A few author's notes! First off, this is a work of fiction. None of the events depicted here ever happened, and for all intents and purposes, these are characters and not real people. All the acts taking place are consensual and between adults of legal age. This story is for the purposes of entertainment only. Second off, this is actually my first story! It's just for fun for me, but if you read it and you like it and want more, feel free to let me know! Enjoy.
My phone begins to chime, letting me know it's time to get ready. I tap the "Stop" icon on the screen, and set it back down on my dresser. The truth is, I'm already getting ready. I pull on my brand-new, ink-black gored skirt and tuck my sleeveless, silk, yellow blouse into the waistband and zip it up behind me. As I put my slender arms through the sleeves of a smart blazer, I can smell that pleasant, new-clothes smell coming off the fabric. I'd bought all these clothes just the day before, when I'd learned I'd landed this interview. Tucking my phone into my purse, I head into the bathroom to put on some makeup.
Less than 48 hours ago, my boss gave me a life-changing call. I was sitting in a cafΓ©, dressed significantly more plainly than I am now, finishing up a draft for an article on my laptop. As a new reporter for the up-and-coming entertainment news publication Catherine Weekly, I was feeling the pressure to get this newest article submitted before the deadline. It's my dream job but, being the new kid in the office, I had been stressing for months over how I could prove myself to the editor and solidify my position on the team. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I jumped as I felt the vibrations against my leg. I pulled the phone out and saw it was my boss, Josephine Wallace, calling me. Heart pounding, I picked up the phone.
"Hey, boss. What's up?" I said, trying to sound relaxed.
Her cold voice came through the speakers, "Bailey, I just received a very interesting phone call. Is there any chance you could make it into the office today? I have something I need to talk to you about in person."
The pounding stopped, and I felt a chill run down my spine.
Had I read the deadline wrong? Did something happen?
My mind was racing, but as it went through every possibility, I couldn't think of a single thing. So instead, I just played it cool.
"Yes, of course. I'll be right in, Ms. Wallace," I said.
"Wonderful. See you soon."
As soon as I'd hung up the phone, I was scrambling to collect my things from the table. The other patrons were watching me. I must have looked insane. I ran out to my car, got in, and started the engine.
I made it to the office in record time. I didn't even think about my outfit, a matching set of comfortable, pink sweats, until I burst into Ms. Wallace's office, out of breath. She took one look at me, and raised a perfect eyebrow.
"Oh, shit," I said, looking down at myself. Then, my eyes went wide. "I mean, shoot. I mean. Sorry."
Ms. Wallace didn't say anything for a moment. Then, "Sit down."
"Yes, ma'am," I nodded, sitting in the chair across from her. My heart was thumping again, so loudly I could have sworn she could hear it.
"I was really pleased with that interview you did a few weeks ago with that screenwriter," she finally said. Part of me was relieved to hear this, but another part of me was confused. What was this?
"Oh. Thanks."
"It seems I wasn't the only one," she continued. "Someone read the interview, and they were so impressed, they called their agent right after. I got off the phone with said agent right before I called you. This celebrity wants you to do a profile on them for the magazine."
Strangely, my heartbeat went back to normal, but now there was a tight feeling in my stomach. Anticipation. I leaned forward, almost falling off the edge of my seat.
"Who is it?"
Ms. Wallace gave a hint of a smile off my inability to conceal my excitement. I could see a little twinkle in her eyes as she told me: "Daisy Ridley."
If I had any cool left in that moment, I lost it when I heard that name. "Oh, my god..."
"She wants to know if you're free tomorrow afternoon to meet. I told her you would be. I assume that's okay?"
"I... yes. Y- Definitely."
"I figured. Your deadline for the Cannes article can be pushed back to tomorrow. If this profile turns out well, it'll be the cover for next month's issue. A good piece on a star of this caliber would be exactly what Catherine needs to get to the next level. All of which is to say: I'm counting on you."
"Thank you, Ms. Wallace. I won't let you down."
"I don't doubt it. But, Bailey?"
"Yes, ma'am?"
She gave me a look up and down. "Buy a new outfit. Something nicer than... that."
I grinned at her joke. "Right. Of course. Thank you."
Which brings me to now. I finish applying some peach lipstick, then check my reflection in the mirror. I run my fingers through my blonde hair and pluck an eyelash off one green eye. Giving myself a quick smile and wink for confidence, I walk out the door of my apartment.
Daisy had requested we meet that afternoon on the set of her upcoming movie. It's apparently a huge project, completely enshrouded in secrecy. I make it to the lot and I am instantly greeted by two security guards. When I flash my credentials and tell them about the interview, they lead me through what must be a very strategic route to Daisy's trailer; I try to sneak peaks around me as I walk, but I can't see anything that would give away any details. No luck on the inside scoop for the movie, but at the very least I can hopefully get a good interview out of Daisy. The security guards let me into her trailer, and one of them says that she'll be done filming soon.
While I wait, I look around the space. It's sparse: there aren't any personal effects, no photos of friends or boyfriends, not even of family. The only thing I can find is a book on a desk next to a chair, a copy of Sally Rooney's
Conversations with Friends
. I'd read the book a few years prior, in college, and seeing it brings back fond memories. I lift it and start flipping through the pages, noticing that like myself, Daisy's a highlighter. Pink strips emphasize sentences, whole sections, even, and the margins are festooned with little notes. Just as it dawns on me that this could be invasive, I hear a bright voice from behind me.
"Hi there," it says.
I jump and turn to see Daisy Ridley herself. She stands half a head taller than me, but more surprising than that is her hair. It's been a couple of years since her last major public appearance, and her hair now falls just past her shoulders. I notice, as my eyes travel down her body, that she still looks just as attractive as ever. Shaking myself out of my stupor, I set the book back down where I found it.
"Sorry, I --"
"Have you read that?" Daisy asks. She doesn't seem upset with me, so I relax a little.
"Y-yeah, a few years ago. When I was in college."
"I finished reading it for the first time this week. I was hoping it'd last me through shooting, but I absolutely devoured it. So, I'm reading it again, and this time I'm taking notes."
"Uh, yeah. I did that, too. I picked it for a book report, so. But -- I mean -- that's, I wanted to mark it up. I, I do that to a lot of my books."
Daisy laughs. "I believe you, don't worry... you mentioned university, just now. I must say, I'm surprised at how young you are. I'd imagined someone with a bit more experience, just based off the article."
"Oh... sorry, I --"
"No, no, I'm not disappointed! I'm impressed. I can't wait to read what kind of profile you write. How old are you, if I can ask?"
"Oh. I'm twenty-four," I say.
"My god! I'm almost thirty, I didn't look that fit when I was your age."
I feel myself blush. Changing the subject, I say, "I feel like