Jade: Hello Cat, I have been waiting to hear from you.
Cat; I am so sorry that it is late, but Robbie took me out to dinner after the shoot and we met some fans of our old show and then we came home and I started showing Robbie some of the poses. For some reason that got him excited and well, we just finished, you know…
Jade: Really too much information Cat I am glad the photo shoot went well though.
Cat: Oh yes it was fun once I got over being nearly naked in front of a tall good looking guy.
Jade: You didn't mention that to Robbie did you?
Cat: Of course, I told him everything, why?
Jade: That would bother a lot of guys. I am glad Robbie is so secure.
Cat: Jade you are so funny. Guys don't make a big fuss over me.
Jade: Cat you are funny, I could take you to places where guys would kill each other to get their hands on that little body of yours .But I am glad you are happy and everything worked out.
Cat: A lot of things worked out well. Did you hear about Tori?
Jade: No and I was surprised. She usually tells everything.
Cat: She probably had no time. She had the interview, signed with the agency and they needed a singer/background dancer that day so she flew right out to join the tour.
Jade: Who is she touring with?
Cat: That is the best part, it's Andre!
Jade: That must have thrilled them both!
Cat: I am sure but it all happened so fast I still have not heard from her. Robbie just heard from Beck at work,
Jade: Speaking of work, I should get off now; I have an early makeup call.
Cat: Ok Jadey, good night.
Cat hung up and snuggled near Robbie and quickly fell asleep.
Jade hung up and took one last look at her script for tomorrow and then turned in and went almost immediately to sleep.
Jade did have an early make-up call. It was for 6:00 am and she dragged herself out of bed and threw herself into the shower. Standing there she was waiting for the water to revive her. When she was finally able to move she made quick work of showering and then washed her hair. Upon finishing her hair she dried it, and then began to dress. She just threw on some clothes, she would spend an hour in wardrobe so why do it twice? The studio knew that on these early calls they needed to send a car for her and soon it was waiting in the driveway. Jade boarded and was whisked away to the set.
When jade arrived on set she noticed that the writers were gathered in a corned having a discussion. That could not be a good thing. Last minute writer discussions often meant last minute script changes and she was just getting comfortable with the one she had. The producer and the director were waiting for her when she arrived and wanted to have a conference.
Suddenly the thought that she was being axed crossed her mind and there was a moment of panic. She determined to remain calm though, no matter what.
Director: Ah here is our lovely star right now; good morning Jade, Dan and I needed to speak with you about something. Have a seat over here please.
Jade's heart rate began to rise. It was in a setting just like this that they had told her that she got the part, now if it was over, well she gave it her best.
Dan: Jade as you know the studio constantly runs surveys and focus groups to determine the direction of many of our projects. Well the results have come back on your show and the audience feels that there is something missing in the show. Focus group discussions have pinpointed the idea of developing a love-interest for your character. We wanted to let you know and maybe get some possible input on actors you might want to try to work with. In the beginning, the role will be a small one, but it may expand depending on audience reaction.
Jade: I have the perfect actor in mind. He has not worked much lately and we might have to shoot around his work load right now. But we worked together in school and I think we have chemistry. I can call him if you want to meet him.
Dan: We do, give him a call and let's set something up.
Jade: Ok, I will give him a call in a little while.
Jade sat in for make–up and wardrobe, each taking two hours and then thought it would be a reasonable hour to call. She popped open her cell and looked up the number.
Trina: Good morning, Oliver residence, Trina speaking.
Jade: Good morning Trina, this is Jade West.
Trina: Jade, how nice to hear from you again. How are you?
Jade: Tired, I had a 6:00 call this morning and I have already been in makeup and wardrobe.
Trina: I went to bed and had to wake up for a two o'clock feeding and then at 6 to change two very dirty diapers, trade you!
Jade: No, on second thought my schedule does not seem as bad.
Trina: Did you want to speak to Beck; I will go and get him.
Jade: Actually I need you for a moment.
Trina: Me? What's up?
Jade: Would you get very upset if Beck and had to occasionally get into bed and make love together?
Trina: Not at all, I still get to keep the house and car, right? plus a substantial settlement? You are not serious are you?
Jade: Trina the producer and director want to develop as love interest for me in the show and they asked me to help choose an actor. The role would be small at first and we could shoot around Beck's schedule, but it may amount to something!
Trina: You know it would be so much easier to say yes if you had gotten hideously ugly in the past year.
Jade: Trina, I promise I won't make a move on him that is not in the script.
Trina: Jade all you have to do is walk into a room and you are making a move on every guy in it. But I suppose I can trust Beck, I mean he is bound to come in contact with women in the course of a day, I can't shield him from all of them, not even the dark haired screen goddesses with beautiful bodies and red inviting lips.
Jade: Wow, I can use you as my staff; can I quote you on that description?
Trina: Sure, and yes if Beck wants to try out for the part I am ok with that too. I will put him on and you can work out the details,
Beck: Hi Jade, what is up?
Jade went over everything with Beck and he agreed to meet with the producer and director after work for a screen test.
When Beck got off the phone he walked over to Trina and gave her a big kiss.
Trina: Wow what was that for and where can I get more?
Beck: That is for being a wonderful supportive wife.
Trina: You deserve it. You have been pretty good so far. Of course I am not the least bit worried that you will be acting with your old girlfriend who has not just given birth to two babies is still svelte and beautiful and has large non-sagging breasts.
Beck: I am glad to hear that you are not worried. I love you Trina, you are the mother of my children, my friend and partner and you dad is a cop who carries a gun. Why would I ever think of straying?
Trina: Don't forget my sister, who would hunt you down like a rabid dog.
Beck: Well with all this prepping I should be able to bring some emotion to the role; I just hope it is the one that they want. Ok Trina I am going to be late because I have to meet Jade and her crew onstage. I will be back as soon as I am finished.
Trina: Have fun Beck, just not too much.
Beck drove to work but for the first time in a long time his mind was not completely on business. The thought of being onstage was calling to him again and he was enjoying the thought. He had mixed feelings though. He had a big responsibility to his uncle and to the people who worked for him and did not want to fail. He thought of how good his uncle had been to him, and started to wonder if maybe this acting stuff was not such a hot idea after all.
When Beck arrived at work he began to set up for the day and turn his mind back completely to work mode. This was just as well because it enabled him to get an incredible amount of work done before Robbie even arrived and he was able to keep ahead of Robbie all day. When the day ended he was able to leave even a little ahead of Robbie without feeling guilty.
Beck drove to the studio. It felt good to be walking up to a stage again to smell the smells and see the lights and cameras and people running around. They were all still there on set waiting because they knew beck was coming for a screen test. Jade quickly introduced him to the producer and director and then he was quickly taken to makeup and hair. When he was ready he was given a copy of the script and a description of the scene.
The scene was basically a party. Jade was inside already and Beck's character was to arrive, enter, see Jade and be drawn to her. He walks over to her they meet and began to talk and by the end of the scene they have walked to the balcony and are kissing in the moonlight.
Beck is given a chance to walk through a few times to get his bearings and then they are ready for the test. The director yells action and Beck steps through the door into the room. Beck scans the room, his brown eyes searching. Suddenly he sees a mass of dark curly hair and freezes on it. As if feeling that she has been spotted Jade slowly raises her head, still looking away, then her head slowly turns and their eyes meet. Beck is intrigued by the whiteness of her skin, the redness of her lips and he glides across the floor towards her like a jungle cat stalking his prey. He is close now, and in a moment they have introduced themselves and Beck is beginning to weave a spell with his low sensual voice. It is working and he takes her by the hand and they stroll slowly towards the balcony. They stand on the balcony looking towards the light of the noon, his hand slowly rises on her back and the other around her neck and then he is kissing her and it is evident from her relaxed form that she has surrendered herself to him.
Director: And Cut! Beautiful you two. We should have sent you to wardrobe Beck, and then we could have used this on the show.
Dan: Jade when you told us you guys had chemistry you weren't kidding. You almost set off the sprinklers in here.
Jade smiled.
Jade: Am I a good judge of talent or what?
Dan: In this case you were. This was a home run!
Dan: Beck we are going to show this to the focus group and then to the studio executives. I can't promise anything, but I would bet that we will be calling you with an offer. Have your agent ready.
Jade: Well Beck that certainly felt like old times.
Beck: You certainly have not lost anything since the last time. You always were a great actor.
Jade: just not a great enough girl.
Beck: You had your moments then too. But, things happen.
Jade: Do you ever…
Beck: We can't go back Jade; we had our one chance.
Jade: I know, when you get home tonight give Trina a really big kiss, and the twins too.
Jade turned to go and there was a hint of a tear glistening in her eye.
Beck: I will, and thank you again for this.