CHAPTER 7: PATHS CROSSED
Checking my self out in the cafe window and looking down at my watch I still had some time before Jon shows up. It would be the only time I wear skinny jeans because I didn’t think it flattered my frame as my hips were not narrow by any means. I was what most people call the hour glass figure. When growing up I didn’t like it one bit and still a bit uncomfortable and at best try to hide my curves. The mental agony of a teenage image whereas I was too developed for my age and felt awkward around the girls and boys. I didn’t have the slim thighs or the narrow hips that at the time was considered the right figure. Now in Hollywood there were a lot of enhancements on the bodies of women so I feel slightly less self conscious. Thinking back to the look this celebrity gave me I was surprised to see his interest of an anonymous fan. Well who am I kidding I wasn’t really his fan. I didn’t really know who he was except for living here in California. I kept my head in books for way too long. Although I did realize he was also the face of alternative power; green energy and all about this new trend to make the world a more liveable state for the future population. I wonder if he believed in it himself or it was just a paycheque.
I turned to a man’s voice as I came back to reality and stop thinking about Matt Brand.
“Evalyn?” Jon asked.
I turned to see a younger man he had strawberry blond hair and with blue eyes. He was quite handsome too and looked to be around my age. I stuck out my hand for a greeting.
“Hi. Yes it is me. You must be Jon? It is a pleasure to have finally able to meet you. Did you want to order coffee first or get to work?” I inquired.
Jon looked at me appreciatively. I was a tall, tanned and to some an exotic looking woman. I had the darkest and straightest hair. My shade of colour was a glossy black almost blue or it would be classified as ebony coloured hair. I have never dyed or cut it short. I would just have it trim here and there when necessary. Especially now living in Hollywood I didn’t think I could afford a cut anyways, the prices were atrocious! Today I had it tied back in a low ponytail. My eyes were only brown but they were framed by very long lashes. My lashes and hair were my only favourite features on me. I haven’t yet accepted my curves even at this age.
As I fish for my notepad and laptop, I couldn’t find my pen. Did I misplace it? It was the pen I received from my graduation at U of T, Toronto University. It reminded me of home, I was little disappointed that I manage to lose it already.
Jon and I discussed the theme of his film. He was only twenty five years old and his parents are helping him set up his project, they owned a production company. He wanted to do a documentary on the real environmental issues of California. I thought it was a good idea and what he required from me was some dialogues and research into this new green energy business. I told him I would gladly do my part. He was willing to pay me a good salary to do so. I was so glad, my first official job.
“Now I owe you coffee. How would you like it?” asked Jon.
“Black with brown sugar please, Thank you.” I replied.
Jon walked up to order for us while I reviewed what was discussed between us. I had until September to organize it all and submit the final research and script. Jon was going to work on the spokesperson for his film. My email message came in, it was Andrew. Letting Jon know I needed to reply to this email I turned away. As I open the mail, I read Andrew saying his greetings and letting me know he was enjoying Spain immensely. I was happy for him as he was living out his dream to tour Europe. I told him I was now living in California and finally received my first real job. He exclaimed congratulations and will speak with me next month as he was preoccupied with the architectures of Spanish cathedrals. Smiling I look up to see a small commotion at the front of the cafe. Who would that be? Then took notice of the tall and bronzed man, he was here too? Well considering the cafe was off a beaten path I would think some of the celebrities can have some privacy when here at the cafe, but fans of his were talented in scouting out the whereabouts of their celebrity I thought. In actuality it wasn’t fans but his entourage. It looked to be an agent and stylists. I found myself gawking at him. What was wrong with me? She turned back to Jon as he return from getting their coffees.
“Matt Brand. Have you heard of him? He is the one right now everyone is vying for to make their projects produce the revenues. Right he is an environment guru too. Why don’t you introduce yourself? I heard he is quite approachable. Did you want an introduction? I believe my parents had a project with him and his team in the past.” Jon was getting himself excited and he already moved towards the person we were talking about.
I couldn’t do anything but to follow because Jon was now my boss in a sense. I pinched my cheeks to get some colour because I just felt I needed that little bit of confident booster. How does one go about recruiting a celebrity that has made millions off of his films to collaborate with low budget documentary? As I approach his table I found myself blushing, clearly I was resorting to school girl crush although I was a twenty seven year old woman.
“Hi again.” Matt greeted me happily.
I looked around the cafe, he was saying hi again to me. Was he meaning me? I didn’t think I left any lasting impression earlier today during the signing. I shyly smile back. He was looking at me and there was no one else but myself and Jon at his table. Oh those dimples I sighed, he was very stunning to look at. The other patrons didn’t seem remotely interested in our conversation. I guess they consider Matt as just another celebrity at their cafe.
“How are you Matt if I can call you that? I am Jonathan Whittaker and this is my script writer Evalyn Newburn. She and I are filming a documentary about the environmental issues with California. I heard you are an advocate for green energy and we were wondering if we can make an appointment with your agent or yourself to discuss further of our ideas? I hope we can count on you, isn’t that right Evalyn?” said Jon, nudging me to add my pitch to this man who was looking at me with amusement.
Did I look funny? I thought insecurely.
“Uh yes, this is an issue we feel strongly about and if you have free time in your schedule we would love an audience or your time please.” Wow that was a mouthful. I have never approach or initiate a conversation with any man before. Really I needed more experience with my lack of social skills. As well we were so casually dressed it seemed awkward initializing a proposal to an actor who must have more than enough projects to last his whole career.
“If you want to leave me your number Evalyn. I will contact you.” Matt said to me.
He wanted my number? Why not Jon’s I wondered. I nodded and found myself digging into my bag to get the notepad but realized again I had no pen. I really needed to invest in a mobile phone soon too. My missing pen and paper was not adequate enough. Matt reached into his back pocket and handed me something, I looked at his hand and in it was my pen that I thought was missing. He had it all along? Of course I only took back the note pad and with my eagerness to reading it, I had forgotten to take back my pen.
“Thank you, I thought I lost it.” I took the pen from him and scratch down my hotel number. Damn! I needed to find a place as well now to live properly. It wouldn’t look too appealing if an A-list actor come visiting but my imagination was getting the best of me, when would I be visited by a superstar?
Handing him the ripped piece of paper I mumbled something about calling me in the evening was best. He nodded in understanding. His agent waited for him to pass my phone number over but he slid the piece of paper into his front pocket. I found myself fidgeting as well. I felt so confused around this man, and couldn’t understand my behaviour has changed so dramatically. I was mostly a very calm and relaxed person. Today was a surprise revelation for me, what are the odds that the man that I have seen everywhere would be in the same locations that I have been at. I followed Jon back to our table and we continue to hash out the remaining things to do for his project. Glancing back at Matt’s table he was once again staring at me and winked quickly with a mischievous smile too. Really? Was I that interesting of a specimen for him to give me such a gesture.
I finally returned back to the hotel I was staying at even though I was tired from all the brainstorming and tour I did with Jon for the remaining of the afternoon. Hollywood was littered. The beach lost some appeal because of the garbage it was accumulating. Yet its people had no issue with sunbathing and beach life within this environment. They must have become used to the disarray, but it could look so much better and be at higher standards. It was Hollywood everything and should be glittery and five stars well it was what I initially thought it would be before moving here. It was not all happy and dreams come true sort of ordeal, reality every one must work extra hard to what they want to achieve in life.
What time was it? I never felt very alone like as this moment. It was dark, the air had a putrid smell and I found myself sighing deeply. Was this the lifestyle I wanted? It was a change but it was a lonely life so far. I seem to be fine the past twenty seven years. My personal struggle in life was all emotional. My mom was a very frigid woman when it comes to showing her love towards me, she was bitter over her divorce and yet it has been twenty five years, how can anyone live life with a grudge so old? My father on the other hand, even only a few kilometres from here was too disinterested in establishing a relationship with me. I felt like an orphan even if I had parents. They were either not here for me physically or emotionally. But really I turn out as normal than anyone could be although I was a very private person, it was my way of keeping people away in case they decide to hurt me as much as my parents have. I for the most part was a vey unemotional person, the men that I have dated never asked for a second date and I never had the inclination to pursue any man either. If I was incapable of loving me how I am ever possibly be able to love anyone else. Was it time I went to therapy? I shook my head maybe the time for romance was changing for me. I found myself thinking about Matt. Was it because he was physically perfect or was I just star struck. Yet I have never seen any of his movies so that was not it at all. Why was it that I could not stop thinking about him?
I walked towards my hotel room to unlock my door and a shadow surrounded me. I was just about to scream. I only realized now that the neighbourhood I was staying in was not the safest. My heart was thundering in my chest as I peered at the person in front of me. Matt Brand was standing in front of me. What in the world was he doing here and at this hour? Did I leave something else in his possession? The man was an enigma because he clearly found himself fascinated by me but for whatever the reason was, I found I did appreciate his attention. He was the only man that caused my brain to turn to mush whenever I was around him. But seriously why was here and at my rundown hotel.