Limelight || A Shourtney Story

.05 accomplice (courtney)

A few weeks into the job, Courtney had a comfortable routine set up. She and Damien would have breakfast together at home, and then he would drive them to the studios. After giving him a coffee to start his day, she would head over to the machines, refill the flavoring pumps, and replenish the various cup sizes. Jackie always manned the register alongside her, protecting her from the loud-mouthed executives.

The benefit of Jackie's outgoing nature and natural enthusiasm for conversation was that Courtney rarely interfaced with customers. She had seen Kimmy appear in the shop a few times since the incident, but they merely passed a look of acknowledgment between them. The brunette almost always ordered from Jackie and picked up her coffee on the other end of the counter, allowing Courtney to hide behind the coffee machine and look too busy for conversation.

Kimmy probably still didn't know who she was, but it didn't matter at this point. After relaying the story to her new roommate, Damien simply rolled his eyes. That reaction alone was enough for Courtney to keep her distance.

That particular Friday, the shop was empty from all customers. It seemed to be an unusually busy day for the studio, but both Jackie and Courtney were grateful for the slow pace. In this downtime, she idly began to refill the steel coffee machine with freshly ground beans. The quiet nature of the activity was shortly interrupted.

"Hey, Courtney. Can you close up shop for me tonight? I've got a hot date." From the far side of the counter, Jackie grinned.

An immediate smile broke out onto Courtney's face, eager for her friend's plans. "I think so. Who's the lucky person?" she asked, eyes glowing with excitement.

It was times like this that Courtney was grateful for her manager's naturally sunny disposition. Ever since she had moved to LA, it had become increasingly difficult to make friends. Damien had his actor events and always invited her, but the pressure upstanding next to celebrities seemed damn near impossible to face. The nicest dress she had in her closet in Utah was $50, and that itself was a splurge purchase. The high and mighty of this city would probably order a $50 dinner on any given weeknight. How could she blend in with that? Who was she kidding?

On the flip side, Jackie was normal. She understood a media-free upbringing and often shared similar past experiences with Courtney. The blond never teetered into details over her reason for moving, but light-hearted topics like high school football games and the woes of puberty were never off the table. Jackie worked a regular job. She drove a mediocre car. It made a friendship with her largely not intimidating. That, plus her goodwill and charm, made her a fast friend at the coffee shop.

"Ahh, I dunno. Someone from Hinge. It's a first date... across town," Jackie explained. "If he wasn't cool, there's no way in hell I'd drive that far." Her giggle was infectious.

"Good luck," the blond smiled. "I'll ask Damien about a ride, but I think it will be fine."

"Thanks, Court. You're the best," Jackie replied. Quick hands continued to tamper with the register, turning her head back to focus on tracking recent orders.

The coffee shop was still barren, so Courtney figured it would be a good time to check in with Damien. She tried to avoid screentime during work, but this was a reasonable exception.

Courtney: hey, is it okay if we leave the studio around 10? i'm closing for jackie tn

Moments later, his swift reply reached her phone.

Damien: i'm getting off early so i can Uber home and leave the car for you. ok?

A nervous gulp processed through her body. She hadn't been left alone on set before. Frankly, she hadn't been alone in the city since she moved. Anytime Damien wasn't at work, he was with her. And Jackie always monitored her whereabouts at the coffee shop. The safety of their presence was a small comfort, something tangible that she could use to appease her anxiety-ridden mind.