Page 26 of 7 Miles High
Opening the front door of my rental house, I feel a beat of hesitation. Shit. Hope she doesn’t mistake the size of this place for a lack of direction or financial stability. It’s just that I’ve saved my money. The movie business pays well and I learned early to save when you can. It only took me five years of blowing everything I made to see the light. When I did, I started hoarding it away. Now I’m about ready to buy. Later in the week I’ll start my search. Come to think of it, Natalie’s guidance and expertise would be welcome.
A familiar sound fills the air.
“What are those beautiful bells?” she asks.
“Mission San Juan Capistrano. Must be noon.”
“Lovely.”
As Natalie walks through I relax. It’s the wide smile.
“Oh, Parker. Your home! This room is so cool.”
For an older house, this one has a good layout. One big open room encompassing the living room, kitchen, and dining area. I’ve attempted to have it reflect my unusual lifestyle. The big framed photographs from various movie sets are all the decorations I need. Everything else is simple and uncluttered.
“I’m glad you like it. I told you I’m about to start looking for a house to buy and I’m already thinking about how I want it to look. But first I want to get pre-qualified for a loan.”
“That’s the way to do it. If someone’s ready with the money it gives them the advantage.”
I put her luggage down in the hall to the bedrooms as she looks over the photographs on the walls. It’s always a conversation starter when guests see them. Not that Natalie and I need any help in that department.
“You made a film with Charlize Theron? She’s so beautiful.”
I come up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. “She’s nice too. That was my first big film,Snow White and the Huntsman.”
She turns and I see the look in her eyes as she looks at the pictures. It’s the same with most people. Stardust. I love it on her. It’s fucking adorable.
“You have such a great job! I’m a little starstruck looking at these pictures. Just like Jenna was. Can I take some pictures of these and send them to her?”
“Sure. If you think she’d be interested.”
“She’s visiting her in-laws in Pasadena and she’s bored out of her mind. Some of these pictures would make her day. You know how much she loves movie stars.”
Taking her hand I bring her a few frames down to the Holy Grail. It’s a picture of Finn Kennedy, mega movie star Jack Alden, and me. I’m doubling Finn, so we wear the same wardrobe. My hair is styled like his, and we each sport a fake bloody gunshot on our right shoulders.
When Natalie sees the photograph her head goes back and she calls to the heavens. “Jenna’s going to have a stroke! Remember her obsession with Finn Kennedy?”
“He’s going to be on set tomorrow. Think she’d want to meet him? Would you?”
I’ve never had someone look at me like I’m completely crazy. Until now.
“You’re kidding, right?”
“No. I told you I had a big stunt this week and I wanted you to come with me.”
“You didn’t tell me it involved my best friend’s hall pass!”
“Just as long as he’s not yours.”
Her hands circle my neck and she brings her body close. “I have absolutely no reason to require a hall pass. Not with you as my lover.”
“Then why don’t you invite her to come with us? We’ll figure out the details later. I’m more interested in seeing you naked right now.”
I don’t wait for an answer, but take her by the hand and lead her down the hallway and into my bedroom. There’s no resistance.
“I see you’ve turned down the bed,” she says. “Smart boy.”
My hand travels the journey from her neck to her breasts. I play with a peaked nipple.
