Home H.S

Chapter 1: A comfortable life

"IT'S CONFIRMED," Nick announced.

Standing in my walk-in closet, I was studying the pile of clothes in front of me and trying to find my beloved navy blue sweater, the one that goes perfectly with my tan boots, "What are you talking about?" I mumbled, distracted.

"SNL, Olivia! You're hosting it on the 22nd."

My outfit dilemma was quickly forgotten. "What?! Are you serious?!" My voice moving up an octave in excitement and startling my dog George who was sound asleep next to my bed.

"I never joke about work and you know that full well, young lady," something in his amusement gave away he felt as happy as I did, "I'm going into a meeting now but wanted to let you know, now go, celebrate and get into your comedy mood, I'll call you later."

"I will!" I assured before adding, "Nick? You are the bestest, you know it, right? My favorite agent."

"Oh, I bet you say that to all of us!" He timidly joked before hanging up.

It took a couple of minutes after hanging up for the information to sink in. Hosting Saturday Night Live was something I'd longed for so many years and, finally, it was happening. In seven years, after I arriving in the States from my hometown in Uruguay, my career had developed so fast that sometimes, even now, I still find it hard to believe.

Although I knew one of the main reasons I landed the part was that my new movie, 'The Quitters', was a comedy. My first comedy. I'm better known as a drama actress, lucky enough to have won several awards, including an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role. But, when a project for a comedy with my good friends Jake and Steve came along, I couldn't refuse it. While on set, we spent the funniest six weeks I've ever had.

I held the phone tight to my chest and sighed at the realization I was home alone. George had reluctantly walked my way, his tail shifting from side to side, and - even though hugging him is always a good plan - I thought I should call Matt, my fiancé, to let him know the good news. One glance at the time on my phone was enough to change my mind.

It was 6 in the morning in L.A. where he was working for our production company's new movie, which he was also directing. It wasn't a good idea to call so early, so I held back and gave him a few more hours of sleep instead.

However, I couldn't keep that news to myself, so I grabbed the first sweater of the stack forgetting about color combinations, I texted Lena and asked her to join me for breakfast.

*

SHE ARRIVED 30 minutes late to our favorite coffee shop; that was Lena Arkin's specialty: being late. But also being one hundred percent unconditional, hilarious, probably one of the actresses I most admire, and a great shoulder to cry on. So, even when I always arrive 10 minutes early everywhere, I learned how to deal with her tardiness.

"Ok, just spit it out, this better be good for you to drag me out of bed this early without any hint whatsoever of what your amazing news is about," Lena demanded, taking off her sunglasses and sitting across the table from me, squinting her eyes at the sudden brightness.

"I'll make it quick and easy then: Your friend, aka me, will be hosting her favorite show in the whole entire world after \Friends' aka 'SNL'!" I announced while doing a subtle 'celebratory dance'.

My friend squealed louder than it's socially acceptable at 10 AM on a Monday, startling the two women at the table beside us who glared at us with disapproval, "Congratulations! I didn't think it was possible but I may just love you even more right now!" She said, unaware of the frowns she was getting from everyone around us.