Chapter 17
Valentine
Past
I checked my phone again for the hundredth time. It was still early. Arsen wasn't going to be here for another half hour, but I was going out of my mind waiting.
Breathe, Valentine.
I was wearing an off-the-shoulder, purple, mermaid dress with a train. It felt great, empowering even. It also made me feel extremely uncomfortable. There was no hiding anymore, people would really see me in this. And they would see me with Arsen. The mix of anticipation and nervousness was almost overwhelming to the degree of nausea.
I didn't go to my sophomore or junior proms, or the winter balls, I never cared much for school functions. I twirled around in my mirror with the confidence I could only muster, here in my bedroom. I felt like a princess, and soon my knight would spirit me away.
“'Spirit', really? It's just a prom, Valentine.” I shook my head the too-happy reflection in the mirror. I looked like a different version of myself. Arsen made me into a happier version. “Oh! I almost forgot.”
I got Arsen something small for his eighteenth birthday tomorrow. I grabbed it just in case I decided to give it to him tonight, especially if everything went as well as I hoped. I turned the present over in my hand, having second thoughts about it.
I hope he doesn't think it's too corny.
I needed to leave the safety of my bedroom before I exploded with excitement and self-consciousness. I went downstairs to wait in our foyer, then checked the time on my phone again. It wouldn't be long now!
I spotted my father walking to his study, manservant in tow. I hadn't seen him around the house lately. Despite doing an excellent job hiding it from the media, my father had a recurring gambling problem. At first I thought it was because of a film, but over the last few months he'd been acting more on edge than usual. I guess he'd fallen back off the wagon.
“Father,” I said. He stopped and looked me over with squinting eyes, trying to figure out what occasion would require me to dress the way I was. “It's the—”
“Prom, yes.” My father remembered quickly. “Was purple mandatory, Valentine?” His disinterested gaze turned into scrutinizing judgment. “The press will no doubt be hovering around for my daughter's first semi-public outing. Next time have Albert shop for you, he knows what's best for the Dawson brand this season.”
I wanted to argue, but thought better of it. I hated the fact that my last name was a brand and not just a last name. It made me feel so imprisoned. I took a breath and swallowed my opinions.
“Yes, father.” I paused, then hesitantly asked about the 'other' thing that had been on my mind like crazy. “Have you heard anything about the audition?”
My father knew the film's director well, occasionally having him over for dinner and discussions. He had promised me an audition for a small supporting role on his latest film. Aside from Arsen, that was all I'd been thinking about lately. I finally felt ready for the opportunity.
“Yes!” He said, lighting up. “Wonderful news, in fact.” I started smiling despite myself, I couldn't wait to go on my first real audition. I'd even found dialogue online and had been practicing my lines all week. All I've ever wanted to do was act and this was finally my chance. “Monique Lynn Villanueva did a radiant performance, I endorsed her for the role.”
My chest clamped shut like a vice.
“But you promised that I would at least get to audition.” I was no stranger to disappointment, but in that moment I felt older. The sadness was more of an ache than a stab. I knew I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. My father hadn't ever helped me before in my acting career, why should he start now?
“Don't whine, Valentine, it's unbecoming. Just be pleased that we have the proper cast in place now to produce yet another accolade for the Dawson name.” My father rattled off the words so casually that it almost felt like he was trying to hurt me.
Was he always this cold?
Albert, the manservant said something to my father in his typical soft voice. I used to try to eavesdrop, but Albert was too well trained to ever allow his low voice to be heard by anyone other than who he was talking to.
“It seems your car has arrived.” My father said, frowning. The thought of Arsen always managed to brighten my heart regardless of what else was going on in my life. I was so thankful for that. “There's no time for you to change, unfortunately. Albert, escort Valentine to the car, we mustn’t keep Jonathan waiting.”
“Jonathan?” The name slapped my face like a wet fish. Jonathan was the son of some CEO, he always came with his family to the parties my father threw at the house. I never liked him. “No, Arsen is—”
“I've already spoken with Pamela, the Constantine boy wasn't a suitable choice for you. You only have one senior prom, Valentine. Jonathan will make a more appealing suitor.” Pamela? I knew my father had talked to Arsen's mom a few times, but it was weird to hear him refer to her by first name only.
“I-I can't.” I felt disoriented, like someone spun me around in a circle too many times. First the audition and now Arsen getting replaced like a tie for the wrong function... How had everything fallen apart so completely? “I don't even like Jonathan.”
“That hardly ever matters, Valentine. Now, off you go.” My father shooed me away with one hand and resumed walking to the study.
My life was an extension of the Hugh Dawson persona, and every situation would would be carefully manipulated. My father, I thought, spitefully, as Albert ushered me out to the waiting limo, was ruthlessly efficient.
I looked out over the limo, down the long driveway. None of it felt real. I was in a play, acting out a predestined part. I was Juliet, Paris was in the limo and my Romeo was nowhere to be found.
“Hey there, Valentine.” Jonathan opened the door with a wink.
Albert politely, yet insistently, helped me into the back seat, then closed the door. A hopelessness welled up within me. I sat as far away from Jonathan as the car would allow, but that didn't deter Jonathan. He got up, sat next to me, and placed a hand on my knee. My nausea returned, but this time I wasn't giddy with excitement.
Where are you Arsen?
The driver started the engine and began pulling away. I didn't feel much like a princess anymore.
Then I heard the rumbling of an engine speeding toward us. Arsen's truck screamed up the long driveway and slid to a stop right in front of the limo, blocking it from going any further. Even through the limo's tinted window, I could see Arsen's eyes burning when he stepped out of the truck.
My knight had finally arrived. And he was angry.
Present
Arsen drove us onto the gated lot and up to the Mercy Lane studio. I was jittery, and could barely sit still the whole ride. This morning the director asked me to come in for a second audition.
“You ready for this one?” Arsen asked, putting his car into park and looking over at me. His hand slid across my upper thigh, making filthy promises. This, whatever it was that we had, was crazy and way too much fun. “If not, I'm sure I can get you back into the mood.”
That sounded so damn tempting. Arsen had rented the same make and model car he had back home. I thought it was silly at first, but the more time I spent in it with the roar of the engine and him banging through the gears, made me want slide onto his lap and ride him until my eyes crossed.
I quickly glanced around the parking lot, it was mid-morning and there were people everywhere. I bit my lip and grabbed his hand, rubbing it over the crotch of my pant's. “Rain check.”
“This is the city of flowers and sunshine, Val.” His hand wouldn't budge when I tried to get up. His fingers pushed against my pussy, I could feel myself getting wet. “Your rain check's no good here.”
“Arsen!” My eyes flared at him, Oh my God, you're incorrigible! But I loved that about him. He still wouldn't budge, now moving his fingers over my lower lips in tight circles.
“You shouldn't have played with fire.” Arsen looked firm and uncaring. No hint of a smile on his lips. “You're gonna have to beg now.”
“Please, let me go.” I drew in long ragged breaths. It was hard to argue against a touch I wanted so badly.
He held me there for a short eternity, then slid his hand away and let me escape. I opened the door as quickly as I could for some fresh air. Even with the air conditioner on, Arsen made it extremely hot in that car.
Two black Escalades pulled in near us, blocking a full row of handicapped spots. Almost a dozen people funneled out of the vehicles and made their way toward the studio entrance.
I wasn't all that surprised by the douchey display, a lot of the 'A' list celebs had a crew of people orbiting around them everywhere they went. Whoever this was, they had a personal trainer, hair and make up stylists, a nutritionist, bodyguards, and assistants all hanging around. I'd never seen an actor's crew this big before.
“One side,” a small guy announced to no one in particular. That was probably his job in the crew. He looked like he was just an old friend that was along for the free ride. “Phil C, coming through!”
“Oh for fuck's sake,” Arsen groaned under his breath, probably viewing all this as unnecessary and masturbatory.
At some point during the insane display of wealth and lifestyle, Arsen had materialized beside me. He was still in crazy protector mode since what happened. I, of course poked fun at him because of it when he went overboard on occasion, but honestly he did make me feel much safer.
I couldn't even imagine what this trip would've been like without him.
Phil C, It bothered me that I couldn't figure out who that name belonged to. Then I saw the actor step out of the back of one of the SUVs. Phillip Seymour. Of course! I'd heard rumors that his marketing team was working on a rebranding since he'd won his academy award.
The thought of Michelle trying to do the same to me turned my stomach.
“As I live and breath, Valentine Dawson!” Phillip called out in an odd accent that sounded a little too over the top, It had to be something he was working on for his role in the film. He wore this stuffy, nineteen-twenties tweed suit, bow tie and straw hat. He looked right for the part he was playing, but utterly ridiculous in a parking lot in Los Angeles.
“Please tell me you don't know this clown, Val.” Arsen had positioned himself between Phillip's group and myself.
“Oh, you mean my potential co-star and People Magazine's current sexiest man alive.” I winked at Arsen as I stepped in front of him. “Nope, never heard of him.”
I got a little thrill at seeing Arsen get jealous. It reminded me of when he picked me up for prom back in high school. I just hoped this interaction wouldn't be as... explosive as that night was.
“Hello, Phillip.” I extended a hand, which he took and kissed in a grandiose fashion.
“It is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you in person, Valentine.” I very rarely got starstruck anymore, but Phillip certainly had a way about him that was intoxicating. “I heard about what happened to you in New York, dreadful business.”
“Yeah, that was a tough—” I started, then was interrupted.
“I hear you are auditioning to play my lady of the evening.” Phillip's tone dramatically changed when he interrupted me. His gaze fell to and lingered on my tits a little too long for comfort. I wasn't wearing anything too revealing, just a halter top and pants, but the way he looked at me made feel like I was wearing a bathing suit.
I was extremely insulted, then I remembered the character he was playing in the film. I didn't realize until meeting him in person that Phillip was a method actor, someone that never breaks character during filming. It was supposed to help them become their character better. I always thought it was a little silly.
But had they already started shooting yet? They must have. It would make sense, after all the there was a mad scramble to fill the role I was auditioning for. The girl originally cast for the part I was trying to get had OD'd.
“I guess so,” I laughed, shaking off the insult. It's ok. He's just getting into character. Some actors just had to play deplorable characters, that's all. Why did that sound like I was lying to myself for thinking that? I could almost feel Arsen radiating in anger behind me.
“I do hope it's you, my dear. You have the most radiant skin,” Phillip ran a finger down the outside of my shoulder. I pulled away, but Phillip followed. “I simply cannot wait to see more of it.”
Arsen's hand clamped tightly around Phillips wrist.
“The last man that tried to touch her, I had to put into the hospital. With a pretty face like yours, it'd be a shame if the same thing happened to you.” Arsen punctuated every word with an incredible amount of restraint. He was a hairsbreadth from destroying the actor's priceless face. A small guilty part of me, wanted to let him, “C'mon, Val, You don't want to be late for your reading.”
“Arsen!” I scolded him. Then I laughed nervously, trying to dispel some of the situation's uncomfortable intensity. I was mortified. Even if Phillip was just a creep, he was still THE actor in demand right now. If a guy like that wanted to end my career, he legitimately might be able to.
“That's alright, my dear.” Phillip groaned through clenched teeth under the pressure of Arsen's grip. He held a hand out to stop his own bodyguards from advancing. I elbowed Arsen to release the man, Arsen squeezed one more time then let him go. “Your man there is certainly exuberant about your schedule. An admirable trait.”
“I am so sorry about that.” I gave Arsen the evil eye before quickly changed the subject. “But he's right, I really should be going.”
“There's no rush. You're doing your reading with me. So in a sense,” Philip flashed that million dollar smile of his as he rubbed his bruised wrist. “I decide whether you get this part.”