Chapter 112: Showing Off Her Boyfriend

[Chapter 112: Showing Off Her Boyfriend]

When the two headed to Burbank Airport, flying to San Francisco, Vera was busy preparing for her final theater performance with endless hope for the future.

It was early afternoon at the rehearsal hall of 415, Gillette Street in San Francisco. The last rehearsal before the premiere of the musical Chicago was coming to an end. Amid the upbeat jazz music, the stage lit up in a colorful display with a group of dazzling ladies jumping and singing at the top of their lungs.

Producer Martin, holding a walkie-talkie, grinned as he lingered in the backstage dressing rooms. Several actresses chatted excitedly among themselves. They had surrounded Maggie Gyllenhaal, who played the lead female role, Roxie Hart. Despite Maggie being only 19 and not officially signed with the American Conservatory Theater, no one held any grudges against her.

After all, Maggie's family was Hollywood royalty, and she had appeared in her father's film since she was 15.

"Maggie, tell us about Hollywood. How different is acting in movies compared to musicals?" a young actress asked, admiringly.

"Yeah, Maggie."

The heyday of theater had faded over the years. Perhaps the top Broadway and West End actors enjoyed a social status nearly equal to movie stars, but their salaries and fan base were on a whole different level. And that was especially true for fringe actors at places like the American Conservatory Theater. They looked down on film actors yet envied them deeply.

"It's not that different, really. I think musicals are tougher -- they're more challenging for actors. Lisa, if you ever acted in movies, you'd probably outshine many stars," Maggie replied with a smile, adjusting her tight costume.

Maggie was young but came off as emotionally intelligent, having been nurtured in a theatrical family. During this rehearsal period, she had easily built good relationships with her colleagues.

Lisa, dressed in an extravagant black revealing outfit and wearing bold makeup, made an exaggerated expression like a mischievous devil. Clutching her chest, she exclaimed, "Oh really? Babe, you must be flattering me. How could I possibly compare to you? Unfortunately, someone like me rarely gets a chance in films."

Maggie smiled politely but said nothing in return.

Lisa's eyes glanced toward Vera, who was alone in a corner, touching up her makeup and being flirted with by Martin. Lisa loudly teased, "Hey, you, the actress. Heard you're switching to films now? Oh right, you failed at making it on Broadway. What choice do you have? Why not ask Maggie for help? Or maybe, Mr. Richards, if you could do her a favor, I think she'd be more than willing to thank you sincerely."

Martin turned around, scolding with a grin, "Oh, you naughty kittens, I'm just coaching Vera on her performance."

Everyone in the dressing room burst into laughter.

Maggie glanced at Vera, then around at the others, sharing a slight smile without mocking. She was clever -- keeping a detached, aloof stance, never getting involved in internal theater rivalries.

Vera had endured enough of the exclusion and mockery from her theater peers. After meeting Charlie, Harvey, and Universal executive Ronald Meyer, she knew she was on a different level than these small-timers. She ignored their jabs and whispered somewhat helplessly to Martin, "Mr. Richards, I have a boyfriend now. He'll be here soon."

"Oh really?" Martin doubted. "No one's seen him, and what's that got to do with tonight's cast celebration party?"

"I have to check with him. We... haven't seen each other in a long while," Vera smiled wistfully.

"Wow, look at our little Princess Farmiga," Lisa mocked while twisting her waist unnaturally as she walked over. "You took time off some days ago. Is it because your career's not going well and now you're throwing yourself at some guy? Honestly, I think you should focus on work right now. Don't get fooled by some boy, thinking about marriage and kids."

Lisa's continuous jabs angered Vera. She wasn't the submissive type, at least not the kind who took abuse quietly -- that would never work in showbiz.

She couldn't help snapping back sarcastically, "Charlie's no kid! You better mind your own business! And actually, my situation's the opposite of what you think: my love life and career are both thriving. You're right; I almost thought I was a princess myself! Charlie is my prince! He loves me deeply and has helped my career tremendously."

Lisa's face turned sour.

Damn, you bitch, who do you think you are to be proud?

"Oh, who is he? Tom Cruise? Or some old Hollywood sap? How did you even manage to hook such a guy?" she sneered.

"Charlie Corleone!" Vera stood proudly, chin up. "We're really boyfriend and girlfriend! A few days ago, he took me to meet Universal and Miramax executives."

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

Someone exclaimed, "He's the new Hollywood producer who's on the rise?"

"I heard he produced that film Fifty Shades of Gray that made 70 million at the box office."

"Yeah, he's young and also a writer. Suddenly, he popped into Hollywood out of nowhere."

The group of women started talking excitedly, casting jealous and skeptical looks at Vera.

Lisa moved her mouth but made a sharp glare before turning away.

Charlie, as a producer and studio boss, wasn't widely famous. Most theater actors might have known him only because of the big scandal linked to Tupac.

Maggie, who had kept to herself, suddenly ran over excitedly, "Hey, Vera! I didn't know you were Mr. Corleone's girlfriend?"

"Uh, yes," Vera nodded, puzzled.

"My dad's the executive director on his set, and my brother also had a small role in Wrong Turn," Maggie said warmly, taking Vera's hand as if they were close friends.

"Oh, really? What a coincidence," Vera replied enthusiastically, masking any insincerity. As actors, these were just professional skills.

Suddenly, a phone rang. Vera eagerly grabbed her purple purse, answered then hung up the phone. She told Martin, "Sir, my boyfriend is here."

Martin shrugged, indicating she could go. Vera's scene appeared only in the final act and wouldn't delay rehearsal. But curiosity got the best of him; he said he'd accompany her to meet him.

Maggie eagerly joined in, "Mr. Corleone's here? I have to say hello."

So the two actresses put on their coats, and a small group hurried out. Meanwhile, other actresses in the dressing room wore various expressions, most falling quiet and unhappy, returning to their makeup stations.

*****

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