I never imagined how our careers would be changed after our work on "Dreamer". The film was a surprise hit with fans and critics alike. Its star, Blake Lively, received great reviews and her first Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama. The film's director, John McDonald got equally good notices. For us, it was a huge boost in business, I gained a beautiful lady friend (albeit one who didn't acknowledge this publicly, that was fine with me) and the director specifically asked for us to work on his next project, a spy thriller in development called "The Days of Rage" to be shot in Europe. I got a call at our studio from his assistant. John was having a party for his wife, an artist, and wanted one of us to be there, but more specifically, me.
How could I refuse?
John's house was in the ultra-exclusive Malibu Colony area, on the beach. Where else?
It was a classic California day as I drove the SLK down to the beach, wondering what might be in store for me. As I pulled into his driveway I could see I was among the ultra rich here. John was holding court with several artist friends when I arrived.
"Ah, my master photographer!" he said with a flourish.
"Ah, the master director!" I said in return.
We quickly got caught up, his wife Emily was quite a looker herself.
As the day wore on I mingled with people there, there were a few actors I recognized and I tried, in vain, not to be starstruck when they complimented our photo work.
I went out onto the deck and looked at the ocean amidst the setting sun. Off to the side I saw a beautiful blonde making her way towards the deck from the beach. She had on a casual t-shirt, denim cutoffs and sandals. She had a million dollar smile as she made her way to the bar area and got a glass of wine.
John greeted her with a hug.
"Man...who is that?" I mumbled.
John turned in my direction and called me over.
"Jim! I'd like you to meet a neighbor of mine..." he started.
"Well, not for much longer." She interjected.
"Oh yes, you're moving out today." He said. "Anyway, this is a friend of mine, Jim."
The blonde stuck her hand out.
"Hi Jim, I'm Kate Hudson." She said with a perky smile.
"Oh yes! Great to meet you! Wow, you're just like I imagined." I said
"Oh! And what would that be?" she said with that inquisitive look and smile she had showed so often in her films.
"Uh...very, um, California." I quickly ad-libbed.
She laughed heartily.
"Well, I'll leave you two here, I think the wife has another painting she needs to sell." John said.
"So John tells me you're quite the photographer." Kate said.
"He did? Oh, well, I guess I'm OK."
"Are you kidding? I saw those shots you did on his film. That's why I'm working with him." She said
"On what film?"
"The Days of Rage. I'm gonna star in it."
"Oh, cool! You'll be great, I'm sure."
"I just wish they'd get the project nailed down, it's been in development for a long time. I hate to wait for things like this."
"Me, too. I'm the same way." I said "So you live out here?"
"Not for long, I sold my beach house and I'm just taking a last look around." She said.
"Where are you moving to, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Um...up the coast. That's all I'll say."
"Say no more." I replied.
Kate giggled as we clinked our glasses.
"So do you live out here too?" she asked.
"No! Oh no way! I ain't that successful!"
"Well, not yet, anyway." She added.
"Oh, do you know something I don't?" I asked with that same look she'd given me.
"I know a lot of things, pal!" she replied and we both laughed. It was almost the same giddy laugh her Mom was famous for.
Even like this, Kate was so casually gorgeous. And so easy to talk to, I didn't feel the least intimidated by her.
"Are you gonna miss living out here?" I asked
"Hmmm...yeah, a little. It was nice on days like this." She said looking out at the ocean as the sun began to set. "You wanna see the house?" Kate said as she dangled the keys.
"Sure, why not." I said.
"Come on, then."
As we walked up the beach Kate began to tell stories about living there. The house was largely dark when we got there, and our voices echoed inside. It was a surprisingly small place for Malibu.
I could tell this place had been around a long time.
"Wow, when was this place built?"
"I think in the 40's." she replied as she walked around the place. "Some film director used this place to meet his mistress."
"Oh, really?" I said with raised eyebrow.
"Seems about right, huh?" she replied with that classic smile. "You know, small house, one bedroom?"
"Uh, yes, I suppose."
