THE RULES OF FAME

Chapter 14 - Girlfriend

Peyton Bell

I woke up in the cozy suite of the Savoy, ready to find her. London is an exciting city, and I could feel it deep in my bones that something great would come out of this.

I took a shower in the luxurious bathroom that included two shower heads and a fancy tub. I could imagine her living in a place like this, cozy and luxurious, nothing less than what she deserves. Here in London, in New York, or back in LA, but with me, in every scenario, she is with me, only with me, because here is where she belongs.

I took my phone and searched for the address of the studio where she was supposed to be recording today. In fact, I had my assistant call and find out the shooting schedule. I timed everything so I could catch her on the last trek of filming, so that we could spend enough time together and reconnect.

I pulled out the schedule and smiled. I typed the address on the GPS app and smirked. It was not that far away. I checked the time and sighed. She should be in hair and makeup now, so I have plenty of time to take some breakfast and head there.

I want to show up, to have her reaction in camera, that way, even if the take is ruined, I will get to see her eyes spark, and the surprise in them.

I went to a restaurant and had some breakfast. I asked the concierge to find me a flower bouquet, and once I stopped there, I was handed a beautiful tulips, gerberas, and roses. I requested multiple colors and multiple types of flowers because she was like that, unconventional, beautiful, and unique.

I thanked the concierge and headed to the taxi that had been waiting for me. He already had the address of the studio, and Ismirked.

“Do you fancy an actress?” He raised his eyebrows, and I chuckled.

“You can say that. She is the love of my life,” I said, and he looked at me through the rearview mirror.

“You don't strike me like one of those wackos that chase after actresses,” he said, and I shook my head.

“Nope, she was my high school girlfriend, and we parted ways chasing our dreams. I think it is time to pick up where we left off.” I said, and he chuckled.

“You kids, always dreaming and believing life is that easy,” he said, and I chuckled. If he only knew, not only have I dealt with an abusive father, a depressed mother, an abused sister, and leaving behind the only thing that kept me grounded, Vanessa. And once she was gone, my battle to stay afloat. At first, I didn't drown in alcohol and drugs, although they were always within reach, but I drowned in work, trying to forget her. And when that didn't happen, I went into a stray phase of reckless artying and, yes, alcohol abuse. That was a new low, even for me, considering I had sworn I would never turn out to be my father.

I didn't realize I had zoned out when the taxi driver announced, “Here we are,” he said, and I nodded.

“Thank you,” I said, and he smiled.

“Good luck with your sweetheart,” he said, and I smirked.

I walked confidently into the studio and announced myself. “Hi, I am Peyton Bell. I am here to see Miss Vanessa Louvier,” I said, and the lady at the front desk nodded, typed something on her system, then she reached for her phone and dialed a number.

“There is a guy here, Peyton Bell, to see Vanessa Louvier,” she said, and then she looked up at me, and then she sighed.

“Are you the famous music producer?” she asked, and I nodded. She turned back to her call and then finished with an “Ok, Sir, I will send him in,” she finished.

“Let me check you in, and then someone from the production will come up to pick you up to take you to the lot,” she said, and I nodded.

I handed her my ID, and she checked me into the lot.. Then she handed me a visitor's pass, and I smiled.

“Thanks,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady… I was so f*****g nervous, but I had to do this; I needed her in my life.

I sat in the waiting room, and suddenly a door opened behind the receptionist, and a woman in her mid-forties called out my name, “Peyton Bell?” she said, and I stood up, and she smiled.

“This way, the director will see you,” she said, and I squinted my eyebrows. I never asked to see the director; I asked for Nessa, but I guess he will have to clear me around the set, so I think I´ll have to meet with him first.

The lady took me to a golf cart and then she drove away. We crossed several buildings until, ten minutes later, she stopped by a massive warehouse. “Follow me,” she smiled, and I nodded.

Outside the warehouse were several trailers and picnic tables with colorful umbrellas. I looked around and smiled, wondering which one was Nessa´s trailer.

“Are they shooting?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Yes,” she mumbled, and I understood that I needed to be as quiet as I could be.

We walked and stood behind the director. He yelled “CUT!” and then the scene stopped.

“Hi, you must be Peyton Bell,” he said, standing up and shaking my hand. “A bit younger than what I expected,” he smiled, and I shook his hand.

“I am 27 years old, but don´t let the baby face fool you,” I smirked, and he chuckled.

“Everyone take five,” he instructed, and like a colony of ants getting spread, people scattered around.

“So, my office has been trying to contact your office…” He said, and I raised my eyebrows, “It is a happy coincidence you are here,” he smiled.

“I don´t understand,” I mumbled,

“Well, we need a kick ass soundtrack, son…” he said, and I hated the condescending tone, but I must be on his good graces if I want to be here.

“Oh! I see, my assistant told me about someone wanting me to put together a movie score and soundtrack,” I said, and he smirked.

“Well, that should have been me,” he smiled, and I nodded.

“Well… this is not a work-related trip, but if you give me your phone, I can text Eddie Muse, my cousin and partner, and the studio can start working on it,” I said, and he smiled.

“Splendid!” he stood up and walked towards the camera.

“Everyone places!” he yelled, and I looked around.

“Excuse me, I am here to see Vanessa…” I said, and he looked at me.

“Oh, she finished early,” he said,

“So she won´t be back today?” I asked.

“No, she won´t be back like ever… wee rescheduled a week ago all her scenes, and she was done ahead of schedule. I believe she should be flying to Ireland as we speak,” he said, and my heart sank.

I had no f*****g idea where in Ireland or how to look for her. “Do you have her assistant´s number?” I asked

“Lorna?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Connie!” he called the woman who drove me to the lot, “Give him Lorna´s number, please…” he instructed,

The woman named Connie nodded. “They are going to start shooting, we'd better head to the trailer area,” she said, and I followed her. We sat on a picnic table, and she gave me the director's and Lorna´s numbers.

“Do you want me to drive you?” she said, and I sighed.

“Give me a second, I was hoping to see her today,” I took a deep breath, and closed my eyes.

When I opened them before me, another person sat. “So, you are here looking for my girlfriend.”