Forever and a Day Read online

  “You good with the seatbelt?”

  Tina tensed up, “Didn’t undo it…”

  “Good.”

  The Captain’s voice came over the speaker, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain. We will shortly be making our descent to our destination. The marine layer has dissipated and if reports are correct, we will be landing in sunshine with the temperature holding steady at 71 degrees…”

  He saw Tina grip one armrest and with her other she began rubbing her pant leg.

  The plane began its decent and suddenly they felt their stomachs drop, Tina quickly grabbed onto Xander’s hand.

  She looked up at him with big wide eyes. He could see she was trying to keep it together as she squeezed his fingers tightly.

  Xander simply nodded ignoring her death like grip on his fingers, “Ok, pretty soon we are going to start decelerating, and look,” he pointed with his free hand to the window, “we are over the ocean. We will be banking and turning for the airport, ok?” Tina nodded to him.

  Suddenly the plane banked and Tina squeezed his hand harder. He smiled, “Get ready for us to slow down.” As soon as he said it, the plane began to decelerate and they felt pushed forward. Tina’s grip surprisingly got tighter.

  “We are almost ready to land, see it’s all fine Tina.” Tina looked at him still wide-eyed and silent, “Hey! I didn’t ask, you excited to see your dad?”

  Tina turned to him, her hands still in a death grip hold on her armrest and his hand, “Uh, yes. I miss him a lot.”

  “I bet he misses you too Tina. I would miss my daughter. Her name is Athena by the way.”

  That piqued her interest away from her anxiety a little, “Oh? That’s a pretty name. You guys Greek? I know a few people who are…” She asked with a jitter in her voice.

  “Yes! Well, I’m part Greek. Hey look,” Xander pointed out of the window, “we are coming in.”

  A thump then the vibration of wheels on asphalt reverberated through the plane as the wheels met the runway. Xander did not think she could squeeze his hand any harder but she certainly found the extra strength to do so, “We landed, see? It’s all good, Tina.”

  The roar of the engines decelerated the plane as it slowed down to its taxiing speed, “That was a smooth landing too! How are you doing?”

  Tina nodded and slowly let loose of his hand, he wanted to give it a shake to get the blood circulating, but he did not want to embarrass her.

  “I’m better.” She blushed pink and took in a breath, “Thank you for your help.”

  “It was my honor and a pleasure Tina. I am happy we met and thank you for the great advice. Speaking of advice, can I throw some your way?” He gave her a pained look with a smile.

  “Of course.” She replied with relief.

  “I keep Xanax with me when I fly, it helps me because I know it’s there if I need it and it doesn’t make me sleepy. Second, you seem like a very intelligent young woman. Might I suggest you read everything you can about flying, even about how to fly a plane. It’s what I did and that led me to taking egg beater lessons.” He gave her a big smile as she nodded at his suggestion.

  Vicki’s voice came over the speakers instructing them to remain seated and buckled up until the seat belt sign goes off.

  Tina gathered up her bag and turned to Xander, “Thank you so much for being there for me. You are such a nice guy, I really hope you get the part. I think you and Halo would look awesome on screen together.”

  Hearing that, he stopped short for just a moment and smiled, “Tina, it was my pleasure meeting you. Thank you for your advice, I will definitely use it today.”

  Tina gave him a nod and a smile.

  They remained quiet as the rows ahead of them emptied, when it came to their turn Xander stepped back so Tina could scoot her way out. She looked up at him with a sad smile and gave him a little wave. She started walking up the aisle then turned back, “Xander!” She called out with a big grin, “See you on the red carpet some day!” With another wave, she headed out.

  With a nod to Vicki, Xander exited the plane and headed into the terminal hoping he really did have a ride waiting. Once in the terminal he turned on his phone and texted Evie and Athena: Made it. Interesting trip. Love you! Xxoo.

  His phone vibrated, he glanced at it and saw it was Athena’s text: Grats on the audition! Get Halo’s autograph for me! Mom says Xxoo!

  Xander walked his way through the crowded baggage claim area. After retrieving his bag, he was supposed to meet his driver at the exit and he would be holding a sign with his name on it. As usual, his bag was the last to come out. He grabbed it and headed off towards the exit.

  Suddenly he heard a familiar voice call out, “He’s over there! C’mon!” Xander turned to see Tina holding a man’s hand, her father Xander presumed. He gave her a smile and got a closer look at the man in tow: He was of average height, skin tone much like his own, bald with a dark goatee and very good looking.

  The man smiled at him and stuck out his hand as he came up. Xander reached out, accepted the proffered hand, and received a strong handshake. “This is my dad…” Xander watched as the man and Tina exchanged a glance. The man returned his look at Xander.

  “Xander is it? It is a pleasure meeting your acquaintance. I want to thank you for assisting my Christina on her flight down. My name is Ari Ascher.”

  Xander did his best not to freeze in place at hearing whose hand he was shaking. He quickly recovered, “Xander Kostinos, sir. Very pleased to meet you. I was happy to be of assistance to Tina, er Christina?” He glanced at Tina questioning.

  Tina blurted out, “Dad! I go by Tina now!” She gave her father a playful nudge.

  Ari turned to his daughter and smiled, “As you say my dear.” He turned back to Xander with the same smile, “I hear it is you I have to blame for Tina wanting to take flying lessons?”

  Xander grimaced, “My apologies sir…”

  Ari reached out and patted Xander’s shoulder, interrupting him, “It is quite alright Xander. Tina mentioned you are here for an audition?”

  Xander wondered what else Tina divulged, “Yes, sir I am.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tina make a zipping gesture across her lips. “I got the call at 5:30 this morning, quite unexpectedly.” He watched Ari and he could see the gears turning through all the politeness.

  “Theatre, feature film, commercial?” Ari asked casually as he produced a business card. Before Xander could answer, Ari continued, “If I did not offer you my personal card, Tina would never let me hear the end of it. As you can see I am in the business as well.”

  “Thank you Mr. Ascher. I do know who you are and I think you actually are the business! You have produced so many great films over these past several years.” Xander glanced down at the card. It looked expensive in its gold lettering, it read: Ari Ascher, President Pantamount Productions and a lone phone number.

  “Ha!” Ari chuckled and looked at Tina, “It does pay the bills.” He turned back to Xander, “I do not mean to pry, should you not want to disclose who you are auditioning with… I will understand.”

  “I’m sorry Mr. Ascher…”

  “Please Xander, call me Ari.”

  Xander nodded, “Tina saw me reading my sides and I asked her not to discuss it. Thinking back, a stranger asking a young lady not to disclose something is rather inappropriate. For that I apologize to you both.”

  Tina shrugged and smiled as her father patted Xander on the shoulder again, “No harm done. You were saying?” Ari urged.

  “Yes, the working title to the film is ‘The Throwaway Girl’.”

  Ari nodded then his dark eyes widened slightly, “Xander, where are my manners? Are you in need of a ride?”

  “Oh! I forgot. I’m supposed to look for a man from the production company with a sign with my name at the exit.”

  “Shall we chat as we head that way?”

  “Certainly sir, uh Ari.”

  They began walking slowly towards the exit, “Xand
er I know the script. The last I heard the film was ready to begin filming. Halo Raines is the lead and producer along with… Joel Miller.”

  Xander caught the hesitation and the tension in Ari’s voice when he mentioned the last producer’s name.

  Ari stopped and looked at Xander, “Might I offer you a bit of advice?”

  “Yes! Please do Ari.”

  Ari stepped close, “The Miller’s, both Irwin and his son Joel are not to be trifled with. How can I say this? Here it is simply: I refuse to do business with either of them.”

  “Ari? Should I pass on the audition?” Xander asked with hesitation.

  “No, no! By all means do the audition. Joel Miller is a very capable producer… if you meet him you will see my meaning. Which role are you reading for?”

  “Dad! They changed up the script it looked like a re-write.”

  “Yes, it did need quite a bit of polish now didn’t it?” Ari chuckled.

  “I am reading for one of the Mercenaries, the one who is… uh keeping the lead, prisoner.”

  “Oh? I thought that role went to…”

  Xander quickly put his hands up begging off, “Please Ari, I don’t care to know who it is. I’d rather go in clear headed. I’m sorry.”

  “I understand.” Ari glanced to the exit and nodded in that direction, “I believe your driver is here.”

  Xander turned and waved at a wide-eyed and opened mouthed young man who was holding the sign. He was not looking at him, but at Ari Ascher and seemed to be quite surprised. Xander waved to him again and the young man finally held up his hand, nodded, and stepped a few paces away.

  “Well then Xander, you did my daughter a great service today and in return I would like to do something for you. May I call Halo on your behalf?” He looked down at his daughter who was smiling and nodding. “Perhaps as a gesture of our gratitude?”

  He ran his hand through his hair and then winced, “Ari, thank you for your generous offer… I—I know I will regret this later but I will have to decline. I think if I land this role it should be on my own merits.” He winced again, “Please don’t tell anyone, if my agent hears of this… I think it will be the end of that.”

  Ari smiled, “You have my respect, Xander… I take it you are not only an aspiring actor?”

  “There you have it Ari, my wife and I own and operate a senior care and service company. Fourteen years running, that is what really pays my bills… I have a sixteen year old daughter at home as well.”

  Ari’s laugh was deep and he patted Xander’s shoulder again, “You know how it is then!” He glanced at his daughter who simply rolled her eyes at him back. Looking back at Xander, he gave him a quick once over and smiled, “If I come across a role that I think you may fit, I will give your agent a call?”

  “Of course sir!” Xander pulled out his actor’s card and handed it to Ari.

  “No favouritism, my word.” Ari said with a serious tone and reached for Xander’s hand.

  Xander shook Ari’s hand and the firmness of Ari’s handshake was genuine. Xander sensed that this was a man that no one dares to trifle with. He had the urge to look around to see if there were any bodyguards or even a Goombah or two standing discretely by, “Thank you Ari, it truly was an honor to meet you and Tina.”

  Tina came up and shook his hand, “Sorry to see you go, but good luck. Thank you for your help too.”

  “My pleasure Tina, you are quite the amazing and beautiful young lady.”

  Xander waved as Ari led Tina away. He turned to his driver and saw him discretely slide his phone into his pocket. He walked up to the young man and shook his hand, “Sorry to keep you waiting, I’m Xander.”

  “I guessed. I’m Caleb… do you know Mr. Ascher?”

  “Good to meet you Caleb. Ari Ascher? Not until a few minutes ago.”

  “Oh. Well let’s get going. Your audition is at 2:30.”

  Xander followed Caleb to the parking lot and saw the van that the young man pointed at: It was a new, white Chevrolet cargo van. On the side, it had the name of a Production Company. It read, Heaven’s Raines Productions. Below that was a blue tinged cloud with a gold halo above it, below the cloud were three water droplets cascading down.

  Caleb helped Xander with his bag and soon they were driving towards the Best Western on West Olympic. The entire trip there Xander could sense that Caleb was agitated. Twenty minutes of silence led them to the front entrance of the hotel. As Xander was ready to get out Caleb could not hold back his silence any further.

  “Hey man, wait up! I’m sorry to have to ask this. My boss wanted to know who, what and why concerning Mr. Ascher. This spy shit is not in my deal memo… know what I mean?” Caleb gave him a pained look.

  “I understand.” Xander smiled. He then told him all about Tina and the flight and up to where they were. Xander began chuckling, “I should go buy a lottery ticket or something. The chances of meeting Ari Ascher face to face are one in billions.”

  Caleb chuckled in return, relieved he got that conversation out of the way, “Man, you burned all your luck out on that one. Save your cash!”

  “Ha! No kidding!” Xander laughed.

  “I’ll pick you up right here at 2:00. You got one of those ‘actor cards’ with your cell?”

  Xander handed him his card. He got out and Caleb called out to him.

  “You really pass up Mr. Ascher’s offer to call my boss for you?”

  “You know it.”

  Caleb shook his head, “That’s just crazy. You do know who he is, right?”

  Xander chuckled, “That I do.”

  “Alright, man. See ya and don’t be late, they hate that upstairs.”

  Xander nodded with a smile and shut the door.

  The hotel clerk handed Xander the bill and his eyes widened at the price. $229 plus tax for a Best Western room with no view. At least the clerk gave him a room away from street so he would have some quiet. Gathering his bags, he headed up to his room. Once there he immediately opened his bags and began pulling out his clothes, determined to choose the right look for the part.

  He settled on a pair of his Calvin Klein dark gray jeans then came a black V-neck, tight fitting short sleeve shirt. He chose his ‘Ranger’ style belt with faded silver stars and a silver buckle and his black cowboy boots. Examining his choice he decided it looked more ‘tough guy’ rather than cowboy.

  Grabbing his toiletries kit, he headed to the bathroom to work on his hair. He wet it and began playing with different styles. He finally settled on an awful, gelled and combed straight back style, much like Michael Douglas’s character, Gordon Gecko in ‘Wall Street’.

  He quickly dressed and looked at his visage in the mirror. He opened up a leather glasses case and removed a pair of Italian made Aviator style sunglasses. He stared at them for a long moment then put them back. He decided on the cheap black plastic pair he usually wore, he tried them on and the look worked.

  He began pacing the room and started going over his lines. When he was sure he had them down he stood in front of the mirror and tried out various gestures and facial expressions; knowing if he was slated and on camera he couldn’t move out of frame.

  Two hours into developing his character and memorizing his lines, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He checked the text. It was from an anonymous number and it read: I’ll be there in 10. Caleb.

  Xander texted back: You bringing the Limo? J/K!

  He quickly got a reply: You bring your Oscar?

  He laughed aloud and texted: I wish! Lol! See you soon!

  With a final run through, he checked his laptop bag, which doubled as his actor’s bag and contained all the items he might need. From a mini sewing kit, to a small first aid kit, everything was there. He placed the script inside and zipped it up, checked himself in the mirror and was out the door.

  The Audition

  “JJ, have Craig move the camera to Susie’s left side and have him keep it at her eye level please. Megan must have bumped it after th
e last read.”

  “I’ll get Craig right on it, Halo.”

  Halo smiled at her best friend and assistant, Jenni Jones, whom she referred to as JJ since they first met at an audition sixteen years ago.

  Over the years, JJ grew to a lanky five foot nine. Halo stopped at five foot three and had a near perfect, voluptuous body for her height. JJ looks went the boyish route with soft blue eyes and dishwater blonde hair. JJ eventually stopped pursuing acting while Halo became one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood, if not the world. She often was referred to as ‘America’s Sweetheart’ by the media worldwide.

  She loved JJ like her own sister and the feeling was mutual. JJ and her mother quickly became family with her own, with both of their mothers developing a lasting friendship. It was a natural transition for JJ to segue into becoming Halo’s assistant. In return, Halo was generous to a fault with JJ, and JJ was fiercely loyal and protective of Halo in return. At work though, it was all business and Halo was definitely the leader and boss.

  JJ picked up the wireless headset, pushed the send button and tested the volume, “Test. One, two, three. Craig?”

  “Loud and clear, JJ.”

  JJ gave Craig, Halo’s instructions and she got a ‘copy’ in return.

  Halo looked up at the large HD TV screen in her office and was satisfied with the positioning of the camera.

  “Halo, the last audition is here. The guy from Oregon. He’s in the lobby.”

  Halo sighed as she got up out of her high backed executive chair and came around the desk and leaned close to JJ, “I feel bad for making this guy come all the way down here. I really hope he is good… or at least better than Johnny Stone is. It’s going to be one hell of a fight to get Joel to agree to go with someone other than Johnny the Stoner…”

  JJ leaned in close to Halo’s ear, “Johnny has always given me the creeps. I feel so bad for you.”

  “Just the thought of him pawing all over me in that scene makes me want to throw up. I wish Deacon was with me on this… all he’s interested in is Johnny Stone’s name recognition.”