Mr. Perfect Enters the Scene

“You have got to be kidding, Raoul.” Penny playfully jabbed him in the ribs with her elbow as she read the audition description. “This is a big part. It's for the main female role. I’m a newcomer. Newcomers do not get the big parts.”

“Look who’s being Ms. Pessimistic!” laughed Raoul. “I think you would be ideal for this part. Look, it says, ‘No experience necessary.’ And, you do have some experience; just not here. I think you should look into this one.”

“Well…maybe.” Penny sighed doubtfully but wrote down the information in her notebook.

***

Penny took a deep calming breath to try and slow her heartbeat. She was standing outside the double doors to the old theater where her audition was to be held. The theater was old but held a certain charm that brought a smile to her hopeful, young face. Her thoughts wandered momentarily to sweet Raoul who had convinced her this was a good idea.

Her palms were sweaty as she pulled the handle on the door on her right. Not noticing the sign that plainly said to “Use Other Door,” her hand slipped off the locked door and threw her off balance. Her upper body went flying back and her legs tried their best to keep up with her. She felt like she was going in slow motion as her thoughts resigned to falling - yet again - when suddenly, she felt a pair of arms and a hard body behind her catching her fall. Penny felt the grunt of the person behind her and allowed her legs to reposition themselves under her body.

She straightened up and turned around only to find herself looking directly into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. All thoughts of sweet Raoul went to the back of her mind as she stared at this beautiful blond man. Her rescuer was almost exactly her height and had perfect wavy blond hair. He smiled charmingly as she blushed to her roots. She felt for a second that he could read her thoughts.

“Th..th..thanks. For catching me.” Penny stumbled over her words as much as she had stumbled over her feet a second before.

“You are so very welcome, Gorgeous.” The strikingly good-looking man spoke in a soothing tenor voice as he took in the newcomer stuttering in front of him. When he smiled, perfect teeth were revealed along with a pair of perfect dimples on his perfect cheeks.

Wow, thought Penny. I am finally in the presence of my first movie star!

Attempting to pull herself together on the outside while her insides felt like jell-o, Penny stuck out her right hand once more and introduced herself to this Mr. Perfect, “Penny Mallord. From the great state of Mississippi!” She spoke with a little too much enthusiasm followed by some embarrassment when she realized she still was not speaking in complete sentences.

Mr. Perfect raised one well-shaped eyebrow as he continued to display his perfect teeth and dimples. “Well, gorgeous Ms. Penny Mallord, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Daniel McFaddon. Are you auditioning for my show this evening?”

Daniel chuckled as Penny’s eyes widened. “Y-y-YOUR show? Your THAT Daniel McFaddon?” Oh, great. Penny thought to herself. I just threw myself into the arms of the amazing Daniel McFaddon.

The Yellow Offer

"Do you like yellow?"  Raoul called to Penny from the tiny kitchen.

"Huh?" Penny didn't look up from her laptop as she faithfully flipped through auditions.  She noted the Rockettes audition coming up the following week and sighed.  "Wish I was a dancer..."

"Penny?" Raoul finished mixing their coffee and walked the short distance across the small apartment.  He sat in the floor, in front of Penny and handed her the fresh coffee.  Fresh coffee at  nine o'clock at night was the norm for the new pair of friends.

"Um?"  she graciously accepted the mug and sipped it, closing her eyes for a second.  Raoul watched her.  Penny blushed when her opening eyes met his.  His gaze unnerved her.  Penny had only ever had one other boyfriend and that relationship had always been awkward.  Bert from her small town high school had just, well, been all wrong.  Penny pushed Bert's face out of her mind and concentrated on the adorably cute face of Raoul.  Raoul, with the milk chocolate skin and dark brown hair, smiled at her.

"Yellow," he said again.  "Do you like the color yellow?"

"This is a fun game," Penny laughed.  She cocked her head to the side and thought about the random question.  "Yes," she said decidedly, "I like yellow."  

"Well, my mom painted her kitchen yellow last year, and she still has a lot of paint left over.  I'm sure she'd let you have it.  If you wanted to paint.  Your apartment, I mean."  Raoul gestured to the stained, ugly walls.  "It might brighten the place up.  This place; it doesn't fit you."

"Fit me?"  

Raoul looked down, embarrassed.  Penny thought she caught a light blush darken his dimpled cheeks.  "I mean, you're so sweet and bright.  I think you'd be happier if your house, I mean home, I mean..."  his voice trailed off.  

Penny smiled.  "You're sweet, Raoul," she said.  She touched his cheek.  It was still warm from his unexpected blush.  He caught her hand in his and their gaze locked together.  Two minutes passed like eternity.  A kiss was coming, and Penny wasn't ready for it.  She sat up quickly, pulling her laptop back across her lap.  

Raoul cleared his throat.  "I'll tell Mom yes about the paint, then," he said softly.  

"Yellow," Penny said.  "I think I'm gonna like yellow walls.  Thanks," she said, offering a smile.  Her eyes scanned the Actor's Backstage website.  

"What about that one?"  Raoul read from the floor, his head twisted around to see the screen.  His calloused finger jabbed at the screen.  

Penny leaned closer to read the audition......

Still thanking the Lord for the blessing of not having to fill out any more stupid job applications, Penny arrived at VistaPrint three minutes early, despite the long decision making process to pick out what she should wear. In the end she went with black slacks and a yellow button up blouse that she hoped looked professional, paired with her favorite strappy sandals and a generous amount of makeup and bling, because you never know when a talent scout might need copies made and a would-be actress has got to be prepared.

The interview was quick and painless, focusing mainly on her personality rather than her scant job experience. “Well you seem perfect to me. I think I’d hire you even if I wasn’t so desperate,” said Dot, shaking Penny’s hand. “What brings you to New York, anyway? I forgot to ask.”

“I’m an actress,” said Penny boldly. Then, with a sheepish grin, “well, I’m going to be anyway. It probably sounds silly, but I came here to do the starving artist bit while building up my acting credentials. Except, I hope not the starving part.”

Dot laughed. “I wish I could offer you more than $18.50 an hour. I know it’s not much.”
“No, no, it’s great!” said Penny, reminding herself that while it sounded like a fortune to a small town girl, that was barely enough to pay the rent and still buy Ramen in the city. “When do I start?”

“How about now? I can show you around the place and… hold on—“ Dot paused to answer a phone that was ringing loudly. “Okay, sure, yes we do business cards…no, I don’t think we have ever done a business card for a poodle…” Dot scribbled notes on a pad and continued talking to the customer. Penny looked around the small shop, noting the tidy stacks of paper and the humming copy machines and computers. Glamorous it was not, but it was a place to start. She smiled. Thank you, Lord, for providing for me. I really am glad to have this job…Now how about an acting gig to go with it?

***

Penny spent the rest of the day at the shop, learning all there was to know about copying, collating, and customer service. As she walked around the block back to her apartment building, then up the 10 flights of stairs, she winced with each step. Note to self: tomorrow, wear more comfortable shoes. When she stepped into the minuscule apartment, she quickly kicked off the impractical sandals.

A dinner of macaroni and a soak in the tub revived her spirits. Wrapped snugly in her favorite sweats, she propped herself up on a few pillows on her futon mattress on the floor--her one piece of furniture. She pulled out her laptop and began scanning through casting calls, looking for a show that would meet her requirements of a) being a paying job, and b) being a show that wouldn't compromise her moral standards. Jesus himself would have to be able to sit in the front row and enjoy the production.

The corner of her mouth drooped as she read through the listings. Nothing that met with her criteria. Sighing, she closed the computer. God, I know you put this desire on my heart. Please show me how I can use the gifts you've given me. And help me to have patience while I wait for your timing.

A Morning with Opportunities

Waking up the next morning, Penny stretched as she remembered her impromptu evening with Raoul. It hadn't bothered her a bit to finish his route with him. As a matter of fact, she continued to not be bothered when she accepted his invitation to coffee afterward before he took her home and dropped her off at her door. It really did feel like she had made a new friend. They had easily filled their time together with chatting and friendly banter; it was not difficult to say that they had both enjoyed their unplanned outing. He had even invited her to his church which Penny was thinking about visiting the following Sunday. See, Mom? Not everyone in New York is a hardened criminal out to get me. She had only been there less than a week, and already God had sent a fellow believer her way. Thank you, Jesus. You truly are faithful. Speaking of faithful...I should probably get out of bed and start my day, thought Penny. Sitting up, she pressed the Play button on her CD player to get some upbeat morning music playing.

After her shower, Penny made herself some toast with peanut butter and a gigantic mug of coffee. Then she sat down to fill out some job applications. She was half way through the third one when her cell phone rang. Happy for the interruption, Penny cheerfully answered in a sing song tone, "Hello?"

"Hi, may I speak with Penny Mallard, please?" came the cheerful, if a bit frantic, voice on the other end of the line.

"This is she. How can I help you?"

"Hi, Penny. This is Michelle Dot from the VistaPrint store. I was calling regarding your application that you filled out yesterday. We'd like you to come in for an interview. Are you free later today? I know it's short notice, but we're kind of desperate right now, and... I know I'm going on and on, but I just had my main floor manager quit on me, and I really need someone ASAP. You seemed like a really good candidate when I met you yesterday. Anyway, would you be willing to come in right away?"

Penny remembered that she had filled out VistaPrint's application on a whim when she went on her jog the night before. A job at a "full service printing shop" wasn't her ideal, but, hey, until she got her acting break, it would do, right?

"Sure! Thanks for calling, Michelle. When would be a good time for the interview?"

"Oh, good! You don't know how much this means to me. Seriously, how soon can you come? I'll work with your schedule. Whenever you can get here, I'll interview you. I'll owe you one. And you don't even work for me yet." Michelle giggled.

Penny gently pushed aside the stack of applications in front of her, "I actually live right around the corner. I can be there in thirty minutes." She could probably be there in two minutes, but she thought she should throw on her new interview outfit and a little make-up before heading over for the interview.

"Oh. That's wonderful! Penny, you're amazing. So, I'll see you at 12:30? I really do appreciate this."

"Yes, ma'am. Twelve thirty it is."

A Smashing Encounter with the Man in Brown

"Don't panic, Penny girl," she told herself. "You can figure this out." Penny leaned against a tall building, allowing the cool stone to soothe her anxiety. She watched the busy people scurrying by her. Across the street, a brown truck pulled up beside the curb. The driver jumped out, whistling a merry tune. Penny gasped. She knew him!

"Well, well. Thank you, Lord!" she whispered to the sky. Penny jogged slowly across the street, narrowly missing a Volkswagen beetle racing through the intersection.

"Watch out, Miss!"

A combination of running to avoid the insane beetle and also turning to acknowledge the owner of the deep voice was too much for the frazzled runner. She tripped, stumbled and fell face first into the pavement. BONK!

"OW! Oh...." Penny moaned. How embarrassing! And painful.

"Are you OK?" Raoul squatted down beside her. "Miss?"

Penny rolled over and sat up. She turned her skint face up towards the handsome man in brown. "Oh, hi," she said sheepishly.

Raoul studied the bleeding, tangled girl. "Here, let me help you up," he said. He helped Penny limp along to the curb behind his truck. "Sit down. Are you OK? Do you feel OK?"

"Well, it hurts." She tried to smile.

"Looks like you skinned your cheek a little. I think I have a First Aid kit in my truck. Hold on," he said and disappeared around the truck.

Penny touched the wound. "Ouch." She looked at the blood on her fingertips. "Now I am beautiful for sure," she whispered to herself. What is up with the gorgeous man finding her in frazzled situations? Gorgeous Raoul returned and bandaged her cheek.

He studied her face.

"What?" She looked at him incredibly self-conscious.

"You look pretty cute with a band-aid on your cheek," he said with a smile. "Snoopy looks great on you."

"Yeah, I was kinda disappointed you didn't have a Strawberry Shortcake band-aide in there. What's wrong with you, anyway?" Penny said.

"So... You wanna give me your number now?" Raoul asked her.

"Maybe. You did save me and all." Penny giggled.

"Yes, I sure did. That certainly counts for something."

"I wondered if you recognized me," Penny said.

"The minute I saw you... Miss." He winked. She blushed.

"Anyway..." Penny looked away. "I'm lost."

"Lost? It's me. Raoul. The guy who delivered your mom's package? You're lost? What?"

"No. I know." Penny laughed. "I mean, that's not what I meant. I am loooost. Lost in the city," she said. "I went for a jog and, well, kind of got lost."

"Lost, huh? Hummm... Well, good luck finding your way back. Bye," he said and stood up to leave. Penny's face fell. "Just kidding, Penny! I'll take you back home. After all, I am your hero today."

He helped her into the truck and they were off.

"I still have a few more deliveries to make. Mind riding along?" Raoul asked.

Penny tried to hide her smile. "Nope, not at all."

Penny Runs In the City

"Olah and congratulations! You have been selected to join us on the cruise of a lifetime!"

"At least Iʼm not the only one with an accent!" Penny yelled just before she let out another groan and threw her phone on the bed. With her adrenaline pumping from her aggravation and the onset of a headache from her smoky bleach filled apartment, Penny decided it was time for a jog.

Despite being in the heart of the city, the crisp, cool air smelled delicious. Penny breathed deeply as she made her way to the park. Autumn had always been Pennyʼs favorite season. It was only September yet the trees were already displaying a preview of their colors. Never in her life had she seen a purple leaf. She certainly did not have them back home. Relaxing a little Penny chuckled to herself as she thought of how the majesty of the northern trees made up for the boldness of the northern people.

With her worries on the pavement behind her Penny reflected on her day. That morning before the rising sun competed with the lights of the city, she had bought a bagel on Broadway. The lights were still bright and dazzling. Penny dreamed of the day she could read her name in those very lights. When that happens, spending $2.00 on a bagel will not feel like a splurge. After the morning bagel, Penny had spent the early afternoon picking up applications just in case her savings ran out before she got her first role.

Now, as the sun began to set, and Pennyʼs headache drifted away into the chilly night air, it was time to head home. Penny awoke from her thoughts and it occurred to her that she had been running in auto mode. She had no idea where she was. She had run through the park, but that was at least twenty minutes ago, and she did not know which direction it was in. Trying not to panic, she jogged to the nearest intersection. She had never even heard of those streets before.
"Itʼs fine," Penny thought as she reached into the pocket of her warm up for her cell phone. "I will just call my landlady and get directions." Pennyʼs heart sank as she realized that her cell phone was still on her bed in her apartment.

Encounters

“Hi, Penny. Nice to know you,” he said, shaking her bleach-scented hand. “I’m Raoul.” He glanced around her apartment. “Hm, nice place you’ve got here. Are you new to the city?”

Penny blushed. “Yes, I just moved here.”

“From Mississippi.”

She furrowed her brow. “Yes. How did you know? Is my accent that noticeable?” She’d been working on masking her southern drawl, but it must have been more prevalent when she was singing to herself.

He smiled and cocked his head to the side. “Nope. It was the return address on this package that says ‘From Mom’.”

“Oh, right.” She smiled back and took the package from him. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

She realized with a jolt that she had no cash and not even a cold drink to offer the deliveryman. “I’m sorry, I don’t have any money to tip you,” she said, grimacing. “As you might have guessed, I’ve spent it all on this luxurious walk-up.” She gestured to the dingy walls and peeling linoleum.

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” he said, shaking his head. “I’d rather have your number, anyway.”

She was taken aback by his boldness. I guess that’s something about New Yorkers I’ll have to get used to, she thought, looking at the floor and blushing further. “Um, well, I don’t have a phone line connected yet.” It wasn’t exactly a lie. She didn’t have a landline, but then she didn’t intend to get one, either.

At that moment, her cell phone started ringing from the next room. Raoul laughed out loud, a warm and cheerful sound. “I see. Well, have a good day, Penny. Maybe I’ll see you around.”
He turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Penny threw back her head and let out an exasperated groan, stomping back to her room to grab the phone from her purse. She looked at the display screen and saw a number she didn’t recognize. A call from one of the agents she’d met with, perhaps? Taking a deep breath, she flipped open the phone. “Hello?” she said sweetly, hoping she didn’t sound too flustered, or too southern.