Chapter 2
Aqua
It has been a week since the audition and Kate has yet to hear word about whether or not she got the part. Disappoint is beginning to set in as she falls back onto the bed in her apartment in San Francisco, California. She has spent the last week bidding her time while working at the local café. It's her job in-between films and plays, but she fears if she doesn't get this role that it will have to be a more permanent form of income.
As she thinks back to the audition she remembers how she felt. She had more confidence in this audition than she ever had before. Afterwards there were smiles on both Ken and Kevin, even Jamie formed a small smile. Ken had thanked her and excused her so she could leave. The lack of anything more made her wonder if they even liked her at all.
She sighs deeply and rolls over onto her side, shutting her eyes. She does her best to block out any negative thoughts. Suddenly she hears her iphone go off playing one of her many ringtones Die Another Day by Madonna.
I'm gonna wake up, yes and no
She picks it up and answers, "Hello."
"Kate, hey where are you?" asks a familiar voice.
"Rachel? I'm at home, why?" she asks, sitting up on the bed, "Did you hear anything?" Rachel is silent for a moment but then says, "Yes and I'm sorry Kate."
Kate lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding in, dread beginning to surface.
"I'm sorry about that café job cause you're going to have to take some time off for your new role!" Rachel says as her voice rises with excitement.
She jumps up and screeches, "OH MY GOD!"
"Ouch," Rachel says irritated, "You didn't have to yell into the phone." Kate laughs and sits back down to process everything.
"I'm sorry," she says, "But you deserve that after making me feel like shit for 5 seconds before telling me." Now it's Rachel who laughs.
"I only wanted to keep the suspense," Rachel says. Kate hears the smile in her voice and asks hesitantly, "Rachel, is this really happening?"
"Yes, and you deserve it Kate. I'm so happy for you. I worked with you and pushed you really hard, but it was all so you could get this chance," she says sincerely.
"Thank you Rachel, really, I couldn't have asked for a better agent, or a better friend."
"Now since I'm such a great friend, according to you, I'm writing that down for future reference by the way," Rachel says, Kate chuckling lightly, "We are going out to celebrate. I'm almost at your place so get ready." Kate doesn't know what to say at first, but then shakes her head and says, "Okay, but seriously, way to warn me."
"A woman needs to be ready for every situation at any time," Rachel says proudly.
"Oh really? Well I didn't get that impression when that really cute intern was trying to flirt with you and I had to practically speak for you," Kate says, chuckling lightly.
"That was one time," Rachel says irritation clear in her voice.
"A woman needs to be ready for every situation at any time," Kate says mockingly.
"Alright, smartass that's enough," Rachel says still irritated, "I'm outside by the way. You could have been ready sooner if you hadn't spent it sassing me." Kate laughs and smiles to herself, "We tease each other, that's the definition of our relationship. I have to get you back sometimes. And I'll be down in five, see you soon." Kate hangs up the phone before and quickly picks out an outfit. She chooses jeans with a loose, pink, tank top, black feather designs all over it, and a pair of black heels. She changes, takes a look at herself in the mirror giving herself a once over and after she's satisfied with the way she looks she heads out the door.
The girls walk through the doors of the high-end club Aqua the sound of dance music reaching their ears. Rachel is in black leggings, heels, and a short-sleeved sweater that reaches to her thighs. Kate's eyes are instantly drawn to the lights flashing on the dance floor, bodies swaying and moving to the music. She wants to head straight to the floor but Rachel leans over and says in her ear, "Let's get some drinks and head to one of the quieter sections so we can talk." She opens her purse to show Kate a folder she means to show her. Kate nods reluctantly and they head to the bar. Rachel gets a grey goose martini, and Kate gets a frozen margarita. They find an open section on the upper level where the music is muffled.
"So I'll let you go dance in a few right after I show you some things," Rachel says as she pulls out the folder from her purse. She hands her a small group of photos, "These are a few of the actors you'll be working with." Most of the faces were unrecognizable until she reaches one of an older man who she has seen in film many times before.
"Anthony Hopkins?" she asks looking at Rachel. She nods and says, "From the information I've gotten he's going to be playing Odin." Kate remembers the name from stories she's read and Mythology classes she took back in college. She smiles, "I can't believe it. I'm so looking forward to meeting him."
"I've met him before. He's such a nice man and quite a wonder to watch," Rachel says delving into her thoughts. Kate continues to look through the photos, recognizing also Natalie Portman after watching Black Swan. She laughs under her breath and Rachel asks, "Something funny?"
"There's a couple good looking men in here. This guy," she smiles turning the photo to Rachel, "with his big scruffy beard and long blonde hair, even with them, he's, well, hot." She laughs and Rachel smiles saying, "That's Chris Hemsworth, quite the looker, and if you haven't guessed he's going to be playing Thor."
"Mmmm, he can swing that hammer anytime for me," she says eagerly. Rachel rolls her eyes and says, "Well I wouldn't get too overzealous if I were you; there are rumors in the air that he's dating someone serious." Kate's face softens into a small smile, "Hey, as long as he's happy, right?" Rachel smiles and nods at her. Kate takes a look at the remaining photos and sees another one who catches her attention, yet unfamiliar. In the picture she sees a young looking man, with short, curly blonde hair, and deep blue eyes.
"Who's this?" she asks turning the picture so Rachel can see.
"That's Tom Hiddleston, he's going to be playing Loki, Thor's brother," she says, looking through the papers in the folder, "From what I've taken a look at so far, he's someone you'll be working closely with."
"What do you mean?" Kate asks curiously, taking a look at the photo again. Rachel takes some other papers out of the folder and slides one over to Kate with a pen and says, "This is your contract, sign it for me, real quick. I've read it over a few times and everything in it is acceptable." Kate glances over it and then signs it as Rachel continues to speak.
"You know your character to some extent, but I will go into more detail to answer your question. Her name is Echo. She is known as the Guardian of the Nine Realms. I suppose that will make more sense to you as you read the script. She protects the royal family which includes Odin, Loki, and Thor. So in turn, you're very close with them, which then will lead to feelings for Loki."
"So that's what you meant," Kate says looking up at her. Rachel nods, "I've never met him, but I've heard he's a kind man and also a young actor. This will most likely be his big debut as well." Kate smiles softly at that comment, gazing back down at his picture, "It's nice to know I'm not alone in that department."
Rachel continued to talk to Kate for over an hour about information regarding filming, who she'll be working with, how production is going to go, and so on. Throughout that time Rachel had downed a few drinks that by the time they were done she was a little drunk.
"So long as you got it all missy, I'm gonna get up and go look for me a manly man," Rachel says louder than she needs to as she stands and stumbles. Kate rushes up and grabs her, steadying her, "So long as you don't drink anymore I'll let you go." Rachel nods as Kate says under her breath, "Good thing you're not driving."
"What d'ya say?" Rachel asks still talking louder than needed. Kate laughs and says, "Just go have fun. I'll get someone to watch our stuff and meet you on the dance floor." Rachel smiles and heads down the stairs, holding the railing so she doesn't fall. Kate watches her as she goes and then heads over to a bouncer who's watching the floor from over the balcony. Kate hands him a fifty, compliments of Rachel, and asks him to watch their stuff and to make sure the bar doesn't give Rachel anymore drinks. She heads down the stairs to the dance floor and sees Rachel dancing with a few guys. Or more so they are dancing with her.
That's always the way it is with Rachel, Kate thinks to herself, She always has guys falling all over her.
Rachel may be headstrong, and not always so sure of what to say when it comes to the opposite sex, but she has the looks and she knows how to use that to her advantage. She's a pretty good flirt too when she doesn't let her head get in the way. Kate knows she's jealous of Rachel, especially at times like this, but she also knows how good of a friend she's been through all this. She's not like some agents she's seen who are always busy, or even too greedy to take the time to work individually with an actor or actress. Kate knows how to handle herself now, but it was Rachel who helped her break out and show what she is really capable of. Not a lot of people in the industry will take the time to do that.
Kate watches Rachel and sees her laughing and enjoying herself, and she knows this is a rarity for her. She doesn't often get the time to go out and have a night spent at the club. She wants Rachel to enjoy this night, so she pushes the negativity and jealously out of her mind, knowing she'll get her chance with someone someday, and heads out to the dance floor. Rachel's face beams when she sees her and takes Kate's hand to dance. They dance and talk with people until around 2 AM they decide to leave. Their driver is there to take them home. Rachel practically half asleep rests her head against the cool window, Kate next to her. They head to Rachel's first and Kate takes her inside and lays her down on her bed. She places a blanket over her after she took her heels off, and goes to leave. Rachel grabs her hand and says, "Wait." Kate turns a little shocked that Rachel is still awake.
"This is your chance Kate, immerse yourself in every minute of it," Rachel says looking at her earnestly. Kate squeezes her hand, "Goodnight Rachel." She turns and heads out the door to the car which takes her home.
