Page 136 of Faking the Pass
Now though, Elka basically had a blank check to direct any project she wanted to write or adapt.
And I wanted her to meet Rosie.
As soon as she realized where we were heading, Rosie dug in her heels. “No. I can’t. She’s too intimidating.”
“Why? Because she’s done good work? So have you, Rosie.”
She shook her head back and forth. “No. Not like her. She’s on a whole different level. Randy said I don’t have the ‘necessary intellect or gravitas’ to work on films like hers.”
“We’ve already determined Randy is full of shit, right?”
Pulling her by the hand, I started moving again, but Rosie stayed put. I turned back to face her.
“People level up all the time. And it’s always scary. Trust me, you’ll be sorry if you pass up this chance.”
Finally, Rosie nodded her head and started walking beside me willingly, but she looked terrified.
This was Randy’s fault.
I could have wrung his skinny neck for contributing to Rosie’s doubts about her abilities and intelligence, for crushing her self-confidence.
She was beyond worthy of serious roles and Oscar-contending films.
Before we reached her, Elka turned and spotted us. She gave us a big smile and started walking in our direction.
“Congratulations on your wedding,” she said. “I think I’ve watched that video a hundred times—nowthatwas romantic.”
“Thank you so much,” I said then looked over at Rosie who seemed to be struggling to breathe.
I stuck out my hand. “Great to meet you Ms. Herwin.”
“Oh, please call me Elka. Great to meet you, Presley,” she said. “And Rosie, it’s good to finally meet you, too. I saw you in a play in L.A. once. I was very impressed.”
Rosie’s eyes bulged. “You did? Wow, thank you. I admire your work so much, especiallyLove and the Philosopher.”
I didn’t even know until right now that she’d seen it and loved it too. Of course she had. The woman was my soulmate.
Elka laughed. “Oh, soyou’rethe one who saw it? Thank you. I’m very proud of that little film. I love historical fiction.”
“Oh me too,” Rosie said.
Seeing an opportunity, I said, “You should do an adaptation ofMiss Marjoribanksby Margaret Oliphant. Rosie knows the main character better than the author did. She’s read that book a thousand times.”
“Really?” Elka said. “I’ve read some of Oliphant’s books, but I haven’t read that one. I’ll pick up a copy.”
“It’s wonderful. Presley’s read it as well,” Rosie said. ‘He’s quite a fan.”
“That must be what connected you two,” Elka said. “A mutual love of obscure literature.”
“Something like that,” Rosie said, looking abashed at the lie.
That’s when I decided it was time for some truth.
The whole truth.
Chapter 32
The Whole Truth
