Mark, the Professional

Chapter 14 Tony Jones, A Real Asshole

Just then, Billy’s phone rang. He saw the name on the screen and smiled. “Hello? I thought you were still in New York. Is everything ok?” He spoke gently, unusually gently.  

“Cool. That’s good. By the way, I have a friend that I would like you to meet.” He went on. “I will come and pick you up.” He hung up. He seemed to be in a good mood.

“You are very lucky. The filming team is on holiday and she’s back earlier. You will meet her soon. Come, we are going to the airport. I will get you dinner afterward.” Billy said cheerfully and patted Mark on his shoulder.  

Mark wondered if Billy meant the potential candidate for the spokesperson. I’m getting a free meal anyway. He thought and grinned at Billy. “Cool. I don’t have a plan for tonight anyway.”

Half an hour later, the car pulled over outside the airport. Billy got out of the car and waved at a beautiful girl standing by the gate. Mark watched her walk over to them with confidence and elegance.  

She was in a slim black dress, simple yet delicate, wearing her long and wavy hair down. She smiled and gave Billy a hug. “I’m so happy to see you.” She said.

“Glad to have you back.” Billy held the door open for her. “Let’s not get caught by the paparazzi.” He gestured her to get into the car.

Billy sat down next to the girl and put his arm around her intimately. “Mark, this is Lizzie Roberts, an internationally known superstar, an Oscar winner. And she will be the spokesperson for your wife’s products. What do you think?”

“Spokesperson?” Lizzie said. She was confused as she had not been told anything about endorsing any products, however, she was quick to figure out what Billy meant. She took off her sunglasses and smiled at Mark. “Nice to meet you, Mark. Billy is very complimentary. I’m just an actress, not an international superstar.” She said humbly.

Though Mark had not watched any blockbusters, nor did he know much about superstars. He did recall seeing Lizzie’s face on screens and covers of magazines featuring celebrities.

“It’s a great honor to meet you, Miss. Roberts.” Mark shook Lizzie’s hand politely. “We’re extremely lucky to have you as our spokesperson.”

“Just call me Lizzie. The pleasure is mine, Mark. As long as Billy is pleased…” Lizzie smiled at Billy.

Billy stroked her shoulder tenderly. “What do you feel like for dinner, Lizzie?” He asked gently.

“Hmm. Perhaps Italian?” Lizzie suggested.

“No problem,” Billy said cheerfully.

Billy got a table at Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar. The waiter took their orders politely and soon brought a nice bottle of red wine. “Cheers.” Billy raised his glass. They chatted casually over wine.

Lizzie’s got a message on her phone and she took a look. “Huh. Embarrassing!” She commented.

“What is it?” Billy asked.

“It’s Tony Jones. He made a joke of himself at senior Mr. Lawrence birthday party, didn’t he?” Lizzie answered casually. “Were you there?”

“Yeah. I was.” Billy nodded and glanced at Mark, feeling a bit awkward. Tony Jones wasn’t the only one that was embarrassed after all. The Lawrence, especially Kate, who was Mark’s wife, didn’t have a good time at the party either.

However, Mark assured Billy with a smile and said, “Tony Jones is a real asshole.” 

Lizzie looked at Mark in surprise. “I know!” She exclaimed. “Don’t ever introduce any of your lady friends to Tony Jones. I’m telling you, Mark. He Is A Real Asshole.” 

Remembering the past, Lizzie grew emotional and tears filled her eyes. Billy gave her a hug and explained to Mark. “It’s been a long time, but Lizzie still feels sorry for her friend.”

Lizzie had a very good friend named Sue Moore, who was also an actress. They got signed up with the same film company and both dreamed of acting in blockbuster films. However, the filming industry was more complicated than they thought.

Lizzie was lucky and she met Billy at a party, who took care of her and helped her a lot. When she became successful, she wanted to help Sue, but it was too late. Sue had fallen into Tony Jones’ trap and she got severe depression later on. Not long after Lizzie found out and before she could help her, Sue committed suicide.

Over the years, Lizzie had been feeling guilty about it. “She was such a good girl,” Lizzie said as she dried her tears. Then she went through her gallery on her phone and showed Mark a photo of Sue and herself.

Mark nodded. “She was beautiful. What a shame! I’m sorry for your loss, Lizzie.”

“Mark, take a look.” Billy interrupted. He was having a look at the news on his phone and saw a few headlines that said President of the Kat Corporation Is Married, The Founder of the Kat Corporation Insulted Tony Jones in Public, Tony Jones Has Been Fooled, Is She Miss Lawrence or Mrs. Jackson?

It was obvious that they were pointing the finger at Kate. Just as Mark was scanning the news, he got a phone call from Kate. “Yes, honey?” he answered. “Right. I will be there right away.” He said and hung up.

“Billy, I’m afraid I will have to leave now. Please let me get you dinner next time to make it up.” Mark said politely.

“No problem, Mark.” Billy nodded understandably.

After Mark left, Lizzie knitted her brows and asked, “Hmm. Is he the guy Kate Lawrence married to?”

Billy nodded.

“Why then? Why are you helping him? I’m not sure if I want to do him the favor.” Lizzie pouted her lips, looking displeased.

Billy gave her a stern look and Lizzie realized that she had said the wrong thing. “Please don’t be mad. I shouldn’t have said that.” She pleaded and stroked Billy gently on his cheeks with her soft hands.

“Lizzie, I have my reasons. I’m not just helping him for nothing…” Billy said and was soon interrupted as Lizzie kissed him passionately.