Second Chances – Chapter 54 July 19, 2010
Upon their return to the real world of Los Angeles, Beth finished up all of her acting work on Aria’s Song. She spent her days at the studio, approving various promotional items for the movie and had two short rehearsals for the award show late that weekend. Rob and Beth were presenting the “Best Director” award together and Harry was up for it for his last film. Beth hoped her friend would win that night.
“Beth, you were supposed to be home forty five minutes ago. Billy, your hair stylist has been here for over an hour and he’s about to climb the walls,” Tara scolded Beth as she walked in the door.
“I know. I got stuck at the studio. Guys have no clue what we have to go through to become beautiful and glamorous.”
“You better get your butt up there before he has a complete melt down. Rob’s going to be here in just over an hour.”
A smile came across Beth’s face with the mention of Rob’s name. “I can’t believe I’m presenting at the Academy Awards!”
“I know, and who knows about next year,” Tara said.
“If I am nominated, for anything, you and Brian are coming with me,” Beth told her friend.
“Sounds like fun, but you need to get ready if you’re going to make it for this year’s show,” Tara said as she pushed her friend towards the stairs. Inside her bedroom, professionals stood at the ready to transform Beth into the glamorous movie star, Elizabeth Edwards.
An hour later, Beth’s hair was almost complete. Tara came in and took Beth’s overnight bag downstairs by the door. The studio wanted her to go all the parties she could get to so she could talk to anyone and everyone about her movie for the free publicity, so the studio reserved a room for her in the hotel where the Eastman party was being held. If she made it back to her room before the morning news, it would be a miracle.
“Beth, there’s a handsome man at the downstairs with over a million dollars of diamonds for you,” Tara said poking her head through the bedroom door.
“Oh, they’re here. The guy must be the guard for them. I’ll be down soon.” She could hear the doorbell ring and smiled. “That should be Rob.”
“I’ll let him in, just finish getting ready,” Tara said and then closed the door and went downstairs to let the second tuxedo clad man inside their home.
“Rob, so nice to see you again. Love the tux,” she said as she greeted her friend’s boyfriend.
“Thanks Tara. Is Beth almost ready?” he asked.
“What do you think?” she asked, knowing he would know the sarcastic answer. “She came home forty-five minutes late from the studio.”
“She works so hard.”
“What do you expect? She’s always been like that. So, did the studio put you up in the hotel tonight?”
“Yes, but I have to leave late tomorrow for Prague.”
“The war movie, right? What are you playing?”
“A British commander who’s leading his troops at Dunkirk, helping the retreating French soldiers across the channel.”
“Sounds bloody.”
“Quite, living for three months covered in dirt and muck is not my idea of fun, but it’s a great script.”
“I hope so, to go to Prague for three months. We will miss you while you’re away.”
“Thanks Tara. It’s nice to be missed,” Rob said. He glanced up at the top of the stairs. Beth had just come to the top of the stairs and looked down at them before descending the stairs in her beautiful burgundy gown that clung to her. It was such a change from the massive gown she had worn less than a week ago.
“Beth, you look beautiful,” Rob said as she got to the main floor.
“Thank you. At least this gown is a lot lighter than last week,” she kissed him gently on the cheek, hoping not to mess up her makeup. “All I need to do is to put on these beautiful diamonds and we can go.” Beth walked over to the handsome stranger who held a small black case in his hands.
“Ms. Edwards, I am Mathew. I have the jewels from Mr. Weinberg and I will be with you until you return them later tonight.”
“Thank you Mathew. We do need to get going, so may I…”
“Certainly,” Mathew said as he opened the case to reveal the sparkling diamonds. “These are the earrings and this is the necklace.”
Trying to not look anxious to get her hands on the jewels, she took the earrings out one at a time and secured each to her ear. She was surprised at how heavy they were but didn’t care.
“Rob, could you help me with the necklace?” she asked but before he could respond, Mathew interrupted.
“Ms. Edwards, I think it would be better if I fastened it. The clasp is tricky and we want to make sure that it is secure,” the young man told her. She turned around to let him put the piece of artwork around her neck.
After looking in the mirror for a moment to admire the jewels, Mikey and Amy ran into the room.
“Mommy, you look pretty,” Mikey said.
“Shinny,” Amy said transfixed in the jewelry.
“Thanks Mikey. Okay you two,” she said as she knelt next to her kids. “I have to go, but I will be home late tomorrow. I want you guys to be good for Aunt Tara,” she told her kids as she hugged and kissed each one.
“Mr. Cobb, are you going to be on TV with Mommy?” Mikey asked.
“Yes, I am. Are you excited to see you mother on TV?” Rob replied.
“Uh huh, we get to stay up past our bed time and we are going to have our own Oz-kar party.”
“I hope I get invited to that party one of these years,” Rob said.
Mikey looked puzzled. “You can come to our party now, but you’ll need your jammies.”
“Thank you Mikey but I have to work tonight with your Mum. Doesn’t she look beautiful?”
“Yes, she does…”
Beth interrupted, “Thanks Mikey. Rob we have to get going. Be good you two and listen to Aunt Tara.” Beth gave her kids another hug and kiss. Mikey went up to Rob and shook his hand and tussled the boy’s hair. Amy came up to him and gave him the universal ‘up’ sign with her arms up over her head. Rob picked her up as she latched onto his neck with her arms.
“Thank you, Amy. You be good tonight, sweetie,” and he kissed her on the forehead before putting her down. Rob really was fond of the children and was very glad that they liked him too. He knew he could never replace their father but he hope he could help where he could.
Beth wrapped her arm around Rob’s as they left the house until they got into their black limousine. Mathew sat up front with the driver; there was no need for him to be back with them. It was nice to have some quiet time together before they were surrounded for the remainder of the night. It was going to take about two hours for them to emerge on the red carpet, not because of the distance but the limousine gridlock.
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