Ch. 13 Home On A Wing and A Prayer
Even the light breeze caressing my face smells different from London as I stand outside the airport, breathing the air of my home country for the first time in almost thirteen years.
I had always imagined that when I finally set my feet on this soil again, I'd be someone.
Someone they would all regret throwing away. Someone they might want to invite back into their lives.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen.
Nearly two years back, I was riding the high of winning a Best Supporting Actress Award for my performance in a mainstream movie, and now?
A bitter snort escapes me.
Now I'm back home because I couldn't secure a single gig to save my acting career.
The memories of the past one and a half years well up again, as they often do.
brEAKING: BAFTA WINNING ACTRESS ASSAULTS PRODUCER FOR REJECTING HER ADVANCES!
One headline, one crass interview by a 'close source' and one photograph of Harry Coleman exiting the hospital with a bandaged hand, and my career was over.
"I'm sorry Ms Shaw, but our studio does not wish to associate with an actress with a bad temper and history of violence."
Every studio had the same response, just worded differently.
My BAFTA got me a Global Talent Visa, but no work.
Harry Coleman got me blacklisted from the industry. The only work I was offered was pornographic in nature—something I refuse to do.
I remember walking into the studio for an audition—not something my agent vetted, but a call that seemed legit enough.
The set is almost dark, with lights placed to create strong contrast. A man who claims to be the director invites me in.
"Here, this is the script. We want to see passion. Make your voice breathy, a little throaty as well. And maybe lose a few layers."
I stare after him as I take off my coat and jacket. Then I start reading the script.
A script that consists of moans and orgasms on demand. I feel sick. I put my jacket back on, button my trench coat all the way to the top and simply leave.
That was the first time I realized how dire my situation was.
My hand trembles on my bag as I try to hail a cab.
Even trying to become an influencer failed me. Harry Coleman never let the scandal die. He made sure my face was regularly splashed across tabloids for my 'violent temper'.
"Why don't you just apologize, Celeste! You did bite the man!" My agent's exasperated voice rings in my ears.
"He...I had my reasons!"
"We all do!" He shouted back. "You know what, we're done. You're fired!"
"What! You can't do that!"
"You need to turn in the keys to your apartment, all the equipment you borrowed and you will get charged a termination penalty, probably ￡5000."
I remember standing rooted in place, disbelief rendering me unable to move.
Just like that, I was out of a home, any potential jobs and a future in acting.
I finally got a job as a marketing associate for an up-and-coming clothing company in London, because they thought I might be able to give them an insider's insight at a fraction of the cost.
And as the latest assignment, I'm now supposed to convince the breakout designer, Legend—whose comeback is making waves all over the world—to collaborate with our company in person or not return at all—because him rejecting our proposals over call and emails is supposedly him playing hard to get.
I give the driver the address to the hotel my company has booked for me, and we're off.
We arrive at a tiny hotel that is clearly past its glory days. Half the letters are missing on its signboard, and the paint is peeling—everywhere.
I sigh. It's going to be a long trip, isn't it?
—-----------------------
I'm standing outside a boutique that looks like nothing I expected. It's fun, colorful, whimsical—like a wonderland. So Legend.
I don't know if Legend remembers, but I've worked with him once, in an ad film in Japan. He was the stylist sent by his brand and he was the only one who was kind to an extra like me.
My company has been gunning to work with Legend for a while now. I think half the reason they hired me was because they saw that I worked in that ad film.
I look down at my clothes, dusting off invisible lint and brushing out wrinkles. At least I have some good clothes.
It's taken almost twelve days for me to scout this place and make sure Legend will be here. Trying to get an appointment to see him through his team was an absolute failure.
I step up the steps and push the door in.
Gorgeous clothes hang from racks. Mannequins displaying the most exquisite pieces with intricate handwork stand across the floor. This is a place where dreams come true.
I had tried to get a Legend Original for my award ceremony, but it was too expensive. And I couldn't even afford the deposit to get one on loan.
A beautiful scarlet dress catches my eye. It's a long maxi dress with a modest neckline, red beadwork over the bodice and a draped skirt with a slit running to the heavens.
It's stunning. My breath catches and I raise my hand to touch it.
"Excuse me, sorry to keep you waiting. How may I help you?"
I gasp, my heart pounding almost like I'm guilty of a crime. The bag clutched in my hand drops to the floor. I whirl around so fast I lose my balance and stumble. I land on the floor on all fours.
My carefully crafted speech flies out the window. Embarrassment floods my cheeks with color and I just want to sink into the floor.
"Oh no! I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Two strong hands hold my arms and raise me up gently.
"I—um... I wasn't paying attention... I'm sorry."
"No, it was my fault. Are you hurt anywhere?"
The man steps away, dusting at my knees, clearly mortified as well.
My pounding heart settles and I finally get a good look at the man.
"Mr. Legend. It's nice to meet you." I smile at him.
He looks up and takes a good look at me. "You know me?"
"You are legendary, aren't you?"
He snorts a laugh and leads me to a set of armchairs. As we're sitting, he squints at me, like he's trying to place me.
And then his face lights up like a light bulb went off. "Celeste! Celeste Shaw! I remember you! Japan—ad film for the Ori brand!"
A grin lifts my lips. "Wow! You do remember...I didn't think you would..."
"Of course I would! The way you got those nasty models to back off! I was so, so grateful!"
My cheeks heat up at that. Some of the models were giving Legend a hard time. I just told them to back off. It was nothing.
"So! What brings you here? Weren't you working in the UK?"
"I—uh—yeah. Still am, actually. That's why I'm here. I'm working with Christy's. We sent you a proposal for a collaboration... It clearly wasn't up to par. I'm here to see what we can do to make it more attractive to you."
I look at him hopefully, while he looks at me thoughtfully.
"Hmm. Let's catch up first. Tell me about you! Weren't you working as an actress? I read somewhere that you even won a BAFTA!"
"Yeah. I retired nearly two years back. It's a long story. I finally took a job in marketing. This—is not the norm for me. It's the first time I'm doing anything like pitching for a collab. I hope you forgive me for any mistakes I make."
I try to bring the topic back to my reason for being here. I have three more days left to convince Legend for the collab or lose my job.
I'm nearly out of my savings.
Legend smiles. "What do you do in marketing?"
"Well—I have a degree in Marketing and Mass Media. I have some experience in social media marketing, since before my acting days. For Christy's, I was helping them with their digital marketing campaigns, social media etc."
I look around nervously. This is not going to plan. "So, would you like to talk about what's not working for your proposal? It'll take me some time to write up the new proposal..."
He smiles at me, then looks at his watch. "Oh! Look at the time. I have another appointment. How about we meet the day after tomorrow?"
"Oh. Oh. Okay. Day after tomorrow, same time?"
He nods happily. "Same time.
"You're welcome to browse our wares if you like."
"I—um—I should get going. Thanks for seeing me, Legend. See you soon."
I leave the boutique and walk towards the nearest bus stop, dreading the call with my boss.
—--------------
My phone is out of my pocket before the door has even swung shut behind Celeste.
My phone rings while I wait for Ella, Keith and Ken to answer the conference call.
Click. Click. Click.
"You guys won't believe who just walked in!"
"Babe, are you alright?" Ken's worried voice comes through. He's become even more protective since we got married if that's even possible.
"Fine. Fine. Keith, remember how you were worried about Marcus? You told us the girl he liked was called Celeste, that she had heterochromia?"
Kieth's voice comes through. "Wait, back up. I told you this?"
"No, well, you told Ella, who doesn't have secrets from me, then I told Ken, from whom I don't keep secrets."
Ella's guilty voice pipes up. "Sorry, Keith. I didn't mean to break your confidence. Or Marcus's. It's just, he's been working himself into the ground. I know the last two years have been really hard for Marcus, even with all of us helping. I just..."
This is all beside the point. "Guys. We're family. Marcus is family. That's what's important. I just found his Celeste. She's someone I know! Can you believe that? I've worked with her! We need to put our heads together. She currently works in the UK!"
"Keith?" Kenneth's voice is dead serious. "Do you know all my secrets too?"
I scoff. "Of course, hun! I don't keep secrets from Ella either!" Keith clears his throat.
I can feel Ken roll his eyes through the phone. "Legend. WHAT. DID. WE. TALK. ABOUT?"
"Babe, I'll let you spank me when I get home? How's that for punishment?"
Keith mumbles something about better things, Ella snickers and Ken coughs.
"Anyway, back to Marcus. What are we doing about Marcus and Celeste?"
"Babe, you are insane." Ken's voice is exasperated, but affectionate. I grin.
He's on board.
"Count me in." Ella is sweet, and she always has my back.
"Marcus is going to kill me when he finds out." Keith's grumble does nothing to change my mind. Keith continues, tone more serious now.
"Legend, let's be careful. Marcus is already on edge—let's not push him off a cliff."
Fine. Fine.
"Then let's help Marcus meet someone he might care about—carefully."
I guess I'll have to curb my enthusiasm a bit.
Still, I'm thrilled I got to meet Celeste again.
I loved her in Japan.
She is super talented. And you know what—her talents are wasted on that crow, Christy.
"Guys, I gotta go! I'll see you'll Sunday! Bye!"
I hang up. I know exactly what I need to do.
Will Legend succeed or create the mother of all disasters?
Comment below!??
If you like the chapter, drop a vote ??!
Xoxo!