Ides Of April by Mark Druck

Author:Mark Druck
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Book and Film Productions, Llc

Chapter 40

AGAIN, SHE DIALS him. Before he can say more than ‘Hello,” she announces, “Turn on her channel! She’s doing a live news break! And I’m going to be on it!”

“You kiddin’ me?”

It is then that April notices a whole wall covered with framed photos of Sherri Ann, in all sorts of locations with notables – celebrities of a few years ago. As she scans the variety of neat framed photos, it occurs to April that the current crop must be in Sherri Ann’s office. She sits in the very neat room of the Show’s producer, holding the phone while listening to Alex being impressed!

Althea Hepwood enters her office.

“It’s a Sherri Ann’s news break!” April says to Alex. Althea moves smartly to her desk. Having been swept up in the ‘sense of panic’ around her, April gasps “… It’s a news break!” She hangs up.

“I’m Althea. Come to Make-Up!” She turns, walks. April hurries to catch up! There, nearer to the actual action, are young people! Very busy! Door to Studio is open! Sensing that April is ‘gaping at everything,’ Althea Hepwood drops back a few steps, takes April’s arm. The producer of the Show is 35ish, slim, tall redhead, with body language that says: ‘I’m in control, so don’t anybody mess with me!’ April falls in behind her, like a good soldier. Then she is in ‘Make-up.’ Althea says, “Marvina, do something with her.”

Marvina is 50s, a touch plumpish, warm face. She says, “This one doesn’t need much.” April climbs into the barber-like chair. All the while, Althea is giving her the eye. “What about how her ‘look’?”

“Almost Camera-ready,” Marvina says.

“Got only 7 minutes! How ’bout what she’s wearing?”

“Shoot close-ups,” Marvina says.

“If Sherri Ann doesn’t approve …?”

“… I’ll lie for you, dear heart,” Marvina says.

Althea leaves. And Marvina gives the subject a quick once-over. “If I had a face like that, dear girl, I’d wear modest lipstick, a touch of boast on the cheeks, and only the lightest touch to the eyes.” She pats April’s hair. “Brush it, a lot.”

April is becoming aware: there are those who know, and those who don’t. It’s smart to listen to those who do. Marvina finishes her touches, pats April tenderly on the shoulder, steps back as the subject climbs out of the chair. A young girl is waiting outside the door. She leads April to the Studio – where Althea stands near the chair, indicating. Watches the subject come in, sit, get a lapel mic maneuvered onto her jacket.

Sherri Ann Armstrong enters. Her body language says: ‘This is my show; mine mine mine!’ She shakes hands with April, adds the usual “Glad to see you.” From the instant of Sherri Ann, the demeanor of Althea becomes subservient as she helps attach her boss’s mic, straightens the back of the star’s collar, puttering and bowing, shrinking into just another intimidated staff member. The Star is displeased with Althea, “I told you to put a blouse on her.” She shrugs. “Oh well. Now, we don’t have time.

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