“Hmm?” She sounds distracted. “Forget that. My cousin has a sculpture exhibition in Brooklyn. We can meet bad guys…tortured artists guaranteed to break our hearts.”
I roll my eyes. I have no interest in getting my heart broken by any pretentious artists.
Not when you’re fixated on Aidan, an inner voice whispers.
I ignore it.
Anyway, knowing Fiona, she’ll change her mind until we end up not going anywhere. I’m thinking of something interesting we can do when there’s a knock on my door.
“Open.”
My dad sticks his head inside. “Hey, Sweet Pea.”
I make a face at the childhood nickname. “Hey, dad.”
“You’re going somewhere tonight?”
Hoping he’s not planning to rope me into some boring father-daughter bonding nightmare, I shake my head. “Not sure.”
“Good. Neil Anders is in town. Many people want to see him, so he’ll be here tonight for a party I’m hosting. A small one. Mostly industry people. I thought…since you’re an industry person now yourself…you might want to know.”
My childish scowl turns into an excited grin. Neil Anders is a movie star,
Hollywood director, and a friend of my dad’s. He’s a big deal in industry circles, so even if the party is informal, it’ll be full of heavyweights. “I’m invited?”
“Yup. You qualify. You’re a working actress now.”
“I’ll try to act like one.”
He laughs and closes the door. My notifications are full of multiple messages from Fiona. She still hasn’t decided on any place.
“How about you come over,” I type. “We’re having a party for an actual Hollywood star.”
Her response is classic Fiona. “Leonardo DiCaprio?”
“You wish.”
She sends a disappointed face, then, “Okay. I’ll be there.”
I’ve attended a few of my father’s parties before. I have memories of being trotted out as a child to meet important people and being excited for all of two minutes before I had to go back to bed.
As I grew older, I attended a few more, watched famous musicians play award winning songs on my dad’s Steinway, and had short conversations with screen and stage legends, some of whom I’m sure, pretended to find me interesting for my father’s sake.
This party isn’t much different. It’s very informal or as informal as a party with multiple award winners can be. Neil Anders is the center of attention and everyone fawns over him. A few people from the production also come, so for the first time, there are guests I know from work.
After my father introduces me to people who seem genuinely pleased to learn that I now have a professional acting role, I listen to Neil’s stories about directing Hollywood projects, eat enough to make my dress feel tight, and keep my eye on the entrance waiting for the one person who hasn’t shown up.
Aidan.
My father confirmed that he invited everyone from the play, and everyone includes Aidan. So, where is he?
“You look bored.”
I’d wandered over to the DJ set-up. Dante is a drama major from my program who DJs as a side gig. The music is tailored to the audience, low, muted and yes… boring.
“I’m not bored,” I reply, still wondering when and if Aidan will show up. “I’m just…a little bored.”
Dante’s face splits in a brilliant smile. “How about I do one song for you?”