Chapter 2

Erika slipped her sandals on under her long loose skirt and tank top. Everyone else seemed to be wearing tank tops. She had brought hers to sleep in, but it would work to get her to the photo shoot.

Brook stood with one hand on the door waiting for her. “She’ll be fine.” She was assuring Erika’s mother. “I’ll be with her the whole time. Rest and enjoy Mr. Winter’s gift. We’ll keep you informed throughout the day.”

“Gift?” Erika questioned groggily.

“Mr. Winters gave me a gift certificate to a spa down the street.”

“Lucky.” Erika stated. She hated mornings yet as a model she would be expected to be available at ungodly hours.

Brook smiled and ushered her out of the room, once again assuring her mother that Erika would be just fine.

“No limo?” Erika questioned as Brook led her to a newer compact.

“Sorry. It’s just the two of us so this is easier.”

Erika hopped in and put on her seatbelt. The warmth that radiated from the concrete yesterday hadn’t returned yet. The air, now pleasant, promised to warm up. The blue sky hadn’t a cloud in it, although looking towards the distant brown hills the amber haze of smog seemed a strange thing for someone from Constitution.

It wasn’t long before Brook pulled into an underground garage and drove down a few levels before finding parking.

“We can stop for coffee in the lobby if you’d like.” Brook began getting out of the car. “We made good time getting here.”

Erika was surprised at the line of people waiting for their turn at coffee on a Saturday morning. The aroma permeating the lobby was delicious. It wasn’t long before she and Brook were standing in an elevator sipping on their brew.

“I’ve never had head shots taken.” Erika confided. “I’ve actually only done two modeling shoots.”

“Mr. Winters informed me.” Brook smiled. “He is a good man and because he only works with the best, he must know as much as he can about them. Everyone gets a thorough back ground check. In your case, even your parents were checked out.”

“Really?” Erika was impressed and a bit uncertain about everything being found out. Mr. Winters knew her secret, did that mean that Brook did? The elevator opened and Brook led Erika into a monochromatic shiny reception area being flooded with the mornings light streaming through the windows.

“Brooklyn!” an obviously gay man strode towards them. “I’m so thrilled to see you again.” He cast a glance at Erika then back to Brook. “This is Hal’s latest project?”

“Clyde,” Brook and he exchanged cheek kisses. “This is Erika Summers. The newest and soon to be hottest model in demand.”

Clyde stood back and studied Erika as if he were studying a prized dog or horse. “She has potential, definitely.” He stated. “She hasn’t developed quite yet. Late bloomer, huh? Well, with those blue eyes and that dark hair… well, too bad they are extensions. Skin tone looks great though.”

“I’m standing right here.” Erika almost growled. Who did this guy think he was?

“I see that, but you need to stand up straight, sweetie. Shoulders back, tits out. You need to own the room, not lounge in it.”

“Be nice, Clyde, she doesn’t have any experience.” Brook interrupted.

Clyde rolled his eyes and waved a hand as if waving away the conversation. “Let’s get you in front of the camera and see what it says.”

Erika looked at Brook “Seriously?” She mouthed.

“Just go with it. Clyde’s one of the best in the business.” She whispered as they followed the photographer through some doors.

Erika’s jaw fell open as they entered a large room full of camera equipment, lights and various other items. She didn’t know anything about photography, but she could tell that this stuff was top of the line and worth a fortune.

“Maria!” Clyde called. “Maria, this is Erika.”

A pretty Mexican woman approached.

“Maria is your savior.” Clyde told Erika. “Maria will do your hair and makeup.”

“Hello, Erika.” Maria greeted. Beautiful mocha skin and a white smile greeted her. “Wow, aren’t you pretty. I love those eyes. Those blue eyes with dark hair? You must have boys lined up in front of your house.”

Erika blushed. “Thank you, Maria.”

“I want to see what the camera is telling us, Maria.” Clyde interrupted her. “You.” He pointed at Erika. “Erika?” Had he forgotten her name? “Sit on that stool.” He pointed to a plain back drop with a stool sitting in front of a tripod.

Erika handed her coffee to Brook and did as he instructed. Brook and Maria stood off to the side speaking in hushed tones as Clyde began fussing with light meters and lights and other pieces of equipment.

Erika heard the sound of the camera before she realized that he had stopped fussing and was not snapping shots. He began speaking to her. First giving her easy instructions then asking for more abstract ideas and interpretations.

“Enough, enough.” He suddenly stepped back and planted hands on hips. “That’s enough. Go see Maria.”

Erika practically leaped off of the stool to get away from the strange man.

“That looked very good, Erika.” Brook smiled.

“I don’t think Clyde liked it.” Erika grimaced.

“He’s a bit gruff, but he spent more time taking those pictures than he normally does.” Maria added. “That’s a good sign. Come Erika, let’s get started.”

Brook handed Erika her coffee as they followed Maria to a makeup artists mirror and lights.

“I don’t think I like him.” Erika stated. “I don’t feel comfortable.”

“Many artists are like that.” Brook told her, “I’ve met much worse here in Hollywood.”

“Really?”

Brook nodded.

“Why did he want pictures of me without makeup hair?”

“He does that with everyone.” Maria waited for Erika to sit in the chair before beginning to brush out her hair. “He says that the camera talks to him and tells him how to shoot people. He’ll be over in a bit to offer advice on how I should create your look.”

Brook and Maria were familiar with one another. They began sharing what was going on with each other’s life’s as Maria carefully curled Erika’s extensions. When she was about half way done. Clyde emerged from somewhere with a tablet.

“Well, Clyde?” Brook asked.

“The camera likes her.” Clyde said. “I felt she had something, but I had to get the camera’s insight before I knew for sure.” He held the tablet out for Brook to look at.

Brook scrolled through what must have been the pictures that they just took nodding her head. She looked at Erika a time or two and then back at the tablet. “I see what you mean.” She said. “I can’t put my finger on it.”

“Yes.” Clyde agreed. “It’s the intangible.”

“The spark?” Maria asked.

Clyde nodded. “She has the spark.” He looked at Erika studying her once again. “Erika, Darling.” His voice and mannerism totally changed from just a few minutes ago. “You are going to be a star.”

Erika wanted to laugh at him. He was so fake and wishy-washy. She looked at Brook who was still studying the pictures. While Clyde made a few suggestions to Maria.

Once gone, Erika looked at Maria and then at Brook. “What just happened?”

“You have what Clyde calls the ‘spark’” Maria wrapped another tress on the curling iron.

“I see what he’s saying.” Brook said slowly.

“I don’t understand.” Erika almost whined.

“There are plenty of stars out there, Erika.” Maria began, but only a few have the ‘spark’.”

“Marylyn Monroe had it. Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Maureen O’Hara.” Brook began listing.

“I still don’t know what it means.” Erika protested.

“It means.” Maria stopped what she was doing and locked Erika’s gaze. “That the camera falls in love with you. It means that if you go on to do films that when you are on screen, that everyone’s eyes follow you, even if you are in the back ground, you are the one that the camera showcases. It’s very rare, very powerful.”

There was a pause.

“I’m sure Clyde says that to everyone he shoots.” Erika began to dismiss it.

“I just saw your pictures without makeup.” Brooks tone was serious. “They were stunning. Having the spark doesn’t always mean that you are beautiful, it just means that something unspoken is communicated through the lens.” She paused. “I’d better call Hal.” This had to be serious, she had called Mr. Winters by his first name.

When Brook returned, she had Clyde in tow. “I spoke to Hal and sent him the pictures.” She told everyone. “He has asked Clyde to go ahead and do a whole session. He’s on the phone with Teen Magazine. You may be staying another day or two in Hollywood.”

“Seriously?” Erika exclaimed.

Brook nodded.

“I called my assistant.” Clyde told Brook. “He’ll be here in thirty minutes.”

“Did anyone tell my mom?” Erika wondered.

Brook nodded. “Hal was on the phone with her as soon as he saw the photos. Sorry Erika, but we won’t be going to the commercial casting today.”

As interesting as that had sounded, Erika was kind of glad. She had never, ever acted before. Well, maybe the first few weeks of camp last summer, but in front of a camera? That was terrifying.

Maria was finishing up Erika’s makeup when a young Asian man entered and nearly sprinted to Clyde. “I’m here, Clyde.”

“I see that.” The photographer almost sneered. “Mr. Winters has changed his mind and wants a full photoshoot with this young lady.” He waved a hand absently in Erika’s direction.

Erika wondered if he had forgotten her name again.

Brook picked out a spring dress with a blue flower print on it. As soon as Erika was done, she slipped behind a screen and changed.

“You’re going to get tired of changing clothes today.” Brook warned.

Erika shrugged. Brook obviously had never been shopping with Samantha.

When she emerged from behind the screen, she saw the young assistant scurrying around checking and double checking everything, including extra cameras.

“I’m ready for my close up.” She kidded.

Clyde rolled his eyes and pretended like he hadn’t heard it. “Please take a seat again.”

Just as Erika had smoothed the skirt under herself, a racket from the door almost had her standing again.

“Got here as soon as I could. It’s a bit of a short notice.” A woman in her late twenties grumbled as she pulled a wheeled rack full of clothes into the studio. “Where do you want it?”

Brook looked to Maria who stepped forward and directed the placement of the cart just in front of the changing screen.

Clyde handed his camera to his assistant and rushed over and shooed the woman out. “I’m trying to work here. Leave.”

“I aint leaving until you’re done with those clothes. I’m in charge of them and if anything happens to them, it’s my job.”

“Fine, go sit in the lobby.”

“No.” She affirmed. “I stay with those clothes.”

“Fine, but be quiet, I’m working here.” Clyde growled. He rushed back, grabbing his camera from his assistant and monitored his voice. Sweetly, “Okay Erika, sit with your back to me and toss your head over your shoulder.” He began.

The next few hours were a blur. Between direction from Clyde, changing outfits put together by Brook from the rack and more photos, she had totally lost track of time until her stomach growled loudly. If Clyde had heard, he gave no indication, but Brook looked her way and then at her watch.

“Okay Clyde, we need to take a lunch break.” She touched the photographer’s shoulder.

Clyde startled at the touch as if being awakened from a dream.

“Huh?”

“Lunch.” Brook stated.

Clyde looked at his watch and frowned. “Fine. Be back in thirty minutes.”

“We’ll be back in an hour.” She took a defensive stance next to him.

He stared at her for a moment then grunted before storming off, tossing his camera to his assistant. Erika was shocked and relieved that the young man caught it with ease and began working on it.

“I promised you In-n-Out.” Brook smiled. She turned to Maria, “You want anything from In-n-Out?”

Maria’s head jerked towards them with a smile. “Yes please. Number one with vanilla and grilled onion.”

“She needs to change first.” The woman in charge of the clothes directed. “Can’t be slopping animal sauce on it.”

Erika darted behind the screen and quickly changed back into her tank top and skirt.

In-n-Out, she realized could be the death of her and her modeling career. The Double/Double was as delicious as it was filling. The fries were totally different than what she had experienced before, and the shake was fantastic. She could totally see wanting to visit the burger joint weekly at least. On second thought, perhaps twice weekly.

The hour lunch flew by, but Brook had her back in Clyde’s studio and behind the dressing screen before the time was up.

Brook had her slipping into a royal-blue figure-hugging long gown with spaghetti straps. When she emerged, Maria began artfully pinning up her long extensions into a loose, romantic chignon. Once she fitted the sparkly earrings in, she stepped over to the lights.

“Damn.” She heard Clyde’s assistant whisper not realizing that he had been heard.

Erika smiled. She was starting to not only get used to the idea that men found her attractive, but that she was starting to enjoy the reaction. Her heart sped up just a touch and she blushed a smile the assistant’s way causing him to turn bright red and turn away in embarrassment. What would he say if he knew her secret? Would he still be awestruck, or would he be sickened? This was Hollywood, she supposed there were many more like her here. Mr. Winters had even suggested that he represented several like her. She would have liked to have known who they were, but then she decided, it would be better she didn’t, after all, she wouldn’t like others knowing about her.

An hour and a half later, she had reached her max. she definitely didn’t want to try on any more clothes. There were definitely some very cute clothes in the sample that she tried on, outfits and pieces that she wouldn’t mind adding to her own closet, but the attitude of the woman guarding the rack persuaded her to not even ask about keeping any.

She was wiped by the time she slipped into her own clothes. Who knew that posing for a camera was so tiring?

Erika stifled a yawn in the car as Brook drove back towards the hotel. “Oh no you don’t.” Brook shook her head. You still have a full night tonight.”

Tommy Kincaid. How could she forget? She would definitely need to take a nap before going. Her hopes for a nap however, were dashed.

“We have just enough time to get you changed before the limo picks you up for the ball.” Brook informed her.

“Ugh. I need a nap.” Erika protested.

“I’ll stop and get you some coffee.” Brook promised.

“Will you be coming with me tonight?” Erika asked.

Brook chuckled. “Oh, no. that is for you stars. I’m perfectly happy in my role.”

“Have you ever been to something like this?” Erika stifled another yawn.

“A couple of times.” Brook nodded. “They lose their luster, but it is the duty of a celeb to be seen so they must attend.”

“Is it alright for me to take pictures of celebrities with my phone?” Erika asked. “They won’t get mad or anything, will they?”

“Most don’t mind, but always ask.” Brook instructed.

“Tricia and Samantha won’t believe that I’m going to a Tommy Kincaid ball.”

Brook smiled as she pulled into the drive of the hotel. She handed the keys to the valet and told him that she wouldn’t be too long before joining Erika in the lobby.

“It’s about time.” Her mother greeted as they walked in. “I was beginning to worry.”

“Haven’t you been getting my texts?” Brook asked.

“Yes. Of course, but still a mother worries.” Erika’s mother stated. She turned to Erika. “Mr. Winters was excited with what the photographer said about you. How did it go?”

“I’m exhausted.” Erika collapsed onto the sofa.”

“You don’t have time for that, Erika. You need to start getting ready for the ball.” Brook admonished. Jump in the shower and freshen up. I’ll help you with your hair and makeup.”

“Coffee?” Erika raised an eyebrow at Brook. The assistant becoming friend nodded.

Erika closed the door on her room, trudged into the bathroom and slipped out of her clothes. She piled the long hair on top of her head and used a clip to keep it there before standing under hot, relaxing water.

Her tired mind drifted to her friends back in Constitution. She wondered how school was going. Well, school for Samantha. Tricia was suspended until Monday. Stupid ‘no tolerance’ policy. At least Strange Stephanie got the same sentence. She didn’t feel bad calling her ‘Strange Stephanie’ anymore. She did try to be friends with the girl. It was she, who decided to be nasty. She even started wondering what Jake was doing? Why was he still drifting into her thoughts? He was a nice enough guy, but did he really need to intrude on her thoughts of friends?

Erika stifled a yawn. She really needed to stop that. She needed to stay awake and even perky for Tommy’s ball. She thought of her dress and decided she had better shave her legs. Who knew who would be there. She wanted to impress, not be seen as a backwards hick from Constitution.

Erika turned off the shower, grabbed the towel and began drying off her face and shoulders as she exited the shower.

“Oh my God!” a voice exclaimed.

Erika dropped the towel to see Brook standing there looking from Erika’s face to her genitals and back to her face.

Erika nearly screamed, she dropped the towel to cover what wasn’t supposed to be seen and turned bright red.

“I’m so sorry.” Brook stammered as she turned bright red. “I – I didn’t realize you were done in the shower.” Both hands held coffee.

Erika was speechless. What was she supposed to say? ‘don’t look behind the curtain’?

Author’s Note: Names, likenesses and relations in the next few chapters are made up and for entertainment purposes only.

“I take it, Mr. Winters didn’t inform you about Erika’s um secret.” Her mother walked into the situation.

Brook just shook her head. How could she make even that look graceful?

“He doesn’t tell me things I don’t need to know.” She stopped staring at Erika and glanced to her mother. She cleared her throat, lifted her head and handed Erika a coffee. “I hope I got it right.” She said. “I heard how you ordered it this morning.”

“Thank you.” Erika took the cup. Her heart was still beating like a jack-rabbits.

“Let me know when you are ready.” Brook was much more composed now. She turned and followed Mrs. Martin out of the room.

“This isn’t going to be a problem is it?” She heard her mother ask Brook in hushed tones.

“No.” Brook affirmed. “I was just surprised is all. Mr. Winters has other people like her among his clientele.”

The voices drifted off.

Erika took a deep breath and let it out before tasting her coffee. It was almost perfect.

“Well.” She muttered to herself. “That wasn’t the worse reaction. I hope it doesn’t change things between us.”

She finished drying off and decided that it was definitely an occasion to wear her gaffe. Once done putting herself together she stepped into the living area in her bra and panties.

“I’m ready, now.” She smiled nervously at Brook.

Brook smiled nervously back and joined her in her bedroom. “I’m so sorry.” Brook began, “I didn’t know, and it was. . . well, a surprise.”

Erika nodded. “I can understand.” She stated.

“I didn’t even suspect.” Brook went on. “You are a very pretty young lady.”

“Thank you,” What else was she supposed to say?

“Those pictures you took today were fantastic. It’s like Clyde said, there is something different about you. . .” she stopped.

“And now you know what it is.” Erika smiled, trying to make light of it. She had to take the heavy nervousness out of the air.

“There I go sticking my foot in my mouth.” Brook apologized.

“Can you still help me get ready?” Erika changed the subject.

“Of course.” Brook strode over to the red halter-top gown. She unbuttoned the collar of the dress and held it out for Erika to step into before helping by re-fastening it.

The long skirt had a slit cut up Erika’s left leg, almost all of the way to her thigh.
“You’re going to have to go without the bra.” Brook stated. “You look like you have perky breasts.”
“They aren’t mine.” Erika sighed. “Well, I paid for them, so I guess they are, but these are forms until mine grow.”
“I hadn’t realized. They look great.” Brook began taking a closer look.”
“I glue them on and have to use a touch of makeup to blend in the seams. You can just make out one here.” Erika pointed.
“I didn’t even notice.” Brook smiled. She stepped back a few paces and took Erika in. “Wow.” Brook smiled. “I knew you would look amazing in this dress.”

Erika held up the skirt and walked to a mirror hanging on the closet door and was almost brought to tears. She did look amazing.

Brook and Erika talked as Brook pinned Erika’s hair up and put on her makeup.

Erika explained how she kind of fell into modeling with the family photography session and how she was not only still new to it, but also wasn’t sure if it was what she wanted to do.

“It’s hard enough for natural girls to get into and succeed at modeling, I’m sure it’ll be even more difficult for someone like me.” She said. “That’s why I’ve been keeping it a secret.”

“Your secret is safe with me.” Brook smiled. “Not only because I like you, Erika, but because Hal has me under contract.” Brook stood back from her work and scanned Erika’s face. “I guess that’s as good as it gets.”

Erika looked at the reflection of a beautiful young woman and almost began crying. “Holy Shit, Brook. You’re as good as Maria.”

“Hardly.” Brook rebuffed. “You are just that beautiful.”

Erika hugged Brook tight and tried her best to keep the tears from ruining Brook’s work.

“Now for the shoes.” Erika exclaimed excitedly. She nearly tripped on the skirt of her dress as she hurried across the room to retrieve the sparkling footwear.

“I’ll go check on your mother.” Brook left as Erika began strapping on her current obsession.

Erika stood tall in her heels and took a second to adjust to the new height and balance. She strode over to the floor length mirror and peered at herself. She had been professionally made up for photoshoots in the last few weeks, but she never got used to seeing the beautiful young lady looking back at her in the mirror. She studied herself from the top of her arranged hair to the tip of her sparkly sandals.

She sucked in a breath and tried to wrap her head around this whole situation. A year ago, Eric was hiding in his house when not forced to go to school. He was a boy who created a fantasy world where he could be anything, anybody, but who he really was. Surreal. That was the only word that could come close to describing what was going on.

Erika used the edge of her finger to wipe the wetness away from her eyes. She took a deep breath, smiled at herself and stepped out of her room.

Brook and her mother stood waiting in anticipation.

Her mother’s hands flew to her mouth as she took in her daughter. “Oh my God, you are so beautiful.” It came out in a gasp.

“You’re going to make me cry.” Erika felt her eyes starting to water again.

Brook smiled at them both, then reached into her purse. “Here are the tickets for tonight’s event.” She handed them to Erika’s mother. “They’ll get you into the after party too.”

“What?” Erika was shocked. “Seriously?”

Brook nodded.

“Thank you.” She gushed.

“Don’t thank me. Thank Mr. Winters.”

“We will.” Erika’s mother promised.

Brook escorted them down to the hotel lobby. Erika’s mother kept looking at her. A few times even shaking her head in disbelief.

Erika was too excited to sit still. She kept shifting her body as much as her vision. Concrete sound walls along the freeway decorated with graffiti, palm trees, and what seemed like miles and miles of houses.

Soon the Limo joined a line of limos that stretched for a block or more.

“Is this it?” Erika asked the driver.

“Sorry Miss, this is the security check point. They’ll ask to see your passes and have a look at the car. The event is a few blocks away.”

Erika’s impatience was growing as they sat waiting for their turn going through security. But what could she do? People had to be safe. Who knew what terrorists were capable of these days.

Finally, through the checkpoint, Erika was practically bouncing in her seat as the Limo crawled along the people lined street.

“One more moment, Miss.” The driver cautioned.

Camera flashes were going off everywhere as they approached a red carpet. Before she knew it, her door was being opened. She stepped out onto the red carpet as a man helped her to keep her balance as she stood. It was like being in a hundred photo shoots at the same time as flashes from cameras as well as cell phones nearly blinded her.

She nearly put her hands up to block the flashes but restrained and tried to paste a smile on her face. Why were these people taking pictures of her? They didn’t even know her. She didn’t look like any celebrity, not really. She turned to see her mother struggling to not look like a deer in head lights. Poor thing, she didn’t sign up for this.

“This way Miss.” A suited man gently guided. “We need to keep everyone moving.”

Before she knew it, she was guided by the red carpet and the line of people ahead of her. She thought she spotted a country singer ahead of her and was that a soap star getting out of a limo behind her?

A façade wall covered with the gala’s logo loomed up to one side. What looked like a security officer held up his hand stopping her. “Wait here for a moment, Miss.” He stated scanning the crowd. “Do you have your invitation?”

Erika held it out for him. He scanned it a barcode reader as well as a UV light which revealed a hidden design. “Miss Erika Summers?” he asked.

“Yes.” She managed, her heart and brain couldn’t decide what to feel right at the moment.

“Mrs. Martin?” he asked scanning Erika’s mother’s invitation.

“Yes officer.” She sounded more confident that Erika felt.

He nodded. “Please step forward and have a pleasant evening.”

A temporary barrier lined the carpet on one side. It was jammed with even more people with all kinds of cameras.

“Erika, over here!” a voice called.

Who would know her? She thought. She looked to see a woman with a camera trying to get her attention. How in the world did they know her name?

A young woman dressed in black slacks and white blouse was kneeling on the carpet up against the temporary barrier. “Stop here,” She instructed.

Several more people from the mob of paparazzi began calling her name as more flashes went off.

Erika realized that the whole way was lined with these people instructing celebs to pause in front of them to pose for the cameras.

“Oh crap.” Erika muttered. The next stop had television cameras and was that who she thought it was? “Oh my God.” It came out as a whisper. She was sure no one could hear her over the mob calling various celebs by name. it was one of the hosts of a tabloid show.

As she approached, she saw someone whisper in the host’s ear.

“Welcome Erika.” She greeted her. “How are you doing this evening?”

Erika’s heart flipped, then flopped, stopped, then flipped again.

“Fine, thank you.” She smiled.

“Erika Summers, I understand that you are Hal Winter’s newest acquisition.”

“Yes.” Erika’s heart was now like a jack rabbits. Was her face blushing? It felt hot. She didn’t know she would be doing television interviews. “Mr. Winters was kind enough to take me on.”

“I understand that you will be gracing the pages of Teen Magazine soon.” The host stated. “That’s a big step for a young model from Constitution.”

How the hell are they finding out all of this? Erika’s mind screamed.

“I’m very excited about it.” Erika grinned. “It’s an experience of a lifetime.” She hadn’t even shot the Teen Magazine pictures yet. Who knew if she’d make it in.

“You look fantastic.” The host scanned her very quickly. “Whose dress are you wearing tonight?”

Erika wanted to throw up. Who’s dress? She didn’t know. Brook picked it out for her. “I, um, I’m not sure.” Erika knew her face was turning red now. “I just picked it up yesterday.”

“Well it is quite stunning on you.”

“Thank you.” Erika managed. Oh my God get me out of here. Her mind screamed. She didn’t know that she was supposed to know who made her dress. Probably some under paid slave labor in China for all she knew. This was horrible. “I’m just excited to be here, supporting Mr. Kincaids’ charity.” Well at least that sounded good. She hoped.

“Erika!” She heard “Ms. Summers.”

“Thank you, Erika, and good luck.” The host thankfully allowed her an escape.

Erika moved closer to her mother. “Why didn’t you save me?” She asked.

“What was I supposed to say?” her mother whispered back. “You’re the one who wants to be a model. You did fantastic.” She added.

Several more picture posing and another interview later, this time the interview went a little smoother, Erika and her mother made it into the door of the event.

A relative quiet cascaded over them. The noise of the media like a gaggle of geese behind them.

“You handled that quite well.” A familiar voice sounded ahead of them.

“Mr. Winters?” Erika was surprised. “I didn’t know I would have to do interviews. I probably looked like a hillbilly out there. Why didn’t you warn me?”

“I wanted to see how you would handle yourself under media pressure.” He approached. His smile never left his face. “You did quite well, considering.”

“How did they know who I was?” She inquired.

“I put out the word.” He smirked. “I represent some of those people too, you know.” He dipped his head towards the crowd scampering to get the best pictures and interviews. “You did very well, not a hillbilly at all. Just sweet and naive, which is exactly what we want for Teen Magazine and other like sponsors to start asking for you.” He gave her a once over with his eyes. “You look beautiful. Brook is amazing, isn’t she?”

Erika nodded. Momentarily forgetting her bitter attitude. “They mentioned that I would be in Teen Magazine.” Erika raised an eyebrow. “I haven’t even posed for them yet, how do we know if I even make it into the magazine?”

“You do or don’t, they’ll forget about it by the end of the week.” He shrugged. “Welcome to Hollywood.” He looked to Erika’s mother. “I sent a copy of the Teen Magazine contract to your husband and had a copy delivered to your hotel. Did you receive it?”

“Yes, “her mother nodded. “I haven’t had time to go through it though.”

“It’s just a simple contract. I’ll have you stop by the office tomorrow evening to sign it.”

“That soon?” She was astonished.

“It’s Hollywood.” He stated. “They always want the up and coming, the new, the innocent and the freshest young ladies. And they want them last week.” He paused and greeted another celeb as they entered and then looked to Erika. He pulled out a large smart phone. “Have you seen your pictures from today’s shoot?” he asked.

Erika shook her head.

“Here.” He handed the phone over.

Erika’s mother looked over her shoulder a she started swiping through the photos.

“The first few, the black and white are Clyde’s camera test before makeup.” Mr. Winters explained.

“You are so beautiful.” Her mother gasped. Her voice held awe as well as pride.

Erika was almost brought to tears. “that is me?” she was in awe as well.

Mr. Winters nodded. “That is why I’m setting up the Teen Magazine shoot. They’d be stupid not to use you.

Erika swiped to the next set. These were in color and after Maria had done her hair and makeup.

“Wow.” Her mother gasped breathlessly.

Erika looked from the pictures to her agent and back to the pictures. “These are even better than the pictures I did back in Constitution.” She saw Mr. Winters nod out of the corner of her eye.

“Part of that is Clyde, the other part is you.”

Erika handed his phone back, still having a hard time believing that those pictures were of her.

“Just down this hall and through those doors is a magical life.” Mr. Winters stated. “Don’t believe half of what you hear and promise nothing to anyone. Any job offers posed to you have to go through me first.” Mr. Winters looked her in the eyes and smiled. “You, my young lady, have a reputation to protect and to enhance. Have fun and don’t drink too much.”
A reputation to protect and enhance? What does that mean?
“Will you be joining us, Mr. Winters?” her mother inquired.
“In a bit. I have other clients to see to as they come through.” He nodded towards Erika’s mother. “You’ll be just fine in there. You’ve already raised a fine young lady.”
Was it her imagination or did he keep stressing ‘lady’ in this conversation?
“Now, young lady.” He began. “I have arranged for an escort for you. He is waiting for you just outside the doors.”
“An escort?” Erika questioned. Did she really need and escort?
“I think you’ll have fun with one another.” Mr. Winters smiled.
“Who is it?” Erika asked.
Mr. Winters’ eyes sparkled as a tight smile of mirth washed over his face for just a moment. His eyes darted towards the doors. “Excuse me.” He stepped towards the door. “Amanda.” He greeted.

Erika looked up to see Amanda Erins. An actress from a popular cop show.

“Erika.” Her mother’s voice grabbed her attention.

“That’s Amanda Erins.” She whispered to her mother.

Her mother smiled. “I’m sure we will be seeing many more famous people tonight.”

Erika took a deep breath and stepped down the hall with her mother, their heels clicking on the marble floor as they went.

Large floral arrangements dotted the corridor as they walked. Large birds of paradise, roses, and other flowers she didn’t know.

They turned a corner and heard music and many voices coming from double doors. Just outside was a young man in a tux looking at his phone. He looked up and smiled as he spotted Erika.

Erika lost her breath. Her head spun, it couldn’t be, could it?

“Hello, you must be Erika.” He stepped forward greeting her with a big smile. “Hal showed me a picture of you. You’re even prettier in person.”

It was. She suddenly felt like she needed to hold onto a wall. She tried not to stumble in her heels as she felt her face grow hot and her heart race. Hold on, she had to be cool. She wasn’t attracted to boys…. Well Jake was kind of an exception, but this was different. Was she attracted to him or was she Fan Girling? It was Hunter Allyson. The Hunter Allyson.

“You’re Hunter Allyson.” She managed to stammer. Seriously? He knew who he was, she was the one having trouble coming to grips with being face to face with Hunter Allyson.

He smiled at her. “Yes. Yes, I am. I’m glad you at least know who I am.” He reached out as if to steady her. “Breathe.” He threw a grin at her mother. “It’ll pass in just a moment. Just don’t go fainting on me.”

“I loved you in your last movie.” She managed to get out. Oh god, she was fan girling. She needed to stop. She took a deep breath or three and felt a bit better.

“See, breathing helps.” He touched her bare arm.
He actually touched her. She felt her face flushing even hotter. “I’m so sorry, Hunter. I must seem like such a ditz.”

Hunter leaned closer to her ear. “My first one of these, I got so overwhelmed at seeing my teen crush in person, I actually threw up. So’ you aren’t doing too bad.”

“Are you really my escort tonight?” she asked.

He nodded. “Hal said that you are his newest project and wanted me to take good care of you.”

“He did?”

Hunter nodded. “I am to introduce you to all of the important people here and help you get your face known. I would have picked you up at your hotel, but Hal wanted you to walk the media frenzy alone. You can’t make a name for yourself if you are Hunter Allyson’s newest squeeze.”

Erika felt like she was starting to get control of her nerves. Her stomach was not longer trying to escape, and her heart wasn’t trying explode.

“Hello Hunter, I’m Nancy. Erika’s mother.”

“Hello Nancy.” Hunter took her hand in a warm greeting. “I see where Erika gets her beauty from.”

“Aren’t you sweet.” She smiled.

“Are you ready to make your entrance, Erika?” Hunter looked at her closely.

Erika nodded. She needed a selfie or at least a pic. No one and she meant no one back home would believe that she had met Hunter Allyson let alone been his date. No. she couldn’t ask for a pic. That would be too uncool, and she had already too many uncool strikes against her in this meeting.

“Now, the best thing to remember is that everyone here is an ordinary person who just seemed to win the entertainment lottery. Many here are just as nervous as you are and if they aren’t, well they are lying to themselves.” Hunter took Erika’s hand and wrapped his arm around it. It was like a nineteen-forties Hollywood style entrance.

The music swelled but it was at an acceptable level that one could speak to others without yelling. Crystal chandeliers as large as small cars cast rainbows of color over a room filled with beautiful women in dresses of every color and length. Men in Tuxedoes and fine tailored suits.

Erika hadn’t realized that she had stopped until Hunter gently urged her on with a tightness on her arm. A server approached with a tray of champagne. Hunter took a glass and was about to hand it to Erika and stopped. He turned to her mother. “Is it alright if she has a glass?” he asked.

Her mother nodded. He handed the glass to Erika then handed one to her mother before taking one for himself.

Champagne wasn’t by any means new to her. She drank an occasional glass at family functions and parties. She took a sip and was delighted to find that it was even better than the cheap stuff her family would drink.

“Thank you.” She said after a sip.

Hunter leaned close to her. “I find it helps give you something to do with your hands while talking to some of these people. Some of them can be quite boring. Especially the name droppers.” His voice got nasally and snooty sounding. “I’ve worked with so and so and I did that movie with this person or that person.” His voice dropped back to normal. Believe me it gets quite tiresome.”

“Is that . . . ?”

“Jacklyn.” He finished. “Yes. Pretty isn’t she?”

Erika nodded.

“She is one of the nice ones.” He started toward the famous actress. “Jacklyn.” He called getting her attention. She turned and smiled at Hunter.

If Jacklyn had a last name, Erika sure didn’t know it. Jacklyn was one of those celebrities who didn’t need a last name. She was an older woman probably as old as her mother and had been in many blockbuster films, from Rom-coms to drama and even an action film or two.

“Hunter.” Her face lit up. “I hoped to see you here.”

“Jacklyn, this is Erika Summers. Hal’s latest project.”

Jacklyn turned her lovely smile to Erika. “Erika, lovely to meet you. What does Hal have you doing?”

“I’m. . . . I’m supposed to be doing a shoot for Teen Magazine.” Erika actually pinched herself with her free hand to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. Who meets Hunter Allyson and Jacklyn in the same evening?

“A model.” It was a statement. “Well, you definitely are pretty enough. How long have you been in Hollywood?” The Hollywood legend asked.

“This is my second day.” Erika felt embarrassed.

Jacklyn took her hand from Hunter’s and leaned close. “Second day and you are at a ball on the arm of Hunter? Girl, you are my hero.”

Erika was beginning to feel light headed. Was it the champagne or meeting the Jacklyn? “Honestly this was all a surprise to me.” She stated.

“Hal Winters treats his projects well.” She nodded with understanding.

Erika suddenly blushed. “This is my mother, Nancy.” She introduced.

“You’ve always been my favorite leading lady.” Her mother gushed.

“You are so kind. Thank you.” Jacklyn greeted. “I’m sure this is all a bit much.” She waved her hand around.

“For this country girl, yes.” Her mother smiled.

“Honesty, how refreshing.” Jacklyn stated. Someone else was vying for her attention. “I do hope we get another chance to speak tonight.” She told Erika’s mother. She leaned closer to Nancy. “I’m a pig farmers daughter. It’s nice to talk to people who aren’t deeper in the much than the pigs.” She turned to Hunter. “You promised my daughter a signed poster.”

“I’ll get it to her next week.” He promised.
Hunter led them around the room Erika finished her champagne and wanted another but was afraid to ask her mother for a second. She wasn’t tipsy, but it did relax her a bit which was very helpful because Hunter kept introducing her to movie stars, rock stars, Olympic athletes as well as Professional Athletes. As soon as she walked away from one, she kicked herself for not getting a picture, and by the time they got to the next one, she was in too much awe that she forgot to ask for one.

“Hunter.” She got his attention. “I need to use the ladies room.”

“Good timing.” Hunter smiled. I do too. Um to use the men’s room.” He corrected. He whisked her across the room to one side. “I’ll meet you out here in a few minutes.”

Erika gave his arm a squeeze and smiled. Where did that come from? She had never used body language like that with her friends. Not with Tricia, or even Jake.

The bathrooms were quite posh. Beautiful wood stalls instead of durable metal, soft lighting instead of florescent. Granite countertops and cloth towels. Wow, this place was amazing.

It was a bit of a struggle to figure out using the toilet in a long dress, it wasn’t like she could just lift the skirt of the dress and whip out her manhood and pee into the toilet standing up. Not with keeping her facade. She finally managed.

She stepped out and saw a striking young woman checking her makeup on the mirror. The young lady looked to be a year or two older than she was. Her purple and blue hair and exaggerated eye makeup was something Tricia would love. She finished freshening her lips and looked at Erika through the mirror. She then turned and looked at Erika.

“You’re Hunter’s new girl?” She asked.

“No.” Erika didn’t know what to think of her. “Mr. Winters asked him to be my escort. I’m Erika.” She put her hand out.

An interested smile crossed the girl’s face. “Hello, Erika, I’m Cass.”

“Hi, Cass.” Erika greeted squeezing her hand. “I’m sorry, I don’t recognize you. What do you do?”

The girl stared at Erika for a moment. “I am a bass player in a band. Oh, and Hal wants me to model.”

“Hal Winters is your agent too?” She grabbed ahold of something that they had in common.

“Yea, he kind of had to be since he’s been my dad’s for like ever.”

“Oh? Who’s your dad?”

“Brock Steward.”

“As in the lead guitar for the rock band?” Erika was fan girling again.”

Cass rolled her eyes with a sigh. “Yea, that’s him.”

Erika sensed that it was a subject that Cass was probably tired of. “What’s your band called?”

Cass looked curiously at Erika. “Purple Mischief.”

“Cool name. what kind of music do you play?”

“Kind of hard rock with a twist.” She stepped away from the mirror so that Erika could wash. “We’ll be playing in a little bit.”

“Here?” really?”

Cass nodded.

“I definitely want to listen.” Erika stated.

“Hold on a sec, Erika.” She stepped up behind Erika. “Your dress is caught in your panties. She gave it a quick tug. Erika felt the hem of the skirt brush against the back of her ankles. Cass then smoothed out the wrinkle.

“Oh my God, thank you so much.” Erika hugged Cass. “I’m already a fish out of water, here with Hunter, I’d just die if I walked around like that.”

“Hunter’s a good guy.” Cass stated. “He’d have warned you or fixed it.”

“So, he isn’t faking his being nice?” Erika wanted confirmation.

“No. he’s pretty cool. We’ve hung out before. He’s not really my type though.” She leaned against the wall and studied Erika. “You know he’s related to a Hollywood legend, right?”

She was volunteering information. This was good. Erika shook her head. “Really?”

“Ya, his great grandmother or something was a Hollywood star back in the black and whites.”

“She was?” Erika began searching her brain.

“June Allyson.” Cass fed her.

Erika shook her head. “I’ll have to IMDB her.”

The two girls walked out of the bathroom together.

“Well, hello, Cassandra.” Hunter greeted.

“Hey, Hunter.”

Erika had wondered if Cass was short for something. Cassandra was such a pretty name, why did she shorten it?

“You playing tonight?” He asked.

Cass nodded.

“I’ll make sure to be there.” He turned to Erika. “Cassandra is the bass in a really cool band.”

“She told me.” Erika smiled at Cass.

“Maybe we can hang later?” Hunter asked Cass.

“Perhaps.” She replied.

Hunter shot her a smile and guided Erika away.

“She was nice.” Erika told him after they were out of ear shot.

“She can be.” Hunter agreed. “She has had some hard stuff happen in life.”

“Her dad’s a rock star, how hard can it be?” Erika asked.

“Rock stars have easy access to drugs.” He left it hanging.

“Oh.”

“Jim!” Hunter called. “I’d like you to meet Erika.”

The meet and greets started all over again. This time she noticed her mother was hanging back sometimes watching from across the room.

Another half an hour went by as Hunter introduced her to so many celebs that her head spun. No one was going to believe this back home. This was absolutely crazy.

The music suddenly cut off and a voice sounded over some speakers by a stage on the far side of the room. Close to a hundred servers were quickly negotiating the room handing out flutes of champagne.

Erika found her mother had rejoined them. “I met Juan Garcia.” She sounded giddy. “And Joan Black.” Her mother handed her a champagne flute with an excited smile.
Erika bet this night is one that her mother would not forget soon either.

Tommy Kincaid and Michelle Greyson were both introduced to the stage. The crowd of stars applauded generously for them before Tommy thanked them all for their generous contribution to his charity. He spoke briefly about the work being done and then a short film was played, showing people that the charity had helped.

Erika was star struck. Tommy Kincaid and he was just yards away and Michelle, so beautiful standing proudly next to Tommy, fixing everyone in the audience with a smile meant just for them. Erika was stunned to find that gaze fixed upon her a sparkle in her eye. Erika became light headed as that split second seemed to last minutes in her reality.

“You alright?” Hunter raised an eyebrow as his arm wrapped around her waist.

“Yes. I’m fine.” Erika nodded. Excitement coursed through her body at the feel of his reassuring hand at the small of her back. Neither Tricia or Jake had ever made her feel this way. What was happening to her? “Do you think she’ll sing?”

Hunter smiled down at Erika. “You never know with Michelle Greyson.”

At the end of the film Tommy thanked everyone again and introduced his wife, Michelle.

Michelle’s voice was light and lyrical. She thanked everyone as well and was joined on stage by a band. On closer inspection, Erika recognized Cassandra adjusting her bass on stage.

“Looks like you are getting your wish.” Hunter took a sip of his champagne.

The music started to applause and then Michelle began to sing. Erika’s skin suddenly erupted in goose pimples at the sound of her beautiful voice. “Wow” escaped her lips in almost a whisper.

The song ended with an immense applause. Michelle thanked everyone again and then introduced the newest, hottest band in Hollywood, Purple Mischief.

Erika found herself hooting for the band as they began.

“You’ve heard of them?” her mother asked, surprised.

“I just met the bass player in the bathroom.” Erika explained. “The one with purple and blue hair.”

Her mother raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Erika smiled. “She was very nice. Her dad is Brock Steward.”

Her mother’s face changed to one of surprise. Erika knew for a fact that her mother had Brock’s music on C.D. as well as downloaded.

“Is Brock here?” her mother asked.

“I haven’t seen him.” Hunter cast his eyes around the room again. “If I do, I’ll introduce you to him.”

“Really?” her mother was fan girling on a rock star who might not even be in the room.

Hunter nodded. He looked to Erika. “You want to dance?”

“I’m not very good.” She stated. Other than the dance lessons at Camp Kumoni, she really didn’t know how to dance.

“No one is.” He took her hand and led her forward. “Look.” He pointed out some celebs and their spouses awkwardly moving in front of the stage.

Erika giggled and let herself be led to the group. Hunter as it turned out was a pretty good dancer. Unsure of herself dancing in heels, Erika was a bit more subdued.

Every once in a while, she’d look up to see Cassandra watching her and Hunter. Every time Erika caught her watching, her eyes would flick to another spot in the room. Erika wondered if she had done something wrong. Was Cass jealous? There was no need. After tonight, she was sure she’d probably never see Hunter again. Celebs of his status just didn’t mingle or hang with people like herself.

Erika’s head started feeling heavy. She wondered if it could be the champagne, but then it started to hurt.

“Crap.” Erika swore to herself. She knew this feeling. ‘Not now!’ she screamed silently at her brain. She looked around for her mother and spotted her speaking with Jacklyn.

“I gotta go.” Erika stated curtly to Hunter. She could start to see gray around the edges of her vision. “Crap, crap crap.” She continued swearing as she nearly bolted from the throng of dancers towards her mother.

“What’s wrong?” Hunter inquired, suddenly worried. “Are you alright?”

“No.” Erika needed to make it someplace away from all of these people. It was embarrassing enough to have seizures in the high school gym, but at a charity ball surrounded by celebrities? “Oh God, what will they think?”

Her mother spotted her bolting jerkily towards her. The smile on her face slid off replaced by fear and heartbreak. She had seen that terrified look on her daughter’s face before. She touched Jacklyn’s arm in parting and ran towards Erika.

“It’s starting.” Erika nearly collapsed into her mother’s arms.

The world around her was becoming narrower and narrower.

“What’s wrong, is she sick?” Hunter asked.

“We need to get her someplace quiet and away from these people.” Her mother instructed. Her voice changed as she directed it towards Erika. “I’ve got you. You’re going to be okay. I’ve got you.”

Blindly, Erika stepped where ever her mother was directing. Darker, darker.

Eric and Summer were splashing each other as the waves from the ocean frothed around them. His beautiful daughter was the dark-haired copy of Samantha. She charged at him and tried to tackle him. Laughing, he allowed her to knock him backwards off of his feet as another wave crashed around them. The two went under water and came back up laughing some more. Eric picked her up and struggled to run deeper into the surf. When he was waist deep, he heaved. Her scream was cut short as she disappeared into another crashing wave.
She came up sputtering and laughing and began trying to incite a chase as she bounced along the sandy bottom trying to get away from his reach.
Eric looked towards the sandy beach and smiled as Samantha looking like a Sports Illustrated swim suit model waved. J.J. was a few feet in front of her building a sandcastle. His heart swelled with pride and love. How could life get any better? He chased after Summer as she giggled and flung salt water at him. Eric caught her and tickled her into submission. Once Summer had caught her breath, he conspired with her.
Father and daughter giggled as they ran at J.J. and sprayed him with salt water.
“Daaaaad!” J.J. complained.
“Eric.” Samantha admonished through her own laughing.
Eric picked his son up and tossed him over his shoulders. He gave Samantha a peck on the cheek before carrying his kicking son off into the surf, with Summer cackling, as she encouraged her father.
Eric waded until the waves where hitting him in the chest before ducking under, son and all.
J.J. was getting stronger. He almost kicked out of Eric’s firm grasp. Eric erupted up out of the water. J.J. sputtering and still kicking.
“You got him!” Summer laughed from closer to shore.
Eric dropped J.J. from his shoulders to cradle him into his arms and made his way back to the sandy beach. Eric set his son down on the wet sand and watched on with mirth as he ran to his mother for protection.
“We got him good.” Summer giggled grasping her father’s pinky finger in her small hand.
“Yes, we did.” Eric chuckled. “Now he needs us to leave him alone. How about we get a treat.”
Summer skipped beside her father as they walked into the dry sand.
“You’re a beast.” Samantha bit her tongue to keep from laughing as J.J. clutched at her leg.
“And you are a beauty.” He enveloped her waist in his hands and pulled her closer, kissing her fiercely.
Eric lay down on their beach blanket pulling his wife down with him. He closed his eyes as she kissed him. The world around him began fading away.

--o0o--

“There you are.” Her mother cooed as Erika’s eyes flickered. In the distance, probably the next room, she could hear the loud music and people talking loudly.

“The ambulance is on its way.” She heard Mr. Winter’s voice.

“Hey there.” Her mother greeted as she opened her eyes. Thankfully the lighting had been dimmed so that it didn’t pierce her brain through her eyes as she came too. “I’ve got you.” She repeated.

“How? Did?”

Her mother shook her head. “Hunter and Jacklyn got us to this side room just in time. No one saw except us.”

“That was quite a scare.” Hunter’s face loomed into view.

Oh God, Hunter saw her spaz out, how is she going to ever live this one down?

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m going to be sick.” Erika warned.

Apparently, her mother had been prepared. She held up a small plastic bag as Erika rolled over and spewed into it. Her mother stroked her cheek and neck as she heaved twice more.

Erika rolled back over and was horrified to find Hunter and Jacklyn still in the room. The two had stepped back to give her a little privacy, but they had still witnessed the episode.

“She’ll be alright, Tommy.” Mr. Winters’ voice sounded from across the room. “Apparently she had seizures from time to time. An ambulance is on the way. Go back to your guests.”

NO! her mind screamed. Tommy Kincaid knows too?

“What a party, huh?” Hunter tried to sound jovial.

“I’m so sorry, Hunter.” She murmured.

“Are you kidding?” he grinned. It was a bit forced. “I’ve been having a great time, well until now.” His face fell a bit. “It’s not a party until someone spews.” He paused, and she thought she saw his face redden. “We’ll get you looked at and I’ll see about a second chance.”

The paramedics arrived with their stretcher at that time.

“I can walk.” Erika insisted as she slowly go to sitting position.

“Procedure, Miss.” The paramedic insisted.

They did help Erika to her feet however. Erika noticed immediately that one of her shoes was missing. “My shoe.” Panic flashed through her mind. Those were her new favorite pretty shoes.

“We’ll find it.” Jacklyn promised. “You just get to feeling better.” She squeezed Erika’s hand and guided Hunter away.

Erika looked to her mother after the others left. “I am so embarrassed.” She felt like crying.

“No need to feel embarrassed.” Mr. Winters told her. “It wasn’t as if you were falling down drunk or doped up on drugs.”

Erika gently shook her head. “No.” she looked at the paramedics then to her mother. “Do I really have to go to the hospital?”

Her mother hesitated. It wasn’t as if this wasn’t a more common occurrence.

“It’s best that they check you over.” Mr. Winters instructed in a no-nonsense voice. “I’ll reschedule tomorrow’s appointments so that you can rest. I believe that Teen would like you to do a shoot the day after, if you are feeling well enough.”

“Really, I just need a good night’s sleep.” Erika assured him.

“We’ll let the Doctors decide that.”

The ambulance ride to the hospital was uneventful. Apparently, it was a light night, because the doctors didn’t make her wait very long. After getting fluids through an IV and assuring the doctors that she was alright, She and her mother were allowed to leave.

After being dropped at home, Mr. Winter sent his car to the hospital to pick Erika and her mother up and take them back to their hotel.

“Make sure to wash off your makeup before going to bed, Erika.”

“Yes, mom.” Erika tossed the one prized shoe onto her suit case disheartened that she may have lost the other one forever. She padded into the bathroom and washed her face before beginning the game of ‘let’s find bobby pins’.

Finally, after slipping out of her dress and into her PJs she slid into bed.

The last thought before drifting off too much needed sleep was that she hadn’t managed to get a single picture of a single celeb all night. Who was going to believe her now?

--o0o—

Erika opened her eyes to the sun shining bright outside, washing everything in golds and oranges. She could hear her mother speaking in the other room.

“Yes, she is fine. Thank you for asking. I’ll let her know. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Bye.”

Erika stretched and rose out of bed. She found two more bobby pins in bed and one hanging from her tresses. She padded into the bathroom and relieved her bladder before entering the main reception room of their hotel room.

“Who was that?” She asked her mother.

“How are you feeling.” Her mother questioned.

“Much better. Who were you talking too.”

“Mr. Winters. He was checking in on you and speaking to me about your next shoot.” She explained. “He wants you to take it easy today, regain your strength and energy. He is finalizing the contract with Teen Magazine.”

“I’m feeling much better.” She affirmed. “Wasn’t last night crazy? I mean before I started my episode.”

“It was pretty amazing.” Her mother agreed. “I got a pic with Jacklyn and with a few others, want to see?”

“You took pictures?” Erika didn’t know if she felt embarrassed or jealous. She took her mother’s offered phone and swiped through the pictures. “I was too busy to take any.” She pouted.

“I’m sure you’ll get other chances.”

Erika shrugged and handed her phone back. “I gotta shower and get dressed. Is there anything to eat? Coffee?”

“I’ll run down stairs while you’re in the shower.”

Erika grabbed her phone and headed into the bathroom. Her phone was blowing up. She started going through her messages and decided she had better sit on her bed and take care of them first.

Samantha: I just saw you on T.V. What is going on in Hollywood?

Tricia: Haven’t heard from you. Hope everything is alright.

Tricia: OMG You’re at a red-carpet gala? You’re on T.V.

Samantha: People from school are starting to text me asking if that, really is you? You’re famous!

Victoria: I’ve gotta run the story now. Everyone is talking about you. Don’t be mad.

Tricia: Check this out! A link of a video clip of Erika being interviewed while on the red carpet.

Rachel: Wow, girl, who would have thought last summer, you’d be a Hollywood star. I’m so weirded out. Btw you look great.

Danni: We watched you on T.V. tonight! Wow, you look amazing.

Tricia: I’ve re-watched your interview several times. You were fantastic!

Crystal: You go girl! You looked beautiful

Samantha: I’m still having a hard time grasping that you of all people are in Hollywood on T.V. Did you meet anyone famous?

Tricia: Still haven’t heard from you. Are you ok?

Erika quickly text Victoria. Don’t run that story. Please. I can’t have anyone finding out especially now. Please Victoria, don’t do it.

She then Text Tricia letting her know that she was alright, although she did end the night having another seizure. Don’t get jealous, but I hung out with Hunter Allyson. The Hunter Allyson.

She then text Samantha something similar. There were many more texts to go through, but she really needed to get into the shower.

The shower was refreshing. She was able to get all of the makeup off of her face and it felt wonderful to have clean hair, even if not all of it was her own.

A relaxing day ahead of her. She wondered if she could convince her mother that a trip to the beach was relaxing. She was dying to see the Pacific Ocean up close, perhaps even stick her toes into the surf. She pulled out a new light weight summer dress and slipped into it.

“Um, Erika.” Her mother called from the front door. “Could I get some help?”

Bewildered, Erika dashed to the front. Her mother’s arms were full of vases of flowers and cards as well as coffee and a bagel. Erika alleviated her mother by taking the coffee and bagel and grabbed one of the vases of flowers and set it on a tall table nearby.

“What’s with the flowers?” She asked.

“They are from concerned new friends.” Her mother gently set the other vases next to the first on the table.

Erika snatched a card out of one.

Hope you are feeling better soon – Tommy and Michelle

“Tommy Kincaid and Michelle Greyson,” She almost screeched.

She found a card on the second bouquet.

It was wonderful meeting you and your mother. I hope you are feeling better – Jacklyn

“Jacklyn?”

She saw her mother nod.

A third bouquet was from Mr. Winters, but Erika was pretty sure that it was Brook’s handwriting.

A knock sounded at the door. Erika’s mother answered it. “Here’s another that just came in.” a voice said.

“Thank you.” Her mother’s voice was heard.

Erika looked up to see a bouquet easily twice the size of the others. Roses, lilies, gardenias and Jasmine exploded from other flowers and foliage. “Holy Crap!”

“Language, Erika.” Her mother warned.

Erika fished out a card and tore into it.

Had a great time with you last night. Hope you feel better soon so that we can go out another time. – Hunter.

“Oh my God, it’s from Hunter.” Erika exclaimed. “How did they know where to send them?”

“I believe they are all clients of Mr. Winters.” Her mother chuckled at her daughter’s bewilderment.

“Hunter says that he wants to go out another time.” She looked from her mother to the words on the car and back. “Do you think he means it?”

“Why else would he write it?” her mother smiled and breathed in the aroma of the flowers. She looked at Erika. “Are these your first bouquets of flowers?”

Erika stared at her mother and slowly nodded. She felt like she wanted to cry, but a happy cry.

“It’ll be hard for anyone to beat this.” Her mother shook her own head in disbelief.

Absently Erika sipped at the coffee as she stared at the flowers.

“We have the day off and you need to rest, what shall we do?” her mother asked.

Erika barely heard her, she was taking pictures of the flowers. She stopped and looked at her mother. “Could we go to the beach?”

“How would we get there?”

“We could Uber.” Erika was starting to feel hopeful.

“Let me think about it.” Her mother took her own coffee and sat at small desk and looked at a stack of paperwork.

Her feeling began to vanish. She padded into her bathroom and pulled her hair up into a high ponytail, similar to those she had seen the young women wearing at the mall. She then began putting on some makeup, not much, it was an off day.

Her phone alerted her to a text.

Unknown number: Hey, it’s Hunter, did you like the flowers?”

Erika’s heart skipped a beat. Hunter. ‘Yes, they are beautiful.’ She text back.

Hunter: Are you feeling better?

Erika: Yes. Getting ready for a boring day. Your flowers helped alleviate some of that.

Hunter: I’m not doing anything, wanna hang?

Erika’s heart sped up. Hunter Allyson was asking if he could hang with her. What should she say?

Erika: Yes. Let me ask my mom.

Hunter: K

Erika nearly sprinted to her mother. “Hunter wants to know if I can hang out with him today. Can I mom, please?”

“You are supposed to be resting.” Her mother looked up from the paperwork.

“I’ll be careful.” Erika promised.

Her mother nodded. “But I want to talk to him first.”

Erika kissed her mother on the cheek and ran back into her room, texting ‘She said yes.’

Hunter: Great! Where are you staying?

Erika sent him the link to their hotel. He’d be able to map quest it from there.

Hunter: see you in a few

Erika went back into the bathroom. Today was not going to be an off day for makeup, after all. She made sure to play up her eyes a bit more and blend in around her breast forms so that they disappeared into her own skin. She put some silver hoops in her ears and scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. It was a simple sundress, should she change? No, it was hanging out, she didn’t want him to think she was trying to impress him. Erika stopped. Why was she trying to impress Hunter? Was it because he was a celebrity? Or because she had fun with him last night? Or was she hoping to have feelings for him? “Oh Hell.” She swore.

“Language.” Her mother called

This dress will have to be fine. She decided. She found some flats to go with it and sat on her bed with nervous energy. She answered more texts and emails of friends back home all excited to see her on T.V. and asking her lots of questions.

She nearly leaped out of her skin when she heard a knock on the door. She was sprinting to the door when her mother answered it. She stopped in her tracks and tried to act nonchalant.

“Good morning, Mrs. Martin.” Hunter greeted.

“Hello, Hunter.” She let him enter the hotel room.

“Erika, you look like you are feeling better.”

“Thank you, I am.” Erika stood there not knowing what to do. Hunter was in her hotel room.

“The flowers you sent are beautiful.” Her mother stated.

Erika screamed at herself, she should have said that, not her mother.

“They were nothing.” Hunter glanced at the table of flowers and back to her mother.

“So, Hunter.” Her mother began. “I’ll let Erika go out with you today if you promise to keep things calm. We still don’t know what causes her seizures and she does need her rest for tomorrow.”

“No problem Mrs. Martin.” Hunter was sincere. “After seeing what happened last night, the last thing I want is for her to go through that again.”

Her mother nodded agreement. Then took Erika in her gaze. “You, young lady, are to text or call me every two hours. Understand?”

“Yes, Mom.” Erika bit her lower lip.

“Take your charger. I don’t want that to be an excuse for not checking in.”

“Okay.” Erika dashed into her room and grabbed her phone charger and tucked it into her a small purse.

Erika emerged to her mother speaking quietly to Hunter.

“Not a problem Mrs. Martin.” Hunter pulled back and smiled at her mother. He looked up as Erika drew closer. “Is this your first time in Los Angeles?”

“Yes.” Erika was getting excited.

“Did you bring sunscreen?” he inquired.

Erika was a bit thrown off by the question. The confused look on her face must have been noteworthy. “Uh, no.”

“I’ve got some.” Her mother came to her rescue. “It’s the spray kind so it won’t feel all greasy.”

“It’s L.A. its sunny and you aren’t from around here.” Hunter tried to explain.

“Come in here, I’ll take care of you.” Her mother led her into her own bathroom. A nicer, larger version of her own.

“I want you to be careful and don’t over exert yourself.” Her mother lectured as she dug out the can of spray.

Erika flinched away and squealed as the sunscreen touched her skin. Her mother moved the long hair of her pony aside and sprayed her neck and ears causing another squeal. Erika hoped that Hunter couldn’t hear her sounding like this over sunscreen.

“You are wearing a spaghetti strap dress, be sure you cover your shoulders and arms again in a few hours.” Her mother handed her the can of spray. You’ll regret it immensely tomorrow if you don’t.”

“Thanks mom.” Erika said as they re-emerged.

“Well, Mrs. Martin, we’ll see you tonight.” He told her mother.

“I hope she didn’t threaten you.” She said softly as they walked towards the elevator.

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Just confirming contacts and directions just in case you have another. . . episode.”

“Sorry.”

“Why?” He held the elevator door for her. The pushed the button for the lobby.

“It’s risky taking a girl with a brain injury out.”

“We all have our issues, Erika.”

The valet lobbed some keys to Hunter who caught it without thought and walked to one side. He opened the passenger door to a red sixty-five Mustang convertible that looked brand new.

Erika sat and swung her legs in, the door closed a second behind them. Erika caught Hunter’s smile as he quickly walked around the front and sat in the driver’s seat. He pulled some sunglasses out of a pocket and put them on before driving out of the driveway.

“Welcome to sunny California.” He tossed a smile at her. “Do you have sunglasses?”

“No.” Erika frowned.

“Then that is the first stop.” He told her. “You’ve never been here before, where would you like to go?”

“There are so many places.” Erika admitted. “The beach, Hollywood walk of fame, The Chinese theater where actors put their hands in cement. . . I don’t know; Where else is there to go?”

Hunter laughed. “Plenty of places. But I would ask that we don’t go to the walk of fame or the Chinese theater. It’s kind of risky for me to be seen there.”

“Oh, I hadn’t thought of that.” Erika admitted. “The beach?”

“Sounds great. It is the middle of winter, so the water is kinda cold to swim in. but it is still fun there.”

Cold? Erika thought to herself. It’s going to almost reach eighty degrees today, in January.

Fifteen minutes later, Hunter parked along a street. Erika went to get out, but he ran and opened the door. He held out her hand so that she could balance herself as she got out.

“Let’s get you some sunglasses.” He led her into a store.

“I can’t afford these.” Erika was embarrassed. “A drug store would do.”

“Nonsense, these are my treat. If you’re in Los Angeles, you need a good pair, not some cheap pair.” He pulled his off and tucked them into the pocket of his shorts.

“Welcome, how can we help you. . . Mr. Allyson.” The last was posed more as a question.

“Hello.” Hunter smiled at the young man who had greeted them. “My friend here needs a pair of sunglasses. Can you hook her up?”

“Of course, Mr. Allyson. Please, Miss, come over here.”

Half an hour later, the two left the store. Erika sporting a very stylish pair of shades. None of the sunglasses had price tags on them and Erika was too afraid to ask how much this pair cost. It had to be a lot.

“Are you getting hungry?” Hunter asked as they settled themselves back in the Mustang.

“A bit.” She admitted.

“What would you like?” he asked.

“It’s kind of lame.” Erika admitted.

“Oh?”

“In-n-Out.” She blushed, hoping that he wouldn’t notice.

“Hey, now. In-n-Out is never lame.” He was dead serious. “Have you had it before?”

“Brook took me yesterday. It was so good.”

Hunter nodded. “It is amazing isn’t it?”

Erika nodded.

“One favor though.” Hunter pulled up to a stop light and looked at Erika. “We need to go through the drive thru. I get recognized too easily and once that happens our private lunch becomes a party of never ending autographs and photos.”

“You don’t like meeting your fans?” Erika asked crestfallen. She was hoping to get a few pictures today.

“I love my fans.” Hunter told her. “but today, you are the only fan I want to spend time with.”

Erika’s heart leaped.

At another traffic light, two girls recognized Hunter and waved frantically to get his attention. Hunter looked over and smiled causing the girls to squeal with delight.

“Do you get that a lot?” Erika inquired.

“More than I’d care to admit.” Hunter shrugged.

A few minutes later, they pulled into the In-n-Out drive thru line.

“Holy moly.” Erika was aghast at the dozen cars in line for the drive thru ahead of them.

“What?” Hunter asked.

“The line.” Erika pointed.

Hunter chuckled. “I’ve seen it two to three times longer.”

“Seriously?” Erika had a hard time believing that so many people would wait in a drive thru line that long.

An employee with a hand-held device smiled at them. “How can I help you?”

Hunter looked to Erika. Who ordered the same as she had the day before.

“Um, Hunter.” The order taker seemed nervous.

“Yes?”

“Could I, I mean, would it be alright if I got a picture with you?”

“Sure.” He agreed.

“Oh, man, thanks, Hunter.” The person pulled a phone out of his back pocket. “I have to be careful, I can’t get seen doing this while on the clock.”

Hunter looked past the employee. “I don’t see anyone looking. Quick.” The guy squatted down next to the car and took a quick selfie. “Let me see your phone.” Hunter suggested. “Now bend down and let me get a selfie too. This way your friends won’t second guess photoshopping.”

“Great. Thanks Hunter.”

“Could you do me a favor?” Hunter asked.

“Sure, anything.”

Hunter pulled his phone out. “Could you get a picture of me and my friend here?”

Erika felt giddy. Hunter wanted a picture of the two of them together. Would this open things up for her getting a picture or two later?

Erika leaned in to the movie star but not too close, she didn’t want him to feel that she was too clingy.

“Thanks.” Hunter accepted his phone back.

“That wasn’t too bad.” Erika stated once they had pulled forward.

Hunter was checking his mirrors and trying to look around without looking like he was looking around. “I just need to be careful. That might have drawn other people’s attention and then we’d be inundated. That is one of the reasons I asked him to take our picture.”

“What was the other?” Erika was a bit crestfallen.

“Because I wanted a picture of us on our first date.”

Date? He was calling this a date? Erika thought that they were just hanging out, not dating. Besides, how could they date if she lived in Constitution and he lived somewhere in Los Angeles?

“Wow, you look like Hunter Allyson.” The woman at the drive thru window greeted.

“Yea, I get that a lot.” Hunter nodded.

Erika bit her lip to keep from laughing. But a snicker did escape. They took their boxes of food and Hunter drove off.

“That was mean.” Erika burst out laughing.

“Why?” Hunter grinned “It’s true.”

Erika looked down at the boxes of food she was balancing on the seat between them.

“I’ll get us to a place where we can hopefully eat in peace and quiet. Hang on.” Hunter wasn’t speeding, but he was driving a bit faster than what was called for. He pulled into a driveway with a large white sign. ‘Los Angeles National Cemetery’.

He pulled up to a small guard house and punched a button which spat out a ticket and lifted a gate.

“A cemetery?” Erika questioned.

“It’s peaceful and quiet.” Hunter nodded. “And it just might deter that paparazzi following us.”

“Paparazzi?” Erika questioned.

Hunter nodded. “I spotted them at In-n-Out. Who would think that Hunter Allyson would go to the cemetery with In-n-Out?”

“Definitely not me.”

Hunter casually drove the car around the paved road. On each side of the car were rows upon rows of white headstones of fallen soldiers.

“How many people are buried here?” Erika asked looking at some of the stones.

Hunter shrugged, “It looks like a lot.” He parked the car a little distance from an adobe Spanish style building and turned and smiled at Erika. “A first date that you’ll not forget anytime soon.” He picked up a burger and bit into it.

“I’m eating In-n-Out in a cemetery with Hunter Allyson,” She remarked, “I doubt I’ll ever forget it.”

“Did you always want to be a model?” Hunter asked around his bite.

Erika nearly choked on hers. “Until last summer I wanted to be a comic book illustrator.”

“Really?”

Erika nodded. “I was a bit of a tomboy until then.” Didn’t Samantha describe her that way? “Last summer I got in touch with my feminine side and started acting more girly.” Erika decided she wasn’t lying. “A month or two ago, we did a family portrait and the photographer suggested I try modeling for her. One thing led into another.” She smiled. “Now I’m having lunch with Hunter Allyson.”

Hunter chuckled. “So, this whole being a female model is a bit new?”

“That is the understatement of the year.” Erika wanted to laugh. “How about you? When did you decide to become a movie star and heart throb?”

It was Hunter’s turn to nearly choke. “Heart throb?”

“I’ve seen how girls act around you.”

“Not that it has anything to do with it, but my Great Grandmother was a famous Actress.”

Erika nodded. “Cass told me, June Allyson.”

Hunter nodded. “Acting has always been a bit of a hobby in the family, but my Grandfather asked an agent to check out a play I was in.” He took a long draw on his shake. “The next thing I knew, I was doing an occasional commercial and walk-ons of television shows.”

“Do you like it?” Erika asked.

Hunter thought for a moment. “You’re the first person to ask me that in a very long time.”

“Seriously?”

Hunter nodded as he finished his bite. “Everyone assumes that if you are a movie star that you have to like it. I’ve met many who don’t, but it is all they know, and it pays well.”

“So, do you?” Erika wanted to know.

“I do.” He nodded. “I’m not fond of the early wakeups sometimes, but it can be a lot of fun.”

“And you can have any girl you want.” Erika decided to tease him.

“And I can have… Hey!” Hunter laughed. “How about you, Erika? Any guys back home where ever that is?”

“Constitution. Girlfriend.” She stated. “Her name is Tricia.”

“Girlfriend? Whoa, I didn’t see that one coming.” Hunter was surprised.

“She is one of my friends who has helped me become more comfortable being feminine.”

Hunter shook his head. Erika thought it was disbelief. “Here I am wanting to impress a beautiful girl who I thought liked me with In-n-Out in the cemetery…”

Erika looked around. “I do like you, Hunter. . . a lot.” More than she cared to admit and more than she felt comfortable admitting to Tricia.

“Well, she’s a lucky girl.” Hunter started to work on his fries.

“I feel the same way about her.” Erika finished her burger. “I hope this doesn’t change anything between us. I really am enjoying this time with you.”

Hunter winked at her. “It puts a damper on some of my movie star moves.”

“Like In-n-Out in the cemetery?”

“Exactly.”

Erika felt like she had just taken the wind out of Hunter. She wanted to fix it but wasn’t sure how. She thought of Samantha and how she might fix it, or even how Tricia might fix it with her.

Impulsively, Erika leaned forward and kissed Hunter on the cheek. The movie star was surprised and seemed to actually relax a little.

“I’ve been a little more fluid in my tastes lately.” Erika was astonished that those words came out of her mouth. Seriously? More fluid? There was Jake back home, she couldn’t deny that there was a chemistry when he kissed her. Then there was Julian. He was definitely handsome. Maybe she could like both sexes. Oh boy. Was she now bi? Was she gay? What was she? Did it matter?

So many things were changing in her life, so many things in such a short time. How do normal people cope let alone someone like herself?

The kiss and the strange words that came from her mouth had the desired effect. Erika sucked on her shake. “Hunter?” She began, breaking the strange silence between them.

“Yea?”

“I know that It’s not exactly cool, but would it be alright it I got a selfie with you?”

Hunter grinned. “I was wondering why you hadn’t asked earlier.”

“I didn’t want to be uncool.”

“We are on a date. . . I mean hanging out. Friends take selfies and pics all of the time when hanging out, right?”

Erika nodded. “I just didn’t want to be one of those fan girls.”

“Hardly,” Hunter took Erika’s phone and put it in camera mode and framed the two of them.

Erika admired the photo and smiled at the setting around them.

“The only stipulation that I ask is that you don’t post anything in real time. Where ever we might be, people can find out and soon we’ll be running trying to get away from autograph hounds.”

Erika nodded. She hadn’t really thought about posting pics of them on social media, but She would probably want to send pics to Tricia and Samantha.

“Are people really that intrusive?” She asked.

“Most aren’t but once one starts, then others want their turn, and it snowballs.”

Erika finished up her food and tucked all the trash away in the boxes. “Where to next?”

“What? You aren’t satisfied with the cemetery?” he feigned insult.

Erika looked around, “Well, it is pretty… and quiet.”

Hunter started up the car and stopped at the adobe building and dumped their trash in a can.

“You said you’d like to see the beach.” It was a statement.

“I would.”

“It’s only a few minutes away.”

Erika goes to Hollywood for a photo shoot and finds herself on a date with one of the hottest leading men in movies. What happens in Hollywood stays in Hollywood, right?

Erika was having a hard time with the fact that she was in Los Angeles, the city of angels, a place where many stars are discovered, and many dreamers had their dreams dashed to ashes. Here she was sitting in a red convertible next to one of the hottest young movie stars, Hunter Allyson. The warm wind whipping through her ponytail and sun warming her bared shoulders and arms.

At the moment, she was caught between pinching herself and basking in the warmth of the sun as well as the handsome company.

Hunter pulled off the highway into a parking lot right next to the beach. The tang of the salt air completely obliterated the smell of hot concrete and smog of the city which was only a few miles behind them.

Erika waved Hunter off as he started to sprint to her side of the car to open her door. She figured she could at least do that much for herself today. Hunter opened the trunk and pulled out a blanket and a towel.

“You just happened to have those in there?” Erika chuckled.

“When you live close to the beach, you always have these in here.” He explained.

Hunter draped the blanket over his shoulder and started across the deep sand beside her. Erika felt her soul lift as she pointed her face into the salty breeze. Without thinking, she took Hunter’s hand and gave it a squeeze. What happens in L.A. can stay in L.A. she told herself. She knew better, she knew that she would have to tell Tricia everything. Confess everything.

Erika pulled Hunter’s hand slowing him down so that she could slip her flats off and wriggle her toes in the warm sand.

White frothy lines of waves lined up waiting their turn to crash against the beach, the blue ocean was darker than she would have thought, but at least it wasn’t gray.

She looked up and down the beach. There were a few people out enjoying the sun and surf, but it looked fairly empty. Behind her was the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) and tall buff colored bluffs on top of which many turn of the century houses sat, their windows staring, nonblinking out at the ocean.

Looking up the beach, it looked to stretch for miles before a bluff stuck out to the water ending the sand. To the South a mile of sand and then a large long pier jabbed out into the surf. A tall Ferris Wheel rotated out towards the end.

“What’s that?” She asked.

Hunter followed her gaze. “Santa Monica Pier. Its full of touristy things.”

“I am a tourist.” She pointed out.

“That you are.” A few feet above the wet sand mark, Hunter dropped her hand and started spreading the blanket.

Her hand felt as if something was missing. Hunter was an enigma to her. She really liked him, he was a movie star after all and had a magnetic charm, but he was also so laid back and normal too. She felt comfortable with him. More comfortable than she felt with any guy ever including her dad. But there was also an attraction there that she couldn’t explain. Was it his stardom? Or was it his trying to be so nice. They had only met last night and already he was wanting to spend time with her even with the fact that she told him that she had a girlfriend.

Hunter fought the wind with trying to get the blanket smooth across the sand. Her hand was already yearning for him to take it, to hold it, to make it feel secure.

“Selfie time.” She declared. “Hunter and Erika at the Pacific Ocean.”

Hunter’s hands wrapped around her waist as he tilted his head to peer over her shoulder. His chest touching the back of her bare shoulder. Erika’s body seemed to relax rather than tense up at his touch. It was an entirely new feeling for her, one that she liked, but was internally battling with.

Erika framed the picture to get the both of them as well as the waves behind them. “Two more.” She instructed. Hunter was acting the good sport as she snapped the photos.

“You want to go into the waves?” he asked.

Erika nodded.

“I’ll take some pictures of you doing so.” He took her phone.

Erika gave his hand a squeeze and nearly skipped down to the wet sand and got her first feel of the cold salty water squishing between her toes. A small wave hit her feet, it was only an inch deep, but the water splashed nearly to her knees. She cried out in delight and shock. She was mesmerized by the water as she watched it almost layering on top of itself as it fought its way up the sand.

Grinning she turned towards Hunter. He was standing there with her phone, smiling as he watched her frolic in the waves. She waved and was rewarded with a larger smile as well as a wave back.

Erika turned her attention back to the waves and the vast blue ocean before her. She looked down at her feet as she wriggled her toes deeper into the wet sand. Suddenly she was caught with a feeling of longing. She was longing for Tricia and Samantha’s company. She would have loved to share this experience with them. She wondered what they would be doing if the three of them were here at the beach together. Somehow, she just couldn’t quite fix the final product in her mind. Part of her wanted to cry. Her eyes even began to water. It was the salty air she decided trying to explain away such a wave of emotion.

A shadow on the sand intruded into her thoughts. She looked over her shoulder and saw Hunter as he stepped up right behind her. He had taken off his shirt and shoes and had joined her on the wet sand. She had seen him shirtless in the movies but in person, up close, it nearly sent a shiver down her spine. Only nearly, because as soon as the thought crept across her mind, she squashed it. Seriously? men’s chests were now suddenly making her shiver?

“So, what are you thinking?” he asked. She thought she could feel his breath in her ear.

Erika was silent for a moment. “Thinking of my friends and how’d I like them to be here, but then part of me wants this whole beach for just you and I.” She watched as two gray haired ladies passed as they strolled down the beach speaking to one another.

Erika leaned back, his bare chest a wall supporting her frame. Her hair whipped over his shoulder like a flag, caught by the ocean breeze. She felt him rest his cheek against the top of her head and they both stared out over the long blue line. Baby waves ran over their feet as the ocean breeze cooled off their bare skin from the warm sun.

“What are you thinking?” Erika interrupted the silence.

“That for some reason you have me wishing I didn’t have to leave next week.” Hunter sighed.

“Where are you going?” she was suddenly more alert.

“Film location.” She could feel him shrug his shoulders.

“Where?” She inquired. “What film?”

“I can’t tell you the name, but it is a good part in an action film.” His voice although soft, became more animated. “I fly out in a few days to Sao Palo.”

“Brazil?”

She felt him nod.

“For how long?”
“Usually it takes a month. It depends on the weather and how well the cast gels.”

Silence fell between them again. Erika turned her head and looked at the handsome young man. She wondered what it would be like to feel his lips against hers. Would it be different than Jakes? Harder than Tricia’s? Without thinking, she stretched her neck and feathered her lips across his cheek.

Oh crap, was that too forward? Did she overstep her bounds? She had told him that she had a girlfriend not even an hour ago and now she was kissing him? What was going on with her? What was she thinking?

All of her thinking stopped, her mind went completely blank as his lips found hers. Erika turned towards him slightly and placed a hand on his chest. It quivered under her touch. She felt strong fingers feathering her cheek as her lips yearned for more. His other hand found the small of her back. She was thankful for the support. Her head was so light, so fuzzy in its high that she needed his strength to keep her standing.

Erika pressed her breasts into his body disappointed that she didn’t have breasts of her own to feel with. The thought was fleeting as his feathering fingers cupped her cheek keeping her lips drawn to his. For the first time in her life she knew what it was like to have her toes curled by a kiss. Her lips wouldn’t stop searching for his, her skin yearned to touch and to be touched by his, her heart ached and swelled to the point that she thought it would burst in her chest.

It seemed like an eternity later when she pulled away and rested her cheek on his chest. Her breaths came in gasps. What the fuck was going on? No one had ever made her feel like this. No one. Tricia was suddenly a distant memory and Jake? Jake who?

“I, I’m sorry.” She had a hard time finding her voice. “I don’t know what came over me.”

“Don’t be sorry, Erika.” Hunter told her. “I’ve wanted to do that since last night.”

“Really?” he probably said that to all of the girls he met.

“Yes… In fact, perhaps I should be sorry. You have a girlfriend after all.”

Sorrow washed over Erika at the mention of Tricia. The sorrow was there, but the exhilaration of what had just passed between Hunter and herself made her feel… well… drunk. Could someone get drunk off of kisses? Kisses like she just experienced? Hell yes.

She realized that she was slowly, gently tracing designs across his chest with her long fingernails. Ever so gently he pushed her away to stand on her own. He took her hand in his and led her back to the beach blanket. Hunter collapsed onto the blanket and pulled Erika gently down to sit between his legs. She rested her head on his chest and he rested his chin on her shoulder. With her hand clutched in his, he raised it and kissed the back of her hand. Shivers ran through her body uncontrolled and even welcomed. She turned into him, using the same hand to push him back onto the blanket as her lips hungrily sought his out again.

--o0o—

Erika sent a couple of pics to her mother and text her that she was feeling fine and that they were leaving the beach and heading to the pier.

It didn’t take long for them to find parking. This time Erika waited patiently for Hunter to make his way around the car and open the door for her.

“I know it’s unromantic.” She stated, “But I need the ladies room.”

“Sure thing.” Hunter pulled a ball cap out of the trunk and adjusted it on his head. That and the sunglasses made it hard to make out his features.

“Hiding in plain sight?” Erika asked.

Hunter nodded. “Believe me it is a necessary precaution. I just hope that it is enough.”

Hunter took Erika’s hand as they walked across the bridge to the pier.

“They don’t have anything like this in Constitution.” Erika’s eyes darted to all of the lights, carnival rides and eateries. Hundreds of people casually strolling from arcade games or watching street performers. “Will you go on the Ferris Wheel with me?” She asked. “My treat.”

“Sure.” Hunter seemed a bit nervous as he scanned the crowd around him.

“I’ll be right back.” Erika promised. She gave his hand a squeeze before releasing it and heading into the ladies’ room.

Once emptying her bladder, she took time to freshen the sunscreen on her shoulders and arms then made sure her pony was straight and tight. She decided to freshen her mascara and put a bit of lip balm on before exiting the bathroom.

She scanned the crowd and located Hunter, posing with two young ladies getting their pictures taken with the celeb. She quickly scanned the rest of the crowd and was relieved that they were the only ones who recognized him.

Hunter smiled a polite goodbye to the girls and looked relieved as Erika walked up to him. “You okay? She asked.

Hunter scanned the crowd and nodded. He smiled at her, but his body language was still tense.

“We’ll take a ride and get out of here.” She decided.

“You sure?” he asked.

“You are as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof.” Erika nodded.

“Sorry.” He took her hand and made their way to the Pacific Wheel.

The sign declared it the only solar powered Ferris Wheel in the world. Looking at the sun overhead, Erika could see why a solar powered Ferris wheel would work in this area.

Once on the ride, Hunter relaxed a little. The two sat hips touching, Hunter with one hand casually draped over her shoulder, the other still holding her hand.

Butterflies erupted in Erika’s stomach as the wheel spun back and away. She began looking around at the people below on the pier, and the white frothy lines of the surf as it broke nearly under them.

“Last night.” Hunter stated. “You had a seizure, right?”

“Yes.” Erika affirmed. She didn’t want to have this conversation, but he had the right to know what was going on. “This last fall, they found that I had a brain tumor.” Erika began.”

“That must have been scary.” Hunter listened. “Erika. If you don’t want to talk about it, that’ll be fine.”

Erika shook her head. “You should know. I’m sure my mother drilled you this morning about what to do if I suddenly spaz out.”

“Hey now.” Hunter interrupted. “Seizures are serious. You’re not spazzing out.”

Erika wanted to kiss him again, just for saying that. Instead she continued. “I underwent brain surgery to have it removed.” She explained. “They went through my nose so that I didn’t have any massive scars.”

The Pacific Wheel moved again so that others could be loaded.

Hunter looked more closely at her nose.

“They were able to get it all out, but it was pushing on my pituitary gland which kept me from going through puberty, That’s why I’m on the small side. The doctors say that I should start developing now.”

Hunter scanned her chest and face. “You look normal to me.” He stated.

Erika reached up and cupped one of her breast forms. “These are fake. I glue them on.” She turned red at admitting that. “I’m taking hormones now to help grow my real ones.” Now he’d not want anything to do with her. He’d probably make an excuse to take her back to her hotel.

“Seriously?” Hunter questioned. “Those are fake?”

Erika nodded. Oh God, here it comes. She thought. “Does that bother you?”

“They look fantastic.” He looked her in the eyes again. “I have grown up in Hollywood. I have been on many films and have seen many things that men as well as women do to make themselves feel comfortable with their bodies. No, Erika. They don’t bother me.” He paused for just a second. “So, then what happened?”

Erika shrugged. He’d probably wait till they got off the ride before he’d reject her as a freak. “I started having seizures. I don’t know what triggers them, or why they are happening. The Doctors say that it is a side effect of the brain healing.”

“Sounds scary.” Hunter stated. “You looked plenty scared last night just before you started having one.”

Erika nearly shuddered thinking back to that moment last night. “It starts with a headache and then my vision starts to go. I come back around a few moments later and usually want to vomit. Super romantic, huh?”

Hunter leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Just makes your life a little more interesting.”

Interesting? If he only knew just how interesting her life has become in the past few months.

Once they reached the top of the ride, she took in the brown skyline of Santa Monica. Most every building was a washed-out beige broken up by silvery windows.

“The city isn’t much to look at.” She commented.

“You’re supposed to be taking in the waves and the long sandy beach.” Hunter smiled. “Venice beach is down there.” He pointed with his chin.

“That’s where all the body builders are?”

He nodded.

“Selfie time.” She announced.

“Again?” he bemoaned in mock horror.

Erika pulled out her phone and took several pics with the beach in the back grown, tiny little dots along it, people, and families enjoying the sun.

Erika lay her head against his shoulder and enjoyed the comfort of him, the warmth of the sun and the light breeze as the Pacific wheel made its revolutions.

“Hunter?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you.” Erika looked up at his face.

“For what?”

“For brining me to the beach and the pier, and for so far giving me an unforgettable day.” She felt she needed to thank him just in case he still wanted to cut bait and run. She wouldn’t blame him. She had some major baggage, and only a little of it had been shared.

“It’s been unforgettable for me too.” Hunter’s hand cupped her chin and guided it so that his lips could find hers.

How could he make her feel this way? She had sworn that she wasn’t attracted to men and then she meets Hunter. His touch made her skin yearn to be encased by his, her lips couldn’t seem to get enough of his. Did something change in me? She wondered, or had I not met the right person until now?

She became aware of the wheel slowing down and then stopping as it unloaded and reloaded its passengers.

Hunter hopped out first and held Erika’s hand protectively as he guided her out of the bucket.

They resumed their walk along the pier. Erika noticed that Hunter was keeping his head lowered a little bit. It took her only a moment to realize that he was still trying to keep from being recognized. “How do you manage at red carpet and public events?” she asked.

“They are different. They have security and most have barriers so that the celebs don’t get bombarded.” He explained.

“What about when you are out shopping or running errands?” Erika watched as a group of girls were giving them a double take. She pulled him out of the foot traffic, wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a kiss. When they parted, she glanced over and saw that the girls had lost interest. “That should discourage them.” She muttered for his ears only.

Hunter shot a glance towards the girls and smiled at Erika. “Thanks.”

Erika released him and held his hand as they continued on. “As far as the public knows and what the tabloids tell them, Hunter Allyson is single. Why would he be kissing someone at Santa Monica Pier?”

Hunter squeezed her hand, then brought it to his lips and brushed the back of it with his lips sending chills down Erika’s spine. “What were we talking about?” he dodged a kid running to catch up with his mother.

“What you do about being recognized when out and about.”

“Oh yea. I try to be polite. Mostly it’s just a selfie or two, kind of like at In-n-Out. But there have been times when I wished for twenty body guards to help free me from the mob.”

“And that is what you are afraid of happening here?”

Hunter nodded. “Most people who come here are tourists. They are here for a short time and want to see everything, so if they see a star, they tend to become a mob, everyone wanting a piece of you.”

“Don’t they realize that you are a person too?”

Hunter laughed. “Did you? When you met me last night?”

Erika was sure her face was bright red. “Well… I’ve learned a lot since then.”

The walk back to the car seemed twice as long as when they had arrived. Hunter quickly lowered the top then opened the door for Erika.

“Where to now?” She inquired.

“Since you are a tourist and have never been to Los Angeles, I thought I’d take you to a very special place.”

“Oh?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “A place you take all of your conquests?”

Hunter grinned, “Every single one of them.”

Erika poked her tongue out at him.

Somewhere along the drive to the mysterious destination, Hunter’s hand came to rest on Erika’s thigh. The comfort of such and intimate feeling caused her heart to race. It just rested there. He wasn’t trying to feel her up, he was just resting it there, touching her. Thank goodness because he’d have a very interesting surprise and she’d have a lot of explaining to do.

Erika pulled out her phone and sent one of the pics from the Pacific Wheel to her mother along with a text saying that Hunter was taking her someplace special.

“Texting your mom?” he asked.

“Yes.” Erika put her phone away. She wrapped her arm around his and slowly stroked his wrist and forearm with her fingertips.

“You an only child?” Hunter asked.

“Yes. How about you?”

“I’ve got a younger sister.” Hunter told her. “Allyson.”

“Allyson Allyson?” Erika questioned.

Hunter laughed. “No. Hal thought it would be helpful if I changed my last name to Allyson to use Great Grandmother’s legacy.”

“My birth name was Hunter Tavarez.” He told her, “so my sister is Allyson Tavarez.”

“Duh.” Erika giggled.

“I noticed you are using a different name than your mother’s.”

“I took Summers as a dedication to a friend who passed.” Erika explained.

“Her name was Summer?” Hunter probed.

Erika gave him a smile. A smile that didn’t contain as much pain as it had a year ago when talking about Summer. “She was my current best friend’s sister. My friend, Samantha, thought it would be cool if I took on Summers as a last name in her honor. I agreed.”

“Sorry to hear about Summer.” Hunter said. “I’m sure she’d be proud that you have done as much.”

Erika thought back to her friend and sometimes savior. “I think she would be too.”

Soon they were off the main road and driving through some neighborhoods. Hunter then turned onto another road that disappeared under a canopy of Eucalyptus and other trees. A large sign read Griffith Park.

“Did you grow up around here?” She asked.

“Not too far.” He pulled his hand from her leg. “Sorry, I’ll need this now.”

The road wound up a hill, the canopy of trees opened occasionally to reveal different areas of the park. Kids play grounds, Horse trails, soccer fields and baseball diamonds.

“L.A. is pretty big, but if you grow up here, you learn the important places pretty well. Once I got my driver’s license, well, I learned a lot of it fairly quickly.”

Before she knew it, they crested the hill and a large open area lay before them. On the far side of the open hill was a very interesting building that she had seen before in movies, the Griffith Observatory.

“I’ve seen this place in movies.” She exclaimed.

“Rebel without a cause…” Hunter smiled.

“Rocketeer, Charlies Angels.” Erika provided.

“La-la land.” Hunter laughed as he parked the car.

“Seriously? La-la Land?” Erika questioned.

Hunter shrugged. “I’m an actor, I have to appreciate all forms of film.”

Once out, he set to work raising the roof and locking it up before taking Erika’s hand and leading her to the art deco building.

“Santa Monica Pier, the beach and Griffith observatory all in one day.” She giggled.

They stopped in front of the building so that Erika could take the obligatory selfie with her hot movie star friend. She quickly sent the pic to her mother to let her know where they were.

Inside was very old, but very cool. A Huge pendulum slowly swung back and forth marking out the hours of the day. Off one corridor was a whole exhibit on Nikola Tesla. Hunter humored her as she absorbed the exhibit.

“I didn’t figure you for a science geek.” Hunter teased.

“Cuz it’s only our first date.” Erika made a face.

The two made it out to the balcony. It seemed as if the whole of Los Angeles was laid at her feet. She could see miles and miles all the way to the ocean where they had just come from. Everywhere she looked she saw streets, houses and buildings. Hills in the distance were harder to see because of the brown smoggy haziness.

“Wow.” Was all that she could say. She leaned against the balustrade, and slowly scanned back and forth, trying to take it all in. Hunter leaned against her, resting his hands on the balustrade on either side of her and peering over her shoulder. He raised a hand and began pointing out landmarks and areas of the city below her.

She relished the feel of him leaning into her as he spoke in a voice only for her ear.

After a few moments Erika twisted and faced him resting her hands behind her back against the balustrade. She looked up into his handsome face and raised up on her toes and kissed his cheek. He smiled down at her and leaned in finding her lips for a quick kiss.

After a few more pictures of the view as well as the building, the two walked back inside just in time to catch the planetarium show.

“It’s almost like Rebel without a cause.” She whispered as they took their seats.

--o0o—

Chapter 7
“Are you getting hungry?” Hunter asked as they made their way back to the car.
“Starting too.”
“What do you feel like having?”
Erika shrugged. “Nothing fancy. Something L.A.”
Hunter was quietly thinking as he made the Mustang convertible again.
“I think I’ve got just the place.” He grinned. “Definitely not fancy. Hardly a place to take a girl on her first date.”
“But the cemetery was?” Erika teased.
“Hey now, that was a strategic move to get away from the paparazzi.” Hunter raised his hands in defense.
“Well, after that, things can only get better.” Erika giggled.
The trip down through the park somehow seemed different because of the different light. It wasn’t long before Hunter pulled up to a small place with a huge pink sign that read ‘Pinks’. A line of at least thirty people cued up out in front.
“Pinks?” Erika was confused. She had never heard of it.
“You’ve never heard of Pinks?” Hunter asked in disbelief.
Erika shook her head.
“Its only the best hotdog place, ever. Let me rephrase that, not a place, an institution.” Hunter explained. He paused, his demeanor changed slightly, he lowered his voice. “I will be recognized here, so we’ll have to deal with fans. I hope that is okay.”
“Of course, it is.” Erika assured him. It would be interesting to see just how people would act upon recognizing him. She wondered if any would act worse than she did last night. “As long as you remember, that I’m your number one fan.” She added.
What was she saying? Was she marking her territory? That was ridiculous. They were just hanging out for the day. It’s not like moved here or anything. They were both leaving in a few days. Hell, they may never see each other ever again. That thought cause a sharp pain in her chest. Well it was true. She reminded herself.

“We got here in time.” Hunter assured her as they cued up behind everyone else. “There are usually a lot more people here.”

“For hotdogs?” Erika questioned.
“Not just hotdogs.” Hunter shook his head. “You’ll learn.”

“Um, Excuse, me,” a woman cued up behind them. “You’re Hunter Allyson, right?”

Hunter plastered a smile on his face and turned to meet the woman. “Yes.” He nodded.

“I loved your last rom-con.” She gushed. “You’re one of my favorite leading men.”

“That’s very kind of you.” Hunter shot Erika a look.

“Would it be alright if I got a selfie with you?” She asked.

“I’ll take it for you.” Erika volunteered with a smile. Inside, she was nearly giggling.

“Would you? That is so kind.” The woman handed Erika her phone.

Erika snapped a couple of pics and was surprised when the people in front of them asked if she would do the same for them.

Hunter dipped his head and whispered into her ear. “I warned you. This won’t end soon.”

Erika smiled at him. “This is kind of fun.” She chuckled.

The next ten minutes in line were spent with Hunter posing with Pinks patrons and signing a few autographs. Erika on one hand loved the attention that Hunter was getting, taking even more glee at his discomfort with it all and on the other a touch jealous. Towards the end, she just wanted him back to herself.

“Hello, Hunter.” The person behind the counter greeted. “Your usual?”

“Please.” Hunter nodded, “And whatever she is having.”

Erika had only a few moments to look at the menu just before they got to the counter and selected a special hotdog and onion rings.

“Hunter went to pay, and the cashier shook her head with a smile. “Someone already paid for yours.”

“Huh?” Hunter questioned. “The cashier pointed to a car pulling away. The father of that family paid for yours.” She clarified. “I think it was a thank you for the attention you gave his daughter.”

“That was very sweet of him.” Erika looked from the cashier to Hunter who wore a bit of a frown.

“I hate it when people do that.” Hunter grumbled. He forced a smile at the cashier and handed her a hundred-dollar bill. “Once we leave, please use that to buy food for the next few people. Please wait until we leave though.”

The cashier nodded understanding. “No problem, Mr. Allyson. That is very kind of you.”

Hunter just smiled. The two of them stood off to the side. Hunter’s fake smile was still plastered to his face.

“Hunter.” Erika said low enough only for him to hear. “If you’d like, I’ll wait here for the food if you want to wait in the car.”

Hunter looked astonished. “Not a chance.” He nearly barked. He lowered his voice and made it gentle, “You are my date tonight, I will not have you serving me.”

“Sorry.” Erika swallowed her astonishment. He just called her his date. Her heart flipped at the thought. Did he mean it? Or was it just an expression?

“No, I’m sorry, Erika.” He apologized. “I knew when I was driving you here that I’d have to make people’s day.” He used air quotes for that last part. “I just don’t like people paying for my stuff.”

“I thought it was a very nice gesture.” Erika stated. “That guy’s daughter was an introvert and was too scared to approach you.” She explained. “You were warm and welcoming and put her at ease. She’ll have an amazing story to tell the rest of her life and pictures to prove it. The father was showing gratitude the only way he knew how.” She blushed realizing that it sounded a bit like a lecture.

Hunter was quiet for a moment. “You’re right.” He gave her a genuine smile.

Erika scanned the wall of celebrities that covered the walls of Pinks. “Wow, all of these celebs come here?” She asked.
“We’re not that far from some of the studios.” Hunter explained. “Many celebs get cravings for Pinks.”

“They knew you and what your ‘usual’ was.” Erika teased. “I guess you get Pinks cravings a lot?”

Hunter shrugged.

“Mr. Allyson.” They called their order.

Erika balanced the bags of food on her lap as Hunter started up the car.

“Back to the cemetery?” Erika queried with a grin.

“Ouch. I deserved that.” Hunter chuckled. Hunter pulled out into traffic and honked the horn at the patrons of Pinks before they disappeared out of sight. A few minutes later he pulled into the parking lot of a park.

“At least it’s not a cemetery.” He smiled at Erika.

The two walked down a trail under some ficus trees and found a picnic table. Hunter divvied up the food and gave Erika a serious look. “Get ready to experience Pinks Hotdogs.”

Erika soon realized that there was definitely a difference between a hotdog and a Pinks hotdog. The two ate in virtual silence as they relished their dinner.

“What do you feel like doing now?” Hunter gathered up all of their trash.

Erika looked West and saw that the sun was heading down towards the ocean. “Is it too far to go back to the beach?” She asked. “I’d love to watch another sunset.”

“That sounds fantastic.” Hunter agreed.

Erika text her mother as they walked back to the car to let her know that she and Hunter had Pinks for dinner and were heading back to the beach to watch the sunset.

Erika welcomed the sun warmed seats as they pulled out of the park parking lot. Hunter’s hand found a comfortable resting place on her thigh. She was amazed at how comforting it was for his hand to be there. It was almost a possessive gesture and she delighted that Hunter Allyson would feel that way towards her.

Her feelings were very confusing today. She just admitted to herself that she liked Hunter showing an interest in her and yet only a week ago she would have sworn that she was absolutely not interested in guys. Why was her mind working in circles like this? Was she over thinking things? She told herself to just shut up and enjoy this day and to not overthink anything for the rest of the evening. Hunter would be leaving for a film shoot and she would be heading back to Constitution, that was all there would be to it. Today was marvelous so far, why spoil it with what ifs?

Erika lay her head back and soaked in the sun. the warm sun. If this was winter in Los Angeles, then she didn’t want to go back to cold Constitution. She couldn’t seem to get enough of the palm trees. They were everywhere. Lining streets and boulevards, scattered through parks, even in front of stores and restaurants.

“What are you thinking?” Hunter looked over at her while at a red light.

“Just how wonderful this sun feels and how cool palm trees are.”

Hunter laughed. “I grew up here.” His fingers tapped her thigh then rested there again. “I marvel at the mountains, forests and quiet.”

As they were approaching the ocean, the traffic really bogged things down. The aroma of the salty breeze was getting mixed well with the exhaust of the cars around them.

“I’ve got a plan.” Hunter grinned. He pulled into the valet of a very nice hotel and tossed the keys to a valet. He then took Erika’s hand and led her into the lobby.

“What are we doing?” She asked.

“Getting a good parking spot.” He grinned. He led her towards the check in desk then made a turn. Erika found herself in a hotel grill with a patio entrance. Hunter led her out back on to the side walk where they joined the throng of pedestrians crossing the busy street and into the soft sand.

“I’m confused.” Erika confessed.

“Simple. They park my car and it will be more secure in their garage than in a beach parking lot.” He explained. “On the way back, we’ll stop for a drink to show that we have used their restaurant and then we can get a break on our parking fees.”

“Erika grinned.

“If we had checked in, the parking would have been free, but the rooms here are a few hundred a night, so, we’ll enjoy the grill instead.”

A few steps into the sand Hunter stopped. Erika halted as well and looked up to see a golden blazing sun hovering a few inches over the horizon of the ocean. Tonight’s sunset lacked some of the amazing colors of the one she saw at the restaurant with Mr. Wilson, but it was just as awe inspiring all the same.

Erika found herself hugging Hunter’s arm as she looked out over the silver sea with golden frothy waves rolling in.

Hunter looked down and smiled at her. “The sunsets here are something you never get used to.”

He stepped forward and guided her across the cooling sand. It was still warm from the afternoon sun, but there was a coolness just under the top layer.

Many people were dragging tired kids and beach chairs back to their cars while others like she and Hunter made their way towards the water. Erika looked north along the beach and realized that they were only a mile or two south of the Santa Monika pier. The neon on the rides were starting to light up the entertainment that it provided.

The crash of the waves seemed louder than this morning as they made their way around dug pits and piles of sand that had once been someone’s work of art.

Hunter stopped again and studied the terrain around them before allowing his knees to buckle and his bottom to land on the sand. He reached for Erika and guided her as she crossed her legs and half collapsed in his lap. She adjusted slightly, making sure that the skirt of her dress wasn’t going to show things that it shouldn’t then sat quietly staring out over the vastness once again.

This morning’s tryst somehow seemed a lifetime away. She realized that it happened only that morning and only a few miles North of where they were now sitting. The memory of his lips tasting hers sent goose pimples across her skin.

“Cold?” Hunter pulled her back so that she had no choice but to lay her head against his chest and wrapped his arms around hers.

She wasn’t cold, but with this protective demeanor, his strong arms nestling her into his chest, she didn’t want to protest. The day so far had been so magical, she didn’t want to do anything to bring it breaking to a full stop. Just let it ride a bit longer.
Erika spotted clumps of other couples doing exactly what they were along the beach. So many people in love with each other experiencing a magical sunset on what seemed like the edge of the world.
Erika looked up at her … what was he exactly? A friend? Friends didn’t kiss like they had. A boyfriend? It was only going to be this one day. A lover? Well, that would be a little hard with her little secret.
Her mind decided it didn’t matter as his lips pressed against hers. Her blood heated at his taste, her back arched slightly as one of her hands freed its self from his embrace and cupped his cheek, urging him to continue.

Erika didn’t know how long they had been sitting there, their lips locked, their tongues seeking, probing, tasting, but when she finally withdrew her mouth from his, the sun was already touching the ocean.

Just one day. No cares, no worries, just one day of absolute bliss. She stared at the brilliant orange sun but couldn’t concentrate on much other than the rise and fall of Hunter’s chest and the strong heart beat in his chest.

The sky turned a brilliant, dark red as the sun disappeared. The ocean had been drained of all of its color. Just a vast grayness, the crashing waves a silver in contrast as they broke against the sand.

“I’d break this romantic silence with a demand for a selfie.” Erika murmured just loud enough for his ears, “but I think it’s a bid dark for pictures.”

“You have a flash.” His voice was a soft baritone.

“But that would be even more un-romantic.” Her lips nibbled at his bicep. “Do you have anything else to show me on this incredible day?”

“I need to come up with something.” He sighed. “I don’t want it to end.”

Erika sighed even heavier. “Me either.”

He kissed the side of her forehead just above her eye. We should be heading back, it’s really starting to get cold now.”

“I don’t want to leave your arms.” Erika admitted. She could feel her face heat at that admittance.

“Me either.” Hunter sat forward and moved his legs. His arms left hers and she felt his hands grab her around the waist and tried to lift her up. She was way heavier that what he could lift in that position, but she marveled at the strength that he exhibited in the try.
She gathered her feet under her and with his help got to her feet. She then turned and offered a hand to him.

“Right.” Hunter scoffed.

Erika offered her hand again with a demanding snap. Hunter took it and she felt him nearly pull her back down, but she leaned away and was able to help him to his feet.

Hunter looked down at her with new astonishment. “Wow. I’ll try not to underestimate you again.”

Erika brushed sand from her dress and legs, took off her useless flats and poured sand out of them as well. Switching the pair into one hand, she took Hunter’s with the other and walked back towards the vast concrete jungle ahead of them.

Once back across the street, Erika was disappointed when Hunter released her hand, but felt her blood warm and a smile spread across her face as his hand softly pressed the middle of her back and guided her into the grill for a refreshment.

Erika pulled out her phone and text her mother that they would be leaving the beach soon. “What’s next?” She asked Hunter.

“Well…” He thought for a moment. “I was thinking of maybe taking you to check out Casandra’s band. I text her and asked where she was playing tonight.”

“That sounds awesome.” Erika smiled before drinking her ice tea. Her phone alerted her of a text.

Mom: Sounds like you’re having fun. Be home by ten tonight. Mr. Winters called, Brook will be picking you up at five tomorrow morning for your shoot with Teen.

Erika: Ugh, another early morning. K. I’ll see you soon.

“Who’s that?” Hunter inquired.

“My mother. I have to be home by ten.”

Hunter frowned. “That won’t give us much time to hear Cassandra.”

“I have a five a.m. pick up tomorrow for a photo shoot with Teen Magazine.” Erika explained.

“Yuck. I hate early morning calls.” Hunter shrugged it off. “okay, we’ll have fun for a few more hours until you turn into a pumpkin.”

Erika smiled back. She never thought she, of all people, would be compared to Cinderella.

“Did you and Cassandra have a history?” She had been wondering since last night.

Hunter shook his head. “Just friends. Being celebrities or celebrity’s kid’s kind of bonds us together. It was difficult fitting in at the parties and galas when everyone else there is your parent’s age.”

“You didn’t date?” Erika pushed. “She is very attractive and seems very nice.”

“She is both.” Hunter agreed. “Nah. We run in different circles. Like I said last night, her dad has easy access to drugs and alchahol.”

“Does she do drugs?” Erika’s voice was full of concern.

“I believe she is clean now.” Hunter admitted. “She did a couple of stints in rehab. Her father, I believe, is still a user.”

“Poor thing.” Erika felt genuine sympathy for the young woman who was so nice to her last night.

“She saved me, once.” Hunter admitted. “I was still new to this whole celeb thing and drank too much at an after party. She half carried me to a private bathroom and consoled me as I spewed into the toilet for an hour.” He grimaced at the memory. “She could have left me to pass out in my own vomit and have that picture all over the tabloids, but she was awesome and wiped my brow and mouth with a cool cloth and called my mom to pick me up.”

“She did something nice for me last night in the bathroom.” Erika admitted. “I sensed that she was a good person.”

Hunter nodded. They left the grill, retrieved the car and began driving. The air blowing her pony around behind her was still relatively warm. Seriously? This was winter in L.A.? it was just so hard to grasp the concept.
“Where are we heading now?” she wondered aloud.
“It’s after dark.” Hunter stated. “There won’t be as many tourists on the walk of fame. I figured this would be the best time to go before I take you to your hotel.”

“Really?” She nearly bounced in the seat.

“At this time of evening, its mostly full of party goers. We will more likely be left alone.”

The sun may have set, but the cement sidewalk still radiated a warmth that was comforting. Hunter led her along the star-studded sidewalk stopping at different ones to take pictures and even a selfie or two. The walk was still quite busy with a crowd bouncing from one bar and night club to another.

“Do you have one?” Erika asked.

“Not yet.” Hunter shook his head, “but my great grandmother does.”

“Really? Can we see it?”

“Do you even know who she was? Have you ever seen one of her films?” Hunter asked.

Erika quietly shook her head with a pout. “No, but it would be cool to see you with her star.” She persuaded.

“We’ll see.” He didn’t make any promises.

There were so many stars with so many names. In some cases, she found a celeb had more than one star.

“There’s a big crowd ahead.” Hunter warned. “Shall we start heading back?”

Erika was a bit disappointed but
having a better understanding of his nervousness in crowds, she agreed. They crossed the street and spotted more stars of people they knew.
Erika stifled a yawn as they settled back into Hunter’s red convertible.

“It has been a long day, hasn’t it?” Hunter mentioned.

“A full, very fun day.” Erika agreed. This whole day started out with receiving flowers from well-wishers, then Hunter showed up. They purchased sunglasses. Erika was now very glad to have had them for the day. Then they saw most of Hollywood, the beach twice and ate at two L.A. icons.
Glad that the vintage car didn’t have shoulder straps, Erika leaned her head against Hunter’s shoulder as he drove back to her hotel.

The silence between them only heightened the different smells that whipped around them on the balmy breeze. The shadows of the palm trees against the dark sky looked so alien compared to the trees of Constitution.

Too soon, Hunter pulled into the hotel valet. Erika smiled at the young man who helped her out of the car and waited for just a moment for Hunter to hand over his keys.

“You don’t have to come up.” Erika told him. “I should be fine.”

Hunter coughed. “A gentleman always walks his date to her door.”

Erika smiled and hugged his arm as they walked into the lobby and waited for the elevator.

Once inside, Erika shifted to her tiptoes and feathered his lips with hers. She was rewarded with his hand cupping the back of her neck in an answering deeper kiss. Too soon, the elevator doors opened to her floor. They held hands as they walked down the hall.

Erika stopped before her door and turned to Hunter. “I had one of the absolute best times in my life today, Hunter. Thank you so much.” Parting is such sweet sorrow she thought. She didn’t want to think about never seeing Hunter again, but she would have the memory of this day forever bookmarked in her memory.

“I really enjoyed myself too.” Hunter smiled. “He took her in his arms again and kissed her firmly.

Again, her toes curled and her back arched. She wondered what this guy had that no one else could match. Finally parting, Erika struggled to catch her breath.

“I should be going.” Hunter’s hand lingered in hers. “You have a big day tomorrow too. Get some sleep.” Hunter released her hand and turned for the elevator.

Immediately Erika’s palm itched to be touched by his again. Her lips, she knew were quite swollen from that kiss. She took a deep breath and slid her key into the door.

“Well hello there, Cinderella.” Her mother greeted. “It looked like you had a fantastic day. Want to talk about it?” It was the second time someone referenced Cinderella to her that day.

“Not much to talk about, other than it was wonderful.” Erika grinned sheepishly. She yawned and stretched. “I’m beat.”

“Set your alarm tor four-thirty. Brook will be here by five.”

“Yes, mother.” Erika padded into her room and closed the door. The one thing about the beach was that sand got everywhere. She decided to take a shower, and shave before going to bed. She didn’t want to get sand in her sheets, that would be kinda gross.
Erika checked the time on her phone. Hunter had dropped her off a bit early. She would have liked some more time with him, but then again, she had nearly all day.

Before showering, Erika decided that she had better remove and reapply her breast forms. She took out her solvent and got to work.

The shower felt amazing, she hadn’t realized just how much sand, salt and sunscreen had coated her skin. She was astonished at the amount of sand in the bottom of the shower. The water hitting her chest, devoid of breast forms was also very strange. She went over her day in detail as she washed her hair and body. Over the feeling of Hunter’s lips against hers, of his hand at the small of her back and of his fingers touching her thigh as he drove.
She stood still as she realized that only a couple of times during that whole date did she not feel like a girl.
“Hunter treated me as a girl.” She whispered to herself. “Of course, he did, dummy, he had no reason to think that you weren’t a girl. Until last night, he didn’t even know who I was. I didn’t have that constant nagging in the back of my mind screaming, I’m a fraud.” She smiled at the realization. “Jake, although he doesn’t know it, knew me before last summer. That with his going to school with me keeps me on guard. I can’t relax and just be myself with him. Tricia? Well, Tricia knew me as I was finding, discovering myself. She sees me as something else, not quite girl, but not quite guy. I feel like I’m playing both roles with her sometimes.”

Erika rinsed the conditioner out of her hair and extensions. She made sure that she removed hair from every inch of her body. It took a long time, but her soft skin, felt amazing and she knew that makeup would go on much better tomorrow with a hairless body.
After patting dry, she washed her forms and dried them as well as she could. She yawned again and decided that she would just have to put them back on in the morning.

Once in her nightgown, Erika slipped between the sheets and smiled to herself as she went over her date with Hunter yet again.

Authors note: currently I'm on a business trip. Sorry it is late I hope that posting 2 episodes will make it up to you.

Erika groaned as she turned off her alarm. She wanted nothing more than to curl up in the sheets and go back to sleep. But she had to go to work. If it wasn’t for the fact that Brook would be there soon to pick her up and that she had decided to wait until morning to re-apply her forms, she probably would have.

A very quick shower to help her wake up and to rinse sleep sweat from her body was followed by the very tedious application of her breast forms. Her own breasts were a bit swollen to the touch which she had heard was the precursor for her to start growing her own. She could hardly wait to have her own and not have to glue them on.

She pulled on a tank top and slid into some shorts before sliding into her flip-flops. She set her sunglasses on her head grabbed her phone and purse and slid out of her door.

Checking the time on her phone she discovered that she was running early. She slipped out of the hotel room and sleepily made her way to the lobby.

She pulled up the pictures of her and Hunter from the previous day and smiled as she swiped through them. She began posting them of Facebook with the caption ‘hanging out with a new friend’. She wondered if he would consider them more than friends. She was starting too. It wasn’t like she went around kissing every new guy she met. But then again, she was leaving Hollywood and he was leaving for a film shoot. She was confused at the emotions swirling through her mind.

“Morning!” Brook called as she pulled into the valet. “You’re out and ready, Huh?”

Erika nodded and slid her sunglasses down to shade her eyes.

“Coffee?” Brook asked once Erika had climbed into her car.

“Yes.”

“Nice sunglasses, are they new?” Brook was too cheerful.

“Yes. Hunter bought them for me.” Erika stifled a yawn.

“Hunter?” Brook asked. “Hunter Allyson?”

Erika nodded. “We hung out yesterday. He bought these for me.”

“Wow. He must really like you.” Brook shook her head in disbelief.

“Why?” Erika was having a hard time thinking straight.

“Those cost close to a thousand dollars.” Brook explained.

“What!” Erika nearly choked on her own swallow. “Seriously?” she was waking up now. “I knew they were expensive, but I didn’t think they’d be more than one or two hundred.” Erika took them off of her face and looked at them more closely. “Really? That much?”

Brook pulled over to the side of the road. At this hour it wasn’t too busy. She looked more closely at the sunglasses and whistled. “They are this seasons model. She turned the pair over and gasped.

“What?” Erika asked. “What is it?”

“This maker numbers their frames.” Brook explained. “Only a certain number of each design are made.” She looked at Erika. “This maker is known to only make about one hundred models of each design. Each model is scribed with a number. This number here is 003/100. Meaning your have the third pair made of one hundred. Don’t lose these.”

Erika turned the pair of sunglasses over in her hand studying them, noticing the number for the first time. “holy shit.” She murmured. Her heart warmed at the thought of Hunter purchasing these for her.

“Did anyone talk to you about today’s photo shoot?” Brook pulled back out onto the street.

Erika shook her head. “No. what’s going on?”

“Teen magazine like most magazines have a cover model.” Brook explained. “Sometimes it is a celeb, sometimes a musician. Sometimes it is an up and coming model.”

Erika was quiet. She had placed the sunglasses back on her face but with a new-found respect.

“The next up and coming model is you, Erika.” Brook stated.

“Me?” I’ve only ever done a couple of small time local shoots. Nothing to be an up and coming anything. How can I be the cover model?”

“You have Mr. Winters as your agent.” It was stated as if that was all the explanation she needed.

Thankfully Brook pulled into a coffee stand before heading on to the photo shoot.

“Who’s doing the shoot?” Erika wondered. It didn’t really matter, she didn’t know photographers.

“Well…” Brook began. “I hope you won’t be too upset, but it’ll be Clyde.” She sucked her teeth awaiting an outburst.
Erika shrunk in on herself. Her last encounter with Clyde was very uncomfortable. He did get good results, but he spoke about her as if she wasn’t there, or an inanimate object. “Great.” Erika’s heart wasn’t in it now.

“I’ll be with you, then at break, we’ll pick up your mom and go out for lunch.” Brook spun.

“Will Maria at least be there?” Erika nearly whined.

“I’m not sure.” Brook admitted. “Sometimes the magazine supplies their own hair and makeup to get the look they want.”

Erika followed Brook off the elevator and into Clyde’s lobby.

“Brook!” the flamboyant man called approaching. “Twice in one week.” He looked over to Erika. “Erika Summers!” he greeted as warmly as he did Brook. He kissed each of Brook’s cheeks and approached Erika with hands wide. “It’s fantastic to see you again in such a short time, Erika.”

“Hello, Clyde.” Erika greeted. She made a face as the photographer air kissed both of her cheeks as well. At least he knew her name this time.

“Come, come.” He gestured as he led them towards his studio. “We have lots of work to do today.” He turned to Erika “And I would love to see what the camera has to say about you today.” He smiled. His eyes scanned her from head to toe. “There is something different about you today.” He observed. “You have been out in the sun yesterday, but that isn’t it.” He mused as he opened the door to his studio. “Maria! He called out as they entered. “Erika Summers is here!”

Erika felt relieved that Maria was there. She and Brook were the only two she felt comfortable with last time.

Two other people were speaking with Maria. They greeted Brook as if they knew her. Brook introduced the two to Erika as the Teen Magazine editors.

“Hello again, Erika.” Maria greeted. “Its’ good to see you again.”

“You too.” Erika meant it.

“Come, come, Ms. Summers.” Clyde called from by his cameras.

Erika excused herself and stepped into Clyde’s spotlight. She didn’t know how to feel about his assistant whirling around checking lights, double checking cameras and the like. She didn’t think he had said more than two words to her the other day.

Clyde looked through the lens of his camera and started taking pictures. “Yes, yes, there is definitely something different about you today.”

Erika blushed. She didn’t feel any different. She had worn sunscreen, so she wasn’t sunburned.

“Did you find a new lover?” Clyde asked. “You are glowing as if you’d just had amazing sex.”

Erika was sure she looked like a deer in headlights, and she knew she was as red as a beet. The conversation taking place with Brook, Maria, and the other two halted as all eyes focused on her.

“I… I haven’t had sex.” Erika stammered and blurted out. What else was she supposed to say?

“I didn’t mean to offend you.” Clyde remarked. “This is Hollywood, everyone has sex.”

“Well, I haven’t.” Erika insisted.

Clyde threw up his arms. “Okay. But you have been with a new guy.”

“I don’t think that is any of your business.” Erika growled.

“Sorry, Erika. I’m just saying what the camera is telling me. What ever it is, you are radiant today.”

“I’m done.” Erika stated as she stormed away from the lights. “Your camera has said enough.” She stalked over to Maria’s makeup area and collapsed in her chair.

“What right does he have talking to me like that?” Erika asked as Brook approached.

“He didn’t mean anything by it, Erika.” Brook excused. “You do look a bit different today. I noticed it in the car this morning.”

“It’s none of his business.” Erika stormed on.

“What happened between you and Hunter yesterday?” She inquired.

“Hunter?” Maria joined them. “Hunter Allyson?”

Brook nodded as Erika glared at everyone. “It’s none of any of your business.” She growled.

Brook gave Maria a certain look.

“I’m going to get some coffee.” Maria stated. “anyone want some?” She walked off.

“Calm down, Erika. No one means anything by this.” She lowered her voice. “I understand that you didn’t have sex with Hunter. But he has had an effect on you, because Clyde is right, you are radiating as someone after having sex or in love.”

Love? Erika liked Hunter, yes. She was attracted to him too, which was weird for her, but in love? They only had one date together, well, two if you count the gala, but could that count as a date? She loved Tricia. Tricia, who understood her, excepted her, defended her. So why then did Hunter make her feel this way?

Erika took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for my outburst.” She apologized.

“It’s alright, just get yourself under control, it’s going to be a long day as it is, it’ll only feel longer if you’re pissed the whole time.”

Erika nodded understanding. Brook touched her arm in understanding and went off to retrieve Maria.

“Did you apply your breast forms this morning.” Maria asked casually.

Erika’s heart nearly stopped. It then started pounding loud and hard. “Um. You know?” She asked.

“I’m a makeup artist.” Maria stated. I can tell real skin from fake. You do a great job, and I wouldn’t say anything, except you have a seam lifting.” Maria explained touching the problem area with a makeup brush. “No big deal, many models have many tricks that don’t rely on photoshop. You’re still young, I’m sure your breasts will fill in soon.”

Erika didn’t know what to say. “Does anyone else know?” She managed.

“I don’t believe so.” Maria smiled trying to instill confidence. “Although I think Brook my suspect.”

That’s not all she suspects. Erika thought. “Can you fix it?” she asked.

“Of course. No one will ever know. Our little secret.”

“Thank you, Maria.” Erika tried to calm herself.

Maria was finishing up her work on her when the two magazine editors approached.

“I want to apologize for my earlier outburst.” Erika began. “I’m not a morning person and Clyde touched on a sensitive subject.”

They smiled and nodded and then proceeded to ask her all kinds of questions. What band was her latest favorite, what qualities she liked in guys, who her favorite designers were and what her ideal first date would be like. The twenty questions turned into twenty minutes of questions. Some were very personal, others very mundane. It continued until Maria took off the makeup bib and declared her ready for wardrobe and Clyde.
The rest of the morning was spent either in front of Clyde and his camera or behind the changing screen as she slipped in and out of clothes. Ball gowns, casual dresses, jeans with tanks, blouses, skirts, heels and tennis shoes.

Clyde, still directed her and goaded her but he left the morning’s subject alone. Erika wondered if Brook had a talk with him.

“Okay.” Brook called “break time.”

Erika looked over at her gratefully and spotted her mother standing beside her. “Mom?”

“You look amazing.” Her mother smiled. “Brook says that you are a natural in front of the camera.”

Erika beamed at the praise.

“Let’s get some lunch.” Brook decided. “go change quickly.”

Erika was changed and ready to go before the two had walked to the elevator. “Where are we going today?” She asked.

“What did you feel like having?” Brook inquired as the three of them entered the elevator.

“Mexican.” Erika decided. They were in California after all. Where better than to get Mexican food.

Brook was silent as the elevator dropped them down to the lobby. “I’ve got the perfect place.” She announced. “It’s probably not what you’d expect, but it is very good Mexican food.”

“Fantastic.” Her mother smiled.

“Oh,” Brook got their attention as they got into her car. “I hope you grabbed all of your things. “We won’t be coming back here after lunch.”

“I’ve got everything.” Erika nodded. “Where are we going?”

“We’ll be going to a park and around down town for some location shoots.”

“Oh, okay.” Erika was a little anxious. “I’ve never done location shoots.”

“Just like this morning, only out and about.” Brook pulled out into traffic.

A few minutes later Brook parked on the side of the street in front of a food truck.

“El Ostion?” Erika seemed puzzled. “A food truck?”

“Probably the best Mexican food anywhere.” Brook nodded. “You’ll see.”

A few picnic tables were set up, most were taken with people and a line of ten people were queued up in front of the order window. Erika pulled out her phone and checked messages. There were quite a few. Mostly her friends checking in with her.

Samantha: Seriously? You spent the day with Hunter Allyson? You bitch!
Erika replied: I knew you’d hate me for this. He is a very nice guy.

Tricia: Looks like you’re busy. When are you coming home? I miss you.
Erika: Doing a photoshoot today. Looks like I’ll be flying home tomorrow. Missing you too.
She then checked her Facebook and saw a lot of similar comments about her spending a day with Hunter. She replied to a few but left the rest alone. She’d be seeing everyone in a day or two.

The line moved pretty fast and soon enough the three women were sitting in the sun at one of the tables and tucking into some absolutely amazing Mexican food.
“It’s hard to believe that food this good comes from a food truck.” Her mother marveled.
“Some of the best food in L.A. are from the food trucks.” Brook assured her. “One of these visits, you’ll have to go to one of the food truck rallies.”
“What are those?” Erika inquired sucking some sour cream off one of her fingers.
“Usually on a Friday evening, a bunch of the food trucks gather at a certain place. It’s like a being at a food fare.”
The three finished up, cleared their table and got back into the car.
“Mom,” Erika put her seat belt on. “You need to figure out how to cook Mexican food like that. That was amazing.”
“Now, back to work.” Brook announced as she pulled out into traffic.

It wasn’t long before Erika was changing into a floral-patterned summer dress with lace accents. Maria went to work touching up her makeup and she found herself in an alley that had seen better days.
Clyde positioned her near a stucco wall that was covered with graffiti and had chunks of the stucco missing.
Working on location was definitely different than working in the studio. The sounds for one thing. Sirens, loud cars, people yelling, they all created a background for Clyde’s instructions. Sometimes Clyde was forced to yell over the top of the noise, other times, he would frown and wait for the loud noise to stop before giving her instruction.
Then there were all the people. Many passersby would stop, some would back up and all would watch. Some would even take pictures of their own.
After a few changes Clyde told the crew to head to the next location.
“Where are we going next?” Erika asked Brook.
“I hope you aren’t afraid of heights.”
Erika shook her head.
“He’s managed to get us on to a rooftop.”
Erika looked up at the surrounding buildings then back at Brook who nodded with a smile.
Erika shrugged. “Okay.”
They walked a few blocks then entered an older building. They took a very slow elevator up to the top floor and then some stairs to the roof. Erika was surprised to see that part of the roof had been made into a garden. Large pots and planters filled with vegetables, and flowers surrounded a small table and chairs. Looking around at the view from the rooftop, she could imagine someone bringing a bottle of wine or some tea up here and soaking in the sun, and the city view with a sunset.

Brook along with her mother, took seats at the small table while Erika was positioned at a different part of the roof while Clyde and his assistant began setting up.

“We are going to change up your hair.” Maria told her as she approached. She pulled a long extension cord along behind her.

“Oh?” Erika asked. “What’s wrong with it?”

“Nothing is wrong. But the Teen Magazine people would like a few pictures with your hair straight.”

“Uh, okay.”

Maria began sectioning off Erika’s hair and extensions and pulling the hot flat iron through her hair.

Erika closed her eyes and soaked in the warmth of the sun. The people who lived here sure were lucky that this was how they experienced winter. She nearly shivered thinking about returning home to wearing multiple layers, heavy coats, gloves, scarfs and looking for any heat source to keep warm. Shorts, flip-flops, sundresses year-round? Perhaps she should convince her parents to move here.

When Maria was finished, Erika looked down at her straight tresses. They looked to be about four inches longer straight. It felt strange and very cool at the same time. Erika ran her fingers through the straight hair. Something she couldn’t do with it curly. She nearly giggled as she felt it brushing across her hips.
Just a few inches longer and it would be as long as Melinda’s. The thought of the head Cheerleader sent her thoughts scurrying back to the mess she caused back home. She hoped that Taylor would have time to cool down while she was here in Hollywood.

Maria pulled out a small pair of shears. “I need to trim up your fringe as well. They’re a little long.”

“Fine.” Erika relented. She closed her eyes and felt Maria comb and snip at her fringe.

Several more changes of outfits and more of Clyde’s gruff instruction took up a couple more hours. Finally, Clyde called an end to the shoot.

“Brook?” Erika approached.”

“You looked fantastic.” Her mother encouraged.

“Thank you.” Erika smiled. She looked back to Brook. “Is there anyway I can keep an outfit or two? I really liked that embroidered romper and loved that sequins serape looking dress.”
Brook rose in that graceful way that she had. Erika decided that she needed to practice that move so that she could look that elegant. “I’ll have a talk with wardrobe and Mr.
Winters.” She pulled out her phone and walked away.

“You look beautiful.” Her mother reaffirmed handing Erika her phone. “You got a text from Hunter.”
Erika forgot everything else as she opened and read Hunter’s text.

Hunter: Will you and your mother join me for dinner tonight?

“Mom.” She glanced to her mother. “Hunter wants to take us to dinner tonight. Can we?”
Her mother skewered her face in thought for a second. “Sure.” She smiled.
Erika typed furiously on her phone. We’d love too. What time?
Erika ducked behind the makeshift curtain and changed back into her own clothes before they took the curtain away.
“It was a pleasure working with you, Erika.” Maria gave her a hug. “I hope we can do so again sometime.”
“That would be great. Thank you for everything Maria. And thank you for not saying anything about my forms.”
Maria smiled. “Like I said, many models and actresses do many things to help with their appearance.”

Erika followed her mother down the stairs and into the elevator. When they exited the building, her phone alerted a text.

Hunter: I’ll pick you up around six?
Erika looked at the clock. That should give them plenty of time to get back to the hotel and freshen up.
Erika: Fantastic. Can’t wait.

Brook met them with two items of clothing folded over her arm and a smile. “They are yours.”

Erika’s heart raced. “Thank you.” She hugged Brook.

“You need to thank wardrobe.” She returned Erika’s squeeze and handed her the clothes. “What are your plans for tonight?” She asked.

“Hunter is taking us out to dinner.” Erika beamed.

Brook gave Erika a smile.

--o0o—

Erika hung the two new outfits with her others and collapsed on the bed. Who knew that posing for pictures and changing clothes could be so tiring.

“Do you know where Hunter is taking us?” Her mother called. “I need to know how fancy to dress.”

She pulled out her phone and text Hunter. What is the dress code for tonight?

A few minutes later her phone sounded.

Hunter: Nice place, dress up.

Erika relayed the information and looked at her hanging dresses trying to decide what to wear. Her eyes were heavy and before she knew it, she was asleep.

“Erika, wake up.” Her mother’s voice was heard.

Erika stretched and looked up to her mother’s face. “You need to get dressed. “Hunter will be here soon.”
That was like being splashed in the face with cold water. Erika nearly jumped from the bed and ran to the bathroom. After using the toilet, she peered at herself in the mirror. Her hair was still presentable from Maria’s work straightening it. Her fringe brushed the base of her brows, but the makeup was too heavy. She scrubbed her face and went to work applying something more appropriate for the evening’s date. Was it a date? Or just Hunter being considerate and taking them both to dinner?
She needed to look stunning, but not like she was expecting too much. She didn’t want to look slutty either.
As she was zipping herself into her newly acquired sequins serape designed dress, she heard a knock at the front door and her mother greet Hunter. She studied herself in the mirror again going down a mental check list. Makeup, hair, earrings, breast form seams. They all looked good. She smiled as she slipped into her new favorite sparkly shoes and took a few steps to adjust to the change in balance and height before grabbing her fully charged phone and stepping out to meet Hunter.

Her heart sped up as she spied him wearing a gray suit looking quite fit, the suit was obviously tailored for his fantastic physique.

“Wow, don’t you look fantastic.” He greeted, his eyes lit and sparkled. He stepped forward and gave her a peck on the cheek. It was a romantic gesture that was quite acceptable in front of her mother, but she felt her blood warm and her head tingle at that tiny intimate contact.

“It is very nice of you to invite us to dinner.” Her mother was saying.

“Yes, it was.” Erika echoed.

“It is the least that I could do for your last night in Hollywood.” He escorted them to the door.

Erika was curious if he would have the top down on the Mustang for the evening. When they arrived at the valet, she was surprised when a valet held open the door to a silver Aston Martin.
“Please, Mrs. Martin.” Hunter beckoned her to take the front seat.
“This is a beautiful car.” She commented before sitting.
“Thank you.” He held the door for Erika. “As nice as the weather is here, not every day is good for a convertible Mustang.”
The cream-colored leather seats were luxurious and soft. Erika stroked them with her fingers as she admired the clean, beautiful interior.
Hunter fastened his seatbelt and checked to make sure the others had as well before pulling out of the Hotel and onto the street. “I’m afraid it is a bit of a ride to get to the restaurant.” He told them.
“I’m in no rush.” Her mother stated.
Erika scanned the sides of the freeway and roads as they went along, trying to memorize the palm trees, stucco buildings and the occasional citrus tree. Lucky people of this area were able to grow their own oranges and lemons in their back yards. She wondered if they knew just how lucky they were.
She recognized landmarks and buildings as they drove. They passed the Santa Monica pier and drove North past the beach where she and Hunter had spent the previous day. Her chest warmed again at the memories of their visit there. She watched the sun low on the horizon as they drove along the P.C.H.

Erika’s curiosity was piqued when she read a sign saying welcome to Malibu. They drove a little farther up the coast and Hunter pulled off the highway and down a small private road with no signs. He pulled up to a valet at the front of a large contemporary restaurant and opened the door for Erika as a valet did the same for her mother.

Large windowed door set in cedar frames opened up to a terracotta tiled floor. The other side of the room opened up out onto a similarly tiled, large balcony overlooking the ocean.
Several people in fine clothing stood around the lobby, some holding drinks.

“Mr. Allyson.” A host greeted. “It’s good to see you again. Your table is ready for you.”

“Thank you.” Hunter smiled.

Erika heard people suddenly abuzz at seeing a celeb of Hunter’s caliber. Some pulled out phones to snap pictures while a few others whispered and pointed. Erika didn’t know if she should feel special or annoyed. She knew that Hunter was annoyed, but he kept his smile.

The host led them past cloth covered tables out onto the balcony and up next to the railing. Erika looked over the railing. Sixty feet below them the cliff ended at a thin strip of buff colored sand. White frothy waves lined the teal and aqua colored water.

“This is beautiful.” Her mother commented as the host held her seat for her.

Erika was almost embarrassed when she realized that Hunter was holding a seat for her. She quickly walked over, her heels clicking on the tiles. She sat on the sun warmed seat and allowed Hunter to scoot her forward towards the table before taking his own seat.

She and her mother smiled at each other then took in the stunning view. The salty breeze wafted around them bringing in fresh cool air contrasting with the warmth emanating from the balcony.

“Mr. Allyson, the Chef sends his compliments.” A server brought forth a silver bucket of ice in which a bottle of champagne was nestled.
“Thank you.” Hunter smiled. “tell the chef that I am grateful and am excited to taste his culinary treats tonight.”
He whipped out three glasses and placed them in front of each of them, popped the champagne and poured.
Hunter tasted his and smiled to the server. “Fantastic, thank you.”
Erika leaned towards her mother. “He didn’t card me.”
Hunter chuckled. “You’re with me, and the Chef loves that I come here. No one will card you here as long as you are with me.”

Erika quickly overcame her surprise when she felt Hunter’s hand touch her knee and lightly slide up the inside of her thigh stopping at the hem of her short dress. Goose pimples erupted along her arms as her chest warmed at the intimate touch.

“My mom used to bring me here when I was younger.” Hunter scanned the balcony. “She loved the view and Chef always treated us right.”

“Did she stop bringing you here?” Erika inquired.

Hunter smiled. “Now I bring her here.”

Erika’s mother pulled out her phone. “Okay you two. I need to get a picture.”

“Mom?”

“That sounds fantastic.” Hunter cut her off. “But you’ll have to send me a copy.”

“Consider it done.” Her mother smiled. Hunter moved closer to Erika. His head touching hers. “Take off your sunglasses so that we can see who you are.” She directed. Hunter and Erika removed their shades and smiled for the picture.

“Thank you.” Her mother put her phone away. “Something to show the girls back home.”

The Server returned with menus. “Mr. Allyson, Chef says that the swordfish isn’t as fresh as he’d like and would recommend that you have the Halibut.”

“Thank you, the Halibut fits my mood tonight.” Hunter told him.

The server nodded. “I’ll return after you two ladies have had a chance to decide upon something.”

Erika scanned the menu. Like the other night, prices were not listed. Everything sounded amazing. Finally, she set down her menu and looked to Hunter. “I can’t decide.”

“Well, it is all good.” Hunter nodded.

“Mr. Allyson.” A man in a white chef’s coat and apron approached. “It is so good to see you.”

Hunter rose and the two hugged.

“Chef, this is a special friend of mine, Erika Summers and her mother Mrs. Martin.” He introduced.
The Chef gave them a small bow with a large smile. “Welcome to you both.” He glanced back at Hunter. “Hunter has been one of my best customers.” He looked back at Hunter. “Did Jose tell you about the swordfish?”

Hunter nodded. “I feel more like Halibut tonight anyway.”

“Chef?” Erika’s voice was uncertain.

“Yes, Ms. Summers.”

“Everything looks so wonderful, I don’t know what to order.” She felt strange admitting that.

“In that case, Ms. Summers, I will take care of you. Are you allergic to or have sensitivities to anything?”
Erika gave her head a small shake. “No.” She looked to her mother. Who shrugged.

Chef looked from Erika to her mother. “And you, Mrs. Martin?”

“The scallops sound good.”

“They are very good.” Chef beamed. “Fresh in this morning. Very good. I’ll have everything out in no time.”

“No rush, Chef.” Hunter sat back down. “We are enjoying your balcony.”

The chef hurried back in, stopping and greeting a few patrons as he did.

“I’ve never had a chef pick my dinner for me before.” Erika was nearly gushing.

“Of course, you have.” Her mother corrected.

Erika looked blankly at her mother trying to remember such a time.

“Every night I make dinner.” Her mother smiled causing Hunter to chuckle.

Erika laughed as well. And was rewarded with Hunter’s hand again resting on her thigh. He gave it a tender squeeze as he took another sip of his champagne.

“Erika told me that she was a tomboy until recently.” Hunter inquired of her mother.

Erika’s body stiffened. Hunter must have felt it because he removed his hand and looked from her mother to her and back.

“You could definitely call her that.” Her mother’s smile was a touch tight. “She was very into comic books and skateboarding.”

Hunter looked to Erika with surprise. “Skateboarding? You didn’t mention skateboarding.”

“A lot has happened in the last year.” Erika excused.

“She went to summer camp in jeans and t-shirts from Hot Topic and came back in dresses and heels, wearing makeup.” Her mother elaborated.

Erika’s heart nearly stopped. Just how far was her mother going to take this? She hadn’t told Hunter the truth about her and here her mother was, dancing all around the touchy subject. She tried to give her mother a warning glare but couldn’t with Hunter watching the two of them so closely.

“I find that hard to believe.” Hunter stated. He looked Erika up and down trying to imagine her in masculine clothing.

Thankfully the server approached interrupting the flow of the conversation. “Compliments of the Chef.” He placed a large plate in the center of the table. It was arranged with many bite sized morsels and decorated like no other plate of food she had ever seen. “Everything on the plate is edible.”

“Even the flowers?” Erika asked feeling stupid once she had.

“Everything.” The server assured.

“It looks beautiful.” Her mother told him.

“Tell Chef, thank you.” Hunter stated and picked up a morsel and placed it in his mouth.

Erika watched as his eyes lit up as he savored the taste. She and her mother quickly followed suit.
It was so hard trying to be a lady sometimes. As a boy she would have gobbled up as much from that plate as she could and then licked it clean. But now, being a young woman, she had to take small bites and try not to look too much the pig that she wanted to be.
The champagne was beginning to make her a little light headed. She noticed that she was giggling more at Hunter’s stories and jokes than she normally would have.
Hunter stopped his story as the server approached with a tray. Chef was right behind him.
Chef took a plate and placed it in front of her mother. “Scallops.”

Her mother oohed over the beautifully browned scallops.

He placed Hunter’s plate in front of him. “Halibut.”

“Wow.” Erika commented on seeing Hunter’s plate.

“And for the special lady.” Chef placed a large shallow bowl in front of Erika. “Risotto of the sea.”

Erika gasped at the beautiful presentation of food in front of her.

“You never make me anything special like that.” Hunter complained.

“You never ask.” Chef smirked. “You always ask for the swordfish.”

“It looks amazing, Chef.” Erika could hardly take her eyes from her plate.

“Enjoy.” Chef and server both left.

“I have got to try some of that.” Her mother told her.

Erika looked closer at her bowl of risotto nearly over flowing with prawns, scallops, muscles halibut and even lobster. A light shaving of parmesan was more of a garnishment than a seasoning.

“That’s not even on the menu.” Hunter was still near to complaining. “You definitely made an impression on Chef.”

Erika giggled in delight and took her first bite.

“How is it?” her mother asked.

She realized that both Hunter and her mother were watching her as she savored the glorious flavor.

“Heavenly.” She managed. She pushed the bowl closer to Hunter to take a spoonful and then her mother. She decided that she wouldn’t be sharing anymore as she brought the bowl back to her.

She watched the other two as their faces lit up upon tasting her dish.

“I’ll have to have a long talk with Chef about that.” Hunter finally broke the silence. “Man, that is good.”

“I have to admit, I don’t follow the tabloids on you.” Her mother stated. “Are you dating anyone?”

“Other than your daughter? No.” Hunter stated. “I was dating Amanda Ferndale for a while, but we had a bad break up last year.” He shrugged. “It happens.”

He said that he was dating her? Erika? Her mind reeled at that simple statement. They had only spent the day together yesterday and were having dinner tonight? Was that considered dating? Part of her rejoiced in the thought, the other part felt doom on what would happen back home. Besides, as they both figured out, he was leaving for Sao Palo in a few days and she was leaving tomorrow. How could they possibly be dating?

“Wasn’t she a co-star in one of your Rom-coms?” her mother asked.

Hunter nodded. “Many actors start dating their co-stars. You spend so much time in intimate situations for months at a time, it is bound to happen.”

The sun had dipped below the horizon changing the golden sky to a magenta and scarlet wash.

Erika needed to change the subject. As much as she loved Amanda Ferndale, she was starting to feel a little envious of her past with Hunter.

“What hobbies do you have, Hunter?” she asked after swallowing another divine bite.

“I used to do a little skateboarding.” Hunter shot her a toothy grin. “Lately, I try surfing. When I’m not filming, that is. I’ve been doing a bit of charity work, which is one of the reasons I was at Tommy’s gala the other night. Lately, though a lot of my time has been spent working out getting ready for this action film I’m about to shoot.

Erika had noticed that he seemed a bit more muscular than she had seen him in past films. That explained it.

“Sao Palo sounds amazing.” Her mother stated. “I have a friend who went a few years ago. She said it was one of the best trips she’d taken.

“I am excited.” Hunter nodded.

“What about school?” She asked.

Erika felt her face flush.

“What about it?” Hunter asked.

“When do you have time to study?” her mother continued.

Hunter smiled. It wasn’t a tight smile Erika had seen before, but almost a sneaky smile. “While I was on the film sets growing up, I had tutors.” He explained. “I took my G.E.D when I was sixteen.” He paused and went on. “I have been doing a lot of online classes and when I have long breaks between jobs, I take an occasional class. I’m on schedule to get my Associates degree this summer.”

“Wow. That is very impressive.” Her mother looked satisfied.

Erika was kind of in awe. He had accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. She put her hand on his thigh and gave it a squeeze. She felt like she was being a bit bold, but she felt it was the right thing to do.

The heat from the patio radiated its warmth, but the ocean breeze seemed a bit chillier with the sun gone for the day. A busboy was making his rounds lighting the patio heaters that dotted the balcony between tables.

The server came and cleared their plates. Hunter poured the last of the champagne and looked from mother and daughter. “It’s amazing how alike you two look.” He commented.

“That is very kind.” Erika’s mother smiled.

“Chef has made you a dessert.” The server stepped forward and placed Crème’ Brule’ in front of each of them.

“One of my favorites.” Her mother gasped with surprise.

“If you ladies will excuse me.” Hunter gave Erika’s thigh a gentle squeeze. He stood up and walked in the direction of the bathrooms.

“Did you have to say that stuff about me?” Erika hissed at her mother.

“What stuff?”

“About me going to summer camp as a boy.”

“I didn’t. I simply said that you went wearing boy like clothes.” Her mother defended. “How else would you describe a tomboy?”

She did have a point. She let out a breath instead of what she was going to say. “It just hits a little close to home and I like him. I mean, like like him.”

“He likes you too.” Her mother pointed out. “Or else we wouldn’t be eating someplace like this.” She made a small gesture to their surroundings. “I’m just worried about what happens when he finds out.”

Erika’s heart felt like someone had stabbed her. The joy she had been feeling drained from her body. “Me too.”

“Well, some distance between you two and some time may fix that for you.” Her mother stated.

Erika nodded. “I know.

“What I’m trying to understand.” Her mother lowered her voice. “Is I thought you liked Tricia.”

“I do.” Erika affirmed. “But I like Hunter too. He makes me feel so… special.” She managed to find the right word.

Her mother nodded. “He has been doting on you.

“It’s like you said. We are both leaving and won’t be able to see each other for a bit. I’m sure this’ll just be a weekend that I won’t soon forget.”

Her mother nodded.

“How is the Brule’?” Hunter returned.

“Fabulous.” Her mother said around a mouthful. “Your Chef sure knows his craft.”

Hunter agreed then tapped on the top before tucking in.

“How was everything?” Chef asked approaching the table.

“Unforgettable.” Her mother stated with a huge smile. “I don’t think I’ll forget this meal anytime soon.”

“It was fantastic, Chef.” Hunter shook his hand. “It’s one of the reasons I keep coming back.”

“And you Ms. Summers?” Chef inquired.

“You really outdid yourself, Chef.” Erika squeezed his hand. “Like my mother said, Unforgettable.”

“I am so pleased.” Chef beamed back. “I hope to see you again sometime soon.” With that, he walked to another table to speak with another patron.

“Shall we go?” Hunter asked.

“What about the check?” her mother asked.

“Already taken care of.” Hunter smiled getting up.

“That was very nice of you, Hunter.” Her mother commented. “Thank you for such an unforgettable meal.”
“It was my pleasure.” Hunter helped Erika to her feet.

It took a second to remember that her center of gravity was different in her pretty sparkly heels. Her mother led the way followed by her with Hunter behind, his hand pressing gently on the small of her back.

The pretty silver Aston Martin was waiting for them when they exited the restaurant. Once again Hunter assisted her mother into the car and then her before sliding behind the driver’s seat.

“Where shall we go next?” Hunter asked.

“Why don’t you drop me off at the hotel. It's our last night here. You two go have some fun.” Her mother opined.

Her mother trusted her and Hunter out at night? Alone? Together? Well, they did spend most of the day together alone. She must trust Hunter.

“Are you sure?” Hunter probed.

“Yes. I have to pack and would like to rest a bit.” She stifled a yawn. “I’ve been enjoying my alone time as well.”

The ride back to the hotel seemed to take forever as Erika’s mind raced about what they would do or where they would go. She did enjoy the vast city lights. Something she didn’t see too much of in Constitution.

“You two have fun and be back by midnight.” She directed that last part directly at Erika.

The valet’s opened the doors for them. Erika gave her mother a big hug.

“Is your phone charged?” She asked Erika.

“Yes.”

Her mom took Erika’s hand and slipped some money into it. “Just in case of emergency or you need a cab back to the hotel.”

“Yes, mom.” She gave her another squeeze and began to take her place in the front seat of Hunter’s car.

“I want updates.” Her mother called over her shoulder.

The door was closed behind Erika.

“Finally, we are alone.” She told Hunter.

“Your mom isn’t that bad.” Hunter smiled at her. He placed his hand on her thigh as he pulled out of the hotel parking.

You haven’t been living with her for the past few months. Erika kept the thought to herself. Aloud, “Where are we going?”

“I thought we could go see Cass.” He tossed her a big grin.

--o0o--

Hunter parked his car and assisted Erika in getting out. The night was balmy. It was a winter evening and she felt perfectly comfortable in the short dress without a jacket or coat. They walked down the sidewalk and came to a line of people waiting to get into a nightclub. Hunter walked past them, holding her hand and went to the front of the line.

“Good evening, Charles.” Hunter greeted a bouncer that looked like a professional wrestler.

The large mountain of a man glared at Hunter for a moment and then his face cracked into a huge smile. “Hunter!” he roared. He gave Erika a once over. She felt like she was a piece of meat being inspected by a butcher.

“This is Erika.” Hunter introduced.

“Well hello, Erika.” Charles scanned her again. He gave Hunter a hug nearly enveloping her date.
She saw Hunter slip the bouncer some cash which disappeared so fast she thought she imagined it.

“Come on in, Hunter and Erika.” He made a grand gesture. He then leaned close to Hunter. “She’s tearing it up tonight, and she looks clean.”

“Awesome, Thanks, Charles.” Hunter led her into a large thick door.

Loud guitar and drums hit her like a concussion as they entered. Bright lights and lasers flashed and turned everywhere. Erika scanned the large room filled with dancing, bouncing and gyrating bodies.

“I’m not old enough to be in here.” Erika yelled at Hunter.

“What?” Hunter turned to watch her lips.

“I’m not twenty-one!” She tried again.

“Neither am, I!” Hunter shouted back. “No one will care! Come!” With her hand firmly in his, he led her down to the main dance floor and towards the stage.

Cassandra and her band Purple Mischief were rocking away on stage. Hunter turned to Erika and began dancing, well more like bouncing. There were too many people packed in there to really dance. Erika didn’t want to be a cold fish, she remembered the dancing that they did at the charity ball and started to bounce and shift her feet. Soon she was wiggling her hips and was rewarded as Hunter placed his hands on them and moved his in time with hers.

Erika glanced up at the stage and caught Cassandra’s eye. She smiled at them and continued on with her set. It wasn’t long before Erika was sweating. Mostly due to the amount of bodies pressed into the room but part was because of her dancing and part because of how close Hunter was. With so little room, Erika wrapped her arms around his neck and was rewarded with a kiss.

At the end of the set, Purple Mischief disappeared backstage and canned music was pumped over the speakers.

Hunter took her hand. “Follow me.” He pulled her off to the side.

A bouncer stood in front of a door with his arms crossed over his chest. Not as big as Charlie, she still wouldn’t want to come across him in a dark alley.

“Came to see Cass!” Hunter told him.

The bouncer nodded and spoke into a radio. He must have gotten an answer because he stepped aside and opened the door for them.

Hunter led her down a corridor and knocked on one of the doors. It opened, and Erika was led into a lounge. Sofas, large lounge chairs, a wet bar with a microwave, lined the walls of the room.

“What brings you two here?” Cass greeted. She gave Hunter a big hug and then to her surprise, gave Erika a hug as well.

“It’s her last night here before going home. We wanted to catch you last night, but she wasn’t feeling well.” Hunter explained. “We are here now, though.”

“You guys sounded great.” Erika meant it.

Cass quickly introduced the rest of the band.

“Water?” the drummer held out a bottle of ice-cold water.

“Sure.” Erika was thankful for the offer. It may be cooler in this room, but out on the dance-floor it was sweltering.

“What are you in town for?” The keyboardist asked.

“She just started modeling.” Cass told her.

“I shot for Teen magazine today.” Erika smiled.

“Sweet.” The lead guitar chuckled.

“Give her some slack,” Cass rounded on him. “She’s a good kid.”

Sweet? Kid? Erika may be a few years younger than these band members, but she wasn’t exactly a kid.

“Ignore them.” Cass glared at the guitarist. “You disappeared at the gala the other night. There were rumors that you were sick.”

“I had a seizure.” Erika tried to let the band member’s jibes roll off her.

Cass made a face. “Ouch. Was it bad?”

Erika shrugged. “I don’t ever get to watch.”

Cass burst out laughing. Causing Hunter and herself to join her.

“Does it hurt?” Cass clarified.

“Not exactly.” Erika shrugged. “I get a bad headache and usually vomit afterwards.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.” Cass said. She drained her own water bottle. “I’ve got to go hit the head and get back out there for another set. You sticking around?”

Erika looked to Hunter.

“For a bit.” Hunter agreed. “Erika is flying back home tomorrow, so we have to call it an early night.”

Thankfully he didn’t say anything about a curfew. That would definitely have been humiliating.

“Come with me.” Cass brushed by Erika.

Erika shot Hunter a glance and then followed Cass to the bathroom. She entered the stall and closed the door. “I like you Erika.” She said from behind the closed door. “Hunter seems really happy with you. That Amanda chick did a number on him. Really messed him up. I don’t think you’d do that to him.” The door opened a crack. “Let me see your phone.”

“Uh, okay.” Erika dug for her phone and handed it to the bass player.

“Don’t worry. I’m giving you my number.” Cass told her. “Here.” She handed Erika’s phone back. “If you come back to Hollywood, drop me a line. Maybe we can hang out.”

“Really? That would be awesome.”

The toilet flushed, and Cass came out. She washed her hands and ran her wet fingers through her hair then messed it up a bit more. She checked her makeup and turned to Erika. “I think you are good for Hunter, and he needs someone… don’t take this the wrong way. He needs someone sweet.”

“Thank you, Cass.”

“No problem, Erika. I gotta go. Have some fun tonight.” She opened the door and ran to join the band back on stage.

“What was that about?” Hunter inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“Just girl talk.” Erika winked. She stepped up and gave him a peck on the cheek. “Just girl talk.”

--o0o—

The street noise as they exited the club was like a welcome silence compared to the loud music in the nightclub.

“Leaving so soon?” Charles asked of Hunter.

“Big job coming up.” Hunter explained it away.

“Well, break a leg and come back and see us soon.” Charles bid them a safe journey.

“That was great.” Erika told Hunter. “Thank you so much for dinner and this.”

“I take it you’ve never been to a night club before.”

Erika shook her head. “I’m just about to turn sixteen. No one under twenty-one is allowed in night clubs in Constitution.”

“It’s not really allowed here either.” Hunter admitted. “I just happen to get certain perks.”

“Perks?” Erika questioned. “Charles and you know each other.”

“I come by to check on Cass from time to time.” Hunter admitted. “Charles and I have had a few heart to hearts. He’s actually a big teddy bear when he is away from the club. His teenage son and I have gone surfing together a couple of times.” Hunter held the door open for her as she sat and swung her legs in.
Her feet were starting to hurt. She loved these sparkly shoes, but she had been modeling all day and then dancing for the last couple of hours. She slid them off and rubbed the bottom of her feet against the carpet of the car floor.
When she looked up, her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. Three rough looking men were surrounding Hunter. She didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t fight. She was always the person who fled fights or lost them. Even with the limited self-defense classes, she would be useless in a fight.

Hunter had his hands up and was trying to back away, but the three men stepped forward pace for pace. If she had the keys, she would have started the car and maybe done something. Not much but maybe a distraction. Her heart raced. It hadn’t raced like this since… well ever. She reached over and laid into the horn. Two of the men flinched, one turned towards the car and glared at her. She kept her hand on the horn. Perhaps someone would hear and come to help them.
Before the guy had time to turn back towards Hunter, a large shape came charging in to view. Before she could react, Charles, the bouncer had downed two of the shady characters and was in the midst of punching the third. The man’s head snapped sideways as Charles’ large fist caught him in the face. The man’s knees buckled, and he collapsed to the pavement.

Erika quickly got out of the car and ran barefoot to Hunter. “Are you alright? I was so scared.”

“I’m fine.” Hunter glanced at the three men and then to Charles. “Thank you, Charles.”

“I’m just glad I caught sight of them following you.” Charles was checking out the back of his hand. “There have been reports of some creeps mugging people in the area over the past few weeks. I think we have them.” He looked down at the men. One was clutching his leg which looked like it might have been broken. Charles turned to Erika. “Good job using the horn.”

“I was too scared.” She admitted. “I didn’t know what else to do.

“Are you alright?” Hunter asked Erika.

“Of course, I’m alright. I was in the car. You’re the one who was almost killed.” For some strange reason her fright had turned to anger. She didn’t know why she was directing it at Hunter. He didn’t choose to be in this situation.

“You two get out of here.” Charles directed. “I’ll call the cops.”

“Don’t we need to stay to give a statement or something?” Erika asked.

Charles looked at Hunter then to Erika. “We don’t want this splashed all over the tabloids now, do we?”

Erika glanced at Hunter then to Charles sheepishly. “Sorry, I didn’t think about that.”

“One of the downfalls to being a celeb.” Hunter explained. “Thanks again Charles. I’d…we’d probably be heading to the hospital if you hadn’t shown up.”

The two clasped hands then Hunter guided Erika back into the car. He quickly got in as Charles was dialing the police.

“You broke my leg.” One of the goons complained.

Hunter pulled out and quickly fled the scene.

Once they were a few blocks away, he pulled the car over and put it into park.

“Are you sure, you are alright?” he asked. “All I could think about was how I was going to explain this to your mother.”

Erika’s body flushed with pleasure. She’d never had a guy concerned about her safety like that. Tricia had defended her sure. But is was more of a friend defending a friend. “I’m just glad Charles was able to get there before those goons were able to lay a hand on you.”

Hunter looked down. His hands were shaking. Was it fear or adrenaline? “I’m so glad you are alright.” He clasped his hands together trying to keep them from shaking.

Erika took his hands in hers and held them. “You were so brave confronting them like that.” She told him. She raised his hands and kissed them. “Thank you for not running off and leaving me there.”

Hunter looked at her with a new, strange look. “I could never. I would never leave anyone in a situation like that.” Unexpectedly Erika found his lips pressing firmly against hers. His tongue flicked across her lips in askance and she parted them in answer. His hands left hers and cupped both cheeks as if directing all over face towards his.

It felt like the kiss lasted for hours, then again, it stopped too soon as he pulled away. “I’m so glad that you are alright.” He stated yet again. He checked his mirrors and pulled out into traffic. At the next light, she found his hand resting on her thigh. It sent delightful shivers up her spine.

Instead of pulling into the valet at the hotel, Hunter parked the silver Aston Martin in the lot. He turned off the engine and looked at Erika. “I don’t want this night to end.” He stated.

“Neither do I.” She admitted.

“You’re leaving tomorrow and I’m leaving in a few days.” He stated the obvious. “Do you know if you are coming back to Hollywood?”

Erika shook her head. “I was supposed to have left yesterday as it is.”

She leaned to meet his lips. They were so addicting. She could feel her own lips swell with blood. He smelled amazing and tasted even better. She didn’t know what was happening with her own gender preferences, but one thing was for sure. At the moment, she preferred him.
They were both gasping as they parted and then went in for round two, hungrily and passionately.
By the time Erika had noticed the time on the dash, the windows of Hunter’s car were steamed up.

Erika pulled away. “I need to go.” She whispered hating the words even as they exited her mouth. “I need to go before my mother initiates a search party.”

Hunter bit his lower lip. “I know.” He murmured. “You just feel so good.”

“You too.” She put her hand on the door handle. She leaned in and kissed him again. She definitely did not want to leave his car.

She groaned as she opened the door. “Thank you, Hunter.” She said. “I had, well… the time of my life the past few days. Meeting you, hanging out with you. Kissing you.” The last two words were a whisper.

“Let me drive you to the front door.” Hunter pleaded.

Erika nodded and closed the door. Hunter started the car and pulled around to the valet.

Erika leaned in yet again. Could she ever get enough of him? She feathered her lips across his. “Thank you.”

She opened the door and the valet gave her a hand as she stood up. She grabbed her sparkly shoes and walked barefoot towards the front door. Just about to reach it, she turned around and caught Hunter’s winning smile. The warmth from that smile warmed her soul. She blew him a kiss and turned to go to her hotel room.

--o0o—

Erika stirred at her soup with her spoon not even realizing what she was doing. How could she miss someone so much having only spent a day and a few hours together?

“You need to eat, young lady.” Her mother scolded.

“I know.” Erika sighed. “It just doesn’t taste all that great.”

“You need to get him out of your head and start concentrating on getting caught up on your schoolwork when you get home.”

Erika sighed as she watched as another jet took off with a roar. They had an hour before they were to board their flight home.

Hunter may have dropped her off in time for her curfew, but the two kept up a steady stream of texts late into the night. Mostly conversations that went nowhere, and they weren’t speaking, but it was comforting getting those texts.

“You were up too late last night.” Her mother commented.

Erika yawned again and nodded in answer. She was about to ask how she knew, but one look at her ponytail, rumpled clothes and missing makeup could tell anyone that even without her constant yawning.

Erika took a bite of the soup and wished it was a Pinks hotdog. It was bland airport fare. She took a few more large bites then pushed it away. “I love this weather.” She told her mother. “Do you think we’ll be coming back anytime soon?”

“I don’t know. I guess it’ll depend upon your photoshoot and who else will want you to model for them.”

“I know it’s dumb, but I’m going to miss In-n-Out.”

Her mother smiled.

Erika kept checking her phone hoping for another text from Hunter. She already text her friends that she was arriving late tonight and that she’d probably be at school tomorrow.

“Mom? Could you see if I can get in to see Dr. Barts in the next few days?”

Her mother raised an eyebrow at her. “Seriously?”

Erika nodded.

“Is there something you want to talk to me about?”

Erika shook her head. “I just have some questions for her.”

“Okay,” Her mother sat silent for a moment then excused herself. “I’ll be right back.”

Erika checked her phone again with a sigh and then swiped through her photos of her and Hunter. Who would have predicted this even a few days ago? Before the Tommy Kincaid charity, she was a star-struck young woman.

She half cringed, half laughed remembering how she reacted when she first met Hunter. Now? Well, now she was starting to think that she was in love with him. ‘Erika Allyson’ she thought to herself. She shook that thought out of her head. As soon as he finds out that she isn’t a genetic girl, he’ll not want anything to do with her. Maybe she should cut off their relationship now. It’ll save them both heartache if and when that time would come. She wanted to cry. She knew she should tell him, but she didn’t want to experience the hurt and rejection once he knew.

Her mother returned to the table and sat silently for a moment. “I scheduled you an appointment with Dr. Barts day after tomorrow.”

“Thank you, mom.”

Her mother just nodded. Erika felt a little guilty not talking with her mother about all that was going on in her head, but her reactions in the not so distant past kind of kept her distant from her mother with some regards. Dr. Barts as much as Erika hated seeing a shrink, would have a non-biased opinion of what she wanted to talk about. Dr. Barts gained at least a little trust in her.

Soon they were on their plane and Erika was ready for a much-needed nap. She plugged in her headphones and put the seat back, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep among the clouds.

--o0o—

It was late by the time her dad pulled the car back up to their rented condo. The cold air definitely had a sharp bite in it as she carried her bags from the car to the house.

The familiar smell of their house hit her almost physically. She had only been gone a few days and the aroma of being homemade her want to cry with gladness. She took some deep breaths as she pulled off her shoes and shucked her coat.

“Are you planning to go to school tomorrow?” her father asked.

Erika sighed heavily. “Yes.”

“Set your alarm. It’s good to have you home, love.” Her father gave her a big squeeze. “Sleep tight.”

“Erika trudged into her room with her overly stuffed suitcase. Before she did anything else, she needed to hang her new dresses to work some of the wrinkles out. She piled all of her dirty clothes in the dirty hamper and made a half-hearted attempt at putting the rest of them away before climbing into bed.

Erika’s alarm went off way too early. She turned it off and fell back to sleep. A second alarm went off ten minutes later. She groaned and felt like she was moving underwater as she got ready for school.

“Are you almost ready?” Her mother called. “I’ll take you in?”

Erika realized that she hadn’t let Samantha know that she was planning on attending school today. “Just a few minutes.” She brushed on her mascara.

Erika finally emerged from her room wearing skinny jeans and a sweater. She was already missing the warmth of Los Angeles. “Ready.” She moaned. “Are you cold too?”

Her mother nodded. “It was nice getting some sun wasn’t it?”

Erika nodded as she poured her coffee and grabbed a bagel that her mother had already prepared for her. “Okay, I’m ready.”

Erika text both Tricia and Samantha that she was on her way. She was tired, but that she was coming. She arrived to find them waiting outside school for her. Tricia wearing a pink wig and Samantha in a knit hat. The rest of them cocooned in winter wear.
Just yesterday I was in a light skirt and tank top. Erika thought wistfully.
She wasn’t prepared for the squeals or bombardment of both of them hugging her at the same time.

“I wasn’t gone that long.” Erika squeezed them back. It was nice to be missed.

“You looked so amazing on T.V.” Samantha gushed. “You were so natural.”

“Anything but.” Erika protested. “I wasn’t prepared for them to ask me questions let alone know my name.”

“You were fantastic!” Tricia agreed. “Who all did you meet? Other than Hunter Allyson that is.”

“Can we get out of this cold?” Erika asked. “I’ve been basking in sun and weather in the upper seventies for the past few days.”

“Lucky.” Samantha joined her in entering the school building.

The pumped in heat felt good compared to the bite outside. She was still a bit cold, but she figured that it would take a few days to adjust.

“Well?” Tricia prompted. “Tell us about your trip.”

“Bitch.” Taylor sneered as she passed them in the hall.

“Crap.” Erika looked to Samantha. “She still pissed.”

Samantha nodded. “She isn’t the only one. Several others from the Rally and a couple from the Cheer squad are upset. They don’t know the details only that something went down between you, Taylor and Melinda.”

“I was trying to do something right.” Erika complained.

“I know.” Samantha agreed. She gave Erika’s arm a squeeze showing physical support.

The school bell rang drowning out all noise for a few seconds. “I’ll have to tell you all about it later.” Erika promised. She could leave some of the more intimate details out. They didn’t need to know about those.

The three friends walked in to home room to stares and whispers.

“Hey Hollywood.” Jake greeted Erika.

“What do you want, Jake?” Erika nearly groaned. Really? Hollywood?

“Saw you on T.V.” he stated. “You were looking hot.”

“Thanks Jake.” She took her seat. “So, did you fall in love with any Hollywood stars?”

Erika’s heart stopped. She could feel her face heat up. She hoped she wasn’t blushing as much as she felt she was. Could he know about Hunter? No. She hadn’t told anyone.

“OMG.” Tricia hissed. “You did.”

“No.” Erika’s heart felt like it was fluttering like a hummingbird.

“You’re blushing.” Samantha pointed out.

“She got to hang out with Hunter Allyson.” Tricia told Jake.

Jake whistled. “Hunter Allyson. Isn’t he that nerdy guy from that one show?”

“You know who he is, Jack ass.” Tricia returned.

“Tricia, Language.” Mrs. Anderson called out.

It was only then that Erika realized that the whole class was not only watching her but listening as well.

Mrs. Anderson finished taking role. “Most of us saw you attend the Tommy Kincaid Charity.” She began. “Who did you meet? What did you do?”

“Well.” Erika’s voice squeaked. “Now?”

“I’m not going to be able to teach anyone in this class today as long as you are in the spotlight. So, you may as well spill it.”

Erika really didn’t like this kind of undivided attention. It made her flashback to the duct tape and flag pole. She swallowed, then cleared her throat. “My mother and I took a limo to the gala.” She began. “I had no idea that I was going to be on T.V. My agent didn’t inform me.”

“Oooh, you have an agent?” Jake was being snarky.

Erika ignored him. “You all saw me make a fool of myself in the interview. Once inside, I was introduced to Hunter Allyson by my Agent. Hunter was kind enough to introduce me to many celebs at the gala.”

“Are you really going to be in Teen Magazine?” someone asked.

“I hope so.” Erika shrugged. I spent most of the day, Monday, doing a photo shoot for it.”

“How did you get invited to the gala?” someone else asked.

“My Agent, Hal Winters, is also Tommy Kincaid and Michelle Grayson’s Agent.”

“Who did you meet?” Tricia and Mrs. Anderson spoke at once.

“I met Jacklyn and saw Amanda Erins,” Erika began going down the list. She felt like it was name dropping, but these people really wanted to know. Even Jake seemed interested. “Oh, and I made friends with Cassandra Steward, Brock Steward’s Daughter. She plays bass in a band called Purple Mischief.”

“I’ve actually heard of them.” A goth girl spoke up. Erika didn’t know her name. “They are a bit mainstream but pretty good.”

“I liked them.” Erika smiled at her. “I went to listen to them play at a nightclub night before last.

“What else happened?” Tricia prompted.

Erika dropped her gaze and flushed again.

“What?” Samantha and Tricia both urged.

“I had a seizure.” Erika admitted. “I spent the rest of the night in the hospital.”

Jake had a good laugh at that. A few other students in the class could be heard snickering as well.

“That’s enough, Jake.” Mrs. Anderson reprimanded. “Unless you want to visit the principal? Erika’s medical condition is not a laughing matter.”

Jake’s laughter didn’t stop, but he pressed his lips together to keep it quiet. His eyes sparkled as he looked at Erika.

“Well, that sounded like a pretty eventful evening.” Mrs. Anderson wrapped things up. “Now can I do my job and try to inject some knowledge into your bowls of mush called brains?” She finally started the day’s lesson.

“Seriously? You had a seizure?” Tricia’s voice was full of concern. “You didn’t text me that.”

“You know how I get after a seizure.” Erika told her. “Besides it was very late at night even without the time zone changes.”

Samantha just stared at her shaking her head.

“What?” Erika finally asked.

“It’s just so surreal.” She sighed. “Last summer you couldn’t walk in heels or put on makeup and now you’re modeling for national magazines. It’s just really hard to believe sometimes.”

“Tell me about it.” Erika muttered.

Victoria approached Erika hesitantly as she was walking to the cafeteria.

Erika looked at her friend. “You said you wouldn’t unless I gave permission.”

“I know.” Victoria acknowledged. “I won’t. But could you at least read it first?”

“Did you email it to me?” Erika asked. “I haven’t really had a chance to look at my account.

“Yes.” Victoria confirmed.

Erika stiffened as she saw Strange Stephanie glaring at her as they neared her in the hall.

“Freak.” She snarled as they passed.

“Don’t pay any attention to her.” Victoria tried to soothe.

“I am.” Erika stated without emotion.

“What are you talking about?” Victoria demanded.

“You know.” Erika stated. “You had your moment in that club too.”

Victoria looked wounded. “That was before I got to know you.” She tried to defend.

“I know.” Erika gave her a tight smile. “I am a freak though.”

“You are one of the kindest souls I have ever met.” Krystal joined them with Jorge. “You were one of my very first champions this last summer. You believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.”

“That was mostly Rachel.” Erika stated. “I just went along for the ride.

“Hardly.” Krystal scoffed.

The girls lined up in the line to get whatever lunch they were serving. Erika was suddenly knocked hard on the shoulder and stumbled forward.

“Watch it Bitch.” Taylor growled as she walked by.

Flashbacks of being tripped in the halls, slammed against lockers and spit upon flooded Erika’s mind.

“Seriously?” Victoria called after Taylor. “That’s how you want to be?”

“That’s why you are off the squad.” Krystal sneered.

“Guys, leave it alone.” Erika took a deep breath and pushed all the horrible memories out of her mind. “She has every right to be mad at me.”

“No, she doesn’t.” Krystal was staring off after Taylor. “She made her choice. Now she has to live with it.”

“If you let me publish the article.” Victoria told Erika. “This would probably stop.”

“If you publish the article, it may get worse.” Erika countered. “Look what happened at Adams High with Allie and Annie Wilson.”

“That was an isolated incident.” Victoria protested.

“You didn’t see them being ostracized at church.” Erika shook her head. “It is not ‘just isolated incidents. I just want people to leave me alone and treat me like I’m normal.”

“You’re a freaking model, Erika. There’s nothing normal about you.” Victoria stated. Krystal and Jorge nodded in agreement.

“Why would you want to be normal?” Tricia joined them wearing her pink wig and a pink dress to match.

“If you experienced what I experienced the last couple of years, you’d want to blend into the background too.”

Tricia punched Erika in the arm. “Stop it!” she demanded. “You can be the most self-suffering downer sometimes. You had a rough couple of years, we get it. You changed this last summer, you blossomed. You’ve become amazing. You spent the weekend doing what most girls could only dream about. You walked a red carpet, met celebs and spent the day with freaking Hunter Allyson.” Tricia was on a roll. “You really need to get over …” She lowered her voice. “the plague. Half of the girls in this school are jealous of you and the other half wish that they were you.”

Erika looked skeptical. They wouldn’t think that if they knew what she truly was.

The girls took their trays of food and sat down at the table with Samantha.

“Hey. What’s going on?” Samantha greeted.

“Dummy here was feeling sorry for herself again.” Tricia pointed to Erika.

“Taylor was causing problems.” Victoria elaborated.

“Hopefully she’ll get over it.” Samantha sighed. She took a drink and looked at Erika. “You haven’t elaborated much on your trip. What did you get to see?”

“I want to know how your day with Hunter went.” Victoria leaned in.

Erika described the warm weather and the palm trees. She told them about shopping on Rodeo with Brook and the photo shoots with Clyde. The amazing clothes that she modeled and got to bring home as well as the amazing dinner Chef created for her with Hunter and her mother. She was about to tell them about meeting up with Cass later when the bell rang ending lunch.

“See you after school?” Erika asked Tricia and Samantha.

“I’ve got Cheer.” Samantha told her.

“I’m still on the Dive team and have to be on the best behavior.” Tricia sighed. “Afterwards?”

Erika shrugged.

Tricia took Erika’s hand and pulled her close. She leaned up and feathered her lips across Erika’s. “I’ve missed you terribly.” She whispered to her.

“I missed you too.” Erika responded. She turned and followed Krystal down the hall towards their next class. She enjoyed Tricia’s kiss, but it lacked the excitement, the sparkle of Hunter’s.

“What’s going on in that brain of yours, Erika?” Krystal asked.

Erika shrugged. “Just trying to figure things out.”