(Bexley)
I gazed outside of the plane window, this was my first flight ever, and honestly, my nerves had now reached a point I never knew possible..what the hell was I doing..how did I let Kristi talk me into this?! I must be out of my mind..
It had been two weeks since my sister came and proposed this idea to all of us..
Kristi had to practically drag me out of the car when she dropped me off at the airport and pulled me to the ticket counter. After that the rest became a blur..now I was landing at LAX and there was no turning back.
My mom was thrilled with this whole idea, especially after Charlotte had shown her the cruise tickets she bought them the morning after I agreed, pretty much sealing the deal as she also contacted the bank and collection agency to pay off the house and medical debts.
My dad was pissed..he didn't want me going and said we were doing just fine on our own. Were we though? After what Kristi said, it was as if my eyes were finally opened to the truth..we were just surviving.. I was just surviving..I don't think I have ever truly lived a day in my life..like truly lived..
So now here I am, landing at the LAX airport and about to do the craziest thing I will probably ever do in my life.
Walking off of the plane, I grabbed my backpack and slung it over my shoulder before looking up and trying to see which way to go. My sister told me not to pack any clothes or personal items because I would have everything I needed here. I was going to meet with her assistant manager and he would start my preparations..whatever that even means..
Luckily Charlotte said no one should mistake me for her when I am dressed like this, since we really do look different at first glance with our hair and clothing styles. But with a little makeup and some new outfits, hopefully, I can pass as Charlotte..if not..we are both screwed. I don't want Charlotte to lose everything because of some asshole actor that wants to make her life miserable.
I just have to learn how to handle the jerk on my own.. could he be as bad as she says he is?
I walked through the airport, following the signs that led me to the exit. Apparently, there should be some type of car waiting for me and that's when I saw it. There was a small white sign, with black writing that read B. Cassady. Glancing up, my eyes were met with an older man who looked to be around my dad's age. He had tan skin and black hair peppered with some grey. He was wearing a black suit and tie and looked very professional.
"Hello, I am Bexley Cassady." I introduced myself, causing the man to meet my gaze as his brown eyes seemed to warm slightly.
"Miss Cassady, I am Leonardo, I will be taking you to the hotel, let me take your bag for you." He spoke kindly as he reached his hand out and I quickly slipped my bag off of my shoulders and handed it over. He had a slight accent which I guessed was Italian.
"Is this all you have with you?" He asked surprised and I just nodded my head.
"Right this way Miss. I do hope you enjoyed your flight." He added before turning and leading me towards the outside of the airport.
"I did, it was very nice. Thank you for picking me up." I added awkwardly..I didn't know what to say really..
"Of course Miss. I will be your driver from now on, so if you ever need to go anywhere I will be the one taking you." He informed me and I just nodded shyly as I followed Leonardo out to the parking garage towards a sleek black car.
He walked towards the back door, opening it up for me before stepping to the side and waiting for me to get in.
"Thank you." I whispered politely before sliding in and letting my eyes drag across the interior of the car.
Everything was coverd in sleek black leather and the car looked like it had just left the lot. There was a water bottle with some snacks waiting in the middle console and a white phone next to it. Suddenly it began ringing as I waited for Leonardo to get in the car.
"I think someone left their phone back here." I informed Leonardo as he sat down before putting on his seatbelt.
"No Miss, it is for you. Mrs. Miller has requested I give it to you as soon as you landed." He explained, making me blink my eyes as I went to reach for it.
The phone started ringing again and that's when I saw a private number was calling. I answered it hesitantly before placing the phone up against my ear.
"Hello?" I answered, unsure if it was my sister or not.
"Oh good, you must've found Leonardo then." My sister's voice filled the line.
"Yeah, we just got to the car." I informed her.
"Miss, your seatbelt." Leonardo suddenly chimed in, reminding me to put my seatbelt on as I did hastily before whispering 'sorry' to him.
"When you get to the hotel, you will be in a room under my name. I want you to put on the stuff that Leonardo has brought for you, there should be a bag in the car with a change of clothes." She began, making me blink my eyes as s**t just got real.
"I have to dress up already?" I asked before biting my lip nervously.
"Bexley, the moment you got into that car you became me.." She said in a firm tone making me let out a sigh and nod to myself.
"How are mom and dad? Can I talk to them?" I asked quickly, wondering if they were worried if I got here yet or not.
"Mom is out shopping for their trip and Dad just went to go lay down..they are fine Bexley..also, I want you to hand your old phone over to Leonardo when you get there. We can't have any mistakes with this and if someone finds that phone it could blow our cover." Her voice became serious..already losing that warmth she had shown me briefly for those two weeks she was there.
Charlotte started acting like the sister I always wished she was over the time we spent together. We stayed up late watching movies and we would laugh and talk about when we were kids.
She even told me she would be here for me every step of the way, that if this got to be too much I could back out if I needed to. She just wanted me to try..and I promised I would..but talking to her now..I almost don't recognize this person.
"Did you hear me Bexley?" Charlotte snapped, making me shift in my seat as I cleared my throat.
"Sorry, I got distracted, what did you say?" I apologized, glancing towards the front seat as I watched Leonardo merge right to get on the freeway.
"I said my team will be waiting in your room. You have two days and then it's the first interview. You remember everything I told you about the movie and stuff right? Also don't forget that you need to be confident Bexley..or they will all know it's not me." She warned.
"I know..I will do my best." That's all I could do right?
"Good..now you might not hear from me for a couple of hours..but my team will be able to get ahold of me if there is an emergency. Remember..you can't tell anyone who you really are. Only a few people know and they will keep it a secret..I made them all sign nondisclosure agreements. So Bexley, promise me you won't tell a single person that doesn't already know.." She stated firmly, causing my stomach to twist and turn.
"I promise Char..I won't say anything." I agreed, feeling even worse about all of this after talking to Charlotte. Wasn't she supposed to pump me up and not knock me down? Geez..
"Our lives depend on this Bexley..even mom and dad's..if you screw this up..we will all pay for it. Just remember that." And with that, she hung up.. I looked down at the phone, seeing small drops of water splatter across the screen as I soon realized I was now crying.
What was wrong with me? I wanted to get away right? I wanted to help Mom and Dad..and even Charlotte..but now that I'm here, I'm scared I will fail. What if I can't do this? I don't know a thing about Hollywood or acting and now I am being thrust into that very thing. Obviously my sister briefed me on a few things but is that enough to get me through?
"Miss Cassady, I know I might be speaking out of place..but those who work for Mrs. Miller are very kind..and they will take care of you as if you were Mrs. Miller herself. So please know you have some support here and we will make sure you have everything you need, okay?" Leonardo comforted me, making me wipe my cheeks before nodding my head and mustering up a smile.
"Thank you.." I whispered, seeing the man smile back at me as I let out a shuddering breath.
No more crying Bexley..you've got this..it's only for two months..you can do this.
"We are here Miss." Leonardo informed me a few minutes later and I peeked out the window.
We were now pulling up to a large luxurious hotel that towered high above us. The tan building was surrounded by rows of palm trees and a beautiful water fountain in front. Gorgeous lush foliage was scattered all around the building, giving it a tropical feel.
"The clothes Mrs. Miller has requested you to wear are located in the bag by your feet. I will wait for you outside and just tap on the window when you are ready. Don't worry, no one will be able to see you through the tinted windows." Leonardo explained before getting out of the car and leaving me all alone.
I glanced down at the floor, seeing a black shopping bag as I went to grab it.
Looking inside, there was an oversized hoodie, black leggings, white sneakers, a pair of sunglasses, and a blue baseball cap.
It seemed pretty simple enough..I guess she just wanted the designer label, because I swear I am wearing this exact same thing just hundreds of dollars cheaper I'm sure.
I quickly put the clothes on before tucking the stuff I took off back into the bag.
I inhaled a long deep breath..preparing myself for the first time I would be appearing as Charlotte.
I lifted my hand, knocking on the window as the door slowly opened and that's when everything changed.
"Charlotte!! Over here Charlotte!!"
"Is it true about the divorce? Are you and Mr. Reed separating?"
"Where have you been Charlotte? Where's your wedding Ring?"
Dozens of people began throwing questions at me, surrounding the car as cameras clicked all around me.
"This way Mrs. Miller." Leonardo instructed, tugging me along as I followed him blindly, keeping my head down as I made my way towards the hotel.
"Charlotte!"
"Charlotte talk to us! Give us something!"