Chapter Three

Ally stood outside the studio and mentally went over everything she needed. The script and her notes were in her bag. She had a list of questions for the director, and she’d made a point to spend some time on IMDB getting to know her costars’ work. She was reasonably sure she could speak to them on an intellectual level.

“You okay?” West was right behind her.

But then he had been for the last couple of days. He was her near-constant shadow. It was weird.

It was unnerving because she was getting very, very used to having him around.

After that initial terrible first day, they’d settled into a nice routine. He accompanied her to the gym every morning and worked out beside her. While he watched sports reports on the overhead TVs, she caught up with social media on her phone during cardio. Then they had a quiet breakfast up in the suite, and she spent the rest of the day teleconferencing with her mom, who acted as her agent and manager, or her publicist, or the woman who ran her socials and complained that Ally wasn’t doing anything interesting.

“I just need a minute.” She hadn’t sent her social media manager the usual flurry of photos of what she was doing because every single thing she did was with West. Or was boring stuff she actually liked to do. No one wanted pictures of her latest knitting project or the 2000-piece puzzle she was working on.

“I had Matt do a walk-through of the building if that’s what you’re worried about. It’s big, and there are a lot of ways in and out, but I’m going to be close. I’m more worried about when you shoot on location. Shouldn’t you have done this table thing in LA?”

“Usually, but the movie’s set here in Dallas. The director is known for his method work. Usually that’s an acting term, but it works for this guy.”

“Method?”

Sometimes she forgot that not everyone had been raised in Hollywood. “It’s a reference to Stanislavski. He was an acting coach back in olden times. Like way old. Marlon Brando old. Anyway, there’s a school of thought that the best performances come from truly inhabiting the character. Some of them never break character even when they’re not filming.”

“And you do this?”

“No. Eww. They call it acting for a reason. Those people are pretentious douchebags. You know they never play like nice people. It would be one thing if some asshole actor was suddenly being nice twenty-four seven because he was playing Jesus or something, but no. They’re always playing some mega jerk, and the rest of us have to put up with him playing out his megalomaniacal fantasies. Jared Leto decided to live inside the Joker twenty-four seven. How do you think that worked out for his castmates?” She’d never had it that bad, but she could imagine.

“That seems like a bad idea from what I know from the comic books.” West was looking particularly all-American hero this morning in his black jeans and T-shirt. He had a jacket on, but she couldn’t forget about the shoulder holster and guns under it. “How does a director do this method thing?”

“Like having the table read here when we could have done it back in LA.” It was cool out but not cold, the sun shining down and making West’s eyes look a little like emeralds. It was a good thing she preferred diamonds. “This movie is about a family in Dallas who fought over the millions left behind by the grandfather. It’s based on a true story. My character is the youngest daughter, and the brother played all these pranks on her to make her look like she was going insane. For a while she feared the house was haunted and fell out a window running from ‘the ghost,’ who was actually her brother. Broke her neck, but she learned to walk again. In a psychiatric ward, where she spent the rest of her life. It’s not a really happy story.”

But it was fascinating to her. Playing Delia Crowne was going to open doors for her. No more low-budget rom coms or playing the hot girl all the teen boys wanted to bang. Or the mean girl. She got that role a lot.

“Is that why we’re touring some old mansion tomorrow morning?” West sat on the bench beside her.

Poor West. He was going to have to do so many things he would likely find boring as hell over the next couple of months. “Yes, and I’m going to the psychiatric hospital where she died only a couple of years ago.” She noticed a limo pulling up, and then a familiar man was stepping out.

Bryce Jericho. He was playing her father. He had three Oscar nominations but no wins yet. He was a mover and shaker in the artistic film world.

He gave her a big smile as he walked toward her. “You must be Ally. I would know that face anywhere. My girls adore you.”

He gave her a hug. She wasn’t much of a hugger, but she’d learned at a young age that there were some things one put up with, and forced intimacy was one of them.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Mr. Jericho. I’m a huge fan. I’ve enjoyed your work for years,” she said.

He pulled back, his handsome face the amalgamation of great genes and excellent plastic surgery. “That’s nice to hear. And it’s Bryce, Ally.” He gave her a very unfatherly look up and down and then a grin. “We’ll be working together for months, and I’d like to get to know you better. Maybe we can have dinner tonight.”

“She can’t,” West said in a blunt tone. He put a hand on her shoulder. “I’m afraid Ms. Pearson’s social calendar is full.”

Bryce looked over and took another step back, hands coming up as though to apologize. “Sorry. Just trying to be friendly. Well, see you inside, dear.”

She stared at West. “You let him think you’re my boyfriend.”

“I never said that.” His eyes were steely again, like they’d been the first day they met.

She thought about it and realized she was actually grateful. “Thanks for that. He was…eww…he’s my stepdad’s age. I think they’re friends. And he’s married. He was totally hitting on me. Right? I’m not making that up in my head.”

“He was an old man skeeving on a young girl,” West agreed. “And without an ounce of subtlety.”

“Thanks.” She straightened her skirt. “But I’ll let everyone know you’re my bodyguard. You don’t want the rumor to get out that I have a new boyfriend. The reporters can be vicious. It’s nice here because I haven’t seen more than a few.”

West moved in close. “Hey, I’m your bodyguard, and I can also be the bad guy. Anything you don’t want to do, let them know your nasty old guard is overprotective. And, Ally, you’re ready for this. You can do this.”

She needed this pep talk. Usually it was her mom who did it. She didn’t have an assistant because she’d seen how often that went wrong. She liked doing it on her own.

But damn it felt good to have West with her. “I can. I got this part by auditioning twelve times. I got it because I’m the right person for this role. I can do this.”

West nodded. “You can do this. Now let’s get you settled in. I was told I’m not allowed in the room, but I’ll be right outside.”

Yes, that totally made her point. “See, method. Jay Clarke is totally method. He’s reading all the directions himself, so we don’t have any production assistants with us. It’s cast only.” She glanced down and realized she’d let the time go. “And I’m late.”

She pushed through the studio doors and was waved through by one of the aforementioned assistants, who pointed her to the room. She was about to round the corner when she heard something that made her stop.

“She’s pretty, but there’s not a brain in her head,” a familiar voice said.

Channing Lloyd. She was a gorgeous forty-four-year-old. Two decades before she’d been Hollywood’s it girl, and she’d had an amazing career. Three Oscar wins. She was Ally’s idol. Ally had been thrilled she was playing her daughter.

“I remember her as Bria Knight’s wannabe little sister,” another voice said. Reid Wilson. He was playing her brother. The one who tormented her. “Does she count as a nepo baby if it’s her sister who was in the business?”

“Oh, I assure you it wasn’t her sister who got her this job,” Bryce said with a lofty chuckle. “This reeks of her stepfather. Gavin is giving in to Diane, I’m sure. That woman’s soul died a little when the older one walked away. She’s just got to have a kid in the business. She lives for it.”

“Ally,” West said quietly.

She was not going to cry. They didn’t get a second of her tears. Did they think she hadn’t heard every word of that before?

She’d hoped to be accepted. The humiliation she felt was absolutely real, but she couldn’t let herself wallow in it. Not now.

She had to do this, and she had to do it alone. She forced a smile on her face. “Thanks for escorting me, West. You can wait out here. I’ll be done in a couple of hours.”

His expression went blank, and she wondered if she’d hurt him. She hadn’t meant to, but she needed every inch of her armor now. She pulled it around her like a warm cloak even though she knew it was cold and steely and kept even the warmth in her life out.

But that was acting. Head high, she turned the corner. “Hello, fellow Crownes. I’m so happy to be here.”

The fake goodwill game was on.

* * * *

It had taken everything West had to not go into that room and deal with the situation. Even two hours later, he was still shocked at what he’d heard.

But then he remembered the look on Ally’s face as she’d told him to wait here like a good employee and walked in like nothing had happened. He could hear them talking and laughing and acting like no one had insulted and belittled her and they were all one big family.

Did she even care that those people had been talking shit on her? He’d felt humiliated for her, but she’d simply shrugged it off and gone about her day.

It would be good to remember who she was. The last couple of days had brought a nice peace between them. He’d actually enjoyed the time they’d spent together, and he’d started to wonder if maybe they shouldn’t explore the chemistry between them.

She might be pleasant to be around when she wanted to be, but it was good to be reminded that all she cared about was her career, and it didn’t matter what mud she had to slog through for it.

The doors came open, and Ally walked out surrounded by her “friends.”

A handsome, familiar-looking young man gave her a wink as he walked by. “I’ll see you later, sis. Maybe we can grab dinner or something next week.”

Ally smiled. “I would love that. I’ll have to bring my bodyguard, though.”

West was absolutely certain he’d seen the guy on some TV show, but he couldn’t remember his name.

The actor gave him a once-over that let West know he didn’t find him impressive. “Well, I’m sure he can hang out somewhere close by. Hopefully you’ll be able to dump him soon. I’m sure the police will catch this…is it a stalker?”

Ally’s smile didn’t waver. “He’s merely a nice layer of security.”

“Of course. I’m sure he’s good for the press, too. I always like to have an entourage. Makes one look important,” the asshole said, and then strode away.

“Yes, we all love a bodyguard.” Channing Lloyd was a name he did know. The legendary actress looked chic in her silk blouse, slacks, and stilettos that made her tower over Allyson. “Such a nice accessory, and this one is quite attractive.”

“He’s good at his job,” Ally replied. “I haven’t even gotten killed yet. I’ll see you in a couple of days. Can’t wait to get to work.” She turned his way. “I’m going to run to the bathroom and then I’ll be ready to go.”

She walked by him, resettling her bag on her shoulder.

Channing looked him up and down like he was a treat she might be able to order. “If you ever want a serious client, give me a call.”

Yeah, he bet he knew what she would be serious about.

He said nothing as the woman walked away.

“Wow, if I needed a steely-gazed cop, I would cast you immediately.”

The hallway had cleared out, and only a curly-haired man in a T-shirt and jeans was left. He wore glasses and had a messenger bag over his slender shoulders. He held out a hand. “I’m Jay Clarke. I’m Ally’s director. You must be the head of her security.”

West reached out and shook the man’s hand. He seemed young for a director of his stature. “West Rycroft and yes. I’m in charge of her security, but there will be three of us in rotation. I’ve informed security in the building and your production team. My question for you is should I expect everyone to view my client’s situation as a joke?”

Jay nodded as though in complete agreement. “Yes, you have the intimidation thing down, and I’m sorry about that. I’m afraid the rest of the cast doesn’t see what I see in Ally, but they’ll come around. She’s a good actress, and she’s serious about her craft. Unfortunately, her past is coloring their vision when it comes to her. I’m afraid actors can be a bit on the pretentious side.”

“I don’t care if they don’t like working with her. What I care about is that your cast and crew take this threat seriously.” If Ally wasn’t worried about her tender feelings, he wouldn’t be either, but he was concerned that the cast seemed to think he was around for photo ops. “I need to know that one of these people won’t think it’s funny to prank her and let her supposed stalker into her trailer.”

“Oh, they would never do that.” Jay stepped back, his hand coming up. “I know some of the cast isn’t happy about working with Ally, but they are professionals. And I think that once they see how good she is, they’ll come around. I believe in her. All she needs is a little push here and there. I think she’ll find working with my method will unleash her talent.” This man was interested in her. It was clear in the way he talked about her, how he looked back to see if she was coming out of the bathroom. “I think we should do some one-on-one work. I’ve got a brown belt in…”

“No.” He wasn’t about to leave her alone with a dude who looked like he weighed a hundred pounds soaking wet. He wasn’t sure Ally wasn’t bigger than this guy. Of course he also wouldn’t leave her alone with a fully-trained bodyguard who wasn’t on his team. She was his responsibility.

“No?” The director’s brow rose. He was not a man who was used to having his authority challenged. “Are you telling me you’re going to stop me from working with an actress on my own set?”

“Not at all. You said you wanted to get her alone and then you attempted to explain that you could protect her. I don’t care if you’re ex-military who specialized in personal protection. I won’t leave Ally alone with anyone as long as I’m on the job.”

“Maybe you won’t be on the job for long,” Jay replied, his tone losing its “let’s be friends, dude” vibe. The director was in the house. “I know her stepfather. I could call and ask him to replace you with a guard who is willing to work with me. This is for her own good, after all. If she can’t do what I need her to do, then she’s not a lot of use to me, is she?”

“West, are you okay with being outside the room while we work?” Ally had somehow snuck up on them.

She was pale in the early afternoon light, clutching her script to her chest like if she let it go, she would lose everything.

Now she showed some emotion. Her career was being threatened, and it didn’t matter that she could be killed. Still, he had a job to do. He didn’t stop doing it because the client cared more about a movie part than her life. “As long as I’ve checked out the room and all the entries and exits, yes.”

She turned to her director. “Then we’ll be able to talk freely because he won’t be in the room. If you refuse to have him in the building, then I worry that what you want isn’t a rehearsal. If that’s the case, then I should head back to LA and let you find someone else.”

Jay put his hands on her shoulders. “No. That is not what I want at all, and I promise you this is all about the work. You know I have a method. I’ve had these sessions with all the other actors. I’m having another one with Bryce this afternoon. I don’t know how other directors have treated you, but you’re an important part of this project. Of course your bodyguard is welcome to sit outside. I’ll find a space for us that will work for him. I want you safe. But you also know I’m going to want to talk about what’s happening to you.”

She nodded. “I know. I can use it as fuel for the character.”

“Your experiences are one of the reasons I think you’re the right person to bring Delia to life. You have a lot in common, and being able to tap into those life experiences will help unlock your performance.”

“I’m willing to go to all my dark places. Hey, at least I’ve gotten something out of all that terror,” she said with a jaunty smile. “Let me know when you want to have a session.”

Jay nodded and stepped back. “Perfect. You relax the rest of the day. We’ll be getting down to business soon. The reading went well. I like the direction you’re going in with Delia, but we need to go deeper.”

“Absolutely,” she promised, stepping back. She looked West’s way. “I’m ready to go back to the hotel.”

They said good-bye to the director, and he walked her out of the building in complete silence.

Uncomfortable silence.

But he wasn’t going to break it. He unlocked his SUV and made sure she was settled in. That was when he noticed that while her face was perfectly placid, her hand was red from holding on to the strap of her purse so tightly.

“Are you okay?”

Her head turned his way. “I’m fine. You heard Jay. The session went well.”

Had he misread her? A whole lot of his training had been about learning to read body language, and hers was completely disconnected. Her face was set in her normal “I don’t care about the world” expression, but her body was stiff.

He was still viewing her through the lens of her celebrity. What if there was a real woman underneath all that bravado? What had she told him the first day they’d met? That she couldn’t count on anyone to protect her.

Her stepdad had told him something too that day.

She kept her sneakers in her bag, and he had his gym bag in the back.

“Hey, I’ve been cooped up for too long. I was thinking about going hiking,” he offered. “There are some great trails only twenty minutes away. We could spend the afternoon hiking, and you would still be back for dinner. Or I could call Tessa and have her watch you for a while.”

He wanted to give her options. He couldn’t be completely sure that her anxiety only came from what had happened. It could be exacerbated by the fact that he’d witnessed it, and then some time apart might help her.

“I could use the exercise. I have some yoga pants in my bag and a T-shirt and cap.” The hand she held her strap with relaxed slightly. “That would be good if you don’t mind the company. I promise, I can keep up, and we don’t have to talk.”

Damn but he’d done a number on her. “Or we can if you want to. Whatever you want.”

She turned, eyes finding his. “Are you doing this for me? Because of what happened? Because of what Gavin told you?”

“I think we could both use some peace and quiet and to be outside for a while. I spent the first twenty-five years of my life living on a ranch. I love the city. I really do. I love how many doors it’s opened for me, and I definitely love how good it’s been for my brother. But sometimes I just need to breathe.”

That answer seemed to satisfy her as she nodded and turned back to look out the front window. “Okay. We should pick up some water and sandwiches.”

He could do that.

He closed her door and moved around to the driver’s side. He was pulling out of the parking lot when he heard her speak again. She was almost so quiet he missed it.

“Thank you, West.”

He nodded and realized that a thoughtful, vulnerable Ally might be the most dangerous kind.