Rise of the Billionaire actress

Doris saw to her promise because the next day, very early in the day, she woke up Deloise, urging her to get prepared for their day out.

Sluggishly, Deloise got out of bed and worked around getting ready for an audition she was yet to know a word of.

They got into the car and a script was passed along to her. “Finally.” She muttered, “Couldn’t have given me any sooner?”

Doris laughed, “You are in a mood. Just so you know, the audition isn’t until-” she glanced at her watch, “One hour.” she finished with a shrug, “Surely that’s enough time to get into the height of things.”

“How long is the drive?”

“Thirty minutes?”

“Great. You expect me to ace this audition or are you trying to test how rusty I am?”

“So whiny,” she tutted, and pulled out of the driveway, “Who is this and where is the Deloise who aced her audition on the first day of resumption?”

“Rusty as hell.”

“Definitely in need of some breaking in.” Doris stepped on it.

They proceeded on the journey and Deloise went through the script. With a glint in her eyes, she read through the script given to her.

It was a story of a woman forced to become devious by the hurdles life threw her way. After getting killed by the ones she protected and loved, the lead character was given a second chance at life, armed with the memories of her former life.

It was a second chance at retribution, and an instant like for her.

Doris gauged her from the wheel, taking note of her silent joy. When she saw that script, she remembered thinking just how perfectly Deloise would fit into the character- should she return to filming. At the time, she had her hopes up due to her indicated interest in returning to the movie industry.

That hope was truncated when time passed and there was still no word on her return to New-York. Everyday, she got to the office and fought a battle to hand over the script to another actress for tryout but just couldn’t find the strength to do so.

When the awards invite showed up on her doorsteps, she decided it was going to be her last shot before finally handing it over to someone else. With little to no expectations, she mailed it to her, believing if there was anything capable of granting her the courage to return to the craft, it had to be it.

Luckily, that did it, and she was here to take it up. Late, but here nonetheless.

“What do you think?” She asked for formality, “Think you can handle it?”

“You know what I think.” Deloise answered, unable to hide her glee, “This was tastefully prepared. Is it a big set? Do you think they will mind my background?” Her insecurities creeped in.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m not out here with a glowing profile, Doris. I’m known as the quitter, and if it’s a big set- which I perceive it is, I doubt they’d want to work with me.”

“Do your part and leave the rest to me,” She replied, “And in answer to your question, it is a decent set, albeit, not the size of your debut movie, but a good one nonetheless.” Doris took a deep breath, knowing it was best to let the cat out of the bag. “Also… just a heads up, the director of this set happens to be on good terms with Stella.”

That got her attention, “Explain ‘good terms’.”

“Their relationship isn’t defined, but news spreading is that they are very close.”

A frown, “Should I be worried?”

“Not really. This is just a heads up, you might come in contact with her on the job, depending on how professional they are.”

“I’m guessing I’ll be seeing a lot of her then.” she deadpanned.

“I love your enthusiasm, but we’re here.” Doris announced, getting out of the car. Only then did she realize they were parked outside a building.

Deloise put on her shades and stepped out. Three years and she still felt antsy in public. She doubted they’d recognize her but that was a gamble she wasn’t ready to take. Led in by Doris, they took a number, alongside a seat as they waited for her turn.

Her number got called and Doris held her back, “You’re going to kill this,” she said with a smile, “No pressure.”

“And if I don’t?”

Doris shrugged, “Then you might be a bit rusty. Get in there.” she ordered.

With a chuckle, Deloise took off her glasses and made her way inside. As soon as she removed her glasses, eyes widened and whispers began, each trying to find out the identity of the one who held a semblance to Daniel Greenwood’s rumored daughter.

Meanwhile, Deloise gave a stunning performance. So much so that she was given a grand applause and got awarded the role on the spot. One look at her, and Doris knew she was back.

Rusty? Of course not!

“I guess they are asking for me.” she stated more than asked.

“Don’t look so smug now,” She smiled, then admitted. “But yes, they are.”

Without further ado, Doris got to the details with them and they walked out the building with a female lead role in the bag. Definitely a great start in their books.

“What do we have here?” A voice said from a Lexus Jeep. One look and Deloise confirmed her assumptions.

She couldn’t get a break.

Stella stepped out of the car, dripping with luxury. “Deloise Tanner.” she muttered in spite, “A surprise seeing you here.” she tsked, “An unpleasant one but a surprise nonetheless.”

“I see you’re still the same.” Deloise didn’t back down, “Three years and you are still obsessed with me.”

A scoff, “Please, don’t humour yourself. What are you here for?” Her eyes widened as Doris came into sight, “You..” she gestured between them, “Is this a thing?” She cackled, “Is this what I think it is?”

“We owe you no explanation.”

“Of course you don’t.” Stella regained composure, “Let’s get this straight. This is my territory. If you perhaps came here for an audition, a role maybe, forget it.”

“Pity I already signed the deal.” Deloise sighed, “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Do your research baby doll, I’m the queen now. Whatever role you think you’ve gotten, forget about it.”

“Deloise…” Doris intervened but she held her back.

“I didn’t come for you, Stella.” She pointed out in an irritated tone. “But make no mistakes, if you come for me, I wouldn’t fold my arms and take it.”

“Is that a threat?”

“Just a timely warning.” With that, they got into the car and zoomed off, leaving a trail of dust behind.

*****

Two weeks and filming kicks off in earnest. Despite the many offers of Doris to follow her, she refused. If she was doing this, she wanted to do it alone. Whatever they had, she was ready to take on it.

Doris dropped her off and left after yet another offer to see her through the first scene – An offer she refused by walking off on her own. Only after getting to a distance did she wave, and enter the building. With a sigh, Doris headed to her office, hoping everything would go well.

For both their sakes.

Deloise walked into the set and a wave of silence enclaves the room. It was only a matter of time before they recognized her, it was better now than later.

“Deloise Tanner?” A masculine voice called and she turned around, alongside the entire room. “Follow me.” He said, and to the others, snapped, “Nothing to see here!”

With narrowed eyes, she made her way towards him, while others resumed their jobs with whispers, the man led the way to a tiny office. They entered and the room grew smaller.

“Justin Torres.” He introduced with an outstretched arm, “The director of this set.”

Deloise took his hand, “Nice to meet you.” She said, not bothering to say her name.

“Good. Two things,” he started, “When we get out there, it’s strictly business. I want the best, and nothing else. If you don’t, you get kicked out. Capiche?”

Deloise nodded, gauging the man in front of her.

“Good. Get prepared, we start at nine.” Justin stated and she made her way out.

Definitely not a bad way to start her day.

Filming started and everything was on track until Stella showed up in the stands. It was hard not to know when she yelled down unsolicited opinions of her acting.

“I think that part needs to be redone.” Stella said, “There’s a thousand and one better ways to have portrayed that scene. Whatever just happened, doesn’t make the cut.”

“I don’t see anyone asking for your opinion.” Deloise mumbled, loud enough for the entire room to hear.

“Believe it or not, I have more experience at this than you will ever have.” she sneered, “Are you too big to take corrections too?”

“I accept constructive criticism, you of all people should know I do well with decent corrections.”

Stella raged, “Justin! Do you share the same opinions with your female lead act?” She glared daggers at him.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The director huffed, not in the mood to argue with his girlfriend. “Apologize.” He said to no one in particular.

No one moved and he sneered, “I said to apologize, Ms. Tanner!”

Deloise turned around, shocked to the core.

“I don’t have all day, woman!”

“I apologize.” She squeaked and Stella smiled.

“Thought so. I’ll be on my way then, Justin.” Stella blew a kiss and walked out the studio with a victorious grin.

“To your positions! Again!” the director said and they returned to their jobs with burning passion.

Deloise felt her blood boil at the insult she was made to receive. She warned Stella against stepping on her toes but she did just that. She can’t be held responsible for the retribution she was going to serve.

When she said she wouldn’t take it with folded arms, she meant it with every drop of her blood.