"Oh. What do you do in Los Angeles?"
"I work for a television production company. I'm a P.A."
"P.A.?"
"Production assistant. It's a way to get yourself into the business."
"What do you want to be?"
"An actress." I said as if it was the dumbest question she could ask.
"Oh, of course. You're pretty enough to be an actress. I bet you're good."
"I hope I am," I said. "My grandmother has such faith in me. She's the one who sends me enough money to keep trying. You don't make all that much money as a P.A., and it's so expensive to live out there.
You need someone to be your patron, to support and believe in you."
"I bet."
"I auditioned for the part of a nurse recently," I said. "For a soap opera."
"Really? Which one?" she asked excitedly.
"I follow one religiously."
"It's a new one, just starting. It's called Transfusions."
"Transfusions?"
"It's set in a hospital."
"Oh, right."
"I don't know if it will get on the air, but I tried out anyway. I'll hear next week. It's very nerveracking."
"I bet," she said nodding.
"I was very upset when I heard about my sister. I know she wanted that baby very much. It doesn't surprise me that she's had this reaction to the disaster."
I held my breath, waiting for her to tell me that what happened to my mother was not all that unusual.
"I'm sure she'll get well soon," she said with little emotion. She obviously didn't know my mother's condition. The phone rang. She said hello and then nodded at me. 'Take the elevator to the fifth floor and turn left. She's in the first room on your left," she instructed.
"Thank you."
I took out my compact mirror and glanced at myself. It seemed to me that would be a thing my mother's actress sister would do. When I looked at the receptionist, she smiled and nodded. I smiled back and sauntered over to the elevator.
When I stepped out of it on the fifth floor and turned left. I saw a nurse come around the desk and approach me. quickly.
"I'm Mrs. Mendelson." she said. "She's still somewhat medicated. but I'm sure she'll be happy to see a familiar face."
"Thank you," I said. "I won't stay too long this first visit. Jet lag," I added.
She smiled.
"I understand.'"
She escorted me down to the room and paused at the door.