XXV. Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now
Looking in your eyes, I see a paradise.
This world that I found is too good to be true.
Standing here beside you, I want so much to give you this love in my heart that I'm feeling for you
Let them say we're crazy.
I don't care about that.
Put your hand in my hand, baby, don't ever look back.
Let the world around us just fall apart.
Maybe we can make it if we're heart to heart.
And we can build this thing together, stand in stone forever, nothing's gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers, we'll still have each other.
Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us now.
I'm so glad I found you, I'm not gonna lose you, whatever it takes to stay here with you.
Take it too the good times, see it through the bad times.
Whatever it takes is what I'm gonna do.
Let them say we're crazy.
What do they know?
Put your arms around me, baby, don't ever let go.
Let the world around us just fall apart.
Baby, we can make it if we're heart to heart.
Oh, all that I need is you.
All that I ever need.
All that I want to do is hold you forever, forever and ever.
And we can build this thing together, stand in stone forever, nothing's gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers we'll still have each other.
Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us now.
And we can build this thing together, stand in stone forever, nothing's gonna stop us now.
And if this world runs out of lovers we'll still have each other.
Nothing's gonna stop us, nothing's gonna stop us now.
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now is the property of Starting Line and appears in the film Mannequin.
Iris is the property of the Goo Goo Dolls.
"Tough break," sighs J.T., setting his In-N-Out burger on Toby's computer desk.
Toby, dressed in a polo shirt and jeans for dinner, flops on his bed, stares at the blue ceiling. It's hard to believe Manny was here moments before, in his room, in his bathtub. Then, Anne Marie came and botched it. Dinner was uneventful too, with Anne Marie consistently complaining about the actor that made her come home. He has some complaints too.
"Sort of deja vu," says J.T., pulling out a bag of fries. "Liberty and I got busted when her dad barged in on our steamy liaison. Happens to the best of us, Tobes."
"At least we didn't get caught," says Toby, rising. "My mom's definitely the type to get on my dad's case, then she might call the Santoses, who would kill me."
"And gone will be the days that they liked you," laughs J.T.
Toby winces as J.T. lifts the burger bun, smashes a few fries into the cheese of the burger, and lowers the bun. His friend has the most interesting taste in food, especially junk food, yet somehow manages to stay thin. J.T. smacks his lips, bites into it.
"Where were you earlier?" inquires J.T., through a mouthful of meat.
"Huh?" says Toby. "Oh. With Kendra."
J.T. begins to cough, lettuce at the sides of his mouth.
"Eww," murmurs Toby.
"Why would you hang with your ex-girlfriend...with Manny blissfully unaware?" says J.T., after wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"We were playing chess, talking," defends Toby, weakly.
"You and her have been talking for awhile," points out J.T. "Manny still has no idea. Not good, man."
Yeah, he knows it's not good. It's just when he and Kendra got together, it was fun reminiscing about old times and he didn't have to think about huge things, like religion and his body and sex. Sex.
"Also not good," says Toby, standing awkwardly next to J.T. "The mood...definitely right. The preparation...not right."
"Um, no,"says J.T. "Manny and I searched high and low for that flowery bubble bath and those candles. If I weren't friends with both of you, I would've run screaming for the hills."
"Not that," whispers Toby, urgently.
"Be clearer."
"The condoms. I didn't have them on me."
J.T. laughs, wipes his hands, walks to Toby's suitcase. He told J.T. he packed them, but not where, yet somehow J.T. has located the right bag. Unzipping the bag, J.T. finds a side pocket, retrieves the package.
"First mistake, Tobes?" says J.T. "They don't go in your luggage, alright? You never know when it's spontaneous."
"How'd you know where to...," begins Toby.
J.T. shakes his head, finds the other item he's looking for.
"After sharing a locker with you, it was cake," says J.T. "Now, second mistake, you put them on your person where you can easily get one. In other words, you put them in a wallet. That way, you'll have them when you're both ready."
Toby wordlessly views J.T. take two wrapped condoms and place them into the one of the pockets of his wallet. Wow, J.T. was disorganized with everything else, but not this. Toby nods appreciatively as his friend gives him the wallet.
"Thanks, J.T.," says Toby, sticking it firmly in his pocket.
"It's all good in the hood," replies J.T.
They laugh, Anne Marie's voice breaking through. What did she want this time? He swears he can't sit through dessert with her too. He's tired and can actually sleep in tomorrow as Manny had camp and J.T. wasn't an early bird either.
"Great," says Toby, leaving the room, along with J.T., who goes to his own.
Trumping down the stairs isn't as nerve-wracking as it was earlier. That doesn't mean he's more excited to see her. Anne Marie sits on a beautiful, faux leather couch, legs propped on a table, white silk robe over her body. He can see why his father fell in love with her; she looked classy. It was the personality that seemed to grate on his nerves.
"Hi," greets Toby, walking past the table.
"Sit," instructs Anne Marie, jovially.
Xerox waddles into the room, hops on the other side of the couch, stares at Toby. He lays his head on Anne Marie's lap.
"How are you enjoying yourself so far?" she asks.
Well, this conversation isn't starting so bad.
"Great," replies Toby, shrugging.
"Excellent. That's what I told your father," says Anne Marie, letting her arms go over Toby's shoulder.
Toby instantly tenses, not only because Jeff was mentioned, but because her touching him is way too foreign to take. The dog looks more comfortable than he does.
"You talked to Dad? When?" asks Toby.
"Oh, he seemed to believe you'd start acting out here," admits Anne Marie. "Rebellion and what not. I said to him, we know our Toby. He's safe and sweet and respectful."
Okay, what is she getting at, and did Fred tell her anything? Please don't let this be a guilt trip, groans Toby inwardly. The car thing? He promised never to do that again. Manny? Alright, he loved that, but he didn't suggest it. As far as being a rebel, he wasn't that slick.
"So he's bound to have a sweet and respectful girlfriend," continues Anne Marie.
She knows! It is the Manny thing, his worst fears come to life.
"Kendra is a hard act to follow," says Anne Marie, more to herself.
"No one upstages Manny," offers Toby, then producing the dorkiest laugh imaginable.
Even if he got grilled, he didn't want Manny's name to get tarnished. Joseph and Maria would never look at him the same way again. Ever.
"That's why I need to meet Manny," cries Anne Marie enthusiastically, standing and making Xerox leap.
What? So all that worrying for nothing? Toby massages his temple, smiles weakly, as Anne Marie fetches her Blackberry.
"I'm thinking...Koi," gushes Anne Marie. "It's so...you."
He's not certain what that means, but to avoid being under scrutiny, he'll go along with it.
"Sure," agrees Toby.
"We can have lunch there tomorrow," proposes Anne Marie. "What's her camp schedule?"
"She's emailing it to me, actually," informs Toby.
"A proficient girl. I like that," compliments Anne Marie, pressing a few buttons on her Blackberry. "You have my cell to confirm."
"What's Koi?" asks Toby.
"Sushi," replies Anne Marie. "We should get a table in the middle if Jamon is working...yes, that would be satisfactory. Dress should be summery formal. No tennis shoes."
Wow, the way she talked this was one of her casting agency functions.
"No tennis shoes," agrees Toby, feeling his cheeks grow hot.
"I'll make the arrangements and you contact Manny or is it Manuella? Which does she prefer?" remarks Anne Marie.
"Manny," insists Toby.
"Perfect," says Anne Marie, walking towards the kitchen. "Good night, Tobemeister."
Tobemeister? That's more annoying than J.T.'s French fry condiments. What's more annoying, and he hates feeling this way, is that well, there was no hug goodnight. He hugged her yesterday. Maybe it's harder for her to do it. That would make sense.
Once he's upstairs, Toby immediately turns on the computer, closes the bedroom door. In Toronto, Jeff would purposely come into his bedroom and try to eavesdrop on the IM messages between his son and Manny. What did he expect? Toby guesses his dad thought that would be the equivalent of some raunchy exchanges. They were all innocent, however. Which is pathetic, admits Toby, as he types in the password for his e-mail.
Two new messages. One was from Manny, and the other, from an e-mail he's never seen before. He'd clear away the spam first, clicking on the message.
"Testing...testing...1...2...3," reads the mysterious message.
There's no name underneath, and the first words of the address are eaglerabbiofdoom. Toby narrows his eye in confusion, then remembers letting Justin have his address. What a strange first message, though it's a strange situation, isn't it? At least Justin isn't being rude. Better to save it, find out if it's him, and reply later.
Toby brings up Manny's schedule, grinning as he reads the dates for the opening performance, rehearsals, and the Starlight Ball. She bolded the Starlight Ball, so whatever that is, must be pretty important. Seeing that she's working so hard thrills him, printing the schedule as he hits reply. Despite the craziness of her schedule, she did get an hour for lunch tomorrow, and if the theater's not too far, maybe she can go. If not, they'd do it the next day.
"Here's hoping," whispers Toby, pressing the send button after writing the details.
Exactly. Here's hoping they mix as well as Anne Marie and Kendra did, here's hoping she won't be mad when he tells her he's been talking to Kendra, and here's hoping for another night where the wallet will come in handy.
II.
Manny yawns, pours another cup of steaming coffee, sets it gently on a tray. Because of Emma, she'd become more acclimated to the general kitchen area, helping occasionally with the meals, discovering where most people kept their products, dishware, and coffee. The Andrews have a lot. If you piled up all the kitchen items, you'd have a tower taller than Hannah.
The green numbers of the microwave clock read seven fifty-four. That's right. She rose just for Lia, and she better appreciate it. Though, Manny's well aware she didn't appreciate what she said to Lia yesterday. That was a bumbling mess, throwing her history with Pinecrest in her face. She lived under her roof, taking advantage of the Andrews' hospitality, and quite a few gifts from Lia, with no expectations that Manny would pay her back.
Manny hears some light shuffling, puts on her usual cheery disposition, goes to the foyer with tray in hand. She's startled to see Kel Andrews positioning a vase of white and gold roses on the center table. Yes, Lia told her he did that every morning, but Manny was usually asleep at this hour. In fact, he always came in when Manny was sleeping, early morning or late at night. Until this moment, he had been pretty much a phantom, a voice on a cellphone or a name tossed by Lia and Colin. Kel is handsome, tall, brown hair that fell in the right way, sharp-dressed in a black Gucci suit and designer Italian shoes. Thankfully, unlike Blake, he didn't have a smarmy demeanor to go with his good looks. He welcomes Manny with a wide grin.
"The ever talented Ms. Santos!" says Kel. "What made you rise so early?"
"Favor for a friend," answers Manny, shyly.
"Emma, I presume," guesses Kel. "That's sweet. Doing favors in this business is like brushing your teeth. Beneficial to you and healthy in its repetitiveness."
Manny timidly shifts her feet. "Okay."
"Hannah assessed Emma in a pretty flattering fashion, so thanks for that," says Kel, as he finishes fooling with the roses.
"Two blondes instantly bond," jokes Manny.
Bad joke, she thinks. Really bad jokes. Why'd she always do that with guys she found attractive?
"I love roses too," shares Manny to cover the discomfort.
"Ursula loved them," explains Kel, eyes growing distant and sad. "I bought them for her when Lia was born, and then with Hannah. The batch with Hannah...don't think she saw those."
Manny lets the tray in her hands lower, surprised to hear the first hints of what happened to Lia's mother. It vaguely sounded as if she got sick around the time of Hannah's birth. That or she's a pretty bad detective, not that she wants to dig.
Kel clears his throat, smiles jovially. "Well, your mother told me she was a big fan of lilies."
"Yes," says Manny, grateful for the change in subject. "Those were her wedding flowers. White and yellow lilies. They're all over Manila. My grandmother wore one every day."
"We were discussing one of the films my company produces," says Kel. "Maria said there were more likely to be lilies in the film's courtyard than geraniums. Your mom's very smart. A little quiet, but smart."
She's glad he thought so, but now whenever someone brings up her mother, her role as Miranda enters her mind. The lines are all memorized, and Manny has yet to find the enthusiasm, even with Arissa's encouragement.
"It's so nice when you have a family rooted in culture," sighs Kel. "You must be so proud of your heritage."
I am, thinks Manny. Not as much as my parents, or J.J. J.J. has a great Philippines flag hanging in his room, and her mother knows the traditional dishes, and Joseph could tell you any historical fact you wanted to know about his native homeland. It's not like she didn't try, either. She's always nice when they go visit Manila, and she helped make food too. Of course, she didn't know how to make them from scratch and she hasn't been to Manila lately. Manny smiles politely at Kel.
"Dad!" calls a voice from the staircase.
Clad in silk, black pajama shorts, and a matching top, Lia comes down, hair in curlers.
"Hi, sweetie," says Kel, failing to look her in the eye as he gently hugs her.
"I need a gown," returns Lia.
"Send me an image and the cost," replies Kel, straightening his tie.
Lia glowers at him. "It won't be too low-cut. Trust me."
"I want to see it before I buy it," replies Kel. "The dress you wore for your bah mitzvah was too racy."
"Strapless is not racy!" cries Lia. "Are you saying hi to Gremlin?"
"Don't call your sister that," orders Kel.
"At least I call her," murmurs Lia, though clearly wanting her father to catch it.
"I called Hannah yesterday, for your information," defends Kel. "She wasn't feeling too social so it was brief. We're not all like Manny here."
Kel and Manny exchange smiles, Lia rolling her eyes.
"Good thing," says Lia, shaking her head at Manny.
"Show some courtesy, young lady," says Kel, sternly, brushing past Lia. "Manny, I apologize. And I'd be more than willing to pay for your gown as well. They're quite expensive."
Manny doesn't have time to reject the idea, as Kel disappears into the living room, fetching a tailor-made briefcase. Staring anxiously at Lia, Manny offers her the tray. Lia snickers, chooses to instead follow her father. Manny tip-toes to the doorway.
"Dad, tell Manny about Pinecrest," says Lia, grinning from ear to ear.
"Pinecrest?" bristles Kel, finally looking at Lia. "Why?"
"She's fraternizing with the enemy," answers Lia.
"They're very cutthroat, Manny," says Kel, concern etched on his face. "If you're looking for new representation, our company interacts with an agency that is more open-minded and accomplished...their clients are in family fare, like your mother enjoys and..."
"Yeah, so family-friendly," interrupts Lia, smirking. "Particularly family-related affairs. It's nice when the head of the company sets the standards, right, Dad?"
Kel closes his eyes, Manny seeing him seethe from right there. Lia obviously touched a nerve. What's this about affairs? And is Pinecrest that bad? She's lost, completely lost. The only clear expression is the hurt one on Kel's face, as he backs silently from the room, rushing to the front door, slamming it.
"Lia?" says Manny.
Lia approaches Manny, takes the coffee.
"We'll send him an image of your gown," instructs Lia. "I'll make him pay."
III.
"If he tells you to lay down and growl like a panther, what are you going to do?" inquires Craig, holding the door open for her.
"That's only in the movies," dismisses Ashley.
Once she enters the black studio doors, she breathes a sigh of contentment. Grips walk along costume racks, lights, as a photographer checks the light against the backdrop. It's not Ashley's photographer, though, as it's a woman and the phone message said it'd be a man. Wow, she actually has a photographer. From a studio! Black curtains shade other backdrops, cameras moving on dollies, employees biting greedily into bagels. Her dad used to be on television, and they toured BBC when she was an intern, but it's so different when you're going to be the center of attention.
"Ashley Kerwin!" calls a pleased man, shorter than her with a crude, thick, black ponytail.
Starting now, thinks Ashley, excitedly, casting a look at Craig. The photographer kisses her on both cheeks, his camera poking Ashley's chest.
"Oh, you're not a model. You actually have breasts," jokes the photographer.
Ashley laughs nervously, Craig staying silent.
"Um, this is my boyfriend," says Ashley. "Can he watch?"
"I will stay completely quiet," promises Craig, saluting him.
"Then get off my set," says the photographer, then chuckling. "No, we're all compadres on the tour."
"Cool," sighs Craig. "I used to take pictures too."
"Excuse me," protests the photographer, this time not joking. "I don't take pictures. I take moments, media that pokes at the mind, images that inspire. Pictures? Meh. Make-up!"
This guy's a real charmer, thinks Ashley, frowning as the photographer goes to his camera. She wraps a reassuring arm around Craig's waist. Craig pats her hand, and they jump when they hear the woman Ashley noticed earlier.
"Make-up!" she yells in a strong British accent, grabbing Ashley's hand.
With no small talk, she positions Ashley in a chair, moves to let a different man stare at Ashley's reflection in the make-up mirror. Ashley spies Craig peering at her from a distance.
"Hello," offers Ashley.
"Lovely," comments the man. "I'm Pedro."
"Pedro, I'm Ashley," she says.
"Let's make you a little more lovely, shall we?" sighs Pedro. "So what's your story? If you can give it to me in five minutes flat, kudos."
Pedro begins taking out blush, concealer, foundation, and some pretty strong colors in terms of eyeshadow and lipstick. Ashley hasn't worn that deep a red since her first days in London, with Ali.
"Not too strong, please?" says Ashley, nodding to the make-up.
"Nonsense," argues Pedro, cheerfully. "It'll make those lips pop. If you're standing next to Mark Kennick, you're going to need a little pizzazz."
"Oh, no one told me I'd be posing with Mark," says Ashley, blushing.
She hasn't seen Mark since the night at the bar. Wow, to pose with a signed musician? Who arranged that? Perhaps working at BB6 was opening all these doors for her, more doors than the other concertgoers. This just means she has to look amazing in the photographs. They were relying on her for press, like with the TV newscast.
"The usual reaction," diagnoses Pedro, starting to comb her hair. "Mark Kennick sends girls' hearts all a flutter."
"Nah," says Ashley.
"Oh, come on," encourages Pedro.
"Only one guy sends my heart a flutter," assures Ashley.
Ashley waves at Craig, who returns it, slipping into a chair opposite the set. The arrangement stinks. They can't talk from here.
"I asked for the story," sing-songs Pedro, staring at the purple strands. "Hmm."
"Sad truth is I have no story," confesses Ashley. "This is my first big gig. My boss liked the songs, gave me a spot. They haven't been performed live."
"After I'm done with you, you'll look good and that'll be half the battle," consoles Pedro.
Ashley smiles, lets Pedro work his magic. She's never had her hair pulled so many times, her face so attended to, nor her wardrobe so scrutinized by the woman, apparently nameless, who liked to yell. Craig patiently waited as promised, watching the equipment go by, smiling at Ashley when she smiled at him.
"Here's what we're doing," says the nameless woman as Pedro doused her hair with hair spray.
Ashley coughs, tries to pick up what she's saying.
"Mark will be in the Prada leather jacket, and the Calvin Klein shirt and pants. Ashley will be in the blue Betsey Johnson dress with lace sleeves," she continues.
"That sounds good," compliments Ashley, demurely.
"Betsey looks good on young girls," says the woman. "Pedro, her hair's away from the face?"
"Yes, ma'am," guarantees Pedro, spinning Ashley around.
Immediately, her eyes shooting up, Ashley barely recognizes the person staring back at her. The deep pink blush Pedro applied make her cheeks look like targets, and the red lipstick, though expertly done, made her feel twenty-seven at least. She can't blame them, because she tried to look older at the bar. It's okay. Standing next to Mark, she has to look like his contemporary, not his daughter. Plus, during the tour, Aja, someone she was closer to, would be styling her hair differently. Get through today, and all is well.
The nameless woman guides her to a partition where she views the Betsey Johnson hanging on a mannequin. As a few other nameless people, two girls and a guy, help her into the dress she can identify with the mannequin. The dress is scratchy, and Ashley whimpers as they make it as tight as possible by adding a blue belt.
"Mark's on set!" cries the photographer through the curtain.
Ashley winds her head around the curtain, views Mark, already in his outfit, sipping a latte. Yeah, it's obvious he's been on more than one photo shoot.
"Ashley, we're ready for you," calls the photographer.
Taking a deep breath, Ashley steps into a pair of heels that make her toes hurt, wobbles to the set. The set is fairly plain, perfect for a more simplistic tour promo. She totters, falls into Mark's shoulder.
"Ashley Kerwin!" exclaims Mark. "You can't fall from grace before your first album. Don't get ahead of us."
"These shoes," explains Ashley, going to the center.
Mark joins her, sliding an arm around her waist. Uh, yeah. She could do that to Craig, and Craig could do that to her. Strangers? Have to get permission.
"Mark, maybe you could back up a little and...," starts Ashley.
"No, that's what I like," says the photographer. "Mark knows what I like. Go with the flow."
Ashley's eyes fall to his hand, which rests right above her butt. She spies Craig wriggling in his seat from there, a frown forming. Should she say she's uncomfortable? Then, people would think she's a kid. Ashley works up the nerve to smile, face the camera.
"It's looking a bit prim," says the photographer, wincing. "Ashley, place your hand on Mark's chest."
She does so. Eh, that's not bad. When she posed for graduation pictures, she did the same with Spinner.
"And I'd like the dress unbuttoned...two at the top," continues the photographer.
The nameless woman, fast becoming Ashley's least favorite person, scuttles to Ashley, delicately undoes two buttons, a hint of her bust showing. Ashley's cheeks go as red as they can underneath all the blush.
"You're alright," whispers Mark, pulling her closer. "A little sex appeal never killed a show, did it?"
"Gorgeous!" cries the photographer, giving them the thumbs up.
"Now, smile and look pretty," whispers Mark to her, as the first flash bounds across the room.
Every expression she conjures hurts, as much as her feet and her waist. That becomes unbelievably apparent as Craig leans back in his chair, a frown for every bruised smile.
IV.
"Makizushi...kappamaki...chirashi," mutters Manny, pacing the theater parking lot. "Sushi for Dummies 101."
Or that's what Lia called the list she gave Manny. Lia was still pretty mad at her, but softened when Toby was mentioned. Manny opened the e-mail this morning, responded after the Lia/Kel verbal smackdown, and luckily, Toby dialed her right before camp so she could grab a change of clothes.
Manny opens her velvet black purse, her priciest purchase from her movie money, besides all the things for Toby's presidential bash. It went well with her black minidress, silver straps covering her shoulders. The purse also held her lipstick, mascara, her cell, fifty bucks, and her charm bracelet. She hopes Toby isn't too offended by her putting it in there. Looking clean and simple appeared to her, and she'd already put on these huge, chandelier earrings for adornment.
"At least I'll match Fred's limo," shrugs Manny, twisting her lips.
Sure enough, the limo is a perfect match as it stalls in front of the theater. A limo for her! Well, her and Toby, which is better. Fred climbs out of the limo, holds the door open for her.
"You look splendid, Ms. Santos," says Fred, ruffling his white hair.
"Thank you, Fred," says Manny.
As sweet as Fred is, he's not the guy she most wants to see today. Manny hurriedly gets inside, Fred closing the door after her. Toby beams, lacing his fingers with hers. He looks so impeccable in a black suit, white dress shirt underneath with a silk, tan tie.
"I was tempted to get out for you, but was afraid I'd faint," says Toby, rubbing his thumb against hers.
"Dressed like that, maybe I should've opened the door for you," returns Manny, blushing, fiddling with her purse.
"Thanks for coming," says Toby.
"Can't believe I'm meeting Anne Marie Isaacs," sighs Manny. "My boyfriend's mom."
When she received the e-mail, she shook with anticipation, because one, Anne Marie must've cleared her schedule for this, and two, after meeting her, she can honestly say she's met all of Toby's family. That's a huge deal to her. The meeting suggested that he's proud of her, and part of his dearest and closest.
"Do you like sushi?" asks Toby.
"No, but I love you so...," replies Manny, scooting closer to her.
"You'll be hungry," insists Toby.
Manny lays her head on her shoulder. "I'll eat the rolls."
She's really too nervous to eat. Is there reason to be? The vast majority of Toby's relatives were nice to her, and Ashley left her alone. Why should his mom be any different?
"What's this Starlight Ball about?" asks Toby.
"It's like a camp gala or whatever," answers Manny. "I get to choose who to bring and you may've noticed that I bolded it. Hint hint."
Toby grins. "Well, I'd only say no if you used one of those ugly fonts. But really who are you going to invite?"
Manny playfully slaps him, Toby laughing.
"The boy who looks good in bubbles," whispers Manny, draping her leg over Toby's.
That had to be one of the most unforgettable nights of her life, and they didn't even get that far. The rush was bigger than when she won Miss Degrassi, touching him where she usually didn't, where he wouldn't let her before. He was driving her insane too. Manny unfurls her fingers, traces her index finger along Toby's mouth.
"Manny!" whispers Toby.
"Can you raise that divider thing?" whispers Manny, gesturing towards the small window where Fred has his eyes focused on the road.
Toby nods, presses the button, and they hear the electric sound of the window closing off Fred from them.
"You're going to get me in a heap of trouble one of these days," sighs Toby, moving both her legs onto his lap.
"A heap?" gasps Manny.
"A heap," repeats Toby.
"Who me? Getting boys in trouble?" whispers Manny.
"Doesn't mean it doesn't feel good," says Toby, chuckling.
"Yeah, so how much is a heap exactly?" sighs Manny.
Manny pulls him to her by the tie, Toby apparently not minding at all. He places a hand on her waist, as the limo veers left. She arches her shoulders as Toby's hands go through her hair as their mouths find each other. He's ruining it, but she'd fix it later, gently kneading his back.
"So basically heavy-duty make out sessions are part of the heap," says Manny, beginning to slide off his jacket.
Toby responds without words, kissing her neck attentively. Manny grins, twirls his tie in blank euphoria. Ugh, whenever the neck got it, she lost it.
"Koi," says a light voice over the intercom.
"What?" whispers Manny, startled to see the tie come off in her hands.
The short answer to that comes due to a light illuminating them, sunshine from the car door being forced open. A startled gasp enters her ears, a feminine gasp. She was praying it was Fred at first. That was foolish. The hair's red, she's wearing heels, and she has the most disgusted look Manny's ever seen.
"Toby!" cries Anne Marie.
Toby separates from Manny apologetically, eyeglasses askew. Manny straightens her dress, grabs her purse, and leaves the limo, face to face with Anne Marie. Her eyes burn a hole right through Manny's, as she releases a long, heavy breath.
"Mom," greets Toby, as Manny absent-mindedly hands him the tie.
Well, she didn't know what else to do, Toby tying it quickly.
"This is some entrance," says Anne Marie, glaring at Manny.
That glare is ten times worse than any of the ones thrown at her by Heather or Chante or anyone. Why didn't she lock the limo door instead of flirting with him? Plus the drive was so short.
"Um, this is Manny," introduces Toby, patting around for something. "Oh, my jacket."
Both women stare as Toby retrieves the jacket, puts it on, Anne Marie offering a kinder look to her son. She won't be dolling those out to me today, thinks Manny, shouldering her purse. Anne Marie goes past them, starts to talk in hushed tones with Fred.
"Your hair," mutters Toby, indicating to Manny that it's sticking up.
"Oh," says Manny, smoothing the top.
"Nice," reassures Toby. "This is...this is okay. She'll be mad for a few minutes and..."
"Yeah," whispers Manny.
Or a few hours. A few days. A few months. A few years, based on the cold stare Anne Marie supplies before waltzing to the front door of Koi, holding the door for them. Fred appears anxious to leave. Take me with you, she wants to shout at him.
Toby instinctively grabs Manny's hand, his palms as sweaty as hers. Manny detects a low groan as they pass Anne Marie. Man, the lack of sushi knowledge is going to be the least of her problems.
V.
This reminds him of one of these weird family dinners in holiday movies, where there are all these secrets ready to be exposed, like the aunt's in love with the soon-to-be-fiancé of her sister, or the oldest son crashed the father's car. The thing is, of course, that he and Manny were exposed about twenty minutes ago. There isn't much else.
Anne Marie shakes the ice in her glass of water, her expression remaining just as icy. Manny's eyes go down the menu for the millionth time. Toby squeezes her hand under the table, and Manny gives him a hesitant smile.
"What are you guys getting?" questions Toby, finding bravery somewhere.
"Rolls...I mean, yeah, rolls," speaks up Manny.
There's a few moments of silence, Anne Marie leaning forward in her chair.
"What kind?" she asks Manny.
"I guess...whatever the waiter brings," says Manny.
Anne Marie strokes her chin. "Cute."
Toby's tempted to kick his own mother under the table after that, but no, he'd grin and bear it. He's not becoming so rebellious kid, show that his father didn't raise him right, especially in front of her.
"Manny, how's camp going?" says Anne Marie.
Whoa, a polite question. Toby lets Manny's hand go.
"Awesome," shares Manny. "I'm learning things I've always wanted to."
"Excellent," compliments Anne Marie.
"And...everyone's just been so supportive," says Manny, smiling sweetly at Toby.
Toby's own eyes drop to the menu, for a positive reason at least. Anne Marie clears her throat loudly, very loudly.
"Do you have any aspirations besides acting?" prompts Anne Marie.
"I want to see if it works out," says Manny.
"Dear, that's not very ambitious," sighs Anne Marie. "This business is so cruel. It's always good to look at all angles. For instance, besides being a casting director, I'm looking into being a producer."
"How exciting!" cries Manny.
Huh? Toby didn't know that himself. That is exciting, and it made sense since Anne Marie loved to multi-task.
"It is," says Anne Marie. "Toby's got his bases covered too. The computer world is so broad, and he dallies in animation, software, management systems..."
"I know," interrupts Manny. "At Kytel, there was this project he was working on to help make longer-lasting software. Have you seen it?"
No, thinks Toby. She's seen nothing he's done with Kytel.
"Have you?" returns Anne Marie, smirking as she accepts some rolls from the waiter. "Manny paid for Kytel in the first place," shares Toby.
Anne Marie sets the basket of rolls in front of Manny with a pointed thud. Manny shakes.
"All the rolls you can eat," says Anne Marie, smiling at Manny.
Great, never be there, and be rude to my girlfriend? Forget politeness. Forget what she thinks. She promised to be polite, and she's the epitome of passive aggressiveness.
"There are some internships with Disney," offers Anne Marie. "I know people there."
"Toby, you should definitely take her up on that," encourages Manny.
Disney? Like Disney Disney? Kytel's great and everything, but Disney's a household name, a lucrative company. This better not be a bargaining chip.
"How about it, Tobes?" says Anne Marie.
"Maybe," says Toby.
Anne Marie fidgets with her hair, obviously disappointed. What did she expect? For him to jump at the chance as she silently insulted Manny? He should get her out of here right now.
"Manny, who are you staying with?" asks Anne Marie.
"Kel Andrews," replies Manny. "Friends with his daughter Lia."
"I can see how that's attractive to you," sighs Anne Marie. "Big house, fancy clothes, the head of a major motion picture studio..."
That is it. That's definitely it.
"Come on!" snaps Toby, throwing down his napkin.
Anne Marie gasps, Manny watching sympathetically as Toby moves through the restaurant. He stops in the waiting area, colorful fish swimming in aquariums behind him as he stands there, stroking his forehead. Other people with reservations look at him, curiously. His glasses nearly fall as Anne Marie takes his arm, makes him face her.
"I've never been so embarrassed...," starts Anne Marie.
"Try being Manny!" exclaims Toby.
Thankfully, the room is cleared as the party is seated.
"Try being me, seeing my son disheveled because of a girl," says Anne Marie, laughing coldly.
"Like you have a right to be surprised," argues Toby. "You don't know her, and you don't know me!"
"That's ridiculous," says Anne Marie.
"Please," mutters Toby, starting to loosen his tie.
"Don't do that, young man," orders Anne Marie. "And...Manny? What, have your standards gone south? She lacks ambition, she's not cultured, she's carefree..."
"I love that she's carefree," interrupts Toby.
"Flighty!" cries Anne Marie.
"She's not flighty," protests Toby.
"How else am I take the phrase 'I'll see if it works out', huh?" complains Anne Marie.
"Manny's dedicated to acting, or else she wouldn't be here," insists Toby. "You work with actresses everyday! You see their potential!"
"I'm not looking at her as an actress. I'm looking at her as my son's girlfriend!" whispers Anne Marie, angrily. "We haven't gotten to the best part yet."
Best part? Try the worst? What else can possibly go wrong?
"I go to take a shower this morning, fetch some expensive bubble bath from my pantry...oh, wait, I can't," says Anne Marie, coldly. "Not there. Candles, also gone."
Toby turns his back to her, eyes on the fish as they scamper.
"Thought maybe a maid took it," continues Anne Marie. "Then, I find this...with a glossy, black strand of beautiful hair."
Anne Marie's hand goes around Toby's head, flashes a hot pink Scrunchie before his nose. Done in by an accessory. She must've forgotten it when she was changing in there. Toby exhales loudly.
"I have to give her that," laughs Anne Marie. "She's stunning. But sometimes the stunning ones are the most opportunistic."
It's very clear what she's implying, the heat in Toby's chest escalating.
"She's signed," clarifies Toby.
"To a smaller agency, no doubt," says Anne Marie, rolling her eyes. "You're too smart for this, Toby."
Wow, this is the lowest blow he can fathom. Tearing apart Manny's career, horrible, but suggesting she's not in love with him, can't beat that. Sully can say it, Justin can infer it, anyone else can believe it. His own mom?
"I'm in love with her," whispers Toby, strongly. "I'm smart enough to be in love with her, and know she feels the same."
Anne Marie opens her mouth to speak, but Toby silences her.
"She was there for me after Rick, for Confirmation, and she's sitting there trying to be brave for...I don't know, maybe me?" continues Toby. "She's been there more than you. We're leaving."
His mother lets out a sob, as Toby returns to the main restaurant, searches for Manny. Locating her, he pulls out her chair, Manny standing.
"We're going," says Toby.
"That's rude, Toby," whispers Manny.
"She's rude," insists Toby. "Fred can take us..."
"I have to stay here and make a good impression," interrupts Manny.
"Manny..."
"It's important to me."
Toby hits the back of the chair, hard, causing a few patrons to gasp. The basket holding the rolls topples, Manny trying to hold him. Toby shakes his head.
"I can't," he says, brushing past a crying Manny.
VI.
Fred has three daughters, is part of a bowling league, thinks Bazooka Joe is better than Bubblicious. All these and more interesting facts were discussed on a drive that has ceased to end. Anne Marie never returned to the table, and Manny called Fred to take her to camp. Fred didn't ask where Toby was, and she couldn't have answered. He wasn't answering his cell. She tried J.T. too, who promised to find him.
Throughout the afternoon, Manny kept calling "line", forgetting the blocking, causing Blake to snicker. Lia didn't snicker, and Manny took that as a good sign. She'd have the part nailed by opening. Excuse her for having a lost, upset boyfriend on her mind. Fred nicely offered to take her wherever she wanted after camp. Currently, he's driving without a destination.
"Know what's beautiful around this time of night?" says Fred, staring at Manny in his mirror. "Besides yourself?"
Manny smiles weakly. "What?"
"Grauman's Theater," shares Fred. "You put your hands in the cement and it cheers you up instantly."
"Wish I could see it in a brighter mood," says Manny, wiping a forming tear.
"Worth a shot," encourages Fred.
"I'm all dressed to party," kids Manny, sniffling. "Fine."
Fred makes a few turns, Manny feeling restless. It'd be good to go somewhere she's never seen, be with people who didn't know her from a stranger in the crowd. The limo stops, another speedy arrival. Fred is good.
He opens the door for her, smiling encouragingly.
"Thank you," says Manny, approaching the theater.
Grauman's is darker than she expected, the total opposite of the beautiful Majestic where she attended camp. It resembles a black and red lantern stretched to the sky, carefully structured black etching at the sides, small stone lions at the foot of the theater. Faded footprints and handprints in stone line the walk, tourists situating their hands into the prints. She'd love to have a handprint someday, be respected, by tourists and by people in the industry, including Anne Marie Isaacs. The spotlights of the theater would be warm and inviting, and if they held the Oscars there that year, she'd thank Toby for being there for her during the good and hard times.
He's not here to thank, thinks Manny, wiping her eyes as the tears fall harder. Her heels cross the feet of John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Natalie Wood, people she admired. Why isn't this thrilling her? Fred told her that putting your hands in the cement will cheer anyone up. Eh, she'd take a chance.
Skipping the Harry Potter kids, as much as she liked those movies, she locates Meryl Streep, probably the most respected actress there. She kneels, rests her palms in the imprints, lowers her fingers. They fit. They truly do fit. No happiness, only a dry taste in her mouth.
Manny sobs, goes into a nearby gift shop. A cashier blowing a bubble with her gum views Manny as she comes forward.
"Do you...do you have any charms?" stammers Manny.
"Hollywood ones?" asks the girl. "Over by the snowglobes."
Manny thanks her, sees a turnstile with many charms. There's the Hollywood sign, Grauman's, a palm tree, Betty Boop. Her fingers locate the perfect charm, as perfect as the snowflake.
VII.
"Sure you don't want to go home?" says J.T. "Sleep it off."
Toby tugs at the tie, lips tight. He can't sleep this off, but he finally did call J.T. for cab money. J.T. asked where he was, and decided to come himself. Manny must've called him beforehand, Toby wagers. He could see the worry on his best friend's face as soon as the cab pulled up to the bookstore he wandered into after jetting from Koi.
"Let's go somewhere else," proposes Toby.
"I know where," says J.T., darting his eyes.
The cab driver nods knowingly at J.T., both of them apparently having an unspoken agreement. As long as it's not home he's cool with it. Go home to a mom that doesn't get him, respect his decisions? No thanks.
From the less than spotless glass window, he sees the tall building, decorated beautifully, like a temple from an anime. A Chinese pagoda, corrects Toby in his head. Grauman's really is beautiful, ornate. He'd love to take Manny here, discover what actors have the same appendages as them. The way he left, so abruptly and angrily, he doubts Manny ever wants to see him. Last night, they were so tender, and she was so happy, and he thought he was pretty sweet. Today, a total terror.
"You go ahead," encourages J.T. "Making a call."
Toby doesn't argue, leaves the cab. Walking to the footprints, he stares at the feet of Tom Hanks, Steven Speilberg, and Fred Astaire. Astaire, the guy in their last drive-in movie. Sad, meditative music plays, as Astaire is run near the gift shop.
And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
What he wouldn't give to whisk Manny back to Toronto, away from the paparazzos and Anne Maries of the world.
Then again, there were Justins and Sullys, and there's no escape. He'd gladly take hits for her, insults for her, but it's weighing him down. Add his mom to that. He can't lie that it's not getting under his skin. For her, it's worse. There were racial epithets, criticisms of her career, and waiting for some reassurance...from him, of all people. How much more can Manny take?
Toby bends, places his hands in the Fred Astaire handprints, head a little light, breathing normally. Small, nightly breezes blow against his face.
"A golden heart," says a shy voice he loves hearing.
He manages a grin as a heart charm droops into his sight, Toby raising his head. Manny removes the bracelet from her purse, attaches the charm as Toby rights himself.
"Something we both have," adds Manny.
"Sorry I snapped," says Toby.
Toby kisses her wrist, Manny hugging him as the gift shop music plays delicately in their ears. His eyelids lower, the gold lights of the theater at the edges of his sight, their hearts beating in tune. It should be like this for them always, and it isn't.
And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am
"Manny," whispers Toby. "I don't want to change what I feel."
"Me either," sobs Manny.
"Then, what do we do?" asks Toby, clutching her tighter. "What more are you going to go through to be with me?"
"Anything," whispers Manny. "Anything, Tobes."