Usurper!
Originally posted on May 17, 2008
By Way of Introduction….
Gideon Bennett met model AlexAndrea Sebastian during a promotional shoot for Man of the Cloth, when she stepped in for his “unavailable” leading lady. You may recall Gideon’s SO at the time, Melisa Townsend-Adams, found this grist for her own personal rumor mill and printed a bit of related gossip in her theater column….
What Melisa did not find out, but would have interested her greatly, was what took place after the shoot on that same day….
Gideon: Leaving us so soon?
Andrea: Yes, I’ve finished for the day. Everything I was contracted to do is over.
Gideon: In record time, too, due in no small part to your professionalism. I wanted to thank you for being so easy to work with.
Andrea: Were you inclined to think I would be difficult?
Gideon: I had no idea, but having worked with models in the past, I’m always wary.
Andrea: And exactly what is it that has made you so disdainful of those in my profession?
Gideon: I wouldn’t say ‘disdainful’ – I’m just a firm believer that people should stick with what they’re good at – and too many models-turned-actors have zero acting talent. Even that’s not so bad when they’re willing to learn, but most seem to think a winsome smile makes up for a wooden performance.
Andrea: One could argue that today’s assignment was more modeling than acting.
Gideon: And one would be right.
Gideon: Hmmmm, beautiful, amenable and smart.
Andrea: *moving away* How wrong you are. I was not agreeing with you. Now if you’ll excuse me?
*the door opens and Delia, the show’s leading lady sweeps in*
Delia: *to Andrea* YOU! You fraud! Usurper! How dare you?
Delia: I’ll have you know I was on my way– could I help it that that moronic madman of a chauffer got us lost? And if *hic* that wasn’t bad enough, he managed to find the worst traffic jam in town! We were held up for hours and hours and…..How dare you *hic* step in and take *hic* over!?!
Delia: Gideon, do be a dear and show this … this little …..upstart ……wannabe ….. whatever…… out the door! The BACK door! I’m here now and we can re-shoot all the promotional *hic* spots.
Delia: Be gone now, imposter. Away with *hic* you, charlatan! Thought you’d just sashay on in and *hic* take ov…….
Gideon: *in a low voice* Delia darling, you might want to go find a mirror. You’ve lipstick on your teeth……..and perhaps locate a comb as well……….
Gideon: Better still, run along and see Michael and he’ll put you to rights. He’s a miracle worker, remember…….go on now…..*Delia exits*
*leaves*
Gideon: *in an even lower voice* …..and find yourself some breath mints or learn to drink vodka instead of bourbon for breakfa…..
*Andrea is gone*
Gideon: ……..…. Damn.
*Gideon rushes to the exit door, and just catches Andrea going out*
Andrea: I can see why you prefer working with a real actress.
Gideon: *rueful smile* Quite the entertainer, isn’t she?
Andrea: You were so kind to put up with this rank amateur today, Mr. Bennett. Now I really do need to be going.
Gideon: For the record, Ms. Sebastian….. I enjoyed every minute.
