coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:25:48 GMT -5
I had a dream about being married to Gary around '52-'53 and we went to the Oscars where he won the award for High Noon so I wrote a little story around that dream. Enjoy . It was another beautiful sunny day in Beverly Hills as Angie unlocked the doors to the boutique where she worked. Since she moved from Texas to California a few months ago, she felt like a completely different person. She enjoyed working in the shop helping some of the day’s top actresses put entire wardrobes together. She had been pleasantly surprised at how genuinely nice so many of them were. “Good morning Sally” Angie said seeing one of her regular customers, Sally Thompson coming in to pick up a dress that needed alterations. “Good morning Ang. I got the message that my dress was in.” “I’ve got it in the back” she said as she went to retrieve it. Sally tried it on and came out of the dressing room to get Angie’s opinion. “What do you think?” she said standing in front of the triple mirror. “It looks much better now” Angie said. “They did a great job. You’d never know that I’ve had two kids” she joked as the dress brought out the best in her still youthful figure. “We’re having another barbeque this Saturday and I wish you’d come” Sally said. Sally’s husband Jack was a movie producer and even though they didn’t exactly travel in the same social circles, she and Angie had become friends. They found out they had many things in common like both being from small towns and being quite unlucky in love in the past. “I’d feel so out of place there Sal” she said once again trying to dodge it. “You see actors here all the time, what’s the difference in seeing them in my backyard?” she asked. “Because that’s a social thing and I would just feel too out of my league.” “You know who said he would come?” Sally said teasing her. “Don’t tell me, don’t tell me!” Angie said putting her hands over her ears so she wouldn’t hear. “Gary Cooper.” “Now why did you do that? You know he’s my favorite” she said seriously. “If you come I’ll introduce you to him. Who knows, you two may hit it off” she said nudging Angie in the side with her elbow. “Oh, be serious. I doubt he’d look twice at me. Have you seen the women he’s gone out with since he got divorced? They’re young and beautiful and quite a bit bustier than me” Angie joked. “For goodness sakes Ang you’re only 30, that’s hardly old and you could easily pass for early 20s. You may not be as busty as those girls” Sally said giggling, “but you’re just as pretty and I guarantee you, much smarter and nicer too.” “Well, it would be fun to meet him. I’ve had a crush on him since I was a kid.” “So you’ll come?” “I guess, but I’m not gonna stay very long” Angie said finally giving in. As Angie walked up to Sally’s front door her nerves nearly got the best of her and she was tempted to run back to her car and go home, but she rang the doorbell instead. The housekeeper let her in and she walked to the backyard. “Hi Ang! Sally, Angie’s here!” Jack shouted at his wife as he was busily working at the grill. “I’m so glad you came” Sally said as they hugged. “I almost didn’t. Oh my goodness!” Angie said seeing the object of her affection on the other side of the pool talking with a couple of men. “Sally, he’s even better looking in person” she whispered. “Wait till you get closer” Sally whispered back with a smile. “You three can’t be up to any good” Sally joked with the men as they were all laughing about something. “I want to introduce you to my friend Angie Ralston. This is Brian Johnson and Lou Smith, they work with Jack at the studio.” “It’s nice to meet you” Angie said as they shook hands. “I don’t know who this big lug is or how he got in” she said about the third member of the group as they all chuckled. “I smelled the grill so I just pried a board in your fence loose and snuck in” he joked back. “It’s nice to meet you Miss Ralston” he said still smiling as he shook her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you Mr. Cooper. I’ve seen nearly all of your movies” she said through a big smile as she tried not to act too much like a love struck fan. “I’m sorry” he said with his dry sense of self-deprecating humor as the group laughed again. “Don’t be. I liked pretty much all of them” she said still smiling. “Oh she’s got it bad Coop” Lou joked.”Hey quit picking on her. I need all the fans I can get” he said again taking a jab at himself since his last couple of films hadn’t exactly set the box office on fire. “Alright, alright. I’m gonna go see if Jack needs any help” Lou said as the group broke up leaving Angie and Gary alone. “Do you mind if I ask you which one you liked the best?” he said. “Meet John Doe is my favorite. It was such a great movie.” “That was ten years ago, you must have been just a kid then.” “I was about 20.” “What did you think of the ending?” he asked remembering how hard a time the filmmakers had coming up with a satisfying conclusion for that particular film. “I thought it fit the story perfectly. It was kind of a happy ending because your character didn’t kill himself and he and Ann probably got married. But I didn’t think it was a copout sappy ending like some of the critics did. Yeah, some people kept their John Doe clubs going, but that whole idea probably wouldn’t reach the level of popularity again that it had before, so in a way the bad guys won a little and good guys won a little. I thought it was more realistic than a lot of other movie endings.” “That’s just what they were trying to get across” he said impressed by her views on the film. “Why don’t we sit down over here and get out of the sun” he said walking over to a table under a big shade tree. “By your accent I’d guess you’re from Texas”. “You’re good” she said. “What part of the state are you from?” “A little town in the Southeast just north of Houston.” “There’s good hunting around there” he said. “Good fishing too” she replied. Before she realized it, a few hours had gone by, most of which had been spent chatting with her favorite movie star about a variety of subjects. She was really amazed at how easy he was to talk to and how down to earth he seemed. When Angie said she had to leave, Gary offered to walk her out to her car. “Thank you for being so nice and talking with me Gary. I’m gonna tell everybody I know that you’re just as nice in person as you are on the screen.” “I had a good time too” he said flashing his sweet smile that had made millions of movie go-ers swoon. “I don’t suppose you’d like to get together again sometime would you?” Angie didn’t know what to say. Was Gary Cooper, a man she’d had a crush on since she saw A Farewell to Arms when she was 11 years old, asking her on a date? “Like for dinner or something?” he said as she was still speechless. “I’m very flattered but I’m afraid I’d be in way over my head” she said feebly smiling. “Well, if you change your mind, the offer still stands” he said closing the door for her as she got in her car. “Gary told me he asked you out and you turned him down. Are you crazy?” Sally said over the phone that evening. “I can’t actually go out with him.” “Why the heck not?” “Because he’s Gary Cooper and I’m just a hick from the prairie who works in a dress shop” she said laughing at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. “Didn’t you read Cinderella when you were little? When Prince Charming comes along you don’t spit in his face.” “Well I guess I did.” “I have a feeling this isn’t the end of it” Sally said slyly. “What do you mean?” “He asked me where you worked. I’d keep any eye out for him because he may come to see you.”
|
|
coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:27:30 GMT -5
Sure enough, Sally was right. Around noon that next Monday a tall, handsome blue eyed man strolled into the boutique. Angie was in the back so the other salesgirl asked him if there was anything she could do for him. When he asked for Angie, she went to get her. “Angie,” Sue said, “there’s a man up front asking for you. I think it’s Gary Cooper.” “It probably is. I met him this weekend at a party.” “You better get out there girl!” Sue said giddily.
“Hello” Angie said. “Hi! Mrs. Thompson told me where you worked, I hope you don’t mind.” “No” she said trying to be polite. “I was hoping I could take you to lunch” he said with a smile. “It’s been pretty busy today, I don’t think I could get away.” As soon as she said this however she realized the shop was completely empty. Gary looked around and then back at her and said “Yeah, I can see how busy you are.” Angie was relieved when a customer came in. “May I help you ma’am” she said as the older lady walked up to the counter. “I can wait until you’re finished with this gentleman” she said courteously. “Go ahead ma’am. I’m not shopping for anythng. I’m just waiting for her to agree to go lunch with me.” “If she won’t, I sure will” she said as she winked at him. Angie helped her pick out a pair of gloves while Gary ambled around the shop. “Am I gonna have to embarrass you in front of everybody who comes in here to get you to go out with me?” he said after the lady left. “You could have any woman you want Mr. Cooper. I’m a nobody, why do want to go out with me so badly?” “I liked it better when you called me Gary, and you’re not a nobody. I think you’re a very sweet and lovely woman. Now what do you say?”
Angie realized it was hopeless to argue with him so she agreed to go and they drove a couple of blocks up the street to a nice steakhouse. This whole turn of events seemed so surreal she felt like she was in a dream and she couldn’t help but let out a little giggle while they were talking. “What?” he asked. “This just seems so unreal. I mean, I’ve had a crush on you since I was a kid.” “You’re making me feel old” he said acting like he was upset. “I’m sorry” she said as she reached across the table to touch his hand. “That’s okay, I am old” he said smiling. “No you’re not.” “Fifty isn’t exactly young anymore.” “I think you’re more attractive now than when you were younger.” Angie could feel her cheeks getting flushed as the words slipped out. “I was right. You are very sweet” he said looking at her square in the eye with those gorgeous baby blues turning her cheeks even redder.
They made a date for the next night and before he came to her apartment to pick her up she hurriedly put away the Photoplay magazines she had on her coffee table. She was trying not to act too much like a fan around him and she was pretty pleased with herself for staying composed for the most part. Of course, he had a way about him of making her feel at ease, like he was just a regular guy, albeit a very special one.
“Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a minute” Angie said as she went to hang up her coat once back at her apartment after dinner. When she came back out she saw him looking at some of the family pictures she had sitting around. “Are these your parents?” he asked. “Yeah.” “I bet they miss you” he said as he sat down on the sofa. “I miss them too” she said sitting down beside him. “I don’t know how long I’ll stay out here but I really like it. Most of the people I’ve met have been real nice and the weather is so much better.” “I wonder sometimes how I made it through all those cold Montana winters after living out here now for so long.”
After a few minutes, there was a lull in the conversation and he leaned in to kiss her. She felt like her heart might stop as his soft lips touched hers. Thankfully it didn’t.”I don’t know quite what it is yet, but there’s something I like about you” he said as they parted. “I’m not like most of the women you’ve dated lately” she said as her heart beat faster. “Maybe that’s it. You’re not caught up in all this Hollywood stuff” he said as he leaned back against the sofa. “I don’t know how y’all do it. I would not want to see myself bigger than life on a movie screen” she said with a chuckle. “I just got into it because of the money but then after a while, I was hooked. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Unless someone would pay me to hunt or fish or go skiing. I could do that just about every day” he said with a big smile. “You better not quit your day job” she joked with him. “Yeah, I guess you’re right” he said with a chuckle.
“That’s enough about me, I wanna know more about you. Why did you decide to pack up and move out here?” “It’s a pretty sad story” she said. “If it’s too personal you don’t have to tell me” he said sincerely. “I don’t mind. When I was 22 I got married. He was a great guy” she said as her eyes lit up. “That was in ’43 and later that year he got drafted and he fought in Germany and France. He got hurt and had some problems with his leg. It got real bad about a year after the war ended. He ended up in a wheelchair for a while and then he had to be hospitalized. He needed constant care and we found a long term facility for him in Houston. I moved there to be closer to him and at one point it looked like he was getting better and then he took a real bad turn and he passed away.” “I’m so sorry” he said tenderly as he reached out to take her hand. “That was about a year and half ago. I moved back home but I just couldn’t stand all the pitiful looks everybody gave me all the time so I took what little bit of money I had and came out here to start over.”
“I always felt a little guilty that I was too old to serve” he said. “You can’t help that. You should just be glad that you didn’t have to leave your family. I thought it was really sad for all the kids whose dad’s didn’t come back. Just be glad that wasn’t you.” “I don’t think I could’ve stood to be away from my daughter that long. It’s bad enough now not getting to see her everyday” he said sadly. “You wanna see a picture of her?” he said perking up as he got his wallet out and opened it up. “She’s beautiful. How old is she now?” “Thirteen, she’ll be 14 this September. If it hadn’t been for her, we probably wouldn’t have stayed married as long as we did.” “I felt bad for you when I heard about your divorce. You seemed like a happy family.” “We were, I mean it’s not like we were fighting all the time or anything. I guess we were just mismatched and we’d been growing apart for a while.” “Oh my gosh, it’s 11 o’clock” Angie said hearing the clock chiming. “We’re doing inventory tomorrow and I have to be at work early.” “I better be going then. I hope we can do this again” he said getting up and walking to the door. “Sure, if you really want to.” “I do” he said as kissed her goodnight.
Angie’s friends and family back home couldn’t believe she was dating a movie star, especially such a big one as Gary Cooper. After a few more dates, that surreal feeling she had finally wore off and she was able to relax and really enjoy herself for the first time in a long time.
|
|
coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:29:03 GMT -5
“I wish you didn’t have to go” Angie said noting that the evening was still young as they sat cuddling together on her sofa. “Me too, but filming starts tomorrow and I’ve got to be there at 6:30” he said as he kissed her forehead sweetly. “This one should be a pretty short shoot and then we’ll have more time together.” “I didn’t mean to sound like I’m trying to take all your time” she said as she pulled away so she could look in his eyes as she spoke. They had only been seeing each other for about three weeks and she didn’t want to presume their relationship was more serious than it really was. “I know honey. I like being with you and I do want to spend more time with you, a lot more time” he said as he put his arms around her and kissed her.
“Stupid old movie” she said playfully pouting. “At least this one’s only scheduled for a month shoot” he said kissing her once more. “What’s the name of it again?” “Right now they’re calling it High Noon. It could change though, you never know.” “From what you told me about it, it sounds pretty good.” “I think it will be. I sure hope so anyway” he said a little sadly but in a voice tinged with hope. Like many other stars who were at their peaks in the 30s and 40s, his career had fallen on harder times in the postwar era. About three years earlier The Fountainhead had been a big disappointment and since then he hadn’t had a real hit. All his films had been profitable because he was still a big box office draw, but they weren’t quite as popular as his films had typically been for most of his career. “I know it will be” Angie said as she ran her fingers through his hair and kissed him one more time before he had to leave.
A week into the production, Gary invited her to come out to the set. He was also bringing his daughter and this was the first time they would meet. Angie’s stomach was doing flip flops as she drove to the ranch the studio used sometimes for the outdoor parts of pictures. Gary had left her name at the entrance and she felt relieved when the security guard gave her a pass and let her inside. She drove along the road the guard had told her to follow and when she came around a curve she saw the old western town set. She parked near the other vehicles then got out and stood beside her car afraid to go any farther in case she accidentally wandered into the shot and messed everything up. After a few minutes Gary saw her and motioned to her letting her know it was okay to come on.
“Did you have any problems getting here?” he asked as he put his arm around her and walked with her to a shady part of the set. “No, it was fine.” “Are you okay?” he asked seeing her hands shaking. “I’m just nervous. I’ve never been on a movie set before and this is the first time I’ll meet your daughter too.” “She won’t bite, I promise” he said joking. He called to Maria who was talking to one of the cameramen and she came over. “I want you to meet Miss Ralston. Angie, this is my pride and joy Maria” he said with a big smile. “It’s nice to meet you Maria, your dad has told me a lot about you” she said shaking her hand. “It’s nice to meet you too. I hope he didn’t bore you too much” she said knowing how much he liked bragging on her. “No, I think it’s sweet” Angie said feeling much more relaxed now that the awkward first meeting was over. “Come on, let’s go get some lunch” Gary said as they walked over to where the food was laid out.
Gary introduced Angie to everyone and they had a nice time chatting while they ate. It was hot under the summer sun and when filming resumed, Angie and Maria sat in a shady spot out of the way and watched. “You’re the first woman Poppa’s been out with that he introduced me to. I can tell he likes you a lot” Maria said as they were talking. “Really?” she said with a smile. “I like him a lot too. He reminds me of my husband, he passed away a couple years ago. He was a really good man too, just like your dad.” “I’m sorry” Maria said. “Thanks.” “What are you too gabbing about?” Gary said as they took a break to set up the next shot. “If you must know we were talking about you” Angie said grinning. “Nothing bad I hope” he said smiling back. “I was just telling Miss Ralston that she could probably do better” Maria said with a straight face. “Oh really” Gary said tilting his black cowboy hat back and putting his hands on his hips. “She gave me all the dirt about how you never put your socks in the hamper and that you snore really loud and drink milk right from the bottle. I’m just not sure that I can put up with all that” Angie said playing along. “Well, it’s been nice knowing ya” he said reaching down to shake her hand. They all laughed and Gary sat down beside them until the shot was ready to go.
“What do you think of Ms. Kelly?” Maria asked Angie referring to the young, relatively unknown actress playing Gary’s wife in the film. “I don’t really know anything about her. She seems a little uptight though.” “Yeah she does. She has a crush on my dad.” “You think so?” Angie said surprised as she hadn’t picked up on this. “Oh yeah, I can always tell. When my parents were still together my mom would go to the studio every now and then just so the women wouldn’t forget that she was around. Poppa would joke that she was like his little bodyguard keeping the women away” she said with a giggle.
“So what did you think about everything?” Gary asked as he cooked dinner for Angie and himself that evening. “It was neat getting to see a movie actually being made.” “What did you think of Maria?” “She’s great. You and Rocky did an excellent job with her” she said causing Gary to smile proudly. “She’s a great kid. She took the divorce pretty hard at first but it’s been a while and she’s adjusted to it. She’s so grown up now. It’s like one minute she was a tiny little baby and now she’s nearly a woman” he said flipping their burgers on the grill. “So you think the movie looks good?” “From what I saw of it it did. But I’ll tell you what looked really good.” “What?” “You. Do you think they’ll let you keep that outfit when the movie’s over?” she said smiling as she put her arms around him. “Have you got a little crush on the marshal?” he asked with a smirk referring to his character. “I sure do and according to your daughter, I’m not the only one.” “Do you mean Grace?” he said. “Uh-huh” she said nodding. “This is her first film and I imagine she’s got stars in her eyes for everybody on the set” he said not taking her flirtations seriously. “That’s probably it. I mean, why would anyone be attracted to a tall, devastatingly handsome man with the most beautiful blue eyes this side of Heaven?” she said as she let him go and sat back down in the lawn chair. “Poor guy, he sounds pretty homely” he said trying to be serious but breaking out into laughter anyway.
Later that evening they were sitting together in his living room and when the kissing and caressing began to get pretty heated, Gary put on the brakes. “What’s wrong?” Angie said pulling her blouse back over her shoulder. He wasn’t exactly a stranger to women and she was pretty sure that Swedish model he had dated before her was more than just a friend. “Nothing’s wrong sweetheart. I just, I don’t want to mess this up” he said taking her face in his hands. “I really like you and I don’t wanna rush anything.” “You are so sweet” she said as she moved over onto his lap and rested her head on his shoulder.
Shortly into production of the film, problems began to rear their ugly little heads. The ulcers Gary had developed when going through his divorce had flared up again and working out in the heat everyday was making him feel pretty sick. Then the House on Un-American Activities Committee got wind of a rumor that the film’s screenwriter, Carl Foreman, had once been a member of the Communist party. He was summoned to Washington D.C. to testify in front of them and he pled the 5th instead of naming names. Despite the film’s director, Fred Zinneman, and Gary’s statements about his good character, Foreman was run out of Hollywood and moved to England. Other notable actors such as John Wayne railed against Gary and everyone involved in High Noon, but shooting continued and wrapped up after just a month.
|
|
coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:31:17 GMT -5
Angie had some vacation time coming so she and Gary decided to get away for a week and relax. He loved Aspen and even though it was out of season for skiing, there were plenty of other activities to enjoy like hiking and fishing.
“I can see why you like it here so much, it’s really nice” Angie said as they were walking along the main section of the town. “We’ll have to come back once it snows and I’ll teach you how to ski” he said holding her hand as they continued walking. This made Angie feel good because that would still be a few months away. “Hey there’s Mack, let’s go say hi” he said recognizing one of the locals that he was friends with. While they were chatting, Gary noticed a couple of young boys, probably around10 and 13 years old, ride up. They stopped and tied up their horses and were just watching him. He guessed they were probably fans but were too nervous to approach him.
“Hey there fellas!” Gary shouted to them as he waved them over. “Mr. Cooper, me and my brother are big fans and we heard you were in town and we just wanted to meet you and tell you how much we like your movies” the older boy said a little nervously. “Well, I’m always happy to meet a fan. What’s your name?” he said shaking the boy’s hand. “David and this is Sammy.” “It’s good to meet you too Sammy” he said now shaking the smaller boys hand. “Gee, you’re even taller in person than in the movies” he said with a bit of a lisp.
“Davey, it’s nearly dark and Mom said we gotta be home before dark” Sammy said after about an hour. “Oh gosh, I don’t think we’ll make it.” “How far away do you live?” Gary asked. “It took us about an hour to get here, sir.” “I’ll tell ya what we’ll do. Go inside and call your mom and let her know you’ll be leaving soon and then I’ll go back with you, okay?” “Really, thanks Mr. Cooper!” David said as they both went inside the shop to use the payphone. “I hope you don’t mind but I just don’t feel right having them go off by themselves in the dark” he said to Angie. “It’s alright. I’ll see you when you get back” she said kissing his cheek. “Can I borrow your horse Mack?” he asked. “Sure Coop” he said as Gary got on. “Are you ready boys?” he said as they came out. They were speechless for a minute as they saw their hero right there before them bigger than life on the horse, just like in the movies.
Angie was reading a book in the living room of their cabin when she heard Gary come in a little after 11pm. “Hey, you made it” she said as he sat down next to her. “I hope they didn’t get in trouble for being out so late.” “Nah, it was alright.” “That was very nice of you and I’m sure they’ll never forget it” she said brushing back a lock of his hair. “They’re good kids. I’m gonna take a quick shower” he said through a yawn.
When he came out he found Angie lying on his bed in one of the new negligees she bought before the trip. “What are you trying to do?” he said smiling at her. “What do you think I’m trying to do?” she said moving over to the edge of the bed and putting her arms around his neck and kissing him just below his jaw. “I think you’re trying to seduce me.” “Is it working?” she whispered in his ear. He put his arms around her waist and squeezed her tight as he kissed her sweet lips and laid her back down on the bed.
“That was well worth the wait” she said as she snuggled up next to him and kissed his neck. “Yes it was” he said running his long, slender fingers up and down her arm and then across her back as she rested her head on his chest. Angie smiled as she lay in his arms, so close she could feel his heart still beating quickly. Her husband was the only man she’d ever been with until now, and the majority of their marriage was spent separated either by the war or lengthy stays in the hospital. It felt good to be close to a man again, not just physically but emotionally as well.
The next morning they decided to go for a long walk. “I love pine trees” Angie said thinking back to the place where she grew up as she took in the lovely scenery. “Me too, I like how they stay green all year” he said holding her hand as they walked along the beaten down path. A couple of young women also out for a walk passed them by and Angie could hear them giggling to each other as she saw them looking back at her boyfriend. Gary hadn’t even noticed them and she guessed by now he had gotten used to the attention his celebrity brought him. “So you really want to bring me back here in the winter?” she said not really sure how to ask him how long he saw their relationship lasting. “Yep. And maybe the winter after that, and the winter after that” he said putting his arm around her as they continued on.
Back home from their trip they settled into a pretty normal routine, as normal as you can get anyway when you’re dating one of the world’s most famous and beloved movie stars. It was strange at first but Angie was beginning to get used to people interrupting their evenings out with autograph requests and wanting pictures taken with Gary. She was proud of him for always being so gracious about it. Sometimes though, she couldn’t help but feel a tinge of jealousy because of all the women that openly flirted with him right in front of her.
As summer gave way to fall, Gary and Angie had been dating for about three months and they were invited to a party at Merle Oberon’s home. She and Gary had made a film together back in the late 30s and had remained friends. She had met several other actors and actresses while out on dates with Gary but this was her first Hollywood party where so many of them would all be gathered in one place. That surreal feeling crept back in as she remembered seeing pictures of these fancy parties in the movie magazines she had bought every month since she was a teenager. Gary was even more handsome in person wearing his tuxedo than he was in the pictures in those magazines.
At first, she was having a wonderful time chatting with people she had only ever seen before larger than life on the screen and she was pleased to discover how congenial and down to earth so many of them were. When the band began to play, Gary asked her if she wanted to dance and as they walked onto the dance floor she suddenly had the feeling that people were watching her. At first she thought maybe there was something wrong with her dress or maybe she had toilet paper stuck to her shoe or a number of other embarrassing things. Then she realized that many of the women in attendance were giving her dirty looks and whispering to each other. She wasn’t surprised when this happened before on some of their dates because those looks usually came from people she assumed were fans of his. But she had expected that this crowd made up of people he had either worked with or known him for years would be above such childish behavior.
When Gary looked at her and smiled she smiled back not wanting him to know she was upset. After a few dances she excused herself to go to the restroom but instead she went outside to get a breath of fresh air. There was a group of a few men and women out in the garden but they couldn’t see her from where they were. She wasn’t paying any attention to them until she heard one of the men say Gary’s name. “I’ll say this for him, Coop sure knows how to pick ‘em.” “Yeah, it’s just one hot blonde after another” one man joked. “Well can you blame him, he’s single and better looking than all of us put together. What’s so wrong if he wants to have a little fun?” another man chimed in. “What’s the deal with this one, doesn’t she work in a dress shop or something?” “Yes, and I’m sure she’s after a big commission” one of the women said very cattily. Angie reached up to touch the diamond pendant on the necklace Gary had given her that evening before they left for the party. It was beautiful and she’d never had anything like it before. It was the first gift he had given her and she felt hurt that these people would look on something like that as a cheap gesture instead of what it really was, a token of affection from a man to the women he cared for.
She went back inside and put on a happy face for the remainder of the evening. Gary could see through it though and once they got back to his house he asked her what was wrong. “Nothing, really” she said as she changed out of her evening gown and into her pajamas. “Did somebody say something to you? I know how gossipy people can be at those parties” he said walking into the bathroom where she was washing off her makeup. “Nobody said anything to my face but I got dirty looks from nearly every woman there and I heard some people say I was just the next hot blonde you’d moved on to and that I was only after you for what I could get out of you.” By the look on his face she could tell this made him furious. “Come here” he said as his expression softened and he put his arms around her in a gentle embrace. “We know that’s not true and that’s all the matters” he said. “I know. I just need to get thicker skin I guess” she said looking up at him. “When Rocky and I were dating she went through the same thing. When we went on our honeymoon a reporter actually asked her if she was going to file for divorce against me because some rumor had gotten started that we were already on the outs.” “That’s terrible” Angie said sympathetically. “It was pretty hard on her but she eventually got where she would just ignore it. I was hoping you wouldn’t have to go through the same thing.” “I’ll be alright. Besides, I suspect you’re worth it” she said with a smile.
|
|
coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:33:56 GMT -5
Around mid October, Gary was invited to be on Jack Benny’s radio show. Normally it was broadcast from Los Angeles but this month he was in New York and Angie wasn’t able to get away from work so she couldn’t go with him. One afternoon while she was at work, she got a flower delivery. When she opened the box she saw two dozen beautiful yellow roses, which Gary knew were her favorites. The other girls working in the shop were all smiles as they smelled the flowers. “What does the card say?” Sue asked excitedly. Angie read it to herself first and then read it aloud so everyone could swoon and giggle over Gary’s beautiful words.
“Did you get the flowers I sent?” Gary asked her that night over the phone. “Yes and they’re beautiful, thank you. Me and the girls loved what you wrote on the card too” she said. “That was just for you” he said a little embarrassed. “But it was so sweet and I want everybody to know I’ve got the best boyfriend in the world” she said giggling. “Did you listen to the show?” “You know I did, you two were cracking me up.” “Good, I don’t mind being in front of a camera but radio stuff still makes me a little nervous.” “Well you can’t tell.” “I can’t wait to get home. I sure do miss you” he said. “I miss you too. I’ve kinda gotten used to having you around. You can reach stuff that I can’t” she joked. “For Christmas I’ll get you a step ladder so you won’t get lonely when I’m not there” he joked back.
“Thanksgiving is coming up soon and I had an idea I wanted to run by you” he said one Saturday evening as they were getting ready for bed. “Sure, what is it?” “I know you haven’t seen your parents in a while and I’d like to meet them so I was thinking I could fly them out here and we’d spend the holiday together.” “That would be great” she said excitedly. “They really want to meet you too and I know they’d love to see California. Are you sure you don’t mind?” she said taking her slippers off and laying down. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want to do it. We’ll get them a nice hotel and show them around everywhere” he said as climbed into bed as well. “I can’t wait! Thank you” she said giving him a kiss. “I’d do anything for you if it would make you happy. I love you Angie.” He knew this wasn’t the most romantic way to confess his feelings but this wasn’t a movie with a well thought out script. It came from his heart and Angie didn’t care about the setting as she replied, “I love you too Gary.” As Thanksgiving got closer, Angie began to get nervous to have her parents meet Gary. They were only four years older than him and she hoped it wouldn’t be awkward. Her fears were unfounded however as they got along fine. Gary was a wonderful host and showed them all around Hollywood and Los Angeles. Angie went back home for Christmas so she could visit her whole family. She was like a celebrity in her small hometown as everyone wanted to know what Gary was really like and she proudly told anyone who would listen what a great guy he was. New Year’s Eve brought another fancy party but this time, Angie ignored the hateful stares and snide remarks and enjoyed herself. It was still a little hard however to get used to so many women flirting with her boyfriend but she took comfort in the fact that he didn’t take them seriously and she knew he would be going home with her and not them.
For her birthday in mid-January he took her back to Aspen. Instead of the skiing lessons he had promised earlier, they spent most of the time in their cabin. On her birthday they sat in front of the fireplace while Gary gave Angie her gift. “I hope you like it” he said as she unwrapped it. Her face lit up when she saw the jewelry box inlaid with black onyx and mother of pearl in an art deco design. They had seen one like it in an antique store a couple of months ago and Angie had remarked that it looked similar to one her grandmother had when Angie was a child. Her grandmother had promised to give it to her on her 18th birthday since she liked it so much but it had been destroyed in a fire when she was 15. “You went back and bought it!” Angie said happily as she took it out of the box and held it up to look it over. “Well not exactly. I went back for it but they had already sold it.” “Where on earth did you find this one then?” “I didn’t. I sketched it out as best as I could remember and had a guy make one.” “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a thoughtful gift. Thank you” she said as she hugged him tightly. “I think there’s something inside of it” he said. Angie opened one of the drawers to find a set of pearl earrings, as well as a matching bracelet and necklace. “Oh Gary, they’re beautiful but the box was enough” she said as she took them out to look at them.“It’s more than just a birthday present. It’s also an anniversary gift. We’ve been together six months” he said as he helped her put the necklace on. “It’s been a wonderful six months too” he said turning her back around and kissing her. “Yes it has” she said with a smile as big as the open Colorado sky.
A couple of months later in the early spring, rumors began turning up in some of the movie mags that Gary and Angie would soon be man and wife. While it was true they had very casually talked about marriage, no definite plans had been made as they both wanted to spend more time together and be sure before they made such a big decision. When summer came around again, it brought a very happy event. High Noon premiered that July and it turned out to be a resounding success, despite the protestations of its detractors. Movie goers loved the story of a man standing up for what was right when no one else would. Gary won rave reviews for his wonderful performance and many critics speculated it could land him a second Oscar.
One lazy Sunday afternoon as they were working in his flower garden, Gary brought up the issue of marriage again. “You know I’ve got that trip to France coming up and I really don’t want to go by myself” he said referring to the Cannes Film Festival he was scheduled to attend. “I was thinking we could make it our honeymoon trip.” Angie stood up surprised by this turn in the conversation. “I think you could ask me better than that” she said with a grin. He took his gardening gloves off and got down on one knee in front of her and took her hands in his. “I love you and I want you to marry me” he said sincerely. “How could I refuse such a sweet offer?” she said smiling as he got up and kissed her. “Now I want you to be sure. I know we’ve never really talked about it but I am twenty years older than you and…” “I’d rather have twenty minutes with you as my husband than a lifetime with anyone else” she said before he could finish.
They wanted to keep it a quiet family event, so the next week they flew in some of Angie’s family and had the ceremony at Gary’s house. They were on their way to Cannes when news of their wedding was made public. Just like his first honeymoon, there was a little trouble. This time it wasn’t from the press but from his many female admirers. There was one young French society woman in particular who was also staying at the same hotel and she circled around him like a buzzard anticipating its next meal. After a few days she saw Gary out on his own one morning and she made her move. He was walking back up the steps to the hotel with a bouquet of flowers he had bought for his beautiful bride when this woman pretended to fall in front of him. “Oh Gary, I think I have twisted my ankle. Would you please carry me inside and to my room?” she said in a thick accent while she batted her eyes. Even a blind man could have seen through this and Gary, being a gracious person, handled it with tact. “I’m sorry ma’am but I’ve got a bad back. I’ll go get one of the bell boys to help you.” This seemed to cure her ill as she got up, dusted herself off and stormed back into the lobby.
When Gary got back to their suite he was laughing and Angie asked him what was going on. “First, these are for you” he said handing her the flowers. “They smell heavenly, thank you” she said kissing his cheek. “Now tell me what’s so funny” she said getting tickled at how tickled he had gotten. “You know that woman that’s been bothering us?” “Yeah” she said. “When I was coming back in she pretended to fall and hurt herself and wanted me to carry her up to her room” he said laughing a little harder. “What did you do?” she said still laughing too. “I told her I had a bad back and I’d get one of the bell boys to do it. She seemed to be okay after that” he said as they both continued to laugh even harder. “You know I almost feel sorry for all those women out there” she said. “Why?” “Because there’s only one of you, and you’re all mine.” Gary swooped her up in his arms and carried her to their bedroom. “Why Mr. Cooper, I thought you had a bad back?” she said laughing. “It feels better now” he said with a grin as he kicked the door shut with his foot.
|
|
coopsgirl
The Bees Knees
More than just the 'It girl'
Posts: 584
|
Post by coopsgirl on Dec 11, 2008 19:35:54 GMT -5
“Sometimes it takes a while honey, but don’t worry, it’ll happen” Gary said as Angie was disappointed that another month had gone by and she still wasn’t pregnant. “I know. I guess four months isn’t that long. I just want a baby so badly” she said as she began to cry a little. “Sshhh, it’s alright” Gary said sweetly as put his arms around her and held her tightly. After Christmas they prepared to head to Mexico for about three months to shoot his next movie, Blowing Wild. They had been there a couple of months when Gary’s costar and longtime friend Barbara Stanwyck pulled Angie to the side one day to talk to her. “You’re pregnant aren’t you?” Barbara said with a smile to Angie who had also become her friend. “How could you tell? I’m only a few weeks along?” Angie asked surprised. “Nobody likes crackers that much” she joked noting how many of them Angie had been eating to deal with the morning sickness. “Yes I am, but don’t tell anybody.” “I won’t. I bet you’re excited huh?” she said. “I can’t wait” Angie said smiling and giggling. “What’s so funny?” Gary said when he found them laughing together. “Nothing, by the way, congrats poppa” she said as she patted him on the shoulder and then walked away. “Hey, how’d she find out?” he said confused. “I guess the morning sickness gave me away” she said as they walked back to the set. “Are you feeling better?” he said remembering how bad she had felt earlier in the day. “Much better” she said holding his hand as they walked. “Good” he said kissing her hand before they parted so he could go back to work. The next week Oscar nominations for 1952 were going to be announced over the radio and they were able to get a hook up in Mexico so they could listen to the broadcast. Gary wouldn’t show it but inside he was hoping for a nomination as he knew that would be a big boost to his career and he was very proud of the work he had done in High Noon. When they got to the Best Actor category, his name was the first one read and the whole room full of cast and crew erupted into cheers. They missed the other names but that didn’t matter as they all congratulated Gary who couldn’t stop smiling. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I’ve been through this before” Gary said as he and Angie got ready for the awards ceremony. “I’m nervous too and I’m not even nominated” she joked as she helped him with his tie. At the awards dinner they waited nervously as the nominees were read. “Gary Cooper for High Noon, Marlon Brando for Viva Zapata, Kirk Douglas for The Bad and the Beautiful, Jose Ferrer for Moulin Rouge and Alec Guinness for The Lavender Hill Mob.” Once the applause died down the presenter continued. “And the Best Actor award goes to….Gary Cooper for High Noon.” Angie kissed her husband as he got up to accept his award while the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He was visibly moved as he held the statuette and walked towards the microphone. “I’m not much on speeches” he said as everyone laughed, “but I want to thank the Academy for this award and I want to thank my family too for their love and support; especially my wife, I love you, thank you” he said as he walked off the stage. Angie couldn’t help it as a few tears slipped from her eyes and she clapped along with everyone else and beamed with pride for the man she loved. The End
|
|
|
Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Aug 3, 2011 11:01:20 GMT -5
Wow, I don't know what to say, Angie. I'm in awe -- seriously. You are an incredible writer. You add so much detail to the information; it's like it all really happened!! I read it like an article from the 1950's because you know even the small details; I was believing every word of it! I'm not joking; you should publish your stories. It's not over the top like I'm used to with our stories. It's real, honest and realistic. Not that I don't like our crazy, fanciful stories! But this story was so real, I couldn't stop reading it! Have you written anymore like these? If you have, I'd love to read them! I love your style of writing!
|
|
|
Post by *~Mrs. Cooper ~* on Aug 3, 2011 11:16:53 GMT -5
Haha, everything sounds like something he'd say, too! Every time I think of Gary's wife, I'm gonna think of this story instead of Rocky. You would've been such a couple. Can Theresa and I share him on the weekends though? ;D
Seriously!! Did you know this man PERSONALLY in a past life?! I'm sitting here thinking, "Awww, poor Gary had ulcers back then, I didn't know that!" Then I remember this didn't actually happen and then I feel stupid. Haha
|
|