Chapter 127

Fi took her to the Chateau Marmont for dinner and drinks. As soon as they stepped out of the car, photographers were taking pictures. Pearl shielded her eyes, still not used to it yet. Fi kept her head down and plowed right through them. "Why are there so many?" Pearl asked as they walked into the bar. "Some royal birthday party or something. I don't know. I never have a problem getting in. I have won an Oscar you know." She winked at Pearl and laughed. Royal? Pearl wondered if Erik was there. It was crowded and Pearl saw several familiar faces from movies and television, but hadn't noticed him anywhere. Fi asked for a table and they were sat immediately. "We'll have two vodka tonics with a shit load of limes and keep them fucking coming." Fi said to the waiter, handing him back their menus.

"I thought we were having dinner?" Pearl asked, feeling her stomach growl.

"Nonsense. We are here to talk. And drink. And to get you out and give you a night in the city. Rhys says you've never been here before so it's only natural that you get a tour." Fi said, taking a large gulp of her drink. Pearl was hoping Rhys would be the one to show her but it didn't seem to be happening that way. Almost as if Fi could read her mind, she said "Rhys was a complete asshole last night. I thought what you did was perfect. And I'm not the only one." Pearl looked up at her.

"He came to our hotel room after he dropped you off. Told us how embarrassed he was and afraid of his reputation being tainted. I told him to stop acting like a controlled puppet when it comes to these people. He talks such a big game about wanting to have a 'real life' with you but when real life shit happens, he acts like a privileged child." Fi was all straight talk and Pearl loved her for it. "I'm not sticking up for him but I need to say this...this town. These people. This way of being, is all he's ever known. He came here as a child and he was conditioned. Many are like that here. But you? You have grit and aren't like them. I don't think you ever will be. So it's different for you, it's not the same." Pearl didn't want to hear it. She shook her head "No. A few months ago I would have agreed, but he and I have talked about this. About him defending me. And more importantly, about him not leaving me alone when things get rough. It pissed me off. I was hurt last time but this time I'm angry." Pearl said defiantly and Fi nodded in agreement.

"So tell me", Fi said "How did you grow such huge balls to speak to Carys that way in front of Hollywood's most elite?" She smiled and looked at Pearl like she was the god of her idolatry. Pearl smiled and shrugged. "Do you know how many people have wanted to say that shit to her? Man! It was priceless. Her face. People are going to be talking about that for decades." Fi threw her head back and laughed.

"She came at me on national television, Fi. My first ever appearance. Rhys may want to eat shit politely to fit in, but not me. She fucked with the wrong person. I've been eating shit most of my adult life from a man that lied and said he loved me. I'll be damned if I allow some Hollywood fame whore to treat me like that. No way, I am not the one." Pearl said, smiling but serious as a heart attack. Fi looked at her with pride. She really liked Pearl and what she stood for.

"So, what are you going to do about Rhys?" Fi asked.

"I don't know. I really don't know. I'm avoiding him right now. I can't talk to him. I just see red. He fucked up, Fi."

"I know. And I believe he knows, too. He's just programmed. I don't know how or if you ever will be able to change that about him. He tried to get validation from Matt and I last night and when we didn't give it to him, he became angry then remorseful. He said he hates these people in this town and wished he never started acting. He slammed most of the booze we had in our room and passed out on the couch. Pearl, fight for that you deserve. Whether it's Rhys or not. I admire the fighter in you and hope you continue. You'll either get him to get his shit right or you'll find better. I have no doubt. He was wrong last night. Don't let him change your mind on that." Fi was a lifeline on a night she needed her most. She was so thankful for her new friend.

"Hey Fi. How are you?" A woman asked. Several people stopped by their table to say hello, some to ask Fi how the show was going and other small talk conversations. Then a familiar voice said, "Hello Pearl. Fancy seeing you here." It was Erik

"Ummm hel, hello, Erik. It's nice to see you again so soon." Pearl stammered again. He was incredibly intimidating. Fi's eyes widened and she looked at Pearl in disbelief. "Oh, this is Fiona. Fiona this is Erik..."

"The prince of fucking England. Yeah. I know. It's great to meet you, Erik." Fi said, smiling and shaking his hand.

"Wonderful to meet you, as well. And yes. How fortuitous, seeing you again so soon. Mind if sit?" Erik asked. He motioned to another man that was large and muscular and he came to the table. "This is Henry." He introduced the man to them and he sat as well. Henry looked familiar but Pearl couldn't place him. "Henry is a boxer and my best mate." Ah yes. Pearl knew why he looked familiar now. He was Henry Casey, the current heavyweight champion of the world. Pearl glanced at Fi who was still a bit stunned by Erik coming to their table, which tickled Pearl, seeing Fi, the Oscar winning actress, star struck.

"We heard that there was a birthday party here tonight. Is that for you?" Pearl asked Erik. He smiled and looked down sheepishly. He looked like a prince with his wavy, unruly brown hair cropped in a perfect cut and his defined jawline. His eyes were green and almost turquoise in color, crisp and clear, like they were always three steps ahead and looking right through you. "Yes. It's my birthday. I am 33 years old today and incredibly angry I haven't been able to eat my cake yet." He grinned.

Henry rolled his eyes. "They had a Battenburg Cake made especially for you, mate. Call bagsy on it and go eat it and shut up already." He told him. Erik laughed and said he'd be right back.

"I apologize ladies, didn't meant to come off narky but if I have to hear one more thing about that bloody birthday cake, I'm going to murder him." Henry said. Fi laughed and told him she understood. Erik returned with four plates balancing on his arms and a waiter followed with a bottle of Moet & Chandon. Fi looked at Pearl and mouthed "That's 14 grand a bottle." Pearl watched the waiter pour them each a glass and Pearl was afraid to touch it. Erik told him to bring another bottle and he toasted to them. Henry toasted again to Erik's birthday. After three glasses, Pearl excused herself to the ladies room. She checked her phone and saw nothing from Rhys. The more he allowed this to go on, the angrier she became. She walked out of the bathroom and practically ran Erik over.

"Sorry! I'm over here pratting around and almost ran you to the floor. My apologies." Erik said, releasing her waist after he put his arms around her to prevent her from falling. They shared an awkward look and Erik leaned closer. "Thank you, I'm fine. I ran into you." Pearl said, adjusting her dress.

"You look incredible tonight, but nothing tops the tank top look on you." He said with a smile, keeping his eyes on hers. Pearl felt his eyes looking right through her and she backed away.

"Thanks." She said, smiling and shaking her head. The prince of England just paid her a compliment. She was obviously drunk and sure her face was red from embarrassment.

She came back to the table to find Henry taking his shirt off and dancing for Fi. These British guys were crazy, Pearl thought with a laugh.

"Put your clothes on, Henry. I leave for 5 minutes and you're so pissed that you're starkers." Erik yelled at him, laughing his ass off. Pearl had no idea what he said but it sounded fucking hilarious. They all laughed and several others had gathered around, laughing and dancing. Erik ordered more champagne and the cake was delicious.

"I thought you hated all this Hollywood stuff" Pearl whispered to Erik when Henry finally sat down and put his shirt back on.

"I do." He said. "But you're here. And I'm having a lovely time. Best birthday I've had in years." He said, putting his arm around her and giving her a slight hug. Fi was drunk at this point and having a blast. Pearl knew she should probably be heading home soon but she didn't think there was a chance Fi would leave with all this going on.

After another couple of hours, Pearl finally convinced Fi it was time to go. The evening was so much fun, even Pearl didn't want to leave, but knew she had to, they had the last day of shooting the next day.

"I had an amazing time tonight. Happy birthday, Erik." Pearl said and hugged him goodbye.

"Goodbye, Pearl. I am so glad we ran into you tonight." He said, kissing both of her cheeks. Pearl and Fi headed to the door where photographers were set up, waiting to pounce. Just as they walked through them, Erik called out behind them and ran to the door, helping Pearl get Fi into the car. He handed her his card and whispered in her ear, "Sooner than later. The photo shoot. Call me. Thank you again for an amazing birthday evening." And he walked back inside.

Pearl and Fi got back to the house at 2 am. The driver told Pearl he would get Fi back to her hotel ok and Pearl kissed her cheek and told her thank you. She went to unlock the door but found it unlocked. She walked in to find Rhys, asleep on the couch. There were candles lit and almost burned completely down. Vases of flowers were on the tables and it looked like he had ordered some kind of dessert for them. Was this him trying to apologize? Was he there with someone else earlier? We're these even for her? She obviously wasn't home in time to find out. She blew out the candles and covered him with a blanket, and went to bed.