Love Is Worth Waiting For: Better To Burn Out

For my friends at the former Crystal Lake B & N

The right of D.M. Needom to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act of 1988.

COPYRIGHT © 2020 by D.M. Needom

All rights reserved. No Part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it was published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission request, write to the publisher: JohnandDauna@kittymystic.com

Cover Art By: D. M. Needom

Editor: CPR Editing |

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events or organizations is entirely coincidental.

The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-7332742-5-8

Contents

1.April 19, 1990

2.April 20, 1990

3.April 27, 1990

4.June 4, 1990

5.June 22, 1990

6.July 29, 1990

7.August 3, 1990

8.August 29, 1990

9.September 1, 1990

10.September 7, 1990

11.September 8, 1990

12.February 22, 1993

13.February 23, 1993

14.March 22, 1994

15.March 23, 1994

16.June 25, 1994

17.August 19, 1994

18.August 20, 1994

19.September 21, 1994

20.December 25, 1994

21.December 28, 1994

22.January 1, 1995

23.February 12, 1995

24.February 16, 1995

25.February 17, 1995

26.February 27, 1995

27.March 14, 1995

28.March 15, 1995

29.April 8, 1995

30.April 18, 1995

31.May 10, 1995

32.July 10, 1995

33.October 10, 1995

34.PLAYLIST

Acknowledgements

35.ABOUT THE AUTHOR

1

April 19, 1990

Jenn

The knocking on my bedroom door woke me from my slumber. I covered my head, hoping whoever it was would go away.

There was no reason anyone would require my attention. Mom was tucked securely in her holding cell at the police station, and Ollie should have been asleep as well, since we spent most of our night at the police station.

I heard the door open and peeked out from under the blanket.

Sis, I hate to wake you after last night, but I need a favor, Ollie said.

I sat up and stretched as I studied him. What can I do for you? I told you last night, I’m not getting her out. I can’t afford to pay our rent and set her free.

No, I agree. We need to think about ourselves. Anyway, I was wondering if I could borrow your car since my car is impounded because of Mom?

I looked at the poster hanging behind him. The little grey kitten in the tree struggling to hold on to the branch, with the blue lettering read, Hang in There. I certainly would have to do that to make it through my mother’s mess once again.

For how long? I’m supposed to have plans this afternoon, I said, glancing at the picture of Wes and me on my nightstand.

I’m not sure; I have to pick up some things for Mason and drop them off at his house. He said he didn’t have much for me to do.

I don’t know, I said, sitting up and stretching.

I’ve got a better idea. Come with me. Mason’s place is in the Hills; it’s amazing. Ollie smiled at me. It’s perfect timing. I’ve been hoping for an excuse for you to see it.

I could see he was thrilled.

Don’t you think your boss might mind? I wondered.

Not in the least. You’re a beautiful girl. Smile at him, and he’ll have no problem. Put something a little—

Are you pimping me out? I looked at him in disbelief.

No. I just think that if you look the part, he’ll have no problem with you being there.

"Give me twenty, and I’ll give you Amy from The Girl He Never Saw. Give me thirty, and you get the transformed version. Or would you prefer Betty Sue from Paradise High?" I looked at the clock on the white wooden nightstand.

Just get dressed. We need to leave in twenty. Oh, and pack your suit. If you get lucky you can hang by his pool while I’m working, he said before closing the door.

I rubbed the bridge of my nose before I fell back into the comfort of my bed. I was exhausted, and all I wanted was a little more sleep, but I knew Ollie would be back if I didn’t get up now.

Twenty-five minutes later, I’d managed to take a shower, do my hair and makeup, and put on a peach-colored sundress. Cruising around on errands with the top down wasn’t a bad way to spend the afternoon. After all, since Ollie got this job, he was hardly around.

He was giving me directions to all the places we needed to go for Mason. As we pulled up in front of the dry cleaner, I decided to razz him a little.

You do realize you’re just an over-glorified gopher, I said with a smirk.

You mean we. He raised an eyebrow at me.

This is your job. I’m just chauffeuring you around for the day.

It’s not pretty, but he has connections, and if I play my cards right, I might be able to…I don’t know, learn some things. Who knows where it could lead? Maybe I’ll become an agent or manager. One can never be too sure. Ollie made a grand gesture with his hand. Ollie Poff, agent to the stars.

Tell you what? Maybe once you get established, you can rep me. I certainly need someone who has my interest in protecting my career. Between Pete and Mom, things really aren’t happening.

I’ll be right back, he said with a smile before exiting the car.

The sun was shining down, and the warmth on my skin felt wonderful. It would’ve been lovely to be hanging out by the pool with Wes today, but he’d understand.

The intro started for Guns ’n’ Roses version of Live and Let Die, and I didn’t care that we were in an upscale neighborhood. I turned the knob and blasted it. I smiled as I thought of seeing Wes the night before on stage singing this version. There was always something about seeing him in front of a crowd singing, but this song was a show-stopper.

All the other girls drooling over his blonde surfer-inspired good looks, yet it didn’t matter because I knew that after the show, I’d be going home with the rock god. Well, that was the joke, he and I both knew, he wasn’t a rock god. He was actually pretty shy, if you didn’t know him. While they loved the man on stage, I loved the guy who could just enjoy hanging out and talking. We talked about our hopes and dreams, as well as our past and fears. I didn’t need to be Hot Amy or Ditzy Betty Sue. I got to be me, just like he did.

I closed my eyes and thought about lying in Wes’s arms. That was my peace, my heaven. The place where he did things that could take my breath away.

For Christ’s sake, Ollie said, getting in the VW Volkswagen Cabriolet convertible and lowering the radio immediately. You know there are laws about the noise.

This isn’t noise; it’s music.

I know that, but look where we are, he said, motioning toward the front window.

I rolled my eyes as I shifted the car into first and pulled out into traffic. Some people are just too uptight for their own good.

Well, they’ll call the cops, and we don’t need any more problems, after all, we’re still not out of the woods with Mom’s DUI.

Don’t remind me. I stopped at the stoplight. I don’t know what to do. I can’t hire an attorney this time, and her arraignment is this afternoon. I’m sure they’ll make her go back to rehab, and we know how well that went last time. I could use the last of my savings, but that’s what’s been paying all the bills. Maybe I’ll call Pete and see if he has anything for me.

Ollie turned to look at me. Look, we can worry about it later. Mom made her choice. I can talk to Mason and see if he has some advice. Turn right on North Beachwood and head up.

I didn’t realize you were that chummy with Mason. I mean, aren’t you risking your job by asking him? I said, glancing at him.

Maybe, but it might be worth a shot.

Or not. Every time, we’ve rushed in and rescued her, I let the words hang in the air. Maybe we don’t this time, and she finally wakes up.

Or she just hates us, Ollie said with a glum expression.

I shot him a glance. At this point, I’m not sure that’d be a bad thing.

He didn’t respond as we drove further up.

I looked at the variety of homes as we drove and wondered who lived here: the successful people, whether it be as an actor, musician, or whatever. They were the ones who had made it. The higher we got, the more I started to feel like a failure. I had one movie; while it had been successful, it was such predictable crap that no one saw me outside of the mousy girl who transformed into the beauty. Basically, another Cinderella redo. When I took it, I didn’t care. I finally had my break…or at least that was what I thought.

Then, of course, there was Paradise High, where I was cast as the dumb brunette. They felt the need to change things up a bit. While my comedic timing was applauded, the show lasted only two seasons before it was canceled.

Turn left on Belden, Ollie said.

You know, maybe I should just drop you off. You can call me when you’re ready to.

That’s silly; think about the gas. Look, it’ll be fine.

"I don’t know. He’s Mason Langford. He’s a world-renowned actor."

Yes, and you’re Jennifer Poff. Or are you just Jenn now? Ollie had a reassuring smile

Only to my friends and you.

Take a left here, and it will dump us onto Durand Drive. His place is on the right. You can’t miss it. It’s a big stucco house perched right above the road. That’s it right up there. But there’s a private drive, so slow down.

I pulled up to the intercom box and hit the button; a gruff voice asked us why we were there.

Ollie and Jennifer Poff for Mason Langford.

No response from the disembodied voice; the gate just started to open. I pulled in, and Ollie made me park in a space next to the garage before he exited the car.

He pulled the dry-cleaning out and grabbed a bag of groceries. Come on; I need you to carry the other bag.

I looked at the massive expanse of the house and wondered why one person would need a place this big. The front entrance was at an angle, and the rest of the house spread out on either side of it. The round shape of it wasn’t unlike that of a castle.

That answered my question. Mason obviously thought he was a king and ruled everyone and everything here.

I felt uneasy, and I wasn’t sure why. I had dealt with moneymen on sets and parties just like Mason, and I had learned to play my role. After all, this was what my mother taught me, yet look where she was now.

Turning the car off, I grabbed my purse and the groceries and followed him up the steps. I could see the grand foyer as I looked through the glass in the massive oak doors. Ollie looked for his key when a housekeeper appeared, just as he put his key in the door.

I looked at him, surprised. Why do you have a key?

He smiled. I have to have access to get him what he needs.

He removed his key as the housekeeper opened the door and greeted us.

She took his bag and looked at me. I can take that for you, Miss.

Or I can take it into the kitchen for you, I volunteered.

I was about to walk in the kitchen when I heard another voice. One that, until now, I’d only heard on a television set.

Ollie. Glad you could make it. Mason sounded cheery for a moment; then, his last words showed the truth as his tone changed, You’re late.

I stopped and turned to look at Mason coming down the grand staircase. The decorative railing and sleek wooden handrail made him seem as if he were in charge, and we were his loyal subjects. The room was off-white and exquisite with the marble tile floor. As Mason came further down the stairs, I looked at him. He hardly resembled the image from his movies or TV show. He actually wasn’t too bad in the movie posters, but in person, he looked much older and weathered than thirty. Then again, age was somewhat irrelevant in tinsel town. His dark hair was slicked back, and he was wearing a pair of tropical swim trunks and a mint green tank top.

I had a bit of car trouble this morning, Ollie volunteered.

Doesn’t matter. You know I have a schedule. I don’t care, Mason glared at my brother.

Excuse me, Mr. Langford. It’s my fault, I said. I knew this job was essential to Ollie, so I had to soothe Mason’s ego and play the fangirl. When he asked me for a ride, I knew I’d be meeting you.

I smiled at him just like Ollie said to. Mason motioned the maid to take the bag from my arms as he came closer.

I just wanted to make sure I made a good first impression, I said before licking my lips lightly and giving him a stellar smile.

I watched Mason’s eyes give me a once over then repeat before a smile came across his face. And who might you be?

I’m Ollie’s sister, Jennifer. Jennifer Poff.

He took my hand and kissed it, Pleasure to meet you, Jennifer. Ollie told me he had a sister but not someone as enchanting as you.

Thank you, I said, still smiling.

I suppose I can forgive Ollie just this once, as his tardiness has brought me a beautiful angel.

I smiled and acted like it was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard, even though I really felt like rolling my eyes.

Was this guy for real? He was a walking cliché, but there were a lot just like him in Hollywood. Smiling, I thought about the fun I’d have when I told Wes about this bullshit.

Ollie take my dry-cleaning upstairs, he said dismissively before focusing his attention back on me. I know I’ve seen you before, so are you a model or actress?

You got me. I’m both, though I haven’t modeled in a while.

What have you been in? He looked at me inquisitively.

Gee, he wanted my resume; to him, I’m sure he wouldn’t even consider me a real actress. He had won an Oscar and an Emmy and was known for his dramatic roles. My roles had been just mindless entertainment. I smiled, "My roles have been nothing like yours. I was Hot Amy in The Girl He Never Saw, and I starred as Ditzy Betty Sue in Paradise High for two years before they canceled it."

I wouldn’t say that, he said with a light laugh. "You might be surprised, but I actually enjoyed Paradise High, and you were funny as hell as Betty Sue. I’d have thought you’d have had no problem landing another part."

My agent hasn’t found the right part, and there have been some problems with our mother, so I’ve taken a little time off.

Why was I telling him any of this? He didn’t care, and after Ollie being late, I doubted he’d have the job for much longer.

Is your mom sick? Mason asked, touching my shoulder.

If you asked her, she’d say no, I said uncomfortably.

What else would you like me to do? I heard Ollie ask as he came back downstairs.

Thank God. I’d been saved.

Go through the bag of fan mail and sort through them.

I could help Ollie do that, I volunteered. Anything to be away from Mason.

Celebrities don’t do such trivial things, he responded glibly.

I used to go through mine, I rebutted.

We have better things to do. Why don’t you come join me by the pool? It’s a beautiful day, and well, I think you’d make my backyard paradise so much better with Hot Amy sitting poolside. You wouldn’t happen to have a swimsuit with you?

I glanced over at Ollie, and he nodded his head to get it.

I keep one in my trunk, just in case I’m driving along, and I see an inviting beach, I lied.

Well please, go get it.

Sure. I nodded my head and headed out to my car.

What the hell was I doing? This was supposed to be a favor for my brother, but Mason seemed to have other intentions.

When I came out in my yellow bikini, Mason didn’t say anything. His dark glasses hid his eyes. I wished I had a cover-up or something, because I felt like he would devour me if I let him.

He patted the chaise next to him. Do you need some sunscreen?

I grabbed the lotion and began to apply it. I noticed Mason’s head was turned in my direction, watching me.

Fine, you old perv, I thought as I squirted a line down my leg and then seductively rubbed it in.

I could see he was getting turned on as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. I set the bottle back on the table between us and settled into the chaise.

Do you need anything to drink or snack on? Mason asked.

"The lemon water is fine,’ I said, motioning to the glass that was on the table between us.

So, since you haven’t been acting, what are you doing?

Just taking things day by day, I said, glancing at him.

I imagine that with a sick mother you have to. Does she have cancer?

It was kind of like cancer, as her drinking was taking a little bit of her each day.

No, I said plainly.

Ollie and I always tried to hide our embarrassment of who our mom was, but after last night, I was just too exhausted to lie. Our mother, the one-hit-wonder Taylor Poff, who fell into the bottle just as her career had taken off. One hit single, an album, and two kids later, no one remembered who she was, only her crappy pop princess song.

Do you remember the song ‘Cherry Bell’? That was our mom.

I loved that song; it reminds me of when I first moved out here. He turned to look at me with a shocked expression. Wait. That was your mom? I had her first record and loved it.

I’m sure she’d be pleased someone purchased it, I said sarcastically.

I always hoped there would be a follow-up?

Hard to do that when you’re three sheets to the wind. My dad got her sober. She was that way until I turned twelve, then dad had enough. We never did get the facts on what happened, but I guess he just got tired of dealing with her. I can’t blame him, really. After that, mom just kind of lost her way. Ollie started taking care of things about the time he turned fifteen, and I helped out as much as I could. By the time Ollie hit seventeen, mom’s drinking was out of control, and she got her first DUI. I don’t know why I’m telling you any of this.

Because I asked.

I took a sip of water. You don’t understand, Ollie and I have this whole dramatic tale we created a long time ago about her.

Maybe you just feel comfortable enough to tell me, Mason responded with a light smile.

I sighed. Maybe. Or maybe I’m just exhausted.

So where is she now?

She was arrested last night, with another DUI, it’s her fourth. She had taken Ollie’s car, and, well… I wondered if I should tell him, but realized as I looked over at him that he had taken his glasses off and was studying me. She’s still in custody. We didn’t want to bring her home and try to handle her detox. We did that the first few times, and it wasn’t pretty. We figured it’d be better to have her try and sober up in jail. It’s not something I’m proud of, but Ollie and I both know that she needs to get into a good rehab, and I have to make a choice. I can use the last of my money to get her into treatment or to pay our rent.

He looked at me, surprised. Don’t you have residuals?

If I see fifty bucks a month, I’m lucky. I wish I would’ve got a better deal.

You know, I could put a word in with my agent, and I’m sure he could get you an audition pretty quick.

Thanks, but I wouldn’t want to impose, I said, sensing he’d want something in return.

No imposition. I like being able to help others, Mason had a gentle smile as he reached over to touch my hand. You know I offered Ollie the guest house?

No, I didn’t. That’s very kind of you.

When I made the offer, I didn’t know that you were living with him.

It’s okay, I said, shrugging my shoulders. If he decides to take your offer, I’ll manage.

Or you could move in with him. There are two bedrooms.

I looked at him, feeling a bit creeped out.

Excuse me, Mason, Ollie said, walking out to the pool with a cheesy grin. I finished sorting. Is there anything else you need?

Are you going to take me up on my offer? If you were living here, you’d never have to worry about being late.

Ollie looked over at me, I haven’t had much time to think about it.

Your sister told me about your mom, so I understand, Mason said.

So, is there anything else? Ollie asked again.

I need you to put a call in to PJ to set up a meeting.

Ollie walked back into the house, and I laid back on the chaise and closed my eyes. I wished I was back at the apartment sitting by the pool with Wes instead of here.

I have PJ for you, Ollie said as he handed the phone to Mason.

Hey PJ, I was wondering if you would be willing to take on another client?

I opened my eyes and turned my head toward Mason, and he was looking at me.

Are you familiar with Jennifer Poff? I’ve been talking to her, and it’s pretty apparent that she needs new representation. She needs someone with her best interests at heart, and I know you’re the perfect person for the job. He smiled at me. We’ll meet you at Spago’s at eight.

I was about to say I couldn’t, but I knew that having PJ McGath representing me was a big deal. Wes had to understand that this could help my career.

I suppose we should take a quick jaunt down to Rodeo.

Thanks, but I’m sure I have something to wear back at my apartment.

He leaned over and touched my thigh. We want you to make a great impression. Trust me, let’s change, I know of the perfect boutique.

I appreciate everything but…I’d have to shower. I’m covered in suntan lotion.

There’s a shower in the pool house, right through the double doors. I’ll go get changed and meet you in the foyer in about fifteen.

I touched his hand. I can go home and change; the meeting is more than enough; I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.

He smiled at me. No strings attached, I just want to do something nice. Let’s change, and we’ll take the Ferrari.

I realized he wouldn’t take no for an answer.

After spending the afternoon shopping and getting my makeup and hair done, we went back to Mason’s. It seemed as if he had stalled enough that I’d be forced to finish getting ready at his place. I figured he’d just let me change in a guest room, but instead, he showed me the guest cottage he offered Ollie. It was beautiful, and it would definitely be a step up for Ollie if he took it.

I thought about what I’d do if he accepted Mason’s offer. I could keep the place with mom. However, when she got out of rehab, the thought of her moving back to Texas seemed to be the better choice. She’d be around my grandparents and her siblings, which might be best for her. Maybe they could keep her sober. I was tired of being the parent in this relationship.

Maybe it was time to think about what I wanted. I could move in with Wes, but he hadn’t offered, and that might be awkward since some of his roommates didn’t care for me. We could try and get a place of our own; a smile came to my face as I thought about the possibility of waking up next to him every day. That would be the perfect solution. I idly toyed with the little gold heart pendant he had given me. If everything went well tonight, I’d be a working actress again, and money wouldn’t be a problem.

I was finishing up when Ollie came in.

So, what do you think of this place? he asked.

I think you’re a fool if you don’t take it.

That’s what I think too. You know, you could move in here too. This place has a second bedroom. We could live here, rent-free.

No, thank you. If you move in here, I’ll look for a place of my own, or maybe with Wes. I don’t want anything else from Mason.

He hired an attorney for Mom and paid her bail.

She’s out? I asked, puzzled. Shouldn’t one of us be at home?

"Yes, she’s out, but no, she’s not at home. She’s on her