I moved from my hometown to a place called Las Vegas, Nevada, where the neon lights and gambling casinos seemed like a mirage from another world. The games of chance were so much fun! It was there that I met my first friend—a beautiful lady named Eliza. She told me about her family's casino business, which is how I got into the show business. I became a magician, and soon after, we fell in love. We married, and together we had two children: Charlie and Penny.
Eliza died suddenly when our youngest child, Charlie, was only three years old. After she passed away, I tried to move on with my life. But Eliza wouldn't let me forget her. Her spirit was always by my side, and whenever I felt sad or lost, all I had to do was close my eyes and imagine her smiling face and it would bring me back to reality. That's why I started doing magic shows for charity events. And eventually, I started making movies.
Source
My new career as an actor took off quickly. People loved seeing me perform. They were thrilled to learn that I could make things appear out of thin air, and they laughed at my funny jokes. I never thought that my life would be this way, but I'm glad it happened.
I've made a lot of good friends along the way, too. One of them is a woman named Angelina who has helped me become even more successful than I already am. She is a very talented actress, and she's also my manager. Together, we have managed to build one of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Angelina is beautiful, smart, and kind. I feel lucky that fate brought her to have me as my best friend. When I look back on my life, I know I have everything I ever wanted.
But I had no idea I was fated for something more...
"Darling!"
I turned toward the sound of my name and saw Angelina standing beside the door to my dressing room. She looked radiant. As usual, she wore a tight-fitting black dress and high heels. A small diamond ring glittered on her left hand.
Her long dark hair was pulled up into a bun, revealing her slender neck and delicate collarbone. Her lips were full and red, and her blue eyes sparkled with excitement. "I just got word that your next movie is going to be huge," she said breathlessly.
I smiled at her. "You're right. It's going to be a hit."
She came closer and wrapped her arms around my waist. "I can't wait to see you on the big screen again. You are the most amazing man I know. You're a true star."
I hugged her back. "Thank you, darling."
After a moment, I let go of her and went over to my makeup table. "So what did they say?" I asked, turning on my light.
"They want you to play a mobster."
I laughed. "A mobster? Really?"
"Yes. And they want you to wear a suit. Something flashy, I guess."
I rolled my eyes. "Oh, no. I'm not doing that."
Angelina put her hands on her hips.
"What do you mean 'you're not doing that'? Of course, you're going to do it. You don't want to disappoint the audience, do you?"
I sighed. "It's just that... well..."
"You don't like wearing suits, that's okay," she said gently. "I'll tell them you're uncomfortable with the idea of playing a gangster. We can find someone else for the part."
I shook my head. "No, that won't work. This is my role. I want to play it."
Angelina frowned. "But darling, you hate wearing those things. Why would you want to put yourself through that?"
"Because I want to. Besides, I need the money. I'm paying you, aren't I?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Well, yes, but—"
"And besides, I think I can pull it off."
"Are you sure?" she asked skeptically. "I've seen you in some of your movies. You're not exactly intimidating."
I grinned. "I'll bet I can scare the pants off of any mobsters who cross my path. And besides, if anyone knows how to handle a gun, it's me. I grew up in a rough neighborhood, remember? I learned how to fight back then. I'm ready for this challenge. I have to be."
Angelina crossed her arms. "Okay, fine. If you really want to do this, I'll talk to them. But you better win the Oscar this time."
"Don't worry, I will."
"Good. Now come on. Let's get you dressed."
I watched as Angelina applied my makeup and styled my hair. The first thing she did was add a few streaks of gray to my dark brown locks. Then she put on a pair of gold hoop earrings. Next, she applied some silver glitter to my eyelids and brushed mascara onto my lashes. Finally, she sprayed my face with a light mist of perfume.
As she finished putting my costume on, I couldn't help thinking about how Angelina always made me feel completely transformed. I stood before her in a tight black tuxedo jacket, white shirt, black bow tie, and black trousers. My shoes were shiny and black. I looked like a different person.
"How do I look?" I asked.
Angelina gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Like a gangster."
I chuckled. "Thanks, darling."
After dinner, we walked side by side to the theater. The crowd was already gathering outside. As we approached the entrance, a security guard stopped us. He was a large, muscular man.
"Can I help you?" he asked.
"My name is Vincent Costello," I said. "I'm here to audition for the role of Lucky Luciano."
The man glanced at Angelina. "And who might you be?"
"I'm his manager," she answered.
"Oh, okay. Sorry. Well, Mr. Costello, there's a sign-up sheet over there. Sign in, take a number, and we'll call you when your turn comes." We went to the table where the sign-up sheets were located.
"What's your name?" the woman at the desk asked.
"Vincent Costello," I replied.
"I'd like to sign up for the audition."
"Just a second," she said, typing into her computer. "It looks like you're early.
"Okay, Mr. Costello. Go ahead and take a number. You'll be called when your number is called." She finished.
We sat down at the table and waited. After about an hour, I heard my name being called. I stood up and walked to the stage door. A man opened it and I entered.
"Follow me," he said.
I did as instructed and followed him down a long hallway. He stopped before a closed door and knocked.
"Come in," came the reply.
The man opened the door and ushered me inside.
Two men were sitting behind a large mahogany desk. They both rose to their feet.
"Mr. Costello, I presume?" one of them asked.
"Yes," I answered.
"My name is William Wharton. This is my associate, Louis Eppolito."
"Nice to meet you," I said.
"Now, Mr. Costello, I believe you wanted to see our production of The Threepenny Opera."
"Yes, I did."
"I thought you might. Please sit down."
I sat.
"We've been working on it for several months. We hope you enjoy it."
"I'm sure I will."
"Before we begin, there's something you should know. This play is dedicated to the memory of Charles Dickens."
"Dickens? Why?"
"Because he inspired us. Because he wrote a story that is every bit as good as the work we're about to present. And because he dared to speak out against injustice. We've all read his works. Have you ever wondered why so many of them are set in London?"
"I never gave it much thought."
"Well, it's because Dickens knew that London was the center of the world. He knew that everything important happened in London. It's also where the greatest injustices occur. That's why we chose to set our play here. To bring awareness to those things that are wrong with society today. Things like slavery and the exploitation of the poor."
"But I thought this was a private club."
"It is. But we're doing more than simply entertaining. We're trying to make a difference. If we can help even one person, then we've done our job."
"I see."
"I'm sure you do. In any event, I hope you enjoy the audition and we look forward to working with you."
"Thank you."
They both shook my hand and left the room.
A short time later, the door opened again.
"Mr. Costello?"
"Yes?"
"Please follow me."
He led me to another room. There was a small table with a chair in front of a window. Behind the table was a single chair. On the wall was a large framed poster. It showed the entire cast from the play. I assumed they were standing in front of the theater. The title of the play was printed across the top: THE THREEPENCE OPERA. Beneath that, the words: An American Production.
I sat down and waited. After a few minutes, the door opened again. A young man entered carrying a clipboard.
"Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yes," I replied.
"Very well," he said, setting the clipboard on the table. "This is your audition script."
"Thanks."
"You may begin whenever you're ready."
I opened the first page and began reading. The rundown was amazing and I could feel a tingling in my heart that this movie role will definitely lead to winning the Oscar as Angelina said. I realized she was right, this movie is huge, and as fate would have it, I looked up with hope and found Eliza's ghost staring, and smiling with confidence.
The rest of the day revolved around auditioning. When I got home, I made a sandwich and took it to the kitchen table. As I ate, I couldn't get the feeling out of my head that I was going to win the part. I felt as if I were already playing the role.
The next morning, I went to the gym and worked out. I ran five miles and did some weights. Afterward, I went to the desk and picked up a copy of the script.
As I turned the pages, my phone ran, it was the director calling to inform me I got the role and rolling out his congratulations. I thanked him and hung up.
I felt as if I were dreaming. I didn't know how I got the part or what was going to happen next, but I knew I was in over my head. And that my life was going to change forever.
That is quite a story. You have developed a complex arc with many potential threads you can follow. This is the aspect of the story that jumps out at us.
You are very skilled at providing details. The story and the people come to life with this careful writing. Your writing is clean, well proofed. The only flaw we would suggest (it's not really a flaw) is that so much is going on you have material for a much larger piece.
For example, you describe the studio where the Three Penny Opera will be produced. That thread could be a complex story of its own. There is the dedication to Dickens and the rationale for wanting to help the underprivileged.
Then there is Angelina, who is obviously important. You could, in a larger piece, develop this interesting character more.
Our recommendation would be to trim some of these threads. Focus on the main idea, which is the protagonist marrying Eliza, losing her and finding a career in Hollywood. Utlimately he wins an Oscar. This is plenty of material for a short story.
You write really well. You pay attention to form and help the reader to see what you see. All good. But sometimes we have to let go of good ideas in order to deliver a story that has clear lines and a defined plot.
Good writing. Thank you for sharing this with us. We appreciate that you engage with other authors in the Inkwell community.
Thank you so much for this thorough response
I did struggle with which character to let go of and which to keep. I had this story ready yesterday and I didn't think it was good enough because I battled with the characters.
But this morning, I decided to put it out here, and see what you will have to say. And you are saying exactly what I feared could be out of place.
I'll do my best to trim next time. Thanks so much for always providing careful advice.
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Just like the protagonist I can see that Oscar in sight. It's right before his eyes and he's gonna take it.
That's exactly what he is going to do. He deserves it.
I got hooked up while reading this. How amazing you got your readers fascinated is brilliant.
I appreciate you for reading. Thanks for your thoughtful comment too.
You are welcome 😁😁
Sure you are going to win some awards soon in the Oscar. You are a wonderful writer and I enjoyed all your write-ups.
Nice one, you are amazing!!!
This had me hooked. I was really enjoying it as there were so many interesting facets and side stories. It's unfortunate that with short story fiction !LOLZ we have to zone in so much and lose some of the interesting layers, saving them rather for longer form. So in this respect I agree with the feedback from the Ink Well as you didn't really have sufficient available word count to give enough attention to developing all of your ideas and characters. I loved it though. You write really well! Looking forward to reading more from you🙌💗
I dropped in from Dreemport this evening. #dreemer for life
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