Third Times A Charm

 

Bridget

 

 

Bridget Huntington stood near the window in her 10th storey office and looked out over the Melbourne skyline laid out before her. Below, cars, buses and trams ferried people across the city as they went about their daily lives, not giving a shit about her, what she was doing or the fight she was about to have. She sighed.

She liked Melbourne well enough but just lately, she would have rather sat at her desk and looked out the same window, only to see London or Paris. If her father came to the party and accepted her proposal, then there was every chance this would become a reality. The thing was, Donald Huntington was a hard man to please and even harder to get to accept ideas that weren’t his own; especially if they came from her.

While she was sure that deep down her father loved her, Bridget knew that wasn’t enough for him. No matter how hard she tried, anything she did was never good enough in his eyes. She worked harder than most of the other employees; her older brother included, brought in new clients, and went over and above what was required, yet Donald never gave her the credit due. It hurt to know that it all came down to the simple fact that he could not get past the fact that she resembled her mother.

It had always seemed to be a trigger, something that Donald couldn’t look past; losing the love of his life; to see that his daughter was her own person, with her own hopes and dreams and personality. He also seemed to forget that Bridget had lost a mother at the same time but then, he had always been a self-involved sort of man.

‘Time for that to change’ Bridget thought resolutely as she backed away from the window and grabbed her phone. ‘My idea will not only save us money but bring in bigger and better clients. It’s a win-win’. The trick now was to get her father to not only listen to her proposal but actually give it some real consideration and not just dismiss it out of hand because it had come from her.

Bridget had taken the elevator up to the 12th floor to her father’s office, thoughts of Paris at Christmas time buzzing in her mind. How wonderful it would be to be in the city of love at her favourite time of the year. It would be even more wonderful if she had someone amazing to share it with but for now, it was all about getting herself there.

Some forty odd minutes later, she was storming back out of her father’s office, slamming the door for good measure. The fact that Moira Duncan; Donald’s personal assistant; and Billy Archer; the office gopher; were standing at Moira’s desk, both looking at her with a range of emotions on their faces didn’t help her mood.

‘Great; just fucking great’ she fumed, not even bothering to acknowledge either of them as she stomped over to the elevator. Moira had worked with her father long enough to know better than to spread gossip about what she might or might not have heard just now but Billy, well…given he was all over the business every day delivering mail or running errands, there was every chance word would soon spread that the Big Man and his daughter had had heated words.

Not that Bridget gave a flying fuck. She was leaving, something she had just informed her father of. He had laughed and thought it a joke, but the joke was going to be on him when she was gone, possibly taking some of his clients with her. If only he could see she was his best asset and not just think of her as a painful reminder; or even worse, just a girl; then this meeting might have gone a lot better. Instead, he had tried to fob her off, telling her it wasn’t the right time or maybe it was something David, her brother, would be better suited for. The only thing her big brother was suited for was spending the family money on booze and women.

By the time Bridget got back to her office, she so desperately wanted to punch something, or someone, preferably her father. It would achieve nothing, she’d likely come off second best and he wasn’t worth it, so she didn’t do it, but the thought never left her mind for long. Instead, she called for an Uber before having her assistant Kellie find a couple of empty boxes, so she could pack up only the things important to her. Things like a photo of her mother as a young girl, her laptop, some client files for the biggest commissions she had worked on and even the small plant sitting on the corner of her desk.

Once she was done, Bridget had Kellie help her take the two boxes downstairs so she could wait for her ride. The young girl hated to see her go but like Donald, assumed it was a temporary thing, which is why she didn’t get overly emotional at saying goodbye before heading back inside. As she waited for her ride, Bridget looked back at the building she had spent the last ten years working her ass off in. Part of her was sad at leaving but that part was overshadowed by the other part that was relieved. Finally, she had made the decision that was to change her life in a way she had never imagined. Finally, she had decided to take her life and future in to her own hands and begin anew. As the car moved away from the building and began its journey to her apartment she did not look back. Her mind turned to what she must do to begin a new life away from the pain and conflict that had formed her daily life at her father’s company. Never again, she vowed, would she be subjected to the belittlement and embarrassment that he had subjected her to for all those years. From now on any company, she gave her time and talent to would be her own.

Her mind was so caught up in these thoughts that she was surprised when the driver announced that they had arrived at her home. She thanked him and got out of the car. The driver came around to the back and aided her in getting the boxes inside. She thanked him and he left. The doorman greeted her and called for someone to help her get the boxes up to her apartment. Once inside she tossed her bag onto the sofa and went over to the bar. She got herself a stiff drink and made her way to the balcony.

Looking out over the city that she had spent her entire life in she tried to clear her mind of all that had happened in her father’s office. The mean and nasty words he used to belittle her efforts and the bitchy retorts that she had flung at him. She knew that all the cursing in the world would never be enough to express how angry and hurt she was. No amount of fighting with him would make him see that she was as good at her job as any male. He refused to see her as an equal to her brother. She knew that it was because he simply could not get beyond her resemblance to her mother. This would always be his trigger. When he had lost the love of his life he had never come to terms with that loss. Bridget was a constant reminder of that loss, and she knew it. Still, she could not forgive him the fact that she had lost her too. Bridget knew that brooding over this was not going to make things any different or any better. She had to get her mind focused on something more important. Right now, that was deciding what she was going to do next.

Once back inside she made her way to the kitchen and, rather than get another stiff drink opted for coffee instead. Cup in hand she headed for her computer and sat down ready to work. Knowing that the only possible direction for her to go was in starting her own business her next decision was where she would do so. In her mind she went over the possible states she could move to. She wanted to be somewhere as far away from her father’s influence as possible. The furthest from Victoria would have to be Perth. So, opening her search page she began looking at living and working options in that city. She was interrupted in her search by the sound of her phone ringing. Picking it up she saw that it was her friend Anastasia. She did not really want to talk to anyone tight now but, the distraction might be exactly what she needed.

Picking up her phone she answered the call with,

“Hey, Annie, how are things with you?”

“Things are great over here. How about you?”

For a few seconds Bridget did not know whether she should tell her friend everything that had happened but, they had known each other since their days at Melbourne University and, she knew that her friend would be able to hear it in her voice that something was up. She decided to tell Annie everything. After she did there was silence for a moment or two. Then Annie said,

“Well, you really have had a bad day. Okay, let’s put or heads together and see what we can come up with. You know they say two heads are better than one”

“Thank you, Annie. I can always rely on you to be there for me”

“Of course, I will be. You are my friend. Need I say more? So, what have you been thinking of so far?”

Bridget told her that she had decided to open her own PR company and where she had been thinking of. Like Perth. Annie asked why Perth? Bridget told her she wanted to get as much distance as she could from her father. Annie paused for a moment and then said,

“Look, I know everything has happened so fast and your head is probably spinning so, what about you come over here to London and take a couple of weeks break. It will give you the time and space that you need to get yourself sorted out. You can stay here with me”.

Bridget had to admit that it sounded tempting. In fact, the more she thought about it the better it sounded.

“That sounds like a great idea, Annie. I am going to take you up on that offer”

“Great. Okay, I will message you with my address. Let me know when you are coming,

and I will meet you at the airport. I am so glad you have decided to visit here. You and I have not spent any close time together since Uni. I am so looking forward to having you here with me. What do you think about getting into some of the mischief we used to back in the day?” Annie laughed.

“Oh God, I think not” replied Bridget. “But I am definitely up to having some fun, I will let you know as soon as I have organized things over here. I would like to get there as soon as possible”.

After chatting for a few more minutes Bridget hung up the phone and leant back in the chair. It seemed to her that the call from Annie had come at a most opportune moment. Now she had something to spur her on. And now all she had to do was get her packing done, book a flight and let her building manager know that she would be away. First things first. Picking up her phone again she almost punched in the number for the hangar of her father’s private jet but, stopping just before dialling she realized that, since she had quit the company using that jet would not be an option. This was just one of the things she would not be able to take for granted. She would not be staying at The Londoner Hotel nor would she be using the driver service to get around. Well, she thought, this is what my independence is going to cost me. And it is a price that I am more than willing to pay.

In the next hour she had booked a flight, informed her building manager and organized to have the apartment protected, and had packed what she thought she would need. After calling Annie and letting her know her flight arrival time she took one last look around the apartment to ensure that she had done everything she needed to then she called an Uber and left for the airport. She had no idea that this visit to see her friend would be the trip that changed her life. Nor had she any idea of in what way it would be changed.

Jack

Jack Easton was just getting ready to change so he could go for his normal morning run when his mobile rang. For a moment he thought to ignore the call, wanting to take the run while he had his chance, but the ringing persisted, so he gave in. He had no way of knowing that this particular call was going to be the initiator in a string of events that were going to change his life; for the better. He picked it up just as it rang for the fourth time, noting the name on caller ID was that of his agent, Peter Anders.

“Hey, Peter; you’re calling early. What’s going on?’

“Morning Jack” came a voice that was usually a lot more jovial. “I realize it’s early, but something has just come up and I need to meet with you, sooner rather than later. Any chance you can come down to the office today?”

“Of course; when do you need me there?”

“Sooner really would be best. It’s important.”

It was likely to mean missing out on the run, but Jack knew that Peter wouldn’t call just for kicks. Maybe he could cab it downtown and then run back here, at least getting some running done today. Almost with a sigh of resignation, he replied “I guess I can come down now. You don’t mind if I wear my running gear, do you?” he half joked.

Peter laughed. “Not a problem; it’s only going to be you and me here, so no need to dress formally. Just let Jackie know when you’re here and I’ll come down and join you in my office.”

Jack wondered why he wouldn’t already be in his office, just not enough to ask. “Okay, I’ll see you shortly.”

“Thanks Jack, I appreciate this.” With that, Peter hung up.

Although he had joked with his agent about showing up in his running gear, Jack was still a little to set in his ways to show up to a meeting in casual clothes; even if it was just going to be him and Peter; which is why he changed into a nicer pair of slacks and a jumper, stopping on his way out to pick up his jacket. After hailing a cab on the street, he was soon on his way.

While the driver weaved in and out of the mid-morning traffic, Jack tried to think what could possibly be so important. There was no point getting worked up about it but that didn’t stop the nerves all the same. In the early days of his career, getting a call like this meant he had either been re-cast into a lesser role, fired or the job had just been cancelled. He certainly hoped it was none of these options today.

It was a fairly short trip and before he knew it, Jack was downtown and heading into the building where Peter held his office, away from the main studio. Jackie was there to greet him and after the usual pleasantries, she paged her boss, who appeared five minutes later.

“Good morning, Jack; thanks for coming in. I do appreciate it.”

“Not a problem. What’s this all about, anyway?”

“Let’s go into my office and I’ll explain everything.”

Peter placed his hand on the younger man’s shoulder and ushered him up the hall a little way towards his office. Once inside, he ushered Jack to a chair and then proceeded around the desk to sit in his own. Despite having said the meeting was important, Peter still took a moment to gather his thoughts before he spoke.

“Ok. I have some news for you, about Eye of the Beholder. You’re not going to like it but before I tell you, let me just preface it by saying that I did argue for a better alternative, only I was outvoted.”

Jack’s hackles were raised almost instantaneously. Was that a hint of fear in Peter’s eyes? Surely not. Just how bad was this news, anyway? Rather than keep speculating, he waited for his agent to finish.

“I found out late last night that Rose has had to withdraw from the film.”

“Why? Is she okay?”

“Yes, yes; she’s fine. It turns out that because this movie was brought forward a couple of months, she can’t do it because she’s booked elsewhere. Her agent had signed her on, believing there was going to be enough time between that one ending and ours starting but now there’s too big an overlap. If she hadn’t started the other movie, it might have been ok, but she’s already invested at least six weeks, so…”

Jack sighed. It’s not unheard of that things like this happen; the movie business was notorious for not running like clockwork 100% of the time.

“Ok, so if Rose can’t be here, what happens now? Please tell me they’re not going to cancel the movie?” He hoped not; it was a role he had been looking forward to playing for months now.

“No, the film is going ahead as planned. They just re-cast the lead female role.”

When Peter stopped and didn’t look like he was going to offer up the rest, Jack was a little pissed off. The man really knew how to draw something out, rather than rip off the band aid quickly.

“For fuck’s sake, Peter; just tell me already. You did have me rush down here because this was important.”

Despite already having a sense of what his client’s reaction was going to be, Peter did in fact tell him. 

“The studio has picked Mariah Wilkerson to play the part. I seriously tried to offer up anyone else, but I was always shut down.”

“Like fuck they did!” Jack almost roared. “Please tell me you’re not serious.”

“I’m afraid I am, mate.”

“Jesus fucking Christ” he cursed again before getting out of his chair to start pacing the room. It took a lot for him to be pushed into pacing and swearing but Mariah Wilkerson was just one of those people that pushed his buttons – all the wrong ones.

The agent thought to try and calm his client, but he had known Jack a lot of years now and let him pace and vent. As a rule, the man was usually slow to boil over, preferring to instead keep it all in. This self-control helped make him into a fine actor but at what cost? Peter was surprised his friend hadn’t had an aneurysm up to this point in his life.

While he still paced and his face was still twisted in anger, Jack said “Peter, this is a fucking joke, it must be. You know the trouble she caused the last time we worked together. That movie tanked quicker than the Titanic. Who was the bright spark that decided she should be Rose’s replacement?”

Remaining in his seat; more to give Jack room to pace than a need to be comfortable; the older man sighed. “I do remember, actually. Cost me a pretty penny, it did. First time I invest in a movie and that bitch does what she did. But like I say, it was out of my hands, no matter how many times I pointed out all the things that were likely to go wrong.”

“That doesn’t answer my question.”

“Richard.”

Jack didn’t need for his agent to spell it out; Richard Wesley was on board to direct this movie and was also an executive producer. The man knew what he was doing and had the Oscars to prove it, but he was also a man who let his dick make a lot of his decisions, hence, Mariah.

“Right; now I understand. I’m guessing if she got the part that they’re still dating, then? I thought he had come to his senses after she slept with one of the stunt guys on her last movie?” The look his friend gave him spoke volumes. Calming but only slightly, Jack sat back down.

“This is why I was reluctant to sign on for this movie when you first presented it to me; the chance that they were together, and she’d be on set all the time. Well, now she is but as an actor, not the director’s piece of arse. I should have followed my gut.

” With a sigh that seemed to come from his boots, he added “Fine; I’ll do the job and I’ll do it to the best of my ability. Just be warned; how I’m going to react to her usual shenanigans is up for debate.”

Peter smiled.

“You’re better than that Jack and you know it. Mariah is going to do her best to push your buttons because she knows she will get a reaction. Don’t give her the satisfaction. Besides, you get paid for as long as it takes to make this movie and if she’s going to drag the filming out with all her carry-on, then all the better for you. The Studio clearly has money to burn” he added, under this breath but Jack heard him and smiled back.

Now that the bad news had been delivered, Jack decided it was time to go. He really wanted to punch something and if he didn’t leave it was likely going to be Peter, for giving him the news. Best not burn that bridge.

“I appreciate the heads up, Pete. At least it will give me a couple of weeks before principal photography starts to wrap my head around things.” He stood up and headed for the door, stopping to turn around and shake the hand of the man who was now behind him.

“I’m still going to see what I can do to get them to reconsider but I don’t like my chances” Peter offered. A moment later, he stopped and added “You know what; I just had a thought. With this change, maybe I can renegotiate your contract. I’ll have a stipulation put in that if Mariah does anything to disrupt the normal flow of filming; like being late, not showing up, deliberately tanking her scenes, etc; then you are free to walk away without repercussion. I can’t see why you need to suffer because Richard let’s his dick make major decisions.”

“Thanks for that. Knowing I have an ‘out’ might be the only thing that gets me through.”

Once more they shook hands and then Peter walked his client back to the elevator bank. As the doors closed behind Jack, he wondered how to best begin this renegotiation process. He was getting a headache just thinking about it.

The minute the lift doors were closed, Jack lost his smile. He was practically vibrating he was so angry. It wasn’t unusual for a last-minute replacement to be called in to a movie; it was the nature of the beast. No, what got him so worked up was the fact that Mariah Wilkerson was the replacement. The only reason she got work in the business was because she slept her way up the ladder. Everyone knew it but she didn’t care.; she was working when other, more qualified women weren’t.

Or not working, as the case usually turned out to be. The last time they had worked together, about five years ago, Mariah was often late to set and usually half-cut and when or if she did make it on set, it would take several takes to finish a scene. When she had flirted with Jack and he didn’t reciprocate, she had refused to come out of her dressing room for an hour until he apologized to her. Getting one of the makeup staff fired because she was prettier than Mariah had been the last straw for a lot of people.

It really amazed Jack that she got work at all, costing production a lot more money they had budgeted for with her antics. He just hoped that Peter was able to get his new contract done and signed, so he would at least have a little more protection for when; not if; something happened. He had worked too damn long and hard to get where he was, and he wasn’t going to let someone like that upstart Mariah take it all away from him.

By the time the lift arrived in the lobby, his mood was no better. Jack was also so focused on how he could get out of this movie and save face; he didn’t see the woman trying to get onto the elevator as he was walking out. In his current state, he bumped into her a little more forcefully than a slight bump, knocking her into the control panel.

Any other time on any other day, he would have bent over backwards to apologize to her, make sure he hadn’t hurt her and apologized again. Today, he gave the poor woman a look as though to suggest it was her fault, not his, and kept walking out of the building. Whether she meant for him to hear it or not, the name “Wanker” followed him out.