Chapter Text
"You want me to do what?" Agatha Harkness let out a laugh, her eyes meeting those of her agent and part-time friend, Jennifer Kale, from across the table.
"You asked me to find you something that would, and I quote, 'finally win me a fucking Oscar,'" Jen replied with a wry smile and an eye roll. "This project will help you break away from those rom-coms and bit parts you've been stuck in and get you back to the kind of roles you were doing when you were nominated for awards. Well, bigger awards than a Kids' Choice Award."
Agatha stifled a growl, mindful of their surroundings in one of LA's fanciest restaurants.
She was born directly into the enormous shadow cast by her mother's golden age of Hollywood fame. After she broke free of her mother's influence she set off to New York to attend NYU. After graduation, she landed a few smaller roles before getting her big break in a David Lynch film. Within five years, she had garnered two Academy Award nominations. However, her career hit a rough patch when she starred in back-to-back flops that were pitched to her as sure bets. Now, she found herself stuck in a half decade-long stretch of mid-budget movies, second-string roles, and romantic comedies. The media has labeled her the 'queen of rom-coms,' a title she detests. While these roles paid the bills, they left her feeling unfulfilled.
"Alright, I'm intrigued," Agatha said, reaching for her glass of wine. "Who's attached to direct?"
"Lilia Calderu," Jen replied, a smirk tugging at her lips.
Now that piqued Agatha's interest. Lilia hadn't directed a film in nearly six years. But when Lilia's name was on a project it commanded attention from everyone. She also directed Agatha in her last serious role.
"Lilia's making another movie?" Agatha asked, her curiosity piqued.
"And she wants you," Jen said, her smirk widening.
"For the lead, no doubt," Agatha said with a confidence reserved for those celebrated often and loudly.
"One of the two leads, yes," Jen confirmed. "The older woman."
Agatha shot her a glare before turning her attention back to the brief in front of her.
The film's concept was straightforward. Set in the 1950s, it told the story of two women trapped in societal roles they didn't know how to break out of—one a housewife, the other a senator's daughter—who embarked on a clandestine love affair. Eventually, the pair had to decide whether to pursue a life together or go back to lives that left them unfulfilled.
The plot was simple enough for mainstream audiences yet layered enough to capture the critics' attention.
In other words, it was the perfect opportunity for Agatha Harkness to reclaim her status—and finally clinch that coveted Oscar.
"Who are they eyeing for the younger woman?" Agatha asked, setting the papers down.
Jen leaned back in her chair, knowing this could be a deal-breaker. "The only name being considered is Rio Vidal."
Agatha's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Seriously?"
"She's a talented actress, Agatha," Jen noted.
"And she went on a late-night show and called me a waste of talent for doing a few Adam Sandler movies," Agatha said, still nursing the wounds to her pride, although the hefty paychecks from those films should have soothed them.
"Yours was one of only three names she mentioned when the host put her on the spot with former Oscar nominees. And honestly, was she wrong?" Jen asked, not for the first time.
"That's beside the point," Agatha retorted.
Jen allowed Agatha a moment before leaning forward. "So, should I start contract negotiations, or are you passing?"
Agatha glanced at the papers before meeting Jen's gaze. "Sign me up to be a 1950s lesbian housewife," she finally agreed, a plan forming in her mind that had been years in the making.
-
"If I take this movie, they'll say I only got the role because of my mother," Rio Vidal remarked, seated at Lilia Calderu's kitchen table.
"Your mother, God rest her soul, was always my favorite goddaughter," Lilia replied as she placed two cups of tea on the table and sat across from Rio. "But that's not why I want you for the role."
"You're that eager to watch me have scripted fake sex on set with another woman?" Rio teased with a mischievous smirk.
"No," Lilia retorted, rolling her eyes. "The person I have in mind for the other lead will need someone who can match her toe-to-toe, or this won't work at all. It must be an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object. And no one plays an unstoppable force quite like you, dear."
Rio picked up her teacup and took a sip, reflecting a moment.
Her parents, both aspiring actors, had lost their lives in a car crash when she was only eighteen. After resisting for several years, she eventually embraced the family business and pursued acting herself. She started with minor roles, gradually gaining recognition with a recurring role in a TV series that helped establish her name. Her first major film role generated significant awards buzz, though she ultimately lost to another emerging star.
Nonetheless, the experience proved to be a pivotal moment, ensuring a steady stream of work and solidifying her presence in the acting world.
"Who do you have in mind for the other lead?" Rio inquired.
"Agatha Harkness," Lilia answered.
"Really?" Rio's eyebrow arched in surprise."She could be excellent in that role."
"She will be," Lilia affirmed with unwavering certainty.
Rio tapped her fingers on her cup, her eyes wandering around the kitchen as she pondered her decision. She knew if she turned Lilia down, there would be no hard feelings, but she didn't want to refuse her either.
"Where is it filming?" Rio asked.
"Georgia, for about four months starting the middle of September," Lilia said, her gaze fixed on Rio.
Rio took another sip of her tea to buy herself a moment. "Send my agent the details," she finally said.
It wasn't simply about her inability to say no to Lilia; Rio also didn't want to deny herself the opportunity to collaborate with Agatha Harkness. Some of Agatha's earlier work, the truly authentic pieces she created before becoming the queen of rom-coms, was transformative. There were deeper reasons that Rio wasn't ready to delve into just yet.
"A wise choice," Lilia smiled, setting her teacup down. "Now, how about I finally teach you how to make my mother's pesto alla trapanese?"
Rio beamed at the prospect of cooking with Lilia. She was skilled with a knife, but some of the more advanced cooking Lilia excelled at was beyond her usual expertise. Yet, Lilia always managed to guide her through it with adept hands.
"I was hoping you'd offer," Rio said, rising to her feet.