Cara was curled up on the couch, watching television when Steph got home from another audition.
"I can't stand stupid people!" Steph huffed, throwing herself in the arm chair and sighing loudly.
Cara looked over at her, raising her eyebrow.
"People in this city...its amazing...none of them can drive! I got stuck on the 401 for an hour and a half!" Steph exclaimed.
Cara shook her head and her gaze fell back on the television.
"What's up with you?" Steph asked, noting Cara's quiet demeanor.
"Apparently, my 'fifteen minutes' started with a picture in a gossip rag."
Steph furrowed her eyebrows, "what? What are you talking about?"
"Tabloids, Steph. I'm in the tabloids - they apparently caught me and Hayden out with my parents and published photos....only it makes me look like the dirty mistress he's cheating on Sienna with."
Steph cringed, "ugh...yeah that sucks..."
Cara rolled her eyes.
"Well, look on the bright side! This could be good publicity for you in the industry! Having your name attached to his--"
"See! That's exactly what I don't want!" Cara replied. "I don't want people to think I'm dating him to further my career...."
"I know that...and everyone who knows you will know that...but I was trying to accentuate the positive," Steph said.
"Thanks but no thanks," Cara said wryly.
Nothing about that sounded positive. This situation had really shaken her to the core. She had been thrust into the spotlight unwillingly and she was realistic enough to know that she would be scrutinized now....Hayden knew it too.
"Listen, why don't I take you out for a drink? It'll cheer you up...besides, we haven't been out in forever!" Steph said.
Cara was reluctant. "I don't know..."
"Please, come on...Hayden's in Toronto so its not like you're going to have the paparazzi after you or something."
Cara thought for a moment. Finally, she nodded in agreement.
"Alright, let's go...I could do to get out of the house for a little while."
Steph grinned. "Awesome! I'm going to go get ready."
The two decided to go to a club nearby. It was more low profile and hidden away and that's exactly what Cara wanted at the moment. She hadn't been able to talk with Hayden anymore during the day. He'd been on set all day and evening and was supposed to be going to a screening in Toronto that evening.
Cara and Steph went up the bar and ordered their drinks. There were a few people at the bar but the club hadn't really filled up yet and because it was a Monday night, it probably wouldn't get too crowded.
The ladies waited on their drinks and Steph began a conversation with one of the gentleman at the bar. Clad in a business suit, he looked like a typical Hollywood 'power player.' Cara got her drink and sipped it, listening to Steph and the man talking about some project that was in the works.
"She works for Forest Park Pictures," Steph pulled on Cara's sleeve.
Cara smiled.
The gentleman nodded and smiled and introduced himself.
They continued talking, mostly with Cara listening and then finally the gentleman excused himself, announcing that he'd better get home before the wife started wondering where he was.
He walked away and Steph cringed.
"All the cute ones are married or gay..."
Cara smirked.
The two sat at the bar, laughing and talking. For the first time all day, Cara finally felt herself beginning to relax.
After a bit, she could feel a buzz coming on and decided to be responsible and stop drinking, due to the fact that it was a work night and showing up late for work wouldn't be a great way to add to her new persona.
"I'll be right back," Cara said, stepping down from the stool to go to the restroom.
~~~
Cara had been in the bathroom stall when she heard two women enter. She started to exit when she heard what they were talking about.
"Did you see that girl at the bar? I think she's the one from those magazines...ya know, the one with Hayden Christensen?" one girl said.
"Yeah, I think it was her....typical star f*****" the other one replied.
Cara leaned back against the stall. She couldn't believe that people could be so callous and judgmental, without even knowing who she was. Then again, this was Hollywood. People were known for making snap judgments based on one glance. It was astounding to Cara how quickly a simple set of photos could travel and spread like wildfire.
"I don't even think she's that pretty -- I mean, he can do so much better....he hooked up with my cousin's friend last year and she's way more beautiful than this chick," the first girl retorted.
"I can't say I blame her though...he's hot and being seen with him is going to make her known...I bet she's an actress," the second girl replied.
Cara stood there, stunned at the blunt and hostile words of strangers.... Part of her wanted to leap out of the stall and let them know exactly what she thought of them with their cheap perfume and designer knock-off handbags.....but she didn't.
A minute later, she heard the door close - she was alone again.
She wiped her tear filled eyes and decided that she had to brave it. She had to go back to the bar to meet up with Steph.
Unfortunately, Cara thought, a dull knot forming in the pit of her stomach, this was far from over....in fact, she had the distinct feeling that this was only the beginning.
It was only a question of how much she could take.