Savanah's Swan Song (Part 16)

Nota Bene: Expect a longer chapter (and a larger Savanah!) with Magmaman illustrations very soon.  Now that my company’s gone, I’m writing up a storm!

Since we're bouncing around a bit, here's a link to the previous chapter in the timeline if you need a refresher: https://www.patreon.com/posts/savanahs-swan-13-117223928

Present Day

Savanah stared at the calligraphed note, trying to make sense of it.  Perhaps it was simply an innocent invitation from one star to another?  Now that the movie shoot was finished, Angelina merely wanted to continue their relationship.  The “important matter to discuss” could be anything…a publicity tour, another film project, or--if Angelina’s self-proclaimed vocal prowess was to be believed--the possibility of recording together.

Savanah carried the note into the kitchen and pulled another pint of ice cream from the freezer.

Maybe there wasn’t “an important matter to discuss” at all?  Maybe it was an inside joke?  Something the director would always say on set, or an excuse the two would use before sneaking off together.  Savanah imagined Angelina and her bot racing off to one another’s production trailers, giggling like schoolgirls as they sipped cocktails and shared gossip.  

Savanah took a spoon from a drawer and stabbed the rock-hard cream until enough was chiseled away for a bite.  Then she stabbed some more.

But why mail it here?  The pair were currently on live TV together.  Why not just hand it to her? Or save the stationary and invite her in person?

And then there was the cryptic postscript caveat: “Just you.  The real you.”  She could understand not wanting her to bring Chad.  He was socially awkward and probably had made a pest of himself on set. “The real you” part was harder to get around.  Obviously, it related to her bot.  Either Angelina felt Savanah wasn’t being herself on set…or knew she wasn’t herself. 

Savanah felt Occam’s razor press against her throat.  That had to be it.  What had given it away?  Her bot’s behavior?  Chad’s loose lips?  Or was it something else?  And to what end?  Some sort of blackmail scheme?

There was only one way to know for sure.

Savanah picked up her phone and dialed the number on the card—

“Ms. Georgia?” queried a man’s voice on the other end.

“Yes.”

“Ms. Jolie will be glad you called.  We have a plane standing by at Dekalb-Peachtree.  Shall I send a car?”

Any doubt Savanah had as to the intended target of the actress’ invitation was gone.  Dekalb-Peachtree was a regional executive airport that catered to corporations and the uber-rich.  Why would a plane be on standby in Atlanta if Angelina believed she was sharing a stage with Savanah in Hollywood?  

Savanah hesitated, staring at her ice cream. She guessed the person on the phone wouldn't be forthcoming with more information, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to question the mystery man about potentially life-altering matters anyway.

So, she said the one thing she knew would lead to answers—

“Please.”