Marguerite Blakeney is clearly beyond scruples (blazeinhereyes) wrote in valarlogs, @ 2018-01-22 12:22:00 |
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Caroline came back for her mother. Liz was the young blonde’s top priority. But her mother of course wanted the best for Caroline. As much as she wanted to she knew she couldn’t spend all day everyday with her mother. There was no way in hell Liz would let Caroline put her career on hold. She had already applied to quite a few event planning agencies in the area and gotten interviews. The rest of her time had been spent with her mother. But now that that was taken care of, Liz insisted Caroline get in touch with her friends. Today she was meeting a friend from New York for lunch.
It had been a few years since she had last seen Marguerite, although the two had kept in touch over the years. It was too much of a coincidence that they both ended up in Orange County. Of course she was one of the first people Caroline contacted to see. She arrived at the restaurant just a few minutes early grabbing a table for the both of them while she waited.
While Marguerite currently wasn’t in rehearsals or even auditions, that didn’t mean that she wasn’t busy. There was volunteer work, there were voice lessons and there were dance classes. Just because she was well regarded in the community didn’t mean she took her talents for granted. There was always more to learn and skills to hone. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t meet up with friends for lunch. Especially friends she hadn’t seen in a couple of years since she had left New York for Paris.
Finishing up at the dance studio, Marguerite changed into street clothes and then headed to the chosen restaurant. She was doing her best not to focus on the latest set of dreams which wasn’t always easy but thankfully she had enough to look forward to and there hadn’t been any new ones the previous night that it was easy enough to manage.
In theatre, the rule was if you weren’t fifteen minutes early than you were running late. But that wasn’t always possible when going from one appointment to the next so Marguerite arrived at the restaurant exactly at the proposed time. Spotting the blonde, the actress smiled and went to the table.
“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”
When Marguerite approached Caroline stood up to hug her in greeting. “Don’t worry about it,” the blonde replied releasing her friend from the hug and taking her seat again. “I was a few minutes early. I actually like just got our table so it was perfect timing,” she added giving Marguerite a reassuring smile.
“So,” she went on as she picked up her menu to scan through it. “How have you been? Any shows I need to go see?” As in was Marguerite in any at the moment. Although Caroline would totally take suggestions as well.
Returning the hug, Marguerite smiled and took her own seat. It was reassuring that Caroline hadn’t been waiting for too long. Still, it was part of that actress mentality on what constituted for being on time. Especially as Caroline had been waiting even if it wasn’t for all that long. “Well when you put it that way.”
She also wasn’t going to be one to dwell on that fact. If Caroline said it was perfect timing then Marguerite would just accept it and move on. Instead she picked up the menu to look over for herself though she did pause at the question.
“Well, I’m not involved in any shows right now. Mostly volunteer work while looking for auditions along with the usual dance classes and the like.” She could probably find some guest spots on shows that shot in Los Angeles if she wanted to. She’d done the same in New York after all.
Caroline nodded as Marguerite spoke. She knew how dedicated the actress was to her craft. Even though she was already amazing she was still always learning and improving her skills. Caroline admired that about her. Some would just take their success and ride it. “Always keeping busy,” Caroline commented. Something she could totally relate to. Yes, Caroline had more free time than usual now, but she usually kept herself pretty booked. It was exhausting at times but Caroline wouldn’t have it any other way.
Caroline decided on a B.L.T. setting her menu down and giving Marguerite her full attention. “Any shows you have your eye on? Dream roles?”
It definitely could be exhausting, but Marguerite wouldn’t have it any other way. There was always so much to get done. Besides, she also made sure to take time for herself. The joys of home spa care with just bath soaks and masks and candles. It was all a matter of making that time for yourself in the midst of the chaos. Especially in higher stress situations such as caring for a sick parent. Marguerite knew that one far too well.
“Well, there’s a company here I’ve performed with a few times now that does shows that are on Broadway but not on tour. They’re looking into Anastasia which could be fun if only because the show that brought be back to Orange County was Great Comet so playing another Russian, one who is going to Paris amuses me. There’s also talk of Ragtime and I think Mother could be an interesting role.”
Deciding on a chicken Florence panini, Marguerite folded her menu before turning her attention to Caroline.
“How about you? Have you booked yourself solid yet or are you still getting your footing after the move?”
“Both good options,” Caroline commented with a smile. “Although I personally think you’d make an amazing Anastasia.” And the irony was pretty great as well.
The waitress came, once they both placed their orders Caroline’s attention was back on Marguerite. “Still adjusting,” Caroline admitted. “I have a few interviews lined up. It’s mostly been about applying for jobs and helping my mom out. Some unpacking, but a lot of my stuff is still being shipped from New York. It’s good though, to be back. I’ll probably get into the swing of things in no time.”
Especially as it would be the same company which had done Great Comet doing Anastasia.
“Well who knows, depending on timing I may end up doing both.” That was the great thing about theatre. There was always a chance of being able to perform a specific role later down the line and location. She just knew both shows were being discussed, not so much the when of it all.
And order given, Marguerite nodded some at the comment of still adjusting.
“That makes sense. Even if you grew up here it’s still a lot to get done. But interviews are good. And I’m sure you will. It just takes a bit of time.” Especially with the reason Caroline was back in the first place.
“Keep me posted! Now I can go see all your shows. Unless you move in the middle of rehearsals again,” Caroline teased. She did know her friend had to do what was best for her and follow the roles that inspired her most. But Caroline really hoped Marguerite would stick around. She missed her friend.
“Yeah,” Caroline agreed. “I’m just glad my boss back in New York understood and wrote me a letter of recommendation.” She knew not every boss would be so understanding. No matter the circumstances. Especially since Caroline was only able to give a few days notice instead of the regular two weeks. “But even with that, the interview process is still nerve wracking. I’m sure it’s the same with auditioning.” Perhaps even more so.
“Of course.” The comment on moving in the middle of rehearsals was met with a laugh and nod, “Duly noted. I’ll do my best to stay in one place.” Easier with Percy here as well as Percy. But how could she not have gone to Paris and the Comedie Francais? But Orange County had that way about it where it pulled you back and kept you there so she wasn’t too worried about leaving again. At least for now.
Nodding, Marguerite took a drink of her water. “That’s good that your boss was understanding and was willing to write you a letter of recommendation. Though I’m fairly certain that interviews are supposed to be nerve wracking.” No matter how much one might prepare, there were always nerves. Marguerite felt them with auditions despite how well known in the area she was. But those nerves could also be helpful if one knew how to utilize them.
“Well, that’s all I can ask.” Because really, Caroline knew if the right opportunity came along Marguerite would have to take it. Caroline couldn’t fault her for that. In fact she would be happy for her, because that’s what friends did. Even if it meant she wouldn’t see her as much. But hopefully all the best opportunities would be here.
“Definitely. She’s the best,” there was a hint of sadness in Caroline’s tone. She hadn’t worked there long, six months interning her last semester of college and then six months being an actual employee before she had to move back to Orange County. But that year she had spent there had been amazing. She couldn’t have asked for a better first job. “Hopefully I’ll be able to find something just as good here.” But if not, oh well. Her mom was the most important thing.
Marguerite smiled some. It was true, there would be certain opportunities that may arise which would be insane not to take up. And Marguerite well knew what those looked like. As it were though, nothing of that nature had come up recently. Which meant that she was just doing the waiting game on auditions and keeping up with classes and lessons and volunteer work. Though she had been considering putting together a one-person cabaret type performance similar to the ones done at 54 Below in New York to pass the time.
Noting the sadness in Caroline’s tone, Marguerite gave a small smile of reassurance, “I’m sure that you will be able to find something like that here. There are a lot of opportunities in the area. And with both your winning personality as well as a glowing recommendation? People would be fools not to hire you.” Of that the actress was certain.
Caroline couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s compliment, and yes even blush slightly. “You’re too sweet,” she replied just as the waitress brought over their order. “I’ll definitely keep you posted,” a pause as she took a bite of her sandwich. “But now on to the good stuff. Tell me all about how things are with Percy.”