Page 31 of 7 Miles High
Chapter 11
Parker
Getting out of wardrobe and back into jeans and a T-shirt resets me. It’s good to have the fall in the rearview mirror. A five thousand dollar bump was worth the limited risk. Isaac has always paid well for specialty stunts.
The rest of the day will be easy. A little car work and a few squib hits. Basically I’ll die three times today, but my face will be seen only once when I take the fake bullets. Another long ass day in Hollywood.
“Here you go, Helen,” I say, handing the clothes back to the wardrobe mistress. The wire hanger has a large label stating my name, the character I was doubling, and the scene number. It’s a smooth running operation, and everyone is expected to return whatever they wore. It’s as if we’ve borrowed the Bishop’s sacred vestments and they’ve been blessed by the Pope.
“Thanks, Parker. Where’s the two leather bracelets? Tell me you didn’t leave them in the Honey Wagon!”
“No. They’re in the back pocket of the pants. Sorry.”
She fishes them out and returns them to the small plastic bag hanging on the hanger’s hook.
“Have you seen what they’re serving for lunch?” Helen says.
“Not yet. I’m headed there now.”
“That prime rib was delicious yesterday. You weren’t here, but take my word for it.”
“I’m hoping for the Mahi Mahi. That’s George’s best. In my opinion.”
“By the way, your girl is a looker. I’ve never seen you bring someone to set. You in love or something?”
Helen’s reputation as a motherly, nosey woman is well established. She’ll offer her advice whether you’ve asked for it or not. I can’t expect her to suddenly change personalities, but it doesn’t mean I need to say more than I want to.
“You’re a hopeless romantic, Helen. When are you going to find a deserving man to ravage you?”
When she laughs her tight red curls bounce against her face, and you can hear the sound of a forty-year smoking habit. A cough precedes her next comment.
“Honey, do you really think one man could handle all this?”
“No. Not really. You’re gonna need backup.”
Her laughter can be heard as I exit, all the way out the trailer and down the steps. I hear her last comment as I walk away.
“You all come back now, ya hear!”
The sunlight has returned and the clouds have parted. It’s a great looking day. Up ahead I spot Jenna and Natalie sitting at the tables. Natalie waves me over and gestures to the empty seat beside her.
“Hi, stranger.”
I know that voice behind me. Intimately. Nia.
I turn as she catches up. An arm links in mine. Crap. What do I do? I know she’s just being friendly, but this will definitely look suspicious to Natalie. I’ve got to explain things as soon as I get the chance.
“Hi! I didn’t know I was going to see you here,” I say.
“I met Isaac on my last job. I was glad I got the call for this one. Finn Kennedy’s films are good paydays. I don’t have to tell you that.”
“You doing the fire gag?”
“Yeah. That should be a good bump.”
I release her grip and pretend I have to look at my phone for messages. Not sure she’s buying it though because I see a lopsided grin. Whatever. Natalie is watching, and I even saw Jenna turn around and look. But she quickly turned back when Natalie said something to her.
“Who’s the girl? She’s very pretty. You look good together, Booboo.”
