Janice Thompson - Stars Collide

Backstage Pass Book 1

Stars Collide

A Novel

Janice Thompson

2011 by Janice Thompson

Published by Revell

a division of Baker Publishing Group

P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287

www.revellbooks.com

E-book edition created 2010

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

ISBN 978-1-4412-1428-7

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

Scripture is taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

Published in association with MacGregor Literary Agency.

In loving memory of my father, Billy Hanna, who moved our family from Houston, Texas, to Los Angeles, California, in the late 70s so that he could pursue his dream of co-writing and producing a Hollywood movie.

Thank you, Dad, for opening a whole new chapter in my lifethat of a writer.

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

You want me to kiss him... where? I stared at my director, hoping Id somehow misunderstood his last-minute change to the script.

A look of exasperation crossed his face. On the lips, of course. This is a family show, Kat. Remember?

Of course. I nodded and fought to keep my breathing even as I rephrased my question. I mean, where in the scene ? Beginning, middle, or end? Whats my cue?

Oh. A look of relief passed over Mark Wilsons face as he sank into his directors chair. At the very end of the scene. Right after Jack says, This has been a long time coming, Angie. At that point I want the two of you to kiss. On the lips. In a passionate but family-friendly way. PG, not PG-13.

Ah. My gaze darted across the crowded studio to Scott Murphy, my love interest in the sitcom Stars Collide . He raked his fingers through that gorgeous, dark, wavy hair of his and flashed an encouraging smile. Apparently the idea of kissing me on camera hadnt startled him. Why should I let it make me nervous? Wed both known for months this moment would come. And now that it had arrived, there would be no turning back. Kissing himwhether it happened at the beginning, middle, or end of the scenewas something the viewers had anticipated for three seasons. Ironically, Id spent almost as long waiting, hoping, and praying for it myself.

Over the past two seasons, my off-screen friendship with Scott had morphed into something more, and I knew he felt the same. Still, wed danced around each other for months, neither of us willing to open up and share our hearts. And now that the opportunity had finally presented itself, I felt like slinking back to my dressing room and diving under the makeup table. Would anyone notice if the shows leading lady skipped out on the scene?

Kiss him, Kat! Kiss him! The voices of the youngest cast members rang out, and my cheeks grew warm as I realized the sitcoms children had a vested interest in this too. Theyd worked for two full seasons to push the characters of Jack and Angie together, after all. A kiss seemed inevitable, even to them.

Only now, it just seemed impossible. How could I kiss Scott, passionately or otherwise, with my heart in my throat? And howI gulped in air as I thought about ithow could I kiss him when my feelings offstage were as strong as those my character Angie faced when the cameras were rolling?

My heart did that crazy junior high flip-flop thing, and for a moment I thought I might faint. Squeezing my eyes shut, I invited the opportunity. If I hit the floor, we could probably avoid filming the scene altogether.

Nope. No such luck. After a few seconds of feigning dizziness, I realized I was as steady on my feet as ever. Opening my eyes, I contemplated my options. Now what?

From across the studio, Scott smiled again, offering me a glimmer of hope. Was that a come hither look in his eyes? Mm-hmm. A sense of peace flooded over me and I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving.

I can do this. I can do this. With the eyes of the masses watching, I took my place on the set, ready to begin filming.

Scott continued to tease me with a smile. Oh yes, this certainly made things easier. His baby blues stared deep down into my soul, giving me the courage I needed.

At this point, everything began to move in slow motion.

I heard the director yell, Action!

Managed to speak my opening lines, then listened for Scotts impassioned response.

Watched as the cameras overhead swung near for the big moment.

Felt my heart race when Scottas the character of Jacktook a step in my direction.

Heard him whisper those magic words: This has been a long time coming, Angie.

Sensed the studio audience members holding their breath.

Closed my eyes in anticipation.

Then, just as Scott swept me into his arms for that magical moment wed all been waiting for... the power went out.

Studio B faded to black.

Saved by the Bell

A collective gasp went up from the studio audience as the filming of the infamous kissing scene came to an abrupt halt. Ironically, the filming was the only thing that ended. What no one saw under the blissful cover of darknessI hoped, anywaywas the long-awaited moment being played out just between the two of us. Scotts lips, tender and sweet, found mine, and the kiss that followed squelched any lingering doubts I might have had about his feelings for me. Our private exchange lasted an extraordinary length of time extraordinary being the key word.

Wowza! Was this guy worth the wait, or what?

Scott eventually loosened his embrace and brushed his fingers through my hair. His words, Its about time, Kat, were whispered gently into my ear, sending tingles down my spine. All I could manage was a lame nod, which, of course, he could not see in the dark. Brilliant, Kat. Still, what did it matter? Our kissing scene was the stuff Emmy awards were made of. Didnt matter that wed missed our opportunity to share it with the world. Some things were better left off camera. At least the first time around.

I half expected a laugh track to shatter the moment, or at least some piped-in music. A dramatic love song, perhaps. Most everything in my life was staged these days, right down to my dialogue.

Fortunately, the only music was the impromptu drum solo going on in my heart. I felt sure no one heard it except Scott. My arms instinctively slipped around his neck, and he drew me closer still, offering yet another sweet promise that his feelings for me were as strong as mine for him.

Off in the distance, a tremulous little voice rang out, and the words Im scared now hovered over us. As the darkness lingered, the children grew more restless and one began to cry. I could hear the studio audience members stirring now.

Rex, what happened to the backup generator? Mark hollered to Rex Henderson, our new producer.

No idea, Mark, but Im working on it. I recognized that voice. Jason Harris, cameraman. If anyone could figure it out, he could. Jason was our resident geek.

The lights came on just as Scott and I each took a giant step backward, creating a respectable chasm between us. By the time my eyes adjusted to the glare of the generator-powered lights flickering overhead, I realized chaos had struck the studio audience. People tripped over each other and shouted obscenities as they struggled to exit the studio. Lovely. Did they not remember we had a room full of children? And tearful children at that.