Chapter 1, Typical Diva
Sarah Williams who was now Sarah Lindsborg looked at the mirror. She was so happy that her mother famous actress Julia Lindsborg was back in her life. It has all started nearly ten years ago, when Sarah decided to become an actress. She managed to be an extra in couple movies until her friend Brenda convinced Sarah to try modeling. Both girls got accepted into the same agency.
Soon they became rivals; both girls became so popular that they were constantly compared to each other. Their friendship was shuttered completely into pieces five years ago during Miss Ohio Pageant. They were going through this together both encouraging one another. Sarah thought that their friendship was restored. Until the very end, when they were both top 2 finalists and Sarah won.
This had changed her life forever. Her mother found the girl and their relationships got restored. Sarah was getting ready to compete for Miss USA title. Julia supported her but warned ride away about brutality of that business.
"Hon, I always remember that you wanted to be an actress. I can help you but only to certain extend. You'll need to do the rest yourself" she told her five years back. Sarah told Julia that for now she would focus on national pageant.
Sarah came second. After pageant was over she did few shoots for different magazines. However, she was also haunted by a lot of other offers, where she would have to spend a weekend on a yacht of a such and such main editor in order to be on a cover such and such magazine. Sarah had seen how many girls started doing drugs. She called her mother and then her movie career was launched. Sara's mother insisted on changing the last name Williams to Lindsborg.
Julia did not help her a lot but her help was enough for Sarah to start a career. All that her mother did was making a few calls for auditions. Sarah started with small parts and landed bigger ones as time was passing. Now she got a Golden Globe and she was nominated for Oscar but did not receive it.
Sarah did not suffer too much from her Oscar defeat. She was still a celebrity. Her agent had to deal with a lot of mail that was sent from different Hollywood directors, screenwriters and producers on a daily basis. Sarah was very busy.
She looked at the clock on a wall her mother would be coming any minute. Sarah looked at the mirror to make sure the look was on top. She heard someone was knocking on the front door.
"Hi mom!" Sarah greeted Julia opening the door, "thanks for coming in". Two women hugged each other.
"Sarah I hope you are able to understand why I left you so many years ago. You know dear I really love you. I must confess this last five years have been the happiest years of my life" her mother started to cry.
"Yes mom, I know, please sit down. What would you like to drink?" Sarah asked patting Julia on a back.
"You know we did such a great job working in Crazy Monday together" her mother said looking at Sarah proudly.
Sarah was very happy about her last movie. Crazy Monday was a comedy about mother and daughter moving from Australia to USA. Both Sarah and her mother played main characters, mother and daughter. She knew this project brought them closer together. "Thanks mom. What are you planning on doing next?" she asked wondering whether Julia will take a break or not.
"Well I was thinking on taking a break and help you a bit. You know sweetheart you need a bit of coaching." Her mother slapped Sara's shoulder, "so honey what is your next project?"
"Well. You know Jacques DeRoi" she looked at Julia trying to catch her reaction. The woman fringed.
"Yes I do, and you know even though he is famous director and made many movies that became masterpieces. I heard he is really hard to work with. Why do you want to work with him? You know just a phone call from me and any Hollywood studio will take you in", mother assured daughter.
"I know mom, but I want to be remembered forever and Jacques has such an interesting style" she smiled.
"Sarah, you remember how three years ago Mimi Jones was in his movie 'Victory of Elves' and then she came back insane and her parents - famous screen writers had to hire the best psychiatrist in a country. Thank God now she is doing well and back to work, but do you remember how we had to dupe paparazzi telling everyone she was in Canada." Her mother pierced young woman with gaze, "I do not want you to go through the same thing".
"Mom, do you remember I told you about my dream when I was a teenager?" Sarah looked at Julia.
"I sure do." Her mother started to laugh, "you know my favorite part was where that Goblin King offered you to stay with him. You were so naïve that even your dreams showed this."
"Yes, so if something crazy will take place I'll just ignore it" she assured Julia.
"So, I guess you send him a message" Julia shrugged her shoulders.
"I did a week ago and now I am waiting to hear back." She told her mother not noticing that her voice sounded very excited, "I believe they'll call me soon"
"Well, you know you not alone and if you get a part I'll help you. In addition this man gives me creeps" confessed her mother.
Suddenly a phone rang, "Sarah put it on speaker so I can give you advice" her mother said. Sarah nodded.
"Hello, may I speak to Sarah Lindsborg?" asked heavily accented French voice.
"Yes, I am Sarah Lindsborg may I ask who are you?" her voice was trembling.
"I am Luke, monsieur's DeRoi assistant. He would like to talk to you if you can he is able to do it now" said the voice.
"Yes put me through please" Sarah requested while she was so nervous that her mother had to hold woman's hand.
"Hello precious" the voice sounded so familiar that Sarah almost jumped. She could bet million dollars that she heard it but where and when?
"Sweetie, maybe you need to hang up" suggested Julia
"No mom this is my only chance, I'll be fine" she smiled at her mother.
"Hello, monsieur DeRoi, I hope you had a chance to look at my portfolio." She was trying to be as confident as she could.
"Yes Sarah Williams now Lindsborg, how would you like to have an audition for one of the parts?" it sounded more like a command.
"I do. So do I have to go to France?" she was excited finally she might get a chance to be in a movie directed by a legend.
"Precious, I'll call you back in couple hours. Is this convenient for you?" his voice asked sounding so silky that Sarah felt heat. She agreed to wait for his call.
"Good bye Miss Lindsborg. We'll talk in a couple hours" he hang up.
Sarah looked at her mother. Julia was speechless. Her movie career was not a smooth ride compare to Sara's even though she did not help her much officially. The main help was provided when girl changed her last name. Now for the first time superstar Julia Lindsborg was afraid for her daughter. Jacques DeRoi would do whatever he likes to do. Her connections were useless. Here in Los-Angeles and New-York she was well-established high class person her opinion was valuable. Why Sarah wanted to go to Europe wasn't she happy enough with her position here.
"Sarah, I am going with you if you have to go that far. " She informed her daughter, "This man is shady. Please listen! I have seen a lot while getting to where I am today. Please think carefully before accepting his offer." She admonished Sarah.
"Mom I know, but you know I had an experience with few men" she reminded her mother about past relationships.
"You sure did, but they were all sons of my friends from good families. This one is French, I bet he is King of Seduction. I just don't want to break your heart. "Julia started to cry.
"Mom please listen what I have to say. You'll come with me to auditions and you'll be there during auditions. Meanwhile if I get a part, you'll be on a set during shooting. You'll be my shadow. This would make you feel better. Plus I am also nervous." She wiped off her tears.
Both women agreed that it was the best thing to do. They started to discuss the news while waiting for a call.
