0 comments/ 3044 views/ 8 favorites Liz Pt. 01 By: SuperVC10 This is my first "romantic" story that I have ever worked on without being so incredibly over the top sexually speaking. This is Part I and of course there will be more parts coming soon. ***** A relationship is more than just a simple partnership, it's a task that requires dedication and hard work. It takes a considerable effort to tend to the needs of one's partner as well as your own while attempting to do a dozen other things throughout the day. A relationship therefore requires one to be a master at multi-tasking, something not easy to do within the confines of a 24 hour day. Now considering what has just been put forth and magnify that by a difficulty x100 or x1,000. Make the task a bit more difficult by having a relationship with someone who is well known. Better yet, attempt it while the other is a member of the A list. A person who is among the most adored, wanted, loved, hated, recognized, photographed, filmed, watched, spied on individuals in the world. This person is a movie star. Perry Savich was in New York, Soho to be precise. He was laboring to be a freelance painter ever since graduation from art school years before. By this point in his so called career he should've sat down to write a book on the travails and misery of becoming an artist. Thus far it had been one long rocky road and didn't appear as if it were going to get any better. Perry had made up his mind that he would go back to teaching full time. He should've stuck to teaching he kept telling himself over and over instead of leaving it after only a year and a half at a community college in Pennsylvania. It was a nice gig, instructing college kids on the rudimentary skills of making art outside of Pittsburgh. On weekends he'd drive home to Youngstown, see his parents have Sunday dinner before driving back. He wasn't sure when he began to get the itch to leave his gig, but the idea must've come from the artist co-op he often visited. Seeing so many artists showing their work was a constant reminder that he should pick up the brush and start producing his own art. Perry felt guilty he had been neglecting his own creative energy for teaching. He decided that he'd take the plunge, and devote all of his time producing paintings, become known, and sell his artwork. If that didn't work out he would grudgingly go back instructing would be artists at some community college. Upon leaving Perry went to Pittsburgh, then Miami all the while sending galleries across the U.S. his resume and collection of works. At first there was no word, then a few bites here and there. Perry managed to have several paintings hanging in group shows and happily managed to sell a few. To help make ends meet he obtained employment at an art store, before moving yet again to someplace he felt the grass would be greener. His biggest mistake was moving to New York where the price of living was astronomical, but the amount of galleries and places to show his work were almost innumerable. It was extremely difficult living, most of the time eating only once a day, sometimes going in a grocery market putting items in the cart for fun before placing them back on the shelf because he simply didn't have enough to pay for them. He had two jobs waiting tables yet despite the hardship he kept going telling himself if things didn't get better the following month he'd leave. He had a few more group shows but thus far no solo events which is what every artist craves for. Perry took to doing commissions in addition to his own work. He did a few portraits for individuals including one Martin Taylor. At a group show Mr. Taylor approached Perry inquiring about his promotional brochure which included a line concerning commissions. He told Perry that he had followed events that showed his work and had even purchased one of his landscapes for his town home. Apparently Martin Taylor had money and Perry was very willing to fit into his busy schedule any work Martin could send his way. Perry was in luck as Mr. Taylor wanted a self portrait of himself and awarded him the commission. An appointment was made for Martin to sit for a painting at Perry's small studio at a pre-arranged time. Sitting for a portrait is painstaking not only for the model but the artist as well. One has to sit perfectly still for a lengths of time while the painter does his/her best to encapsulate the subject upon the painting surface while finagling with the lighting and props. Perry had done a number of works where someone sat for him and thus was prepared for his subject to be either quiet or very talkative. Perry preferred the sitter to say little, not because he disliked conversation but because it often led to losing the moment whilst trying to concentrate. One could always embark on conversing during a break. Martin sat for his portrait four times during the month all the while saying a few things that lead Perry to believe that he had quite a fan of his works. That suited the artist just fine as it translated to someone buying more of his work. While on break during a sitting Mr. Taylor looked around the studio at the paintings, some framed other rolled and asked whether any were for sale. Of course they were and one which caught Taylor's eye was a self portrait of the artist himself. Out of all the works available Perry was a bit uncomfortable selling it. He had painted it as a joke with another artist who did one of themselves, and the idea was to do a Renaissance styled self portrait that had an odd feel to it. For Perry that meant placing his eyes a bit off so that they were not quite looking forward and painting small beads of sweat upon the brow and forehead of his portrait. He liked the result. So did Mr. Taylor obviously and he offered two thousand dollars for it. To hell with odd, Perry thought. He quickly sold the painting to him. Upon completion of the commissioned portrait, Perry was invited to a gathering thrown by Taylor at his upper East Side home. The artist felt out of place being amongst so many phony, pretentious, conceited people. No matter how much he may have disliked them, they had the money. He'd have to suck it up and deal with it. Mr. Taylor introduced Perry to his friends and they all claimed, whether they were truthful or not, that they liked his work and wanted to see more. He told them about his group shows and a possible upcoming solo event. The artist realized that such parties were goldmines in which to help cultivate future prospective buyers, so it was imperative to schmooze or lose. While he did so everyone complemented him on the portrait sitting in the hosts study. Perry was curious himself as to how the finished work looked in it's new home. Taylor was more than happy to show him. With a number of people following, the artist was lead into the study. There above the fireplace mantle was the framed portrait of Martin Taylor looking to his right. Perry's mouth just about hit the floor when he realized where his own self portrait ended up. Because of the juxtaposition of figures both portraits hung within a foot of one another and appeared as if they were staring at each other. Taylor looking to his right, Perry's faux Renaissance self portrait looking left, sweat and oddball eyes included. It was simply eerie. Oh my God, Perry thought. This guy wasn't just a simple fan but an obsessed one. It dawned on him that Taylor never mentioned he had a wife or life partner, nor any children for that matter. This man was alone and now had arranged some strange fantasy involving the two of them. He honestly felt like running out of that town home immediately. Perry headed not for the door but the bar. While throwing back a few glasses of straight Balvenie he put on the best face to conceal his true feelings. He somehow had to maintain a business relationship while keeping a creepy wealthy fan at arm's length. Perry vowed never to paint a commission ever again. He was still trying to shake the weird event from his mind when he got word from a gallery that they would like to schedule a solo show. Perry was ecstatic and felt energized. The gallery called M55 was interested in his series of abstract landscape paintings. He had close to thirty pieces in that series and they were ready to go. After meeting with the gallery owner Mindy Gold he'd have a chance to hit the ground running with a solo event scheduled for mid September. He couldn't wait. Who would show up and how much will they buy, he thought. Little did Perry know that he was on the verge of meeting someone who'd eclipse those thoughts entirely. Her name was Elizabeth Beresford. It was September 16th, a pleasant cool late summer evening in Soho. Perry Savich tried to relax as the opening of his solo show began. He and Mindy went over their last minute checklist ensuring everything was done; paintings hung with prices and relevant information check, food check, alcohol check, price-list check, music check, artist statement check. Perry looked at Mindy as the doors officially opened to M55 and crossed his fingers and said, "Well Mindy here's goes nothing." She shook her head and replied in a motherly tone, "You'll do just fine Perry. In fact I foresee you selling most if not all your pieces." "Wouldn't that be nice?," he smiled as he walked off to the makeshift bar to get a Balvenie. The public started to filter in from the curious to serious aficionados and collectors. According to Mindy a critic or two would make an appearance and she promised to point them out to Perry considering she knew almost all of them in the New York after spending 30 years in the art scene. A friend of Perry's named Keith Kewley who was a photographer for Conde Nast magazine dropped by to lend his support. "Hey Keith, thanks for coming. Didn't think you'd be able to make it man. I thought you were flying out to Turkey today?" Perry said. Keith ran a hand through his curly brown hair and replied, "No way I'd miss your opening Perry. As for my flight it doesn't leave until after midnight so no problemo." Perry always thought that if Keith failed to find photography work he could always act as the actor Jeff Bridges' double. Same look and mannerisms of the famous celebrity. Keith had a knack for doing impressions of Jeff Bridges famous character, "The Dude" from the film The Big Lebowski when it fitted him. "Well appreciate it Dudester," Perry patted him on the shoulder. "Oh, hey Perry somebody very big is gonna drop by. Just wanted you to know." "Oh, who might this person be? Wait let me guess, Nora Cohen the critic from Artnews? Mindy said she might make an appearance." "No sir. This person is many times younger and doesn't have the whole Medusa thing going on at all," Keith motioned with his hand mimicking Nora's wild hair and cringe worthy visage. Perry chuckled and asked, "Okay so this person is a she. Hey, I know who it's that Israeli girl in the IDF(Israeli Defense Force) what's her name the one you're crazy about, Sarah something or another." Keith smiled while helping himself to the food and shook his head, "Heh, I know you're a connoisseur of beautiful women and an ardent fan of my little Sarah Friedman. Rest assured Perry, the person I'm referring to will equally amaze and astonish you because you have mentioned her many times over many brewskis." "No shit? Okay man I give up. So just who is this incredible female?" "You know I'd love to torture you over whom I'm referring to but seeing that she's shown up early all you have to do is spin around and look for yourself man," Keith replied doing his "Dude" routine. Perry did so and at first couldn't tell who Keith was referring to. There were several couples, an older lady in her 60s, and even older gentleman in his 70s wearing a peach ascot with black beret. "Keith who precisely are you speaking about?" Perry tried to ask before seeing a girl wearing a white blouse, black vest, leggings, and black boots. She was bending down to get a better view of detail from one painting whilst biting her thumbnail. "Yep partner that's her," Keith nudged. A proverbial light bulb went off over Perry's head. The girl's facial profile, her nail biting, the way she stood, and her long straight brown hair. "Holy shit is that?" Perry asked turning to Keith. "Miss Elizabeth Anne Beresford herself, in the flesh looking at your work. She's quite something isn't she?" "My God it is. It's her. I can't believe it," Perry said his palms getting sweaty and his heartbeat racing. Elizabeth Thalia Beresford was one of Hollywood's premiere A list celebrities. Her net worth was reputed to be around 32 million pounds and thus far she was a sure fire money maker for the film industry. Elizabeth's name carried weight and as such she was employed not only in films but by representing the products worldwide for the make-up giant L'Oreal and fashion designer Jason Wu. Elizabeth Beresford was born and raised in Guildford, southwest of London. Before she made it big she had managed to appear in several commercials for television by the age of eight and nine. She then appeared on a children's program produced by Yorkshire Television called "Spyglass". Her mother Ruth who once worked in radio discovered that there was to be a casting call for a new movie called "The George Street Gang" being produced by the studio giant Fantasia Productions. She arranged to have her daughter try for a part, in fact any part in the production. Thousands of girls aged 11-13 vied for the part of Frances "Frankie" Rhodes, a plucky tomboyish English girl who formed part of the "Gang" along with five other characters (4 male and two female) ranging in age from 10-15 years of age. There other female role was for a character named Joy Fitzlyon, a wealthy snobbish type which stood as an alternative for any girl who wasn't chosen to portray Frances. After multiple call backs and readings Elizabeth got the part. No one had any notion just how successful the first film was to become, but it broke box office records. Who would've figured a story revolving around a group of friends in 1930s England who find action, mystery, and adventure could capture the imagination of so many people, young people especially, around the world. The first film led to six additional George Street Gang movies, for a total of 7 films that propelled the young actors into the limelight, their names becoming household items. With merchandising Fantasia Productions earned a whopping return for it's initial investment in the first film. For the actors like Elizabeth it earned them an immense cushion of cash and admittance into the big leagues. "Well don't just stand around looking stupid, go up and talk to her," Keith said munching on a cracker. "Are you joking? That's the Elizabeth Beresford, the freaking actress, an A list celebrity. That is Frances Rhodes from the George Street Gang movies. Dude Frances Rhodes," Perry replied taking a big gulp of Balvenie. "Hmmm, she's talking to Mindy about something. Looks like she's done a job hiding her bodacious ta-tas from the looks of her outfit, but you can still tell her twin girls cannot be fully hidden," Keith winked taking a sip of beer. "How the hell did you know she was coming tonight?" Perry asked. "Well you know Marla Staples from Conde don't you?" Keith inquired. "The one with the really bizarre glasses and annoying voice?" "You got it. Well she knows Miss Beresford's manager Nicole Ashby. Anyhow to make a long story short Marla discovers that Elizabeth is in town to be on the Letterman Show and tells me in a passing conversation whereby, I hand Marla a card from this show to be given to Nicole who no doubt handed it over to sweet Miss Beresford who just happens to be a big fan of art." "You sly devil you," Perry smiled. "But come on Keith she's an A-lister. She wouldn't talk to me I'm a nobody". "You're a what? Come on Perry man you got a lot to proud of. You're an artist buddy. She loves art and by the way dude she no longer has a boyfriend." "No way. I just saw some photos on the net of her with some guy coming out from some fancy store in London," Perry smirked. "Oh, man like you're putting out serious negative waves here. That guy is history, trust me just like she's gonna be if you don't go up and talk with her right away man," Keith ordered. Perry saw her in the crowd going over the last pieces in his show. It was now or never. He consoled himself to be as professional as possible and introduce himself and ask if she liked his work. He zigzagged his way through the throng of people until he stopped just behind her right shoulder. As it turned out she was studying his most favorite painting from his series. He sidled up next to her and said, "I love this piece." She turned to him and replied, "Yes, it is quite nice, quite effective." Perry's legs felt like spaghetti and he thought to himself, 'Oh, man her accent! Elizabeth Beresford just talked to me!' He pushed himself to begin a conversation with her. It wasn't easy without stumbling over his words, "T-This area uh, over here is rather sublime," he motioned over a portion of the painting. "Yes quite almost an homage to Frank Zeigler. I rather like that," she replied looking straight at the canvas. "What do you make of the small works on the far wall?" "Mmmmmm, I'm rather intrigued by those large three vertical pieces. I think the artist has discovered something profound in that work. I'm quite certain he had a rather interesting venture working on them. I'd love to ask the artist himself about that," she said. Perry caught himself peeking at her cleavage while she looked in the other direction. Milky soft white skin. "Oh well ask away," he smiled. "I'm sorry?" she asked. "I'm the artist." "Oh, my goodness. I had no idea," she smiled which melted his heart in an instant. "I'm Perry Savich," he extended his hand. "Elizabeth Beresford, it's nice to meet you Perry. You have quite a nice show." They chatted about art, and in particular artists whom they admired. To Perry's surprise they both shared similar tastes and preferences. She knowledgeable enough for Perry to consider her something of an art nerd, a thought he kept to himself. He tried not to be in awe of merely sitting down and talking to such a big celebrity. Elizabeth appeared receptive and did not seem the least bit bored which was a huge relief to Perry. She even laughed at a few things he said especially when he said, "Henri Matisse's long lost brother just walked in," regarding a visitor. A few people in the crowd did approach the two during their discussion to ask Elizabeth for her autograph which she gave with a smile, and to comment that they were big fans of her work. It was then that Perry let on that he recognized her for who she was, "Ah, you did those George Street movies right? I thought you looked familiar. You played uh what was her name, Frankie?" "Yes, Frances Rhodes," she replied her smile and attention broken by a camera flash outside coming from the street. "Uh, oh," Perry frowned at the flashing. "Fans of yours?" "Paparazzi I'm afraid, and no they aren't friends. Look I'd love to carry on our discussion some other place if you'd like," she suggested. Perry didn't even think twice before replying, "There's a side entrance all the way to the back," he nodded. "Perry I don't wish to take you away from your responsibilities here." "No, not all. Mindy can take over I'm sure. Hey, are you hungry?" he asked. "Yes, famished actually," she smiled. "Great, let me ask a friend for direction to an Italian place. Do you like Italian?" "Yes indeed." "Fantastic, I'll meet you in the back and we can make a getaway," Perry remarked before going to seek out Keith. There was Keith debating with another guy over who served the best Pastrami and Rye sandwiches in Boston. Perry cleared his throat and got Keith's attention, "Hey where's that Italian joint you always rave about?" Liz Pt. 01 "Down Prince Street almost to Sullivan called Piccola. Say you wouldn't happen to be going out on a date would you?" he smiled. "It looks that way," Perry flicked his eyebrows up and down. "Well good for you partner. Say how are you getting Ms. Rhodes out of the place without the 'Razzi Army outside noticing." "Taking her out of the side exit," Perry shrugged. "Nah, that won't work too well unless we add a diversion. Tell you what let me handle it and cause a distraction of some sort. Give me a few minutes to make a few calls," Keith rubbed his chin. "You got it Keith, thanks," Perry replied heading off to meet Elizabeth while placing a call for a cab. Keith true to his word placed a call to a friend who owned his own limousine service which was located a few blocks away to drop a car by the gallery M55. He then called his girlfriend Brenda who had the roughly the same bodily proportions and hair color as Elizabeth to drop by wearing some kind of outfit similar to what Elizabeth was wearing. She had enter the side entrance of the gallery and not be seen by the 'razzi in front. Brenda balked at the idea at first but after a few minutes of cajoling from Keith she agreed to the idea. Keith found Perry, Mindy, and Elizabeth chatting just outside the gallery office when he approached them with his plan. He also took the opportunity to introduce himself to the starlet, "Miss Beresford it's nice to make your acquaintance. I hope you don't mind a small delay in departing with my good friend Perry." "Please it's just Elizabeth and no I don't mind a small delay at all. In fact I'm a bit intrigued as to how you'll manage to fool them," she nodded towards the front entrance of the gallery. One of Mindy's assistants opened the side entrance and led Brenda inside who was still making adjustments to her outfit when she shouted to Keith, "Hey, you owe me big time for this favor." Perry did a double take when he saw Brenda walking up wearing something similar to Elizabeth. "Ah, brilliant. Mmmmm, I see," Elizabeth smiled upon seeing her doppleganger. Keith's phone buzzed at the same time Mindy's assistant came back from the side entrance to tell Perry that his cab arrived and was waiting. Keith hung up and reported that his limo was out front. "Okay I'll take Brenda and we'll leave in the limo, while you two head out by cab. If this all works out the razzi will follow the wrong tag team," Keith winked. "Here Brenda, wear these on your way out," Elizabeth said handing her a pair of sunglasses from her handbag. "Oh, hey no problem I came prepared see?" Brenda beamed taking a pair of her own out of her own bag. They were off. Keith and his girlfriend departed via the front entrance amidst a flurry of flashes, Brenda looking down at the pavement and discreet, playing the part of a celebrity before hopping into the limousine. Hoping no one in the crowd was any the wiser. "Reminds me of some sort of spy movie," Perry remarked to Elizabeth as the limo left and he did a quick check of the side street alley ensuring no paparazzi waited in ambush. "It does doesn't it?" she remarked. "Coast is clear Elizabeth, let's go," he said motioning her into the cab first. The cab sped off as both sunk in the rear seat hoping no paparazzi stragglers saw anything. It was nearly a block before they both looked at one another and laughed. "A bit exciting wasn't it?" she said. "Oh, man it was. Phew! I just hope no one is following us," Perry said feeling a bit paranoid as he saw the cabbie's eyes looking at Elizabeth in his rear view mirror. They arrived and Perry opened the cab door for Elizabeth, all the while looking around wondering if any paparazzi were about. None thus far. The restaurant was busy and both were seated at a quiet table. Perry considered it would be dumb luck to get a table at this hour without a reservation until he mentioned to the manager who the young lady was. When the manager saw that she was indeed Elizabeth Beresford, a sudden cancellation appeared in his book. A few people seemed to take notice of the actress but overall everyone kept to themselves. She ordered a Bombay and tonic and he a Campari. "So Perry what made you decide to become an artist?" she asked. "Well I spent too much time doodling in notebooks not too I suppose. I tried to go through the straight academic route and get a graduate degree in history which I love as well. However, the whole process was too dry and confining I think," he replied. "Was there a particular moment that you recall when you settled on becoming a painter?" she inquired. "Yes, yes there was. It was a school trip to Washington D.C. quite a few years ago. We all went to the National Gallery, and well you can imagine a bunch of eighth graders milling about trying to get excited looking at old paintings. I got separated from the group with another friend and we found ourselves going into this one room with old portrait paintings and I literally did a double take. When I saw Jan van Eyck's 'The Annunciation' I was simply floored or how you would say gobsmacked. That's where I think the seed was planted. What about you Elizabeth, when did you get interested in art?" "My grandfather once gave me a number of postcard sized reproductions of landscape paintings and mezzotints by the artist John Constable. Do you know of him?" "Uh, no I don't I'm afraid. He's British I assume?" "Mmmm, yes. He painted and etched mostly pastoral scenes in England in the early 19th century. His mezzotints are a wonderful representation of chiaroscuro, absolutely brilliant work. I had those small reproductions framed and they are hanging on a wall back home." "What do prefer collecting? Portraiture, abstract, landscapes?" "Whatever catches my fancy. When I see an interesting piece of work I like to be challenged by it in some manner." Perry was drawn into her dark smoky eyes as she spoke. Perhaps it was the way she spoke, how she looked when she spoke, her lips, her slightly upturned nose and straight dark hair. She exuded an air of authority a bit patrician in such a manner that Perry could imagine her in period fashion living within the walls of a huge manor house centuries ago. "I take it you collect art as well?" "Yes, I do. I have a growing collection back home at my flat, in London. From very old to current which by next week will include three of your pieces," she smiled finishing her gin aperitif. "Wow, well thank you. I'm flattered that you purchased my work, thanks. I hope you enjoy them," he replied feeling a bit warm under his collar. He cleared his throat before adding, "Where in London do you live? Oh, but wait perhaps that's a secret so I shouldn't have asked." She chuckled before replying, "It's no state secret according to the paparazzi I assure you. My flat is near Knightsbridge. Have you been in London?" "A long time ago. Knightsbridge sounds very familiar but I can't quite place it." "My flat isn't very far from Harrod's or the Natural History Museum. One could easily walk to either from my home." "Ok yeah, I recognize those two landmarks. I visited Harrod's when I was a kid, quite a place," Perry remarked. "Did you ever take art in school?" "I did. Unfortunately, I don't think I was ever good at it I'm afraid." "Do you have any examples you'd like to share? I'm sure they're not nearly as bad as you make them out to be." "You haven't seen them yet," she laughed. "Where did you go to high school? Do they even have high schools in England?" "Yes they do but they're often called secondary schools. I went to Benenden, a boarding school for girls." "A boarding school for girls eh?" Perry joked. "Trust me there's nothing very salacious about them." "I bet that's what they all make you say after graduation." "Oh stop," she laughed. "What about college or university?" "Being salacious?" she quipped. "Oh, well yes. No, I'm just kidding. Are you going to college?" "Yes at Cambridge, Trinity College actually. It's a bit difficult attending college and being in films at once but I do manage." "Wow, that's great Elizabeth. Cambridge has to be the best university out there, well done. I'm envious." "Thank you Perry. What about you?" "I went to Savannah School of Art and Design. Had a great time, met a lot of interesting people." "Oh, I visited Savannah Georgia while filming Sandman. It reminded me of Charleston and in a small way New Orleans. Savannah had a particularly eccentric rhythm that I quite liked," said Elizabeth. "Well it's all due to Southern charm. The town has been well preserved, partly because it wasn't burned to the ground by Grant's march through the South." "Ah yes during your Civil War," she replied. "I could see you doing a period film set during that time. You'd run a plantation or something," Perry grinned. "I'm still working on my American accent thank you very much. I'm not quite certain I could pull off a Southern accent very well." "I could teach you," Perry beamed. Liz Pt. 02 Perhaps it was the second bottle of Syrah but their conversation had progressed well beyond dinner and dessert. Perry was amazed there had been no awkward pauses, no indication that Elizabeth appeared bored. In fact both had a sense of humor that appeared to be on the same frequency, and both possessed the same criticisms of daily life in general. It was getting late in the evening and Perry heard Elizabeth's phone vibrate for the first time that evening. She instinctively looked into her hand bag then stopped herself before saying, "I promised myself I wouldn't bother looking." "No go ahead Elizabeth. It might be important," he replied. "Are you certain?" she asked lifting her eyebrows. "Hurry before it stops buzzing," Perry smiled. She pulled her phone from her hand bag and said, "Mmmm, it's from Wendy, my manager. She simply sent a text asking if everything was alright and that she sent a car to fetch us both. I'm telling her yes everything is fabulous and not to worry as I'm enjoying myself in the company of a gentleman." Perry almost choked on his sip of wine a bit flush with the unexpected compliment. She finished texting before she looked up at him and said, "Now where were we?" "I don't want to keep you late Elizabeth, I'm sure you have a hectic schedule tomorrow. Perhaps we should call it an evening," said Perry. "Well I do have to travel tomorrow but my flight isn't until late morning," she replied. "You headed back to London?" he asked. "No, L.A.. I'm doing Jimmy Kimmel and the Conan program along with an interview for a magazine," she said taking a sip of wine. "Oh, for your new film. What's the title?" Perry asked even though he knew the name. "Sandman," Elizabeth replied. "I really want to see that and hear your American accent," he said. "Can you do an English one?" she smiled. "Kind of I suppose. I used to watch all sorts of British shows like Sherlock Holmes, Monty Python, Lovejoy, Blake's Seven and stuff. After a while of that I began to imitate the character's and their voices," he explained. "Go on then," Elizabeth sat back wine glass in hand. "Now, here? Ah, you're going to laugh," he nodded. "I am not I promise," she said taking a sip of wine. He cleared his throat and did his best imitation of the English actor Jeremy Brett's version of Sherlock Holmes. Perry was incredibly nervous at first but after a bit just went with it going into a small monologue that he remembered from one of his favorite episodes of the show. Elizabeth for her part didn't laugh in fact when he was done she gave him a light clap and a beaming smile for his effort. "Well done. I must say that your English accent is better than my American one," she said. "The wonder of watching too much TV. Okay which accent can you do without any trouble?" he asked. "Oh I would have to say Pakistani or Indian but please don't tell a living soul Mr. Savich sir. For if you do I shall be very cross with you and I will very much enjoy flinging monkey poo in your general direction," Elizabeth said in a pitch perfect accent before laughing. "Oh man that's fantastic!" Perry excused himself to go use the "loo" as he put it. While there he was shaking his head asking himself if he really was on a date with a movie star. When he returned to the dining room he saw Elizabeth smile and sign her autograph for a waiter who was obviously a fan of hers. He certainly had his answer. They just about to leave the restaurant when she spotted a bit of movement outside on the sidewalk, "Well Perry, prepare thyself you're about to be initiated." He was about to ask her what she meant when they exited Piccola into the cool night air and were immediately besieged by a throng of 'razzi. They instantly began to take photos, ask questions, and shove 8x10 photos for her to sign. Perry was literally taken aback by this virtual assault. The 'razzi had found their prey. "Hey Elizabeth, Liz look over here!" one photographer yelled. "Elizabeth can you sign these? Come on please!" asked another. "Hey man what's your name? You two friends?" inquired yet another. "Over here Liz! Look this way, come on!" A black SUV flashed it's high beams and honked it's horn as it accelerated up the street to meet them from it's parking spot. "Our carriage awaits," she said. "Elizabeth who's your friend! Hey what's your name dude?" asked one photographer wearing a Cincinnati Reds baseball cap. "Perry," he answered. "Larry? Did you say Larry man?" Cincinnati asked. "Uh, no Perry," Perry said emphasizing the letter P. "Yeah, yeah gotcha like Perry Mason," the photographer remarked. The SUV pulled alongside and Perry opened the door for Elizabeth. He was just about to get in himself when another 'razzi who had a big beard and stood about 6'8" yelled out, "Hey Elizabeth is it true you fucked all the male stars on the last couple of GSG (George Street Gang) movies?" Perry couldn't believe his ears and was about to say something to the giant when a hand pulled him inside the vehicle. The SUV sped away, as Perry realized it was Elizabeth's hand that had yanked him inside. He turned to Elizabeth and said, "Did you get a load of that guy? What the hell kind of question was that!?" "The sort that I receive from time to time, usually from the tabloids,", she replied. "Man I had no idea it was this bad. I mean I've seen on TV how the paparazzi hounds celebrities but this is insanity," Perry exhaled. "It's not easy to deal with but after a while it becomes routine. It's the nutters that one has to worry about," she explained as she pulled out a cigarette case. "Like that giant grizzled miner back there?" She chuckled and replied, "He was more of a wanker actually. Want a ciggy?" Perry was about to say something to the effect that he didn't know Frankie Rhodes smoked but decided against it. He surmised that she had heard that character's name more than enough by now. She handed him the Dunhill lighter and he lit her cigarette before his. He watched her take a drag then hold the cigarette like she was some 1950s starlet. Her perfume scent made him wonder just how soft her long chocolate brown hair would feel if he dared touch it. "Perry do you dance?" she asked. "Oh, well heh I'm not very good to be honest," he replied. "I see. You're being modest I understand. If we had the time to go clubbing I'm quite sure you'd surprise me," she smiled. "Ah, no I wish really. I take it that you like to dance?' "Yes very," she smiled. "I'll just stand back and watch you then. You see I'd embarrass you if I cut a rug. Would you like to know what I look like when I dance?" She began to snicker and asked, "Yes please." "I look like a two year old trying to walk," he shrugged his shoulders. Elizabeth doubled over and laughed, "Oh my God Perry!" She laughed so hard that tears began to well up in her eyes. He loved her laugh. It was the sort of laugh that made others want to join in on the fun. She had just managed to recover her composure by the time the SUV pulled up to a side entrance to The Mark hotel. Elizabeth turned to him and said, "Perry it's been an awfully long time since someone has made me laugh that much. Bravo sir. I had a wonderful time this evening," she smiled putting her hand on top of his. He wanted to ask for her number but he was desperate not to scare her off. "May I have your number and email?" she suddenly asked. "Uh, m-mine? Absolutely, sure yeah of course" Perry fumbled for his phone in his inside jacket pocket. "I'll be in L.A. for just a few days before going back to London. I'm appearing in a new film which begins shooting in two weeks. I would love for you to come visit me on set. How does your own schedule look?" she added. Perry couldn't believe his ears. She just asked him not only for his contact information but to visit her on set. He hoped this evening wasn't some cruel practical joke being played on him. Some of his friends were just the type to do that. "Where's the new film setting up?" he inquired. "Charlotte North Carolina. Have you ever been there?" "I haven't, but I hear it's quite nice. I look forward to seeing you there. Elizabeth I can't wait to see you on set, in action so to speak," Perry smiled. "Please, just call me Liz," she returned the smile. They gave each other a quick hug and he watched her slide into the relatively unobtrusive side entrance rather than going through the very conspicuous front lobby. Liz quickly look over her shoulder and waved good-bye just before entering the building. "See ya," he said grinning. After having been driven to his studio loft apartment in Soho, Perry sat back with a beer in front of his computer. He had a difficult time trying to get to sleep. His mind was still running a mile a minute going through every detail of his date with a movie star. A few of his friends had already texted him for any details especially those of a sexual nature. Perry said little other than it was a pleasant experience. He wondered what she was doing right now. Was she asleep or talking with friends about her date? He typed her name in a search engine to kill time. He looked at the cornucopia of web-sites for Elizabeth Beresford, from the dedicated fan pages to the online tabloids. Then there were the adult sites that used images of her doing every sexual thing possible. Perry wondered how was she not enraged by these faked images? Did she know they existed? Did she just ignore them? If he were a celebrity he'd be pulling his hair out in frustration at the mere knowledge of them. He came across a gossip site run by some man named Perez Hilton. There were several short articles having to do with Elizabeth with headlines like: -Elizabeth Beresford and her Boyfriend James Are Inseparable - Elizabeth Beresford and Boyfriend James Ramsbotham on Caribbean Beach; These Brits Got the Bods - Elizabeth Beresford Sighted Out Alone in London; Where's Her Beau? - Elizabeth Beresford is Officially Single; She Dumped James Perry was somewhat aware that the British tabloids were quite ruthless in their coverage of anyone famous. He shook his head when he saw a few short articles on Elizabeth telling readers: -Phwaor! Frankie's Grown Up,...Top That Is! -Beware Gents; Former GSG Actor Claims Elizabeth Beresford is a Real Man-Eater There were other colorfully titled bits nearly all commenting on some part of her body whether it be her "bum", legs or breasts. Another blurb on a tabloid had Elizabeth relaxing on set during the second to last GSG film titled "Checkmate". Here a photographer caught her whilst wearing her character's period clothing eating ice cream, a little of which dribbled onto her outfit. Perry didn't wish to know the lurid comments from readers on that one. Still other tabloid blurbs called her acting ability into question. Another assailed her for a political comment that she had once made. Perry realized too that in the art world any artist who was suddenly hot, popular, and in the spotlight received incredibly harsh stinging comments. Most of the comments were made anonymously but he knew they came from fellow artists and failed artists who called themselves professional critics. It was all about envy and jealous rage. Elizabeth's world was no different than his, with one exception. In her circle it was all about a person's image, their physical being. In his it was all about what he projected onto a painted surface. He could look like a bum, have yellow teeth, bad hair, and horrible body odor but if he painted what collectors craved his physical faults were moot. It was just the opposite for Elizabeth. It had been nearly two weeks since their date and he was busy stretching canvases in his studio when his phone buzzed. He was waiting for a friend to call concerning the purchase of a few gallons of gesso when he looked down at the phone to see it was a text not from that friend but from Elizabeth. His heart skipped a beat. 'Hello Monsieur Artist. How are you? Here are a few pictures of your brilliant work hanging in my flat.' Perry had to admit the paintings looked quite nice in the photos, but he was more interested in what he could see of her apartment which appeared quite inviting. His phone buzzed again before he could send a reply. It was Elizabeth once again: 'Perry would you care to join me in Charlotte North Carolina?' "You betcha," he said out loud while typing his reply. 'Hey Liz, I'd be more than happy to join you. Just say when and I'll be there. Btw, I'm very happy my work has found a good home.' He hoped he didn't too eager in his reply. 'They have indeed. I look forward to laugh with you again Perry. I'll send more details regarding the film in a day or so. I'm off to bed.'