Chapter 20
Harlow was the first to arrive at the diner the next morning. Lottie was only steps behind while Eryn, Meg, Abby, Noelle and finally Peyton, slowly trickled in.
Despite the early hour, the place was hopping, and it took a few minutes for the staff to pull tables together to make room for everyone.
On her way in, Harlow noticed a big, beautiful breakfast buffet. As soon as the Mackies were seated and drinks ordered, they began filling their plates with tasty dishes. Harlow’s mouth watered, reminding her she had barely touched the chili her father had made for dinner the night before.
Loading up on scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, golden hash browns along with a serving of fresh fruit and wheat toast, Harlow returned to the table and settled in to wait for the others.
As soon as they were seated, Noelle filled them in on what had transpired, starting with her delivering the expensive bouquet of Venus et Fleur flowers. “I could hear voices, but when Cheyenne answered, I didn’t see anyone inside.”
“How did she react to the bouquet?” Eryn asked.
“She basically snatched it out of my hands and slammed the door in my face.”
“Sounds about right,” Lottie said. “So, you didn’t see anyone other than her?”
“I noticed a guy peeking out from behind the curtain,” Noelle said. “I’ve seen pictures of Robert and am pretty sure it was him.”
Peyton picked up. “Noelle met me at the coffee shop down the street, where we had a bird’s-eye view of Cheyenne’s apartment door.”
“Peyton’s binoculars came in handy. We were able to catch them the minute they walked out.”
“And also recorded it.” Noelle reached inside her purse and removed her cell phone. She tracked down the recording and handed it to Harlow.
Harlow grew silent, watching as her ex and Cheyenne exited the apartment. Robert placed his arm around her shoulders. The couple strolled out of sight. “Where were they going?”
“I’m glad you asked,” Meg said. “Abby and I were on standby, waiting for their next move.”
“And you happened to see them walk by?” Lottie asked.
“Not quite.” Abby tapped the side of her forehead. “We put our heads together and tried to think of the most logical place two superficial, egotistical and arrogant people would go for a date night out.”
“Wendovers,” Eryn said.
“Yep.” Meg patted herself on the back. “We saw them as soon as we walked inside. They were hanging out at the bar.”
The sisters filled them in on what had transpired, which wasn’t much until they were getting ready to leave.
“Cheyenne left to use the bathroom. While she was gone, Robert called someone.” Abby repeated what they’d overheard.
“Robert actually said he thinks Cheyenne will be an even bigger star than I am?”
“Correct,” Meg said.
“She definitely fits the Hollywood mold,” Harlow sighed. “So, Cheyenne is heading to LA.”
“Apparently, in the next couple of weeks so Robert can take her around and introduce her to some bigwigs.”
“The clock is ticking. I’ve made it perfectly clear I have no intention of renewing his management agreement,” Harlow said. “Maybe Cheyenne will be his next big discovery.”
“Or maybe not. The woman has brat-itude,” Noelle said. “Based on what I know about her, she won’t like being told what to do.”
“You have to work hard to get the gigs. She’ll be down in the trenches until she can claw her way up. Cheyenne will have several hurdles to overcome.”
“I say good riddance.” Lottie waved dismissively. “Maybe she’ll go to LA, fall in love with it and move away from here.”
“Thank you for all the help,” Harlow said. “Now I know what Robert is up to.”
“We should be thanking you for an exciting night,” Abby said. “Let us know if you need us for another Mackies’ mission.”
“Ditto,” Meg said. “We know you would do the same for us.”
“Absolutely.”
Peyton downed the rest of her coffee. “I’ve been wondering how much longer you’ll be around before you have to leave for the next movie project.”
“I have until the first of April,” Harlow said. “Although the script should be here today for me to start memorizing my lines.”
“April to start filming?” Noelle asked.
“This particular producer runs his productions a little differently. The top-billing actors are required to travel to the location for a meeting where we’ll get our marching orders, details about what he expects.
We return a few weeks later, when the set has been completed, and this is when filming starts. ”
“It sounds complicated,” Meg said.
“Not necessarily complicated but definitely a lengthy process. Actually, I prefer the pre-filming location meetings. It gives me a feel for the place while I’m practicing my lines. There are a lot of moving parts, so nothing is written in stone and is subject to change.”
Meg leaned over and whispered in her sister’s ear.
“We were wondering…” Abby hesitated.
“Wondering what?” Harlow prompted.
“If we could come visit you on the set,” Meg blurted out.
“Of course.” Harlow’s throat clogged at the thought of the Mackies wanting to spend their precious free time traveling to see her, not even knowing where she might be.
This was what real friends were like. Other than Eryn, she’d never been around a group of women who actually enjoyed each other’s company.
And yet, those gathered at the table couldn’t care less how far away she might be.
They wanted to show up and offer their support.
The thought was equally mind-blowing and humbling. “I haven’t told you where I’m going.”
“Unless it’s Siberia, it doesn’t matter,” Peyton joked.
“Hopefully somewhere warm,” Eryn said. “Tropical, with palm trees and sandy white beaches, is what I’m rooting for.”
“Close. Pittsburgh.”
“Pennsylvania?” Her bestie frowned.
“Yeah.” Harlow chuckled. “Doesn’t sound as appealing, does it?”
“You’re the reason for the visit. I don’t care if we travel to Timbuktu,” Noelle declared.
“Ditto,” Meg said. “Visiting a movie set sounds exciting.”
“You’re all welcome to come see me.”
The Mackies finished their meal, and Harlow insisted on paying, her way of thanking them.
During the bicycle ride home, she mulled over what her friends had told her.
Robert was lining up his next protégé. Was Cheyenne on the cusp of hitting the Hollywood scene and making a name for herself?
The hours were long; the sets filled with backstabbing co-stars, producers, set designers, you name it.
The bigger the star, the bigger the target on your back.
Beautiful young starlets were a dime a dozen, arriving in LA every day with their sights set on making it to the big time, but only a handful succeeded.
On the flip side, Robert had connections…
all the right connections. He knew the people who could help jumpstart Cheyenne’s career.
But being a prima donna with a boatload of attitude would work against her.
She would be looked down upon, her reputation smeared and made to feel like the lowest woman on the totem pole.
Despite what little Harlow knew about the woman, it wasn’t Cheyenne’s style to be humble. She was the one who looked down on others.
Could she adjust her mindset and become willing to learn from those around her? Only time would tell.