Typecast Read online

  ALSO BY KIM CARMICHAEL

  Novels

  On the Dotted Line

  Trifecta

  Pieces of Three

  Novellas

  Closure

  Eternity

  Shorts:

  Interchangeable

  The Promise

  Hands On Me

  Made for Two (Three Times Lucky Box Set)

  Made for Love (Lucky Stars Box Set)

  Children’s Book:

  My Daddy Wears His Art

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this work may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission of the publisher.

  Published by Kindle Press, Seattle, 2015

  A Kindle Scout selection

  Amazon, the Amazon logo, Kindle Scout, and Kindle Press are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

  Dedication

  To everyone who has ever been forced to play a role.

  Acknowledgments

  My Husby: Without you, all the happily ever afters wouldn’t mean a thing.

  C and T: Thank you for always being supportive and for all the hours you let me have so I can create my worlds.

  My Fluff Balls: You are happiness personified.

  Tamara Eaton: With you, I am a better writer, a better storyteller, and a better friend. Thank you.

  Emily Kidman-Smith: You put my name out there and made my vision a beautiful cover. Thank you for the countless hours you spent trying to find just the right couple.

  Teresa Neeley-Martin: My comma whisperer. Thank you for perfecting my stories. You are the finishing touch!

  Erica Duvall and Summer Clark: Thank you for putting my baby out there for others to critique.

  Lia Hearn and Corry Parnese: Always rays of sunshine and positivity, you are what the book world needs. Thank you for always asking the magic words—what can I do?

  Michelle Henderson: Thank you for swooping in and helping me. You rock!

  Deneale: You are my sidekick—thank you for your unconditional support.

  Vicki Rose: You are new to my team and a most welcome addition. Thank you for your enthusiasm.

  Chelle: Thanks for your ear.

  Joe, Michelle, Alexis, Eva, Kat, Lisa, and Courtney: You take my crazy and accept it. Thank you.

  Tabby: You are always there to help. Thank you!

  Megan: Thank you for all your support.

  Sandra: Thank you for your amazing editing work.

  My own instinct: Thank you for stopping me from making a huge mistake. You are living proof people need to go with their guts.

  Logan, Erin, Ryder, and Drew: Thank you for coming into my life when I needed you most. I can only hope I do you justice.

  Short Glossary of Film Terms

  Cut

  A change in camera angle or placement, location, or time.

  Director

  The principal creative artist on a movie set. A director is usually (but not always) the driving artistic source behind the filming process, and communicates to actors the way that he/she would like a particular scene played. A director’s duties might also include casting, script editing, shot selection, shot composition, and editing. Typically, a director has complete artistic control over all aspects of the movie, but it is not uncommon for the director to be bound by agreements with either a producer or a studio.

  Dissolve

  An editing technique whereby the images of one shot are gradually replaced by the images of another.

  Exterior

  AKA: EXT

  Used in a slug line; indicates that the scene occurs outdoors.

  Fade

  AKA: Fade to Black, Fade In, Fade Out.

  A smooth, gradual transition from a normal image to complete blackness (fade out) or vice versa (fade in).

  Idolized

  To regard with blind adoration or devotion. To worship as a god.

  Interior

  AKA: INT

  Used in a slug line; indicates that the scene occurs indoors.

  Limelight

  The center of public attention, interest, observation, or notoriety.

  Producer

  The chief of staff of a movie production in all matters save the creative efforts of the director, who is head of the line. A producer is responsible for raising funding, hiring key personnel, and arranging for distributors.

  Slug Line

  A header appearing in a script before each scene or shot detailing the location, date, and time that the following action is intended to occur in.

  Stardust

  A naively romantic quality.

  Step and Repeat

  A term for the backdrop or media wall which typically displays the sponsor’s logo or name. A place where notable attendees stop for a photo opportunity. Step and repeats are often found at red carpet events.

  Typecast

  1. To cast (a performer) in a role that requires characteristics of physique, manner, personality, etc., similar to those possessed by the performer.

  2. To cast (a performer) repeatedly in a kind of role closely patterned after that of the actor’s previous successes.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Preview: Limelight

  About the Author

  HOLLYWOOD STARDUST

  FADE IN:

  INT. INDIANAPOLIS, IL - HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY - DAY

  STEVEN - typical eighteen-year-old high school senior, jerk, troublemaker with the attitude that the world owes him a living, and of course, girls flock to him.

  STEVEN tosses his books in his locker and turns to find new student, ROXY, coming down the hall staring down at her school schedule and then looking up at the different room numbers. He hits his best friend, WILLIAM, on the back.

  STEVEN

  Check this tasty little morsel out.

  WILLIAM – also eighteen years old the type of guy who is both the senior class president, lead in the high school play, and athlete all in one. The kind of boy every mother wants for her daughter when her daughter wants STEVEN.

  WILLIAM turns.

  WILLIAM

  She’s the new one from California.

  Both STEVEN and WILLIAM watch ROXY walk toward them.

  ROXY – Eighteen years old is not your typical Midwestern girl, rather she is a California transplant. She is not the cheerleader or student council type, but rather a bit of sparkle and flair in a community that isn’t used to her. She stands out though she wants to fit in.

  ROXY Looks up and drops her paper.

  WILLIAM Runs over and picks up the paper. He holds the paper out.

  WILLIAM

  Here you go.

  ROXY

  Thanks, I’m just a little lost.

  ROXY takes the paper and glances between William a
nd Steven.

  STEVEN Saunters over and plucks the paper out of her hand.

  STEVEN

  I don’t think you’re lost at all. I think you’re found.

  Chapter One

  “There is absolutely no way I am going out there and interviewing some B-list has-been bad boy.” Julia Davis, the lead entertainment reporter for Chargge.com crossed her arms. “Your little fact finder screwed up again. Seriously, Craig, how can I be expected to work this way?”

  Heat encompassed Ivy Vermont, but she met Julia’s crossed arms with a set of her own and glanced between Craig Stockton, her boss, and Julia. “Technically, Logan Alexander is not a B-lister. He doesn’t even act anymore.”

  “Your ridiculous details mean nothing.” Julia’s nostrils flared.

  “Ivy, what happened to getting Ryder Scott or Erin Holland from Hollywood Stardust?” Shaking his head, Craig approached. “It’s a little hard to do a story on the twentieth anniversary of the movie without one of the stars. You told me everything was set.”

  With facts, rather than stature on her side, Ivy stood up straighter and lifted her chin. “Logan Alexander was as much a star in the movie as the other two of them, well three.”

  “Last week, rather than getting that little boy in the hot dog commercial with the catchy line, you brought me the dog.” Julia stared her down. “How can I interview a dog?”

  “The trainer was there. Some say dogs have the mentality of a two-year-old, and it did tricks.” No one ever saw the potential. If she could talk as eloquently in front of the camera as behind, she would be the reporter. Actually, she would have been an actress and the interviewee. Even the camera on her phone terrified her, not a flattering trait coming from a family of actors. “A few fetches and atta boys would have been perfect for your report.”

  “I am not doing this interview.” The click of Julia’s heels on the wood floor of the conference room grew louder as she approached. “What? Are you scared to face me?”

  Though she tried not to look directly at her, Ivy gave in, swallowing back any mention of the tiny mascara smear above her left eye. Julia should meet Mr. Alexander with such an imperfection. “The agent promised me Ryder or Erin. Only, two hours ago, he called to say Logan would be here instead.”

  “He was one of the major stars.” Craig wiped his brow.

  “Stop defending your personal pet.” Julia turned her back to him.

  Ivy held out the note cards she made for the wicked reporter. “Logan Alexander is an excellent person to interview. The villain is always the most interesting. Even after all the scandals, Hollywood Stardust is one of the most beloved teen movies ever made, and changed the genre forever.”

  “I don’t need your details. Did you spend your life studying this movie?” Julia grabbed the cards out of her hand and tossed them to the floor. “He was arrested and personally responsible for getting the sequel canceled. He is as bad in real life as he was in the movie.”

  “Don’t forget that I ran off innocent Drew Fulton and no one has ever heard from him again.”

  At the unexpected male voice, Ivy turned. Her breath caught as her ultimate teen fantasy stood before her.

  The heat in the room intensified, but she froze. Mr. Logan Alexander leaned in the doorway—more like filled up the doorway. He lifted a cigarette, twirled it between his fingers, and placed it in his mouth.

  Unlike someone who lived the hard-knock life of a disgraced actor, time had kissed him, leaving him looking much like his teen dream self, only a little more rugged. While his other two male costars from the movie possessed more of the good and wholesome image, Logan Alexander personified the conniving character. He was the one who lured people with looks that could only be described as remarkable.

  As if this whole thing were nothing but a bother, he pushed away from doorjamb and entered the room, glanced at Julia, turned his back to Craig, and faced Ivy. “So, you think the villain is the most interesting?” The cigarette bounced between his lips.

  Interesting? Interesting as in the way he pulled his dark blond hair into a ponytail that hit the nape of his neck leaving one long strand to hang down the side of his face? Maybe interesting in the way his light blue eyes seemed almost translucent, half-closed, and definitely naughty? Of course, also interesting in how the slight bit of stubble highlighted the angles of his face, and the way he managed to keep his cigarette balanced. Then the answer was yes, he, or the villain, was the most interesting.

  “The villain always needs to go under the most transformation.” She managed to squeak out the words and pointed to his cigarette, unsure if she needed to tell him about the no smoking rule. Did fantasies follow rules?

  “Don’t worry. I’m not going to light it.” His gaze scanned down to her shoes and back up to her face.

  Interesting. She licked her lips. The man was more glorious in person than on the silver screen.

  “What if the villain hasn’t undergone a transformation?” Julia tapped her foot.

  Ivy ground her teeth together. If anyone needed to change, it was Julia.

  “I suppose I’ll get more hard-hitting questions than asking a dog trainer if Rover, the hot dog hunter, is potty trained. You sure know how to dig deep.” Though he answered Julia, he continued to look at Ivy. “I liked the dog, a much better choice than the obnoxious little boy.”

  Transfixed, she continued to stare at him.

  “Just because the villain can change, doesn’t mean they will.” Julia moved over as if trying to get his attention.

  He exhaled, but the cigarette stayed in place. “How can I do an interview with you when I know you are team Ryder all the way?”

  “Hollywood Stardust was the typical love triangle.” Julia raised her chin. “Today’s teen movies are better developed than movies decades ago.”

  “Oh, that reference to my age really does pain me.” He pressed his hand to his chest. “Tell me, did the villains of your era wear pompadours and leather jackets, or perhaps suits of armor?”

  In an effort to stifle a laugh, Ivy bit the side of her mouth. There was something to be said for the villain getting their comeuppance, and she didn’t mean Mr. Alexander.

  Julia narrowed her eyes and spun toward Craig. “I am not playing her game of bait and switch. If Miss Details loves villains so much, Miss Details can do the interview. Call me when you get a real star.” She stormed out.

  “Well, that is one thing your runaway hostess and I agree on.” Mr. Alexander’s smile revealed a perfect set of Hollywood teeth.

  “What would that be?” Craig wiped his brow.

  “Miss Details should do the interview.” In a swoon-worthy move, Mr. Alexander bowed to her.

  The spotlight shined down on her and the same stage fright she battled every second of her life took a strong hold over her body, made worse by being presented with her teen idol in the flesh. “Craig.” How she managed to utter even one word was beyond her, but she took it as a good sign.

  “Oh, no. No, that won’t do at all.” Craig shook his head. The first and only time she was on camera at Chargge.com, she ended up running off set and throwing up in a trash can. “I am sure Julia will be right back.”

  “Don’t bring her back on my account. I’m Team Details all the way.” Logan raised his fist as if he were about to begin cheering and, with a wink, lifted his chin in her direction. “She is clearly an expert on the movie and knows story structure.”

  His gesture, though probably insignificant to him, served to ignite her courage as well as her body. She chose to ignore them both. All she needed was to throw up on one of the Hollywood Stardust stars.

  Craig cupped his hand over his mouth. “She is an expert on every movie.”

  Yes, fine, but she was mostly an expert on Hollywood Stardust. She remained silent.

  “I refuse to be interviewed by anyone who is not an expert in cinema.” Mr. Alexander picked up one of her note cards, gave it a quick scan, and sauntered over to her. Yes, it was a tota
l saunter. His walk may have also included a bit of a swagger as well. “Miss Details is the only one for me. It seems she has found something to talk about other than drugs, Drew, and sequels, since I won’t answer those questions anyway.”

  She fought the need to hug her prepubescent crush, bury her face in his chest, and breathe in what could only be the smell of cologne and cookies. Later, they could go back to her apartment, and she would confess she used to write his name in her notebook and practice kissing him on the back of her hand. In her dreams, she could interview him and then they’d conquer the world together. In reality, she knew he was only playing a role and she would never be able to utter a sentence. Dumb reality.

  “Either she interviews me or you can call the company that owns not only Hollywood Stardust, but your website as well, and tell them the video blog they expect to make waves won’t air today. I’ll be in the lounge not lighting my cigarette.” He handed her the card and walked out the door.

  She leaned forward, bracing herself on her knees. “Oh God, I want to do this.”

  Her boss paced across the floor. “You would be the perfect person if you could just learn to calm down. It’s what we hired you for.”

  Though Craig never admitted it, she was the bane of his existence. He hired her as a favor to her father, and they gave her the job as a reporter. Technically, her current job as fact-checker and scheduler didn’t even exist. The reporters were supposed to do their own research, but Julia sort of snatched her up as a personal assistant. Both her parents who possessed multiple acting awards between them, looked at her with wide eyes and pity every time they discussed her career. Even they weren’t good enough actors to hide their disappointment.

  She crumpled the note card in her fist and straightened up. “I’ll do it. I will interview Logan Alexander.” Part of her expected a spotlight to shine down on her signifying her strength of conviction. The other part was thrilled she didn’t live in a world where spotlights randomly illuminated at key life-changing moments. She would end up living in the bathroom with the lights off, shaking.