I sat for a little while eating and listening to the other conversations around the table a little in shock. After hearing Brad’s story and now Diana’s I wondered what I was in store for me! It seemed like Jackie liked to pick people as quickly and as randomly as he chose me! There was still one question I had for Diana, “So, do you know why Jackie picked you? Were there other people who interviewed or were you the only one?”
“As far as I know I was the only one, and as for why? I don’t know. I think it’s cuz I really tried to act like I was not impressed with his stardom even though my heart was beating like mad! I knew somehow that if I was star struck, it could work against me. That’s really all I can think of. But enough about me, what about you?”
I slowly recounted the events of the past few days as Diana listened eagerly. When I was finished she said, “I’m not surprised. Jackie’s been around the world and met so many people I think he makes a lot of his decisions based on instinct. But that is truly an incredible story! YOU must’ve been peeing yourself!” we both laughed. Diana was really a talker! She spoke to everyone at the table asking them questions about their life, how their flight was, what they had been up to since the last movie, and genuinely seemed really interested in everyone. I knew that Diana would be a friend I’d be keeping for life!
We finished eating and went back to our cars. I was a little sad to find out that Diana wasn’t joining us but that I’d be seeing her soon on set anyways. Paul joined us in our vehicle. We waited for Jackie’s car to pull out and followed. Brad was driving. I had no idea where we were and it wasn’t until after we were on the road for a good ten to fifteen minutes that my curiosity got the better of me and I asked Brad.
“To Jackie’s to help him unpack.” was his simple reply.
Cool! I was going to Jackie’s place! Jackie’s car was in front of us and signaled to turn into a gated building. We turned and stopped on the driveway and waited. I could see Dorothy going into her bag searching for something. She found it and quickly handed it to Jackie. He rolled down his window and swiped a card by the sensor. I still wasn’t used seeing him open the window on the right side of the car and not the left! We followed Jackie’s car into a small lot where Jackie first parked. Brad told us to get out to help Jackie unpack while he parked. Exy, Paul and I got out and stood by Jackie. Willie, Dorothy, and Solon had already gone into the building. Jackie watched as Brad slowly backed in his car to a tight spot. There was a post right behind him but Brad just kept getting closer and closer to it. I wanted to yell “STOP! Watch out!” but I was afraid that I might’ve distracted Brad. Brad already seemed a little cross with me as it was – maybe it was just his stern personality, I don’t know. At any rate he kept backing in slowly and KUNK! The whole car shook lightly as Brad tapped the pillar behind him. He quickly put it in drive and moved forward a few inches. He got out of the car shaking his head, clearly angry at himself. I looked at Jackie who only smiled and walked to his car to get some bags. I quickly followed and helped him as did Paul and Exy who were snickering at each other.
As we walked towards Jackie’s building, carrying a bunch of bags and boxes, I tried to console Brad.
“Hey man, it’s alright nothing happened to the car,”
He looked right at me and said, “Yeah, but if you made a mistake in front of Jackie wouldn’t you be angry at yourself?”
“Yeah but-”
“Just go.” He said flatly and motioned for me to walk faster. I guess even though Brad’s been working with Jackie for years already, he still puts great pressure on himself when around him – both on and off set. I realized then that everyone who works with Jackie has to hold themselves to the highest standards. I think that Brad held higher expectations of himself than Jackie even did – but I guess that’s how you have to be when you’re working with the best in the world.
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