Colonel Jack Roberts opened up the door of the old cabin by the lake and immediately aired it out. He had his work cut out for him so when Sofie Longford arrived everything would be perfect. Jack got on the phone and called the operator to make sure it was hooked up. He only had it installed for emergency purposes but figured Miss Longford would want the use of the phone for her friends. He then called up the local store and asked the status of the new refrigerator and full range stove.
"Colonel, it takes time for items like that to arrive here. These are all cabins and little summer homes for most people. Even the locals still use ice boxes and wood stoves. I do have good news as I told them you were paying extra so I got what you need here. I take it the Missus is tired of roughing it." Jack grimaced as he didn't want to tell the locals anything. "Yeah, I'll pay extra for whatever I can get. I also will expect you to keep quiet about this as it is a surprise."
Jack checked his watch and realized he had a full day tomorrow to get things ready for Sunday when Sofie arrived. He pulled up his sleeves and went to work.
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"Colonel, you know those aircraft systems inside and out so we want you to give Miss Longford a tour of the maintenance and operations of the planes. She is going to play the wife of a fighter pilot." Jack rolled his eyes and accepted the job of babysitting one of the most famous actresses in the USA. He expected a vapid young woman who just wanted to pose with a full colonel for the publicity. It did give Jack brownie points for promotion to flag officer.
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"Guys, thank you for showing up. I would love to just have a personal tour so I can understand a bit more about these aircraft. It was not too long ago they helped us defeat the Nazis and I don't want to just pose as this is serious." The photographers told Sofie that was part of their job when Jack informed them they can take all the pictures they want in an hour. "Give the lady some rest from you guys."
Jack started to show Sofie the workings of the aircraft and she asked some surprisingly intelligent questions. Jack answered a few of them and would ask about the photographers and reporters as that was the main job. Even the military wanted to use Miss Longford to recruit young men. "They follow me around constantly. If not them, then it is my agent. If not my agent that means I am in front of a camera. I have been married three times to men I don't know and didn't love. I have been told what to do, what to eat and how to dress and act. I did go to school and was going to go to college when I decided to audition for a bit part just for fun. I got it and it turned my life upside down. You are the first man to tell the press to leave as most would talk me into letting them stay."
Jack looked at Sofie with a bit of surprise. She then apologized and told Jack it had been a rough few months. "After my third phony marriage ended, I was busy shooting another picture and reading the lines for this upcoming one about the wife of a fighter pilot. I hoped it would be a serious drama, but it is a silly comedy as I get into trouble while he is off fighting some war. I want them to change it so I take a job making the planes he flies. Either that or I just quit this all right now."
"Now, don't get too rash about it over a few reporters. I know it can be rough to not have any privacy and have people tell you what to do all the time. Remember, I'm in the service and I have to do what those who have stars on their shoulders tell me. Even if I get five of those babies, I still have to listen to what the President and others tell me. As for privacy, I have to bring my wife to all of these boring functions instead of taking her out to a small romantic restaurant. She and I have been cold for so long I wonder why I don't get a divorce. Oh, yeah, they will frown upon me if I do so." Jack couldn't believe he was telling a national movie star his petty problems but she looked at him and listened.
"Wow, I never looked at it like that before. I guess we both are in the same world, but I can quit right now and not look back. Only I am scared to do so. You are so sweet and understanding. May I call you Jack?" Jack smiled and nodded as Sofie kissed him on his cheek. "Well, Sofie, I do have over twenty years in so I can retire right now. Most of us stay in when we reach a certain age as there is not much else we can do. Or at least that is what we tell ourselves. I guess I am scared just like you are."
"Perhaps we both should just up and quit and start new lives. I would very much like that with a man like you." Jack blushed and realized he was very attracted to Sofie. She had blond hair and deep brown eyes with a raspy voice. "I do think you are on to something. You know I have a cabin at the lake upstate that I rarely ever use. It is a bit primitive and I usually take the boys with me fishing. But they are getting older and want to be with their friends. Perhaps you would like to stay there for a bit? The lake is big and there are many private beaches out there. No one with cameras, no directors and no agents."
"That sounds lovely, Jack. Give me the address and I will be there. I will probably have to live there for a while as I won't be able to afford my mansion in Hollywood on a waitress' salary." Sofie began to laugh and again kissed Jack on his cheek. Jack wrote down the address and asked if she needed any directions.
"No, I don't as I am good and finding places like this. I look forward to the relaxation and other activities."
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"That new refrigerator is a real beauty. I also have a freezer coming in so we can store meats for the winter. I think we are planning on living here for a while." The store owner collected the money and smiled as he saw the rather generous tip. "We all look forward to having you as a neighbor. Your boys are so well behaved and your wife just so friendly with us. You were never snobby like so many of the others out here." Jack nodded and thanked everyone for moving the appliances in so quickly.
Now it was time for Jack to wait.
Subject: Movie Star by Karl Kramer (1 of 2) 
Tue Nov 12, 2013 9:51 pm
