Chapter 37: Invitation

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Invitation

Irene stood still. All day she’d been wrestling with Regina’s casting. The actors scheduled for tomorrow’s audition lacked something, and she’d asked Shelly to find more candidates.

But now, the perfect ’queen bee’ from her memory had appeared after a shooting incident.

Rachel saw her too and paused.

Her gaze moved to Irene’s robe. She gave a small, apologetic smile and nodded.

A police officer approached. "Anything else you need, ma’am?"

Irene offered a polite smile. "Nothing else, officer. Thank you for your help."

After the officer left, Rachel didn’t go. She leaned against a car, looking down at her canvas shoes, like someone with nowhere to go.

The statement was done, and the crowd dispersed.

The street quieted.

Irene took a breath. Their meeting here felt like chance.

"Hey," her voice was a bit hoarse from nerves.

"Are you okay?"

Rachel looked up, her eyes still showing fear.

"Honestly, I’m still shaken. What about you? I heard a bullet hit your place. That’s awful."

"I’m fine." Irene shook her head, keeping her tone even.

"It’s just a rental. I won’t be here much longer. The landlord has the real problem. By the way, I’m Irene Coppola, a director."

"Ah, Legally Blonde!" The girl covered her mouth, surprised.

"You’ve heard of my film."

"Everyone this summer has heard of Legally Blonde. I’ve seen it twice. You’re more striking than in the papers," Rachel said sincerely.

"We’re the same age, call me Irene." Irene waved her hand, feeling odd at the formality.

"What about you? Looks like you don’t have anywhere to go?"

"My name is Rachel, Rachel McAdams." The girl answered politely, with a newcomer’s modesty.

"A friend brought me to a party. I was there when the shooting started. I didn’t expect this... Now my friend was taken in, and I can’t go back..."

This was an opportunity.

Irene’s pulse quickened.

"You seem shaken. Want to come in for tea to settle down?" She paused, meeting Rachel’s eyes, which Hollywood hadn’t yet shaped, and saw potential.

"And, if I may, I have a script with a role that needs a fresh face capable of complex youth. Maybe you could look at it?"

The night blurred reality and memory.

Rachel looked at the director in front of her—who’d just experienced a shooting, was in a robe, and was offering an audition. Astonishment crossed her face, then excitement.

"Sure," she said, unable to hide her excitement.

"It’s my honor, Director Coppola."

Irene stepped aside, inviting her into the apartment.

Rachel sat on the living room sofa. Irene heated milk for both of them. "If you have nowhere to stay tonight, use the guest room on the first floor."

"Thank you, Co... Irene." Rachel took a sip. The warm milk eased her nerves.

Irene found the script in her bag and set it on the coffee table.

"This is the script I mentioned. Look it over while I tidy the room and get cleaned up."

"Wait, Irene, I can do it myself." Rachel stood to help.

"You’re a guest. I can’t have you do it. Read the script first. The audition is tomorrow. I thought you were right for the part when I saw you, but you don’t have experience, so you’ll face questions. Knowing the script well is key." Irene guided Rachel back to the sofa.

Though she wanted Rachel as the ’queen bee,’ it depended on ability. If she wasn’t ready now, Irene couldn’t risk the film.

The next day, Rachel, in clothes Irene lent her, went with her to the Fox Building area for the audition.

"You found another assistant this attractive?" Shelly Ovitz approached them. "It’s a waste. She could be a star."

"This is my agent, Shelly Ovitz," Irene didn’t explain directly, but introduced them. "This is Rachel McAdams, a friend I met last night. I think her image fits, so I invited her to audition."

"Audition for what?" Shelly frowned.

"Regina."

"..." Shelly opened his mouth but said nothing. He knew Irene wasn’t satisfied with today’s ’queen bee’ list, but didn’t expect her to find someone herself.

"The others in the Plastics can be your call, but I want to decide Regina."

CAA had already influenced the female lead. If they pushed on the second lead, it would upset Irene.

"I hope this lady’s acting convinces everyone. By the way, where did you meet someone like her? I’ll try my luck too."

Shelly was pragmatic. As Irene succeeded, he complied rather than argued; he knew his role.

"At a shooting."

Irene said it casually.

"?" Shelly’s expression shifted.

"Believe it or not. There was a shooting in my neighborhood last night. Check the reports."

Seeing Irene serious, Shelly pulled her over to check. "Are you okay? Your neighborhood’s security is poor. Move immediately."

Irene waved it off, tone light. "If I were hurt, could I come to the audition? I’ve asked Vera Cecil to find a new place. Don’t tell my parents, or they’ll worry."

"I’ll try not to, but if they see the news, I can’t help it."

They reached the conference room Fox prepared. Besides them, Fox staff were there to assist Irene.

It sounded like assistance, but was supervision. Though Irene had one success, no one knew how much Francis Coppola contributed. With Irene leading alone this time, Fox’s caution was normal.

After introductions, the audition began.