The sun was setting behind the majestic Hollywood Hills as Jimmy, a Bell Boy at the Grand Hotel, walked into the lobby. The year was 1918, and the movie industry was just starting to burgeon. Jimmy had been working at the hotel for over a year now, dreaming every day of becoming a movie star. He was a handsome young man, with curly brown hair and bright blue eyes. His charm and wit had earned him many friends, and plenty of tips, from the guests of the hotel. But he knew he deserved more. He wanted to be in the movies, to see his name in lights, to be famous and beloved by all.
As he walked through the lobby, he spotted a beautiful woman sitting on one of the couches. She was wearing a long, red dress, and her curly brown hair cascaded down her back. Her name was Mary, and she was an actress. Jimmy had seen her on the big screen before, and he knew she was the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on.
Jimmy walked up to her, trying his best to hide his excitement. “Good evening, Miss. Can I offer you anything?” he asked, tipping his hat.
Mary smiled at him. “Thank you, young man. But I’m waiting for someone. A very important someone.”
Jimmy’s heart sank. He knew she was probably waiting for some big shot producer or director. He was just a Bell Boy. But then he realized something. He had the power to make things happen. He knew everyone in the hotel. He could introduce her to whoever she wanted to meet. He could make her dreams come true, maybe even his own.
“I know a lot of important people, Miss,” he said, grinning mischievously. “Would you like me to introduce you to some of them?”
Mary looked at him, intrigued. “And who are you, young man? Are you a producer yourself?”
Jimmy chuckled. “Not yet, Miss. But I will be one day. I promise you that.”
Mary smiled at him again, and something in her eyes told Jimmy that maybe, just maybe, she believed him.
“I would be honored if you could introduce me to some of your friends, Mr….?”
“Jimmy, Miss. Just Jimmy.”
And with that, Jimmy took Mary’s hand, and led her through the lobby and into the bustling streets of Hollywood. They stopped at a little café, where Jimmy knew a group of writers and producers usually hung out. He introduced Mary to them, and they were all immediately smitten with her.
“She’s perfect for my new movie!” exclaimed one of the writers.
“She’s perfect for my new show!” said another.
Mary listened intently, and then smiled at Jimmy. “Thank you, Jimmy. You really are a star-maker.”
Jimmy’s heart swelled with pride. He was one step closer to his dream.
As the night went on, Jimmy introduced Mary to more and more people. Actors, directors, producers, all eager to work with her. Mary’s career was taking off, and Jimmy was right there with her, basking in her success.
But then, one night, everything changed.
Jimmy had been out with some friends, celebrating his own success at getting a small part in a new movie. He had had too much to drink, and wasn’t paying attention as he walked down the dark alleyway next to the hotel. Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his back, and then everything went black.
He woke up in the hospital, with Mary sitting next to him, tears streaming down her face.
“Thank God you’re okay, Jimmy,” she whispered, holding his hand.
“What happened?” he asked groggily.
“You were mugged, Jimmy. They took everything you had.”
Jimmy felt a cold dread settle into his stomach. He had been saving money for months, to pay for acting classes and to buy a suit for his first big audition.
“I’m ruined,” he moaned, squeezing Mary’s hand.
Mary looked at him with compassion. “No, Jimmy. You’re not ruined. You’re just…humbled. And that’s not a bad thing. It means you can start again, fresh and new. And I’ll be here to help you, every step of the way.”
Jimmy smiled weakly at her. He knew she was right. He may have lost everything he had, but he still had his charm, his wit, and his dreams.
And so, as the world changed around them, as Hollywood became bigger and brighter, Jimmy and Mary stuck together. She became a huge star, and he became a successful producer, known for discovering new talent. But they never forgot the night they met, the night that changed both of their lives forever.
The bell boy who had dreamed of fame and fortune had found something far more valuable, far more enduring. He had found love.
Tags: .
