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The next few days were packed with work for Rory. She enjoyed being needed again. It gave her a sense of purpose she had not felt in a while. And most of all, Rory was happy for her little daughter that she loved spending time in daycare so much. She knew it was helping Cami.
It was a big relief for Rory because she could concentrate entirely on her work. Cami had met many new friends, like David and Stella. They even had met for several play dates outside of school since she began attending daycare. Rory was thrilled her daughter was adjusting and also forming a small social life.
Today she had an extraordinary interview with her favorite actress, Meryl Streep. She still couldn't believe that she had somehow earned the honor of interviewing one of the most famed actresses in America about her new movie.
"Hey Rory, where's the fire? Do you have time for a coffee with me before blazing into your next appointment? Who are you interviewing today anyway?" Steve asked curiously as he followed her out of her office.
"Sure, let's grab a quick coffee, but then I really must go. Sorry, Steve. Oh, umm, today I'm interviewing the one and only Meryl Streep! You can't imagine how nervous I am. As a little girl and well, erm, all my life I've admired her. I've seen all her movies and admire her so much!" Rory raved.
"One of her earlier movies Kramer vs. Kramer with Dustin Hoffman is my favorite. I became enamored with her, so this is such an honor. I know, I know, the movie is quite old, but it was one of her BEST roles!" Rory gushed almost like a school girl with a crush. Then she caught a glance at her wristwatch.
"Wow, that's amazing. I'm so happy for you. It's funny, Stella, my little chatterbox, is always..." Steve began.
"Oh shoot, sorry, I have to take this call…" she lifted her finger and excused herself. As soon as she was back in her office, she answered the call. "Hey Luce, it's good to hear from you. How are y.."
"Hey Rory, sorry for interrupting you. But I need your help. It's urgent. Please say you don't have any plans for this weekend. So the thing is Finn was nominated for, an award for the work he does with his charity is this weekend.
And his friend appears to be dateless so. Therefore he asked me if you could, or well would, please come along as Robert's date? Just to let you know Robert is one of Finn's best friends. He's not a serial killer, erm, well I don't think he is.
However, this isn't just for Finn, but your favorite sister in law in the whole full world! I would be so happy if you could come to the charity gala. Do you think you can find a sitter Cameron?" Lucy explained to her while she was looking in her wardrobe for the perfect dress.
Rory didn't have to think long. She hadn't been to a gala for ages. Finding a babysitter for Cami was no problem either. Her parents had complained recently that they see their little granddaughter too seldom nowadays.
"Sure Luce, but perhaps you and I should go to Westfield London. They have a grand opening of the latest Gucci and Jimmy Choo shops on Friday afternoon. I'll need something to wear. Maybe you could pick me up after work."
Lucy cheered and said excitedly, "Oh yes, let's go to Westfield London! And then we could crash at your place and have a nice movie night? Maybe Steph can come by too."
"That's a great idea! A girls evening is exactly what I need again," Rory said getting excited about the idea.
"But unfortunately, I have to go now. Keep your fingers crossed that I won't mess up my interview with Meryl Streep. I have an interview with her in 40 minutes at the Four Seasons. I'm so nervous! I'll call you this evening and update you. See you soon sweets."
"Seriously?" Lucy asked amazed. "God Rory, I wish you all the best. And of course, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. I'm looking forward to your call," Lucy ended the conversation. Rory put her smartphone and MacBook Air into her brown Burberry purse and left the office.
Twenty-five minutes later, Rory reached the Four Seasons in Westminster. "Rory you can do it..." she tried to encourage herself as she headed towards the reception.
A blonde lady sat behind the reception and smiled at her. "Welcome at the Four Seasons, I'm Shelly Anderson, how can I help you?" she greeted Rory.
"Thanks, I'm Rory Hayden-Thompson from HPG. I have an appointment to interview Meryl Streep at 3:30 today."
"Alright Miss Hayden-Thompson. I'll give Miss Streep's Agent a call. Just a moment please.", the hotel employee told her, and Rory nodded.
Ms. Anderson turned and dialed a number into the phone and spoke in hushed tones into the receiver. She turned back around and got Rory's attention. "Miss Hayden-Thompson? Mr Huvan will come downstairs to pick you up now," the blonde woman told her.
Five minutes later a man in his early fifties entered the lobby. "Mrs Hayden-Thompson, right?" he greeted her and looked at her with a perfect smile.
"Yes and I assume you must be Mr Huvan. It's nice meeting you," Rory said and shook his hand.
"Nice to meet you, too. Meryl is waiting for you in her room. Please follow me. I'll take you to the presidential suite.", he replied and went towards the elevator.
"Alright, please lead the way Mr Huvan," she nodded and followed Meryl Streep's agent. With every minute, Rory's nervousness increased. She took a few calming breaths on the way to the suite.
Of course, she had been well informed about her latest project, "The Iron Lady", directed by Phyllida Lloyd. But she was still unsure what to expect towards the famous actress.
She had clicked through some websites and had seen a lot of reports and interviews with Meryl Streep on Youtube. Just stay calm, Rory, everything will be fine. I'm not going to screw this thing up...she thought by herself.
"So we are here. You don't have to be nervous. Meryl is looking forward to meeting with you today." he reassured her with a warm smile when they were standing in front of the suite.
Rory just nodded and took a deep breath when Meryl Streep's agent opened the door. Together they entered the suite.
"Meryl we are here," Kevin cleared his throat and smiled as he found the actress reading in her script.
"That's awesome Kevin. And you must be Miss Hayden-Thompson.", she looked up, laid her glasses on he coffee table, rose from the couch and walked smiling towards them.
"Let me know if you need something. I'll be right down the hall. Have fun, ladies," Kevin said winking at Rory as he left the room without waiting for an answer.
"Miss Streep, it's such an honor to meet you," Rory said with a big grin on her face while she felt her heart beating faster against her chest.
"Please, call me Meryl. Miss Streep sounds so stuffy, no need for that. And please take a seat Miss Hayden," Meryl said.
"Rory, Miss Streep..I mean Meryl. I apologize. It is just such an honor to be able to meet you and interview you," Rory said as she sat down on the couch opposite the famous actress. Rory put out her notebook and pen.
"There's no need for apologies, Rory. It pleases me to hear you are a fan. Would you like a cup of coffee?" Meryl offered trying to break the ice. A warm smile appeared over her lips. This young woman was no older than her daughters Grace and Mary.
Meryl understood Rory was a little insecure and nervous. She found it endearing, but also respected Rory for her professional demeanor. When she was about the same age as Rory, she was selected for a Woody Allen movie. She remembered being a bundle of nerves. Beginning a career was daunting and she was sympathetic to Rory.
"I'd love a cup of coffee, Meryl. Thank you. As I mentioned, before I'm really thrilled to get to know you a little bit. I certainly am a huge fan of your movies. Your latest movie project under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd is pretty interesting.
It must be difficult to play such an famous, politician like Margaret Thatcher. What was your first thought when you were informed that you had got the leading role for "The Iron Lady"?" Rory began the conversation. As she spoke, she felt the nervousness fade away.
"Well, that is a good question. I was intrigued and intimidated at the same time. Because of expectations required to play a politician like Maggie Thatcher, I knew I would have to dig deep and get into her psyche. On the other hand, I was more than up for the challenge of playing her," Meryl explained.
"It has turned out to be a wonderful experience. We only have just a few takes left now. By the middle of May, we should be finished with the movie.
London is a lovely and beautiful city. The British people are warm hearted and friendly. But I really miss my family and hometown Salisbury in Connecticut because nothing is better than home," she winked at her, while she she poured the hot coffee into the two cups.
"I wholeheartedly agree. Both of my parents are originally from Hartford. We moved to London when I was three years old when my father took over the office in London," Rory interjected.
Then she refocused on the interview and said, " Let's go back to your role. How do you prepare for a role? Do you research? And I am interested in which methods you are using. Do you prefer more the Lee Strasberg Method of Acting or the Meisner Method?"
"I am a great advocate of the Lee Strasberg Method. I even had some courses in the early 70s at that time in his famous Theatre & Film Institute in New York. I enjoyed the time and met a lot of good friends of mine in those courses. Diane Keaton, Al Pacino and Barbra Streisand are a just a few," Meryl answered. She looked out the window and said, "How about if I show you around the set? It's such a beautiful day and it would be a shame to stay in the hotel any longer."
Rory was stunned. Never in her life would she have expected that one of her favorite actresses would make such a great and generous suggestion to her. "Wow. Really? That would be amazing and an honor if you would show me around the set. I've never been to a movie set before!"