A month has gone by a the vicious story written by Ted Anderson appeared to have disappeared from everyone's radar which suited Ginger just fine. She didn't want to think about it anymore. Things were looking up now.
Two other magazines had inquired about having Mary Ann on their cover. The one in particular was a big time fashion magazine called Unique Fashion Sense. The publication features the designs of some of the hottest designers in the industry. Ginger thought it wonderful Mary Ann would be chosen as the cover model. She saw some of the test shots her friend had done and thought they were marvelous. The movie star was extremely proud of her former island roommate. Mary Ann would be come a name in the modeling industry she just knew it.
Right now that was the farthest thing from her mind. The Storm needed to be cast and they were auditioning several prospects for the lead role of Victoria. Some of the actresses were terrible. A few were pretty good. Ginger thought a couple of the girls had some potential but so far no one was right for the part. There was not one of the dozens of actresses who stood out and that is what she needed. She needed someone who would catch the eye of the audience. Who would pull them in with intrigue. At least that is what the Professor said about her. She could captivate anyone. And if this person was to be portraying her (sort of) then she needed to have that quality.
Ginger took a sip of her water and looked at her sheet to see who would be the next to audition. Diana Hart. She recalled not being sure of this one but agreed to give her a shot.
She watched as the blonde made her way into the room wearing a long blue gown with white high heeled pumps on her feet. Ginger felt she was a little overdressed but decided to overlook it for now. "Hello." She greeted. "You are Diana Hart correct?"
Diana plastered her a smile on her face hoping to mask the contempt she felt for the redheaded starlet. "Yes I am." She replied sweetly. "It is so nice to meet you Ms. Grant."
"Thank you." Ginger said before turning to business. "It says here this is your first time trying out for a movie role."
"Yes it is. I know that I don't have a lot of experience but I assure you I can handle this. I can do it."
"We shall see." The movie star replied. "Why don't you go ahead and show us what you can do."
"Gladly." Diana said. She picked up the script in her hand and began.
Ginger cringed watching. She was being way too overdramatic and emphasizing too many words to get a point across. And her hand gestures were distracting to say the least.
"I don't know how we are going to survive here!" Diana read as Victoria. "We are a long way from civilization! We cannot communicate with the anyone back home! No one knows were are here! It's hopeless!" She then dramatically placed the back of her hand over her forehead.
Ginger grimaced. This certainly was not going well at all. This chick was just terrible. No acting skills whatsoever. None. "Okay Ms. Hart. Thank you." She said to put an end to the horror.
Diana smiled. "Well what do you think?"
Ginger looked at her and sighed. "I'm sorry but we are going to have to pass."
"Pass?" Diana said in disbelief. "You are passing? Why?"
"Why? You are awful." Ginger stated frankly. "You have no acting skills. You were way too dramatic. I'm sorry you are not suited for this film."
"I have to agree." Daryl said. "If you want my advice I suggest you either give up trying to be an actress or take some classes. That was one of the worst auditions we've had. I'm sorry but that's the honest truth."
Ginger nodded. "He's right. I don't think this career path is right for you. However as Daryl said if you wish to pursue it, you are going to need some major work. You certainly should not be getting your feet wet this way. You should start out small and go from there. I do wish you luck in whatever you decided to do."
The blonde held her anger in check. "I see. Well thank you for your time." She turned on her heel and walked out of the audition room shutting the door behind her.
She was steamed. That little wench! She should have known. Of course she wasn't going to give her a break! That little hussy was just jealous. Jealous because she was by far a way better actress than her. Need a lot of work? Ha! She'll show her! Diana Hart is not going to go away so easy! In fact, she was going to do everything in her power to bring down Ms. Ginger Grant for good! That bitch will be run out of Hollywood if it was the last thing she did! She may have been able to survive the gossip of Ted's article but she won't be so lucky next time around. That she will make sure of. In fact she had a new plan in mind. It was perfect. The gossip mill was going to start again only this time it would target Ginger's beloved Professor Hinkley.
Diana had it all worked out. She knew that he was starting that business with that Barbara. Well how about it being implied that they should be more than just business partners? How about insinuations that there just may be more to their friendship than meets the eye? After all they are in the same field. They run the company together. Who wouldn't find it endearing? It was too perfect.
Roy would be furious at her for again distrusting him. The fights, The public battles.
Oh it would be so juicy! Soon ol' Roy would get fed up with Ginger's insecurities and leave the redhead for good. Ginger would be left all alone and bitter. Which is exactly what she deserved.
Inside audition room
"Well you were right." Daryl said to Ginger. "She was just awful. It was actually painful to watch."
"I know." She sighed. "Really dreadful. I'm sorry to have to be so brutally honest with her but it was for her own good. She really should not be acting."
"I'll say. Ginger I have to say I'm glad they asked you back. I'm sorry about the whole…"
"Oh forget it. I have. It's not important. What is important is finding someone to play Victoria."
Daryl looked at Ginger. "If you want my opinion I think you should do it. Let's face it, this role is you. And who better to portray you than you."
"That's sweet of you to say but I already told you I can't do it. I'm sorry but we have to cast someone to play Victoria's love interest Alex who you know very well it based on my darling Roy. I cannot conceive of doing this part when I know that Roy is not going to be in the part. The only one I want being "Roy" with me is Roy. And before you say anything you know perfectly well he is not going to do it." She then added. "I already tried that."
"I understand." Daryl said. "But let's face it Ginger. Can you really see anyone stepping into this part? You are so perfect for it. I really wish you would reconsider. Yes I know you just told me you only want Roy in the film but you are a brilliant actress. You can work with anyone. I'm sure we can find a suitable actor for Alex. Please just think about it."
Ginger sighed. "Alright I'll think about it. But I'm not promising anything. However if I do take this part, can we at least film the part of Roy nuzzling me with Roy?"
Daryl laughed. "I'm sure we could work something out."
The redhead checked her watch. "I need to get going. I have a fitting for wedding dress to get to. Some actors are coming in to audition for the Skipper's part. Can you handle that?"
"Not a problem" He assured.
"Good. I'll see you later."
Ginger got up from her seat and headed out. Diana stood behind a corridor watching her with a frown. Bitch. She thought to herself as the redhead exited through a heavy door.
The blonde was still fuming. There had to be a way to outdo this no good hussy. But how? Maybe she could hire an acting coach…not that she needed one but still…they could teach her what she may have done wrong and help her correct it. And maybe just maybe she would land another role. A bigger role than this stupid one. The thought of that was appealing. Yes that would show that Ginger Grant. She would be sorry she ever told her to give up.
Outside building
Ginger got into her red convertible and started it up. She pulled out of her space and drove off to the main gate where the guard let her go through.
As she pulled onto the road she thought about what Daryl said. Taking the role of Victoria. It was very appealing but still. She truly did not want to do it if Roy was not with her. She couldn't help it. Having to act out all her special memories of her darling Professor with someone else? That would be a big challenge and she was not so sure she wanted to do that.
Monica's dress boutique came into view and she pulled over to the side. She shut the engine off and hurried inside and was greeted by the designer.
"Hello Ginger." Ms. Fairchild said kissing her cheek.
"Hello." The starlet replied. "Where is my dress? I'm dying to see it."
"Helena…Helena bring out Ms. Grant's gown please." She turned back to the redhead. "I know you are going to just love it. Follow me back here…Your sister and your mother are waiting…"
Ginger smiled at the two. "Hi Jess. Hi Mom."
"Hello darling." Joan smiled at her daughter. "How did the audition go?"
The starlet rolled her eyes. "Terrible." She sighed. "I don't think anyone is going to be able to do this role."
A minute later Mary Ann came hurrying in with Mrs. Howell behind her. Ginger wanted them there was well. She could not possibly see her gown without these two women present as well.
Helena appeared with the gown. Monica smiled. "Here it is."
Ginger looked it over in awe. It was stunning. Gorgeous. More than she could imagine.
Off the shoulder as she requested. After all how else was Roy going to nuzzle her neck and sniff her perfume…She giggled to herself. The cut of the dress was perfect. Would show just the right amount of cleavage to grab that academic's attention. Exactly what she wanted. She wanted her soon to be husband to not be able to take his eyes away from her. The skirt was full and had white sash across the bottom adorned with white roses.
"I take it you want to try it on." Monica said with a smile.
"You bet!' Ginger said with enthusiasm.
The designer led her to the dressing room and helped her with the gown. The other women were relaxing with complimentary glasses of fine champagne.
Mary Ann was thinking of how this was soon to happen for her. True her dress would not be as stunning as Ginger's but that did not matter. She was certain her mother and her aunt could put together something just as wonderful.
Ginger then stepped out wearing the gown and the women gasped.
"Oh sweetheart." Joan said. "You look gorgeous."
Jessica spoke. "Sis that is a beautiful gown. You look sensational."
"Splendid." Mrs. Howell chimed in.
Mary Ann smiled. "Ginger the Professor is going to go crazy when he sees you."
"That's the idea." The starlet grinned. "Of course I will need to wear my hair up so he has easier access to my neck…"
Mary Ann giggled. "You are bad. That poor man is not going to know what hit him."
"I don't think he has ever known what hit him." quipped Mrs. Howell.
Ginger laughed. "That is true." She admired her reflection in the mirror. "I do love this gown. It's absolutely perfect."
She could just envision walking down the aisle to Roy and his breath being taken away.
He would think her the most beautiful woman in the world, Not that he didn't already believe that. He told her she was. Even went so far as to apologize for not saying she was the most beautiful woman on the island. Of course she was. How could he ever think anything else? Ginger told him to forget about it. It was a silly contest anyway. Besides she wasn't fooled for a minute. She knew what his true belief was.
All that did not matter anyway. What mattered is her wedding to that wonderful man. Becoming his wife. It would not be long now. Only um…wait what did Roy tell her? Oh right…37 days. 3 hours. 44 minutes and 18 seconds. Too bad it couldn't be that 18 seconds. Regardless she was looking forward to it.
That and her honeymoon. They decided on Puglia, Italy. It was very romantic and Ginger fell in love with the hotel/resort that her travel agent Becky showed her. It had everything.
She was going to have everything she wanted. Roy Hinkley for starters. And children. How many children she was not sure of but she most certainly wanted more than two. Maybe four. As long as she had a son to took after his father. Ginger wanted to give him a son he could pass on his legacy too. Not that he couldn't do this with a daughter but a son would mean a great deal to him that she knew. And she did want a daughter as well. A little girl to take to ballet lessons. How wonderful to see her dancing around in her ballerina costume!
Ginger even considered getting a dog as well. She loved them and she didn't think a family could be complete without one. She didn't want a little dog either. No a big dog. One who would protect the family and love children.
Of course she had to get Roy into her home. She still tried to tempt him but he was somehow firm on waiting until they were married. How this could be she did not know.
Did he somehow build up a resistance to her seduction? She doubted it. He could not resist her. Well she supposed it did not matter. He would be in her home soon enough. They would be husband and wife.
New House
The Professor looked over the progress being made on the master bedroom. It was coming along beautifully. The two en suites were incredible. Ginger's close was going to be huge. Plenty of room for her various gowns. Speaking of gowns, he was always glad that was all she had with her on the island. He absolutely loved seeing her in them. Ginger looked stunning. He did not care too much for the long sleeved ones. Not that she did not look beautiful. It was because they covered way too much skin. He rather liked her more slinky gowns.
Ginger on the other hand told him many times how she wished he would not have kept that darn shirt of his on all the time. Really could he have not taken it off at some point and give her something pleasing to look at! He "apologized" to her and promised that if they were ever stuck on an island again he would be more mindful.
They certainly came a long way since being on that island that was for sure. The entire time he was there he never imagined that he would be sharing such a luxurious house with the lovely Ginger Grant. If they had married on the island, they would have had to build a bigger hut for the both of them. While he was certain Ginger would not have cared, he wanted more for her. More than a grass and bamboo hut and he was glad he could give this to her.
Boutique
Ginger could not stop admiring the gown. She thought it so beautiful as she stood there while Monica took the proper measurements to make sure it was just right.
"So what happened with the audition." Jessica asked.
"Oh this awful wannabee actress tried out. She was terrible. Overly dramatic. It was painful to watch. I had to be honest and tell her she could not do the part. Daryl thinks that I should just take it.
Mary Ann took a sip of her champagne before speaking. "Well why don't you? Ginger you are perfect for it."
The starlet sighed. "I know but like I told Daryl, I only want Roy being the Roy character in the movie. I can't help it. To have to act out all our special moments with someone else…I don't like it."
Mrs. Howell nodded. "I understand dear but really you should consider it. I know you could make it work."
"I suppose." Ginger relented. "It's not that I don't think I could…I don't know just not having Roy be a part of it…It's just weird to me. Really I don't know how to explain it."
"Dear." Joan said. "I know how much you love Roy. I know that you hold all your special moments with him on the island close to your heart but honey this is a big chance for you. Imagine writing and starring in your own movie. I think you should consider it. I'm sure whatever actor you find to play Roy's part will be wonderful. You could do it."
"I did tell Daryl I would think about it." Ginger said.
"You would make the perfect Victoria." Mary Ann assured. "I agree with the others. You should do it. Take the role."
Ginger shrugged. "I don't know. I need to think about it. In the meantime, Monica I think you did an amazing job. I love this gown!"
"Thank you." The older woman smiled. "I'm so glad you approve. And wait till you girls see your bridesmaid gowns. You will love them!"
Diana stood in the back of the boutique watching the scene. That bitch did not deserve any of this. Not one bit. Well she could enjoy it while it lasted. Because it wasn't going to last much longer. It was all going to come crashing down and she was going to enjoy every little bit of it. It was bad enough the idiot did not see real talent in front of her now she was going to up and steal her part. She would be sorry. Very very sorry.