Lou’s secretary, Tim had called Lazy Dog Productions to warn Stage 42 that Miss Taylor was on her way. The stage immediately turned into a madhouse of excitement and preparation. ‘La Taylor’ was coming! Electricians began setting lights and the makeup department rushed into action. A large dressing room was secured and a hasty gold star with “Miss Audrey Taylor” in magic marker was scotch taped to the door. The light bulbs around the old mirror were tested and the burnt out bulbs were replaced. Just as all was in place the door to the soundstage opened and there she was.

“She’s shorter than I thought.” whispered the sound man.

“And fatter,” Said the camera man. “I’ll have to cheat with the shadows under her chin.”

Jack Langdon a well known television director, know for such hits as “Two’s Company, Three’s a Party” and “Hollywood 911” rushed to her side.

“Miss Taylor, it is an honor.” He took her hand and kissed it.

“Well, at last, there’s someone around here who knows how to treat a lady.” She smiled. “So who’s directing this screen-test?”

“I am.” Jack said shoving her sides into her hand.

“Oh!” She hid her disappointment at not having a name director guide her through the test. “Well, I see. Okay.” She glanced at the sides. “I’ll need a minute to get ready.”

“You’re dressing room is this way.” Jack gestured toward a darkened corner of the stage.

“Who is playing King Edward?”

Jack signaled to his assistant. “Bring over the guy playing Eddie.”

“Hey Chuck!” The assistant director yelled.

Charles Hector appeared from behind a hastily setup makeup table near the men’s bathroom. “It’s Charles if you don’t mind.” He then saw Audrey Taylor standing there in the flesh looking at him with those famous eyes. She was not smiling, but she was giving him the once over comparing height and age. Only last month he had been playing at the Boca Raton Dinner Theatre and today he was going to be acting with a screen legend. His knees nearly gave way but the actor in him saved the day.

“Ah Miss Taylor. I am indeed deeply honored to meet you. I was just telling my agent the other day….”

“Right Chuck. Got your lines down.” Jack cut in.

“Yes, I do. I do wonder though would Edward really….”

Jack brushed him aside. “We’ll call you when were ready.” He took Audrey by the arm to lead her on. “He’s just a stand in dear. We haven’t made our decision yet on King Eddie. He was just the first man available. I hope you don’t mind?”

“Just a minute, I do mind.” She said in a sharp tone. Stunned, Jack let go of her arm. She turned to Charles and smiled. The star power in that smile could have lit up the marquee of the El Capitan Theater.

“How do you do Charles? I know this must be nerve wracking for you.” She chuckled. “It is for me. Why don’t you come along with me to my dressing room and we can run our lines while I get ready.”

Charles beamed. He couldn’t believe his luck. “But of course my Dark Lady. I am at your service.” He held out his arm. She took it and then as they walked off she looked back over her shoulder.

“Call us when you’re ready Jackie.” Her voice oozed charm.

Jack stood alone under the work light.” Jeez, Actors!”

His assistant ran up to him. “What now boss?”

“Get everyone ready.”

“Get to work!” Shouted the assistant.


*****************************************************


Half an hour later Audrey’s assistant Todd arrived with a rack of gowns and a huge jewelry box. He rushed them into the dressing room. Just before the door slammed Jack caught a glimpse of Audrey and Charles laughing. Between them on the dressing table was a half empty bottle of Jack Daniels.

“God Lord! Movie people.” He mumbled.

“What now boss?” his assistant insisted.

“Give her ten minutes then call her.”

“Right boss.”


*******************************************************


An hour later Jack was sitting in his director’s chair. The grips, lighting men, sound men, and camera man were waiting in silent groups. The assistant director was walking back from Miss Taylor’s dressing room.

“Well? Is she coming out?”

“She says she’s been ready for an hour. She wants you to come and get her.”

Jack’s face turned the oddest shade of puce.

“Okay.” He nodded. “Okay then!”

Jack walked the long walk to the stars dressing room and knocked.

“Miss Taylor? We’re ready for you now.”

“Who’s there?” She cooed.

“It’s me Jack….the director.”

“Who?”

Jack looked around to see if anyone was in ear shot. “Jackie!” He hissed.

After a long beat the door swung open.

“She’s coming out!” The assistant director yelled.

“She’s coming out!” called the soundman.

“She’s coming out!” echoed the giggling grips.

Audrey Taylor, movie star and legend stepped down from the high door in an evening