tonight only, I gave myself permission to remember him in my dreams. Tomorrow, I would be better. Tomorrow, I would remember how much I loved Erik.

© 2008-2009 Elizabeth Johnson