APRIL IN ROME
Chapter Three

Located in Rome’s Villa Borghese, Cinecitta Studios was bustling with activity. Extras, crew, producers, directors, and one very nervous man were standing about waiting the morning’s first shoot. Every few minutes, Jack Dawson was seen glancing at the time; waiting. He had been punctual for a change, trying not to be chastised by Martin yet at the same time, attempting not to seem too overly anxious. Rose had kept him up all night. She had come to him in his dreams and set his night on fire. She was magnificent—satisfying every carnal fantasy he had ever imagined. But now, his body was sleep-deprived and he felt tense, jumpy, and regretfully—let down! And it was now past time for her to be there. God, he hated that about women—fashionably late—it made him feel exasperated and irritable.

Furthermore, his female co-star, Carmen Davis, had come down with the flu and was unable to shoot the scene that was scheduled for today. They were already behind schedule because of the Italian enforced workday and inclement weather conditions. No, things were obviously not going as he expected today. But moreover, Rose had stood him up!

Suddenly the set grew still and quiet as if everyone were holding their breath. All eyes were riveted in the direction behind Jack. The room was fairly crackling with intensity, charged with some invisible force of nature. Following their gazes, Jack turned as his searching eyes locked on Rose. She had that physical presence about her that could turn a noisy room to silence, some in envy yet most in appreciation. Her face was flushing as if adrenaline were pumping through every pore of her vibrant skin. Her silky auburn hair was wind blown and she was casually dressed in a brown suede jacket, jeans, and brown leather boots. And what was that in her hand—a helmet of all things! She appeared outwardly nervous looking over her shoulder as if she expected to be accosted at any moment. He couldn’t begin to guess what outrageous shenanigans she had been up to now. What an enigma!

That morning Rose had "sneaked" Fabrizio’s motorbike out preferring to test its limits and cool off all her pent-up anxieties. She needed to relax and release all the nervous energy surging through her body at the thought of seeing Jack again. She had been so intent on the feel of the wind in her face just like she felt when riding her black stallion, Diablo, back home in Texas. Needing the feeling of absolute freedom, it was like an addiction that she couldn’t conquer. Rome was smothering her; stifling her in-born independence. Finally finding the needed release, Rose had completely missed seeing the Italian policio until it was too late. It had taken her over an hour to lose him and had nearly crashed Fabri’s bike twice in the chase. She just couldn’t stop and miss this opportunity of seeing Jack again. If she was caught though, she was surely going to an Italian jail. Just what she needed!

Jack tried to act unaffected by her magnetic presence but his burning gaze had never been able to stay averted for long whenever she was about. Gleaming blue pools kept glancing back to her of their own accord begging for some over-blown doting greeting. Of course, he had yet to get any from Rose. When she finally did look his way, she grinned slightly and nodded her head.

About that same time, Martin espied her and quickly went over to welcome her. They greeted each other amicably and talked at length, never once glancing Jack’s way. He was being ignored again. He couldn’t stand it any longer and purposely swaggered over.

"Hello, Rose. Late sleeper?" he suggestively inquired.

"Oh, hi Jack! Not really…I lost my way. These streets seem to run together when you’re not familiar with them. I’m so sorry things haven’t worked out today. It’s been a pleasure but I guess I better move on. Martin says yaw won’t be shooting today anyway. Please give Ms. Davis my wishes for a speedy recovery and regrets at not making her acquaintance. I was so looking forward to meeting her! I’m a huge fan." Rose snidely remarked.

Jack got the meaning…she was snubbing him again and he didn’t like it. He wasn’t quite ready to let her go just yet. He hadn’t looked his fill and instantly got a brilliant idea!

"Martin, why not use Rose here for a stand in? That way the day won’t be a total waste, I can get some practice, and she can experience the mysteries of performing!" Jack secretly grinned. Oh, he knew the scene they were to shoot today. A very tender love tryst between his character, a period gang leader and a brazen pickpocket.

Rose took the bait. "Could I? I’d love to…I’ve always wanted to perform in the entertainment field some way…whether singing or acting! Can I try, please?"

Slightly taken aback, Jack had really expected her to decline for some reason. Of course, he should have known that this girl didn’t have a shy bone in her beautiful body. Martin amicably agreed, however, and Rose was given a copy of the script to follow.

"Just read it, Rose. Improvise if you like and go with it. Feel the person and become the character. Pretend no one’s watching. Ignore all of us. No inhibitions, just do your best!" Martin encouraged.

"Cameras, we’re filming on one! Three—2—1—ACTION ON THE SET!"

And she did. Rose became Jessie, a thief. The dialogue came off to perfection; she even emulated the dialect and accent as if she hailed from Ireland. Rose was having the time of her life and it showed.

The kiss between the characters was initially to be tenderly chaste and building a little before the cameras pulled back. However, as Jack instigated the kiss, it almost instantly began to intensify. Each emitted a soft moan in their throats simultaneously and Rose’s knees began to buckle. Jack knelt with her and the kiss persisted.

Neither knew the outside world existed. They only knew that they were there and enjoying every second. Not wanting the kiss to end, they were using each other’s oxygen to breathe. The room was in total silence and…awe. The cameramen had forgotten to shut the camera off and Martin at last realized their folly and shouted, "CUT!"

Rose and Jack broke the kiss off slowly. Each was struggling for a normal breath. Acting had never been so sweet and easy for Jack. The power of their chemistry was so overwhelming, the entire cast and crew that had been witness to the scene began to applaud. Martin Stefano was awestruck. Yes, he had found a very special gift in these two young people. He had the ability to really see people and his intuition had never been wrong. He had been directing over thirty years and he had never seen chemistry like this before…not in Gable and Leigh nor Bogart and Bacall! No one had this magnificent dual stage presence that sent chills down one’s spine. He felt it and by the look on everyone else’s faces; he was not alone! He’d bet the proceeds for every movie he had ever filmed, both past and present. He wasn’t going to see this talent wasted. If only he hadn’t already invested so much time and money in Carmen Davis! Recasting as not an option at this late in the game.

Then it hit him like a bolt of lightning. Why not another character…

"Rose! I need to talk with you right away!" Martin enthusiastically implored. "Vic and Donna have invited my wife and me to dinner tonight. We’d like to accept and discuss a very lucrative proposition for you!"

"Proposition? Well, that’s deja vu!" Rose secretly locked gazes with Jack.

At that moment, an assistant interrupted Martin. An Italian police officer was looking for someone with an illegal motorcycle in the lot. Registered, no less, to a Fabrizio Antonio DiStefano. Martin looked at Rose raising a questioning brow.

"Well, I gotta go, that’s my cue. I’ll talk with him, Martin. I’ll see you tonight at dinner. The thing is probably out of registration or something. Grazie!" Rose slyly added.

"Great, I need to meet with the script writers right away. Seven o’clock then, at the Villa. And Rose, you were magnifica, mia!" Martin bragged.

Anxiously and nervously Rose turned to Jack. "Is there a back way out of here, Jack?" she asked as she retrieved her helmet and jacket.

"Yea, sure, this way. Expired plates, you say?" Jack looked doubtful yet amused.

"Actually, he’s the real reason I was late this morning. I told you I couldn’t read Italian. Some silly traffic sign, school zone, speed limit, who knows? I didn’t want to stop so I…" Rose trails off.

Stopping dead in his tracks, Jack incredulously exclaimed, "You eluded an officer of the law, Rose? You could go to jail!" Pointing her in the right direction, he appallingly continued, "Why not just let them impound the damn thing. Whoever this Fabrizio is…he can just buy another!"

"Hardly, he’s not even in the country. Besides I took it without anyone’s permission..." Rose timidly claims.

"You mean you stole it, too?" Jack was horrified.

"Not exactly. Just borrowed it, that’s all. Well, grazie, Jack!" Rose finished.

"Rose, do you have any idea what you’re doing?" Jack exasperatedly asked.

"Not really, just spending my time. Carpe diem, Jack!" she smiled innocently.

Jack physically started while his face blanched white. Had she read his lips last night when he had silently toasted her beauty? He was very uneasy…an eerie premonition overcame him as if their destinies were colliding somehow.

Rose hurriedly mounted the bike, slipped the helmet on and started the engine. Kicking up the stand and revving the motor up, she shot Jack a mischievous smile. "Arrivederci, Jack!"

Jack had known her less than twenty-four hours and she was so full of vitality, excitement and she was totally reckless! It was rubbing off on him. The girl was no follower and was leading him into trouble. He was no idiot! He was getting way too involved. He had to stifle these emotions he was feeling. Jack became deep in thought and came to the conclusion that he needed to just take her and get it out of his system and move on. Have his fun, satisfy his curiosity and lust, and then jump ship, before he drowned…before he perished in a sea of darkness. Seize the day and go on with his life. That’s what he’d do…have a great memory of April in Rome and be done with it!

That evening at the DiStefano Villa

Rose was stunned beyond her wildest dreams and imagination. The famous Italian-American movie director, Martin Stefano was offering her, Rose DiStefano-Hockley, a part in a period epic with some of the industry’s leading stars! Oh, she wasn’t totally oblivious to Jack Dawson’s reputation. It well preceded him. She just refused to let him know she was "aware" of it, that’s all!

Although just a bit part; nevertheless, it was a golden opportunity and she intended on playing it with zeal! Of course, Uncle Vic was reluctant at first. He wasn’t quite sure that Hockley would approve and Rose secretly knew he wouldn’t. But Rose sensed his indecision and attacked…and he never knew what hit him! The girl could be quite persuasive when she set her mind to it. Vic just dreaded telling his brother-in-law but Rose assured him that would fall on her shoulders. However, he had an odd feeling about this. But Don had his son under his wing, so to speak. Hockley couldn’t be too put off by family returning the favor with Rose. And Martin was family.

Nonetheless, Martin was becoming very apprehensive. He hadn’t as yet revealed anything about the character Rose was to portray. He proposed, at Jack’s suggestion, that a car pick up Rose the next morning for costume fitting and to start preliminary shooting. He didn’t quite understand why Jack insisted that she needed a chauffeur, but she would be put up at the Grand Hotel de Russie. It pleased him that Jack was extremely receptive of his inception. So receptive, that he had basically taken over the script development. The boy was definitely ambitious and downright enthusiastic!

In a moment of privacy, Martin cautiously approached Rose with the coveted script. "Rose, there’s not a whole lot of dialogue. Ahem, it even requires for a bit of brief nudity…but we’ll demand a closed set by all means. But I’ll understand if you choose to decline for moral reasons." Martin kept his fingers crossed behind his back hoping and praying…

"What kind of nudity, Martin?" she anxiously yet nervously queried. "Overly revealing clothes, passionate lovemaking, or just bare skin?" Rose unabashedly laughed.

"Yes, yes and yes." Martin emphasized reluctantly. "Like I said before, I respect your reservations…"

Hesitating a mere second, Rose agreed.

"Why not, it’s about time I do something that I really enjoy doing…I’ll just become…what’s my character’s name?" she innocently asked.

"Cora," he answered.

That night Rose devoured the script. Martin was certainly right about one thing, not much memorization for sure. But it sounded quite exciting and downright colorful. She would portray Cora, an Irish lass who was of all things, a virginal prostitute. Her heart quickened as she read further. Jack’s character, Valor, would be her first customer, yet sadly her last. Would art imitate life, she dreamily mused. She didn’t know why that thought entered her over-active imagination because that was ludicrous, preposterous!

Rose began to pace as she read on. The costuming would be very risque: a white satin and lace corset, garters, and very little else! Wow! The scene would be set in a mid-nineteenth century tavern/bordello. She was to actually seduce Valor! Now that was interesting. Who would seduce who, she laughed. She could do it though…she would do it…she’d put her whole heart and soul into this part! Jack Dawson alias Valor, wouldn’t know what hit him! HA!

Eight o’clock the next morning, Rose was standing on an elevated platform in the costuming trailer. Designers, seamstresses and make-up artists descended on her like a bevy of quail. She was twisted, pulled, and prodded until finally they all stood back to witness her transforming metamorphosis. Rose couldn’t understand why everyone was staring, so she drawled, "Am I that hopeless?" She innocently had no idea what a seductive alluring creature she exhibited. Shaking their heads, one assistant stepped forward to escort Rose to the set for filming.

Rose was understandably nervous but her composure never faltered. Sequestered in an upstairs boudoir set overlooking a smoky, noisy, and dimly-lit mid-nineteenth century tavern, a bold, brazen "lady of the night" is helping Rose’s Cora prepare for the boisterous crowd gathered below:

Gangs of Yesterday/Scene 42

CAMERAS—LIGHTS--ACTION ON ONE!

Bella: Are you nervous, honey? It being your first night as a working girl, thought you might…?

Cora: No…I’ll be all right! She half-heartedly admits.

Bella: Good, then take some advice from one that knows about these things. Just look over the blokes and pick ye out one that’s the least offensive to ye! A real looker, if ye can…ye’ll want one ye can’t be afeared of too much…not too long in the tooth! One that ye’ll compare all of the others that come afterwards to…tonight by brothel tradition…it’s your choice, sweetie. Because after tonight, (Bella exhales forcefully) ye have to do anybody who wants ye! No matter what they are, who they are or how they smell! Crawly critters and all! Just make this count, sweetie!

Cora, looking nervous yet resigned to her fate, Cora takes a deep breath and closes her widened eyes a precious minute. Ever so slowly and dramatically, she reaches for the doorknob and her fragile fingers are trembling slightly. At last she steps out onto the landing overlooking the crowded bar room and begins her descent into human decadence.

Valor is leaning against the bar downstairs, cigarette in one hand and a mug of Ale in the other hand watching a poker game in progress. Bringing the ale to his lips, he stops as his piercing gaze locks on the petite figure of Cora descending the staircase. The room quiets as Cora hesitantly comes down the rough, primitive staircase. Every pair of eyes in the tavern are glued on her as she glances over the group searching for the one…her eyes shyly settle upon Valor’s rugged demeanor and seem to bore into his narrowed ice-blue eyes that glitter with passion’s fire. Valor’s jaw has a slight tick and suddenly his nostrils flare just the slightest degree, confused yet flattered that he might be the one of choice for once in his short lifetime.

Cora purposely avoids meeting any other lustful eyes and grabbing hands and arms. She determinedly advances towards her night’s choice trying not to look so inexperienced. Cora agilely hops upon the brightly polished yet scarred bar and crosses her shapely legs seductively. Leaning forward she innocently but sensually smiles, taking the lit cigarette from Valor’s lips and inhales deeply. She reaches for Valor’s lapel and pulls his mouth to hers and exhales the smoke into Valor’s mouth. As she releases the kiss, smoke exits a stunned Valor’s nose.

In the director’s chair, Martin Stefano cries, "My God…THAT wasn’t in the script! But keep ‘em rolling Mr. Bodine…keep ‘em rolling!"

Cora: Running her finely-manicured index finger across Valor’s sensual, swollen lips, Cora huskily whispers, "I want you to be my first…my second…my third."

Valor: Staring into Cora’s translucent green orbs, he slowly peruses her lips and continues to glide down her shapely body, grinning wider as each inch is revealed to him. Quickly swallowing the remaining ale as if to keep his throat from completely closing up, he stubs out the cigarette and excitedly scoops Cora off the bar underneath her knees, grinning lustfully. Taking the stairs two at a time, Valor puts his shoulder into the door yet halts suddenly and impales Cora will his luminescent eyes, pledging thickly…"And your last!"

"CUT!"

Goose bumps were running up and down Martin Stefano’s arms. He was speechless for once in his lifetime. He’d never seen such perfection in a first and only take. He actually didn’t think it could be done any better. Somehow this just wasn’t possible; after all, Rose was just a beginner. But she was so natural, so real. And as for Jack, the intensity between these two was magic. Stunned yet trying not to sound too excited, he hollered, "Everybody that’s a wrap! Be back in one hour, FLAT! We’ll be shooting Scene 43…check your scripts…How’s THAT for making up for lost time, Mr. Bodine? Oh and Rose, Jack…magnifico, bravo!"

Donning an offered robe, Rose let out a pent-up sigh…God, she was physically trembling. From the cold, from the adrenaline rush, from Jack’s touch…all were more than she could control or handle. The exhilaration was like a heady drug. She couldn’t think about anything but the sweet…pain of it all.

Jack, on the other hand, was physically and emotionally drained yet his nerves were stretched ready to snap. He was struggling to breath, his heart was racing, and his stomach was turning somersaults. What was she doing to him, he mused. He couldn’t walk away from this scene unaffected and nonchalant like the seasoned actor that he was known and respected for! She was toying with this tightly controlled emotions and body. He was taken totally by surprise and off guard when she had grabbed him and kissed him that way. It was so unexpected yet so…erotic! Yes, she WAS an experienced wanton…the part was Rose. He didn’t know how he could possibly do this next scene and keep from embarrassing himself. He had done numerous heated love scenes before but…he inwardly berated himself for insisting it be orchestrated the way it had been written…an ovation of two souls coming together for eternity.

As Jack and Rose walked towards the cafeteria, they were both noticeably silent. It was natural somehow that they were walking shoulder to shoulder. No words were necessary. To break the silence, Jack suddenly said, "Are you nervous about this next scene?"

"Yes, sort of, are you?" Rose unevenly replied.

"It’ll be a closed set. Nothing to be embarrassed about really—as long as you’re comfortable with yourself." He slyly sidestepped her question.

"Tell me, Jack, whose outrageous idea was this…I mean with Valor and the Cora thing…I thought your character falls for Jessie and all…" she innocently asked.

"Well, he does. Cora is Valor’s past. You haven’t read all the script I take it." At her negative shake of her head, he continued, "Cora is brutally killed by Valor’s arch enemy, the Butcher after this next scene. Our scene will be in a flashback sequence, reviving old hatreds between the two and prompting Valor’s lust for revenge…that sort of premise." He avoided her direct question again.

"Oh, well…I just thought two loves for one character could be…well unpredictable and confusing, that’s all," Rose added.

"But Jessie is a whoring thief and Cora is every man’s secret desire. Pure yet alluring; virginal yet practiced…are you really interested in a complete analysis, Miss DiStefano?" he smugly discerns.

"No, Jack, just curious and famished. Let’s eat! This corset is killing me and time is wasting! Bet they don’t serve any Tex-Mex here, do they? Sure am in the mood for some fajitas!"

"No, my little Texas princess, definitely no Tex-Mex in Rome! How can you eat that stuff anyway?" he laughingly chided.

"Too much pasta, gringo, makes for a very boring meal! I love Italian but I need some jalapenos!" she giddily added.

"Jalapenos? They won’t make you breath stink, will they?" Jack couldn’t resist jabbing fun at her.

Trying to ease the tension of the upcoming scene and enjoying the camaraderie, Rose wickedly grinned, "No, but they’ll damn sure get you hot!"

"You’re shameless, Rose DiStefano, positively shameless!"

Chapter Four
Stories