2007-09-27: A Star is Boring

Starring:

Nathan_icon.gif Erin_icon.gif Cass_icon.gif

Summary: Erin arrives after close-time to look for Cass, as well as a copy of Activating Evolution. Little does the soap star know, but both of the people she meets inside watch the show. WHAT WILL HAPPEN!? Find out next time on As the Enlightenment Bookworld Turns.

Date It Happened: 27 SEPTEMBER 2007

A Star is Boring


Enlightenment Books

Saturday was a busy day for Enlightenment Books. That's why Cass was so grateful when Nathan stopped by with a bottle of Merlot right near the end of closing time. It's always nice to unwind with a nice bottle of wine and the radio after being on your feet for most of the day. Not to mention the fact that she has a whole bunch of bloodwork she's still trying to puzzle out, not to mention figure out ways to train Peter in his more dangerous powers. It's all kind of daunting and exhausting. Which is why she's glad to just pull out a few of the more comfortable chairs into the main store area, lean back and drink out of mugs. Of course, she could have gotten real wine glasses once this little tradition started, but it adds to the charm to be drinking wine out of I <3 NY mugs and now a new addition - a Vote Petrelli! mug in American Flag colors which she has forced Nathan to take. While the lights of the store are still on, the door itself is locked, giving the two enough privacy to talk. "Why don't you ever punch out reporters, Nathan? I think that'd certainly get you the working class vote." She gives the Senator Hopeful a grin and then sips more on her mug.

—-

There's a reason Erin's coming after close. After Ali showed her where the store was, she's been trying to get up the nerve to actually go in to get the book, but she's afraid that the simple act of picking it up would give her away. She's… not afraid of a lot, but this is just one of those things that's hard to deal with, where she doesn't know whether or not she's going to manage to kill the whole set from day to day. It's time to get help.

She has a name from her roommate, at least. Apparently she's looking for a woman named Cass. The unfortunate part of this plan is that there's two people in the store after the doors are locked, which is incredibly frustrating. Even so, dropping the sunglasses over her eyes, she knocks on the door. Erin came all the way here, she might as well see if she can get what she came for.

—-

Nathan keeps meaning to bring along wine glasses, ones to just store here for wine drinking emergencies, but somehow, he finds himself never doing that, so mugs it is, classy as it may be. "And deny Jack the privilege?" he quips back. "With no one trying especially to kill me anymore, pushy reporters are all security have to deal with." He's dressed almost like the consummate candidate, minus a tie, grey suit and a darker blue shirt, and finishes off his first helping of wine, reaching to refill the patriotic mug, just as the door is knocked upon. Nathan casts an irritated glance towards it, because what do people want! To buy books. But why here! Because it— sells books. But still, you know… He pushes back the cuff of his jacket and shirt, making no move to let anyone in. "You're not still open, are you?"

—-

Cass is used to people sometimes being embarrassed by just stepping into the store sometimes. Some people are not so open minded or think that other people won't be open minded about it. They'll think they're crazy. "I'll start an assassination attempt if you really need something for your security detail to do." Finishing her own mug, she sets it down for a refill just about the time the door is knocked on. "No, not really." Frowning, she stands up to see who it is that's by the door. "Gimme a refill, would you?" Then, she moves for the glass door, since it never does any good to yell from the back of the store. The person outside can never understand what you're saying. "Hi! Sorry, we're closed! We'll be open again on Monday!" Though an avid watcher of One Life to Live, with her sunglasses on her eyes, Cass thinks the woman looks familiar, but doesn't place her.

—-

"I know the store's closed," she says. Her tone is a little tense, but not quite crossing over into annoyed. "I've been waiting … There's a book I need to get. A friend of mine told me I should read it. Activating Evolution? Look, I know I'm a little late, but I won't take long. I know exactly what I want." She's starting to feel a little more at ease, so she drops the sunglasses down on her nose so she can get a better look at the person on the other side of the door. At least Erin isn't feeling angry, or scared, or… Whatever the hell else triggers it. "I'm also looking for… Are you Cass?"

—-

At Cass's request, Nathan reaches to fill up the I <3 NY mug with the warmly toned red wine, not really listening to what's going on at the door, assuming the would-be customer is easily dismissed. It's the words 'Activating Evolution' that make him glance over. That damn book that Nathan feels fit to blame for a lot of the craziness starting from last year, and Peter brought it in to wave around his campaign headquarters. He leans back in his chair to see who it is.

—-

All customers say the same thing. 'I just need one thing! It'll only take a minute!' In a consumer world where the customer is supposed to be queen, it can get a little tiring. However, Cass is a nice person and genuinely likes to help people. Especially when they mention that certain book. And…when they mention her by name. Not to mention the fact that when Erin lowers her glasses, Cass finally places her. Holy…! What is it with her running into to soap opera stars lately?! "Oh!" She can't help but let that escape. However, luckily for her, it could be assumed that she's just surprised that Erin knew her name. "Uh. Yes. Um, yeah. I'm Cass." Unlocking the door, she holds it open enough to let the other woman in. "Come in." She glances over at Nathan and gives him a wide eyed stare and tilts her head toward Erin while she closes the door. As if to say, 'ZOMG MORGAN IS IN MY BOOKSTORE'

—-

Well, people should make exceptions for famous people. Yes, Erin can be an ass sometimes, but she's downright nervous about this. If Cass sent her packing, she'd probably run off and NEVER RETURN. The world of Internet Book Stores would have to suffice, and she'd grudgingly pay extra for the shipping. Grr. The sunglasses go back over her eyes; a smile is offered, and she steps into the store. She's sure that in all New York, she couldn't have run into someone who watches the show; after all, the audience is a bit unique, and she's not always recognised. "Thanks." Her eyes look toward Nathan… It'll have to be okay, she supposes. It's not like she can come in here and demand the owner kick someone out of her store. Still, frustrating. "I'm Erin," she says, interested in the contents of the store, attention falling on the book she's looking for. It… feels disturbingly like she's in the spotlight now. This wasn't supposed to happen… Maybe she should have come when there were more people here! Drat. The best laid plans ALWAYS SUCK. "If I could just… Get the book, I'll be out of your hair."

—-

Nathan looks at Cass quizzically when she actually lets the customer in. Cass isn't usually such a doormat - closed generally means closed! And that wide-eyed look, also, takes him slightly aback. But then he sees that Erin McCarty has just walked in and it all suddenly makes sense. Erin McCarty, newest addition to the One Life To Live cast. Nathan takes a hurried sip of wine and clunkily puts the mug back down onto the desk, pushing himself up to stand. For someone who makes speeches for a living, he's just a little speechless. Not often has he been caught in an attack of fanboy. "It's no trouble," he finally puts in. And because he has to, or he'll forever regret not, he steps forward a few more paces to offer his hand. "It's nice to meet you, I'm Nathan." What? What! That's a normal thing to do! Ish.

—-

Yes, but if Erin had gone for the Internet Book Store, she wouldn't have enlivened Enlightenment by allowing them to meet Morgan Starr. Cass tries to keep it calm, but Nathan is totally blowing their cover. It's not cool to just introduce yourself to the stars of the show. "Nice to meet you Erin," she says evenly enough. Guiding the young soap star over to the bookshelf, she shoots Nathan another look over her shoulder. 'Stop it!' Plucking out a copy of the thick book, Cass hands it out to Erin. "Here you go. Activating Evolution." There's a bit of a pause and kind of a thrill to know that she knows her name. "So, how did you know my name?" Did Taine tell her about Cass? Oh my God, were two of the hottest soap opera stars discussing her? It's enough to make her heart pound.

—-

Well, there goes the hope that neither of them watch the show. Usually she's prepared. If she makes public appearances, yeah, she's ready for stuff like this! But the smile she offers Nathan as she takes his hand is a little awkward, as she tries to place why he seems familiar. It's the voice, she's sure she's heard it before— As she's led over to the books, Erin, too, looks over her shoulder, trying to place the face. How completely strange.

"This?" Erin asks as the book is handed to her. She expected it to be smaller, actually; she's not sure how she's going to be able to read the whole thing between memorising lines. And painting sets. And… Dealing with the fact that she's a freak.

The look she gives Nathan this time is suspicious. "My roomate told me I should come here. Alyssa McAlister?" Erin looks back at Cass, frowning, tucking the book under her arm. "It's… Personal."

—-

Nathan narrows his eyes back at Cass. Oh sure, she can give him a 'stop it' look - she's the one that gets to deal with the soapstar who knows her name. But he takes he wiser course of action and lets them alone to at least have the transaction occur, missing Erin's querying glance back towards him as he moves to take another sip of wine, tuning every single sense he has towards listening in on the conversation without actually following.

—-

"Yup." Allowing Erin to look over the merchandise, Cass starts drifting back to the counter and Nathan. That's right she'll give him the stop it look. Because this is her store and she's trying to be professional, dammit! "Your roommate?" That's interesting. If she and Taine live together, she certainly may just die of fangirl joy. However, the name that she's told suddenly snaps things into place. Ali's roommate? "Oh!" There's a startled look that the woman gives Erin and then an understanding one. "I see." Okay. Personal nature. It probably wouldn't help either Nathan nor Erin for her to blurt out that Nathan already knows about this stuff, despite her desire to. "Um. Here. Let me give you a number and another address. It's a bit more private? And we can talk about your, um, personal matter there?" Grabbing a store card, she scribbles down the address to Bat Country in Brooklyn and then her cellphone number.

—-

Heh, well, eventually Taine and Erin might get to a point where they are on better terms, but living together? No. Not at this time. There's a sort of fondness for the guy now, mostly after that stunt he pulled to ask forgiveness. It was cute, it was adorable, she considers him a friend, and Nathan and Cass have probably noticed that Morgan and Pryce are hanging out more on the show again.

Erin watches as Cass writes down the information. She's not sure how much she should say here… It's certainly not something she wants the whole world to know but … "I was hoping you'd be— " She looks back at Nathan again, and that's when it clicks. The voice, she's seen his face before! And the first name just draws it all together. "Petrelli. You're Nathan Petrelli." Whatever her political affiliation, she can certainly recognise the politician. Leaving her book on the counter, she steps forward to hold out her hand again. "I knew you looked familiar."

—-

The subject matter of the conversation going on in the store doesn't go over Nathan's head, and it's tempting to inform Erin that it's cool, he knows this stuff… which would be a sublimely silly idea, so he holds his tongue, studying his mug of wine… before he's all of a sudden addressed. And recognised. Nathan smiles at Erin and takes her hand in a brisk handshake. "That's right," he says. "And you're Erin McCarty. I— my wife loves your show." He darts a glance to Cass. Not a word. Not a goddamn word.

—-

"That I'd be…" Cass trails off just like Erin does, because she's curious to know what Erin hoped she'd be. "Taller?" That's the best sort of joke she can make when she's a little nervous and trying to help a soap star of a show she watches religiously with something like Activating Evolution theory. As she hands over the card, all she can do is scoff at Nathan, though. "Oh, you are such a liar!" It comes out before she can even check herself. It's the nervousness and the wine. That's certainly what she'll blame it on later when she's sure to get an earful of it once Erin is gone. "Sorry," she blushes a little. "It's just…we both watch your show and are fans."

—-

And so Erin thinks she's been sneaky, and that she's avoided telling anyone other than the person she meant to tell about her little problem. Sure, she didn't get into specifics, but this isn't the time for it. Telling someone you can kill them without even thinking about it isn't a good way to make friends. Besides, the cat's out of the bag… Much easier to go with the fact that she plays Morgan Starr on TV.

Yeah, Erin figured Nathan was lying. It's written all over his face. When Cass confirms it, Erin just chuckles, reaching up to perch the sunglasses atop her head. "Thanks. I didn't expect— Believe it or not, I don't run into a lot of people who recognise me. It's nice. It's…" She looks over toward the wine. "You guys having a party in a closed bookstore?" Take the attention off herself. That's the best thing to do! Also, act professional. It's like a checklist she goes over in her head every time she's in a situation like this. Her smile does become somewhat of a smirk, though, as she reaches to pat Nathan's arm. "Don't worry. I think there's two or three men out there who watch."

—-

Aaand the truth is out, and Nathan just casts Cass a look - more of a mock-glare over Erin's shoulder than anything else. Traitor. "Two or three men who might admit to it," he responds with a slight twist of a smirk back at the actress, and he fidgets… almost nervously with the cuff of his sleeve. Nathan Petrelli! Nervous! Because he as a question, and it's a question he never thought he'd ask anyone. But much like when he had to introduce himself to the soapstar, he has to ask it. "Would you mind— you wouldn't mind giving an autograph, would you?" He unfortunately can't pretend like it's for his wife now, thanks Cass.

—-

"Uh, no. Not really. Sort of." Cass looks over at the mugs they're drinking and then back to Erin with a sheepish smile. Drinking in a closed bookstore may seem a little odd to the uninitiated, however, they have good reasons for it! Sort of. Mostly just because they can and it's a good way to unwind. "It's, uh, political strategy meeting. Incognito." Sure. That may fly someday. "Are they gay?" she asks Erin innocently enough, not even giving Nathan the big grin that she wants to. Because this is hilarious. Though she does manage to keep the grin bitten back, she can't help but giggle when the man asks for an autograph. Whups. Any time, Nathan.

—-

Aw, he's so adorable. Can she keep him? Ali got cats, why can't she have a politician? It wouldn't take up much space, she could housetrain it! Erin brushes her hand through her hair. Hard to believe that in some dark, twisted version of the future, this woman who seems almost shy at the prospect of signing an autograph would work as a killer for President Petrelli.

Are they— Are they gay?! Erin laughs. Oh, boy. "I don't know if I can answer that. I'll end up in the tabloids or something." She arches an eyebrow at Nathan; is that a sparkle in her eye, or is it lighting up just a little? It's probably just the lighting in the bookstore! "I will, definitely," she says. It's a bookstore. There's gotta be stuff to write on and with somewhere. "Just find me something to sign." Surprisingly, she hasn't done many autographs yet, and it's a little awkward!

—-

Are they gay. Honestly. "No, they aren't," Nathan supplies to Cass on Erin's behalf. Any giggling is ignored, utterly, as Nathan moves to search the desk for a pen or something good for autograph signage, and locates a sharpie. Then, after a moments hesitation, a book is pulled down from the shelves - it looks reasonably normal, but— it's a dream dictionary. It will do, and books are tricky to lose, so that's the point of not just finding a scrap piece of paper. "This is the first and last time I will buy anything from here, you know," he informs Cass as he passes the book (opened to the first blank page) and marker to Erin, and smiles to the actress. "It's appreciated."

—-

"Your answers are safe with us," Cass laughs at Erin's comment. She's not about to go run to the tabloids over the fact that she admitted most of her male viewership are gay. "I'm sure some of them are. And there is nothing wrong with that, is there?" Can she get in a dig or two while she's at it? Yes. Yes she can. While Nathan is looking for a pen, Cass goes straight for the drawer and pulls out a pad of paper with Enlightenment Books' logo on it. When Nathan pulls down a book, she gives him an eye, but he did say he'd buy it. That's okay then. "Oh, you know you'll buy another book. Just wait till more One Life to Live stars come in while we're here." She doesn't quite put away that pad of paper, yet, either. She may want to ask Erin for her own signature.

—-

Back when she was a lot younger, when she was on that show on Disney, she signed a few autographs. Not many, because she was kind of a jerk, but she's not completely without the ability to make them nice. Rusty, though, she has to think for a moment before she takes the Sharpie and the book from Nathan. Eventually, she writes: Good luck with the election, I'll be voting for you. :) —Erin McCarty — And hands it back to him with the cover still open for the marker to dry.

She still has a book to purchase, too. The recognition kind of threw her off her game. Looking back toward the counter where she left it, Erin remembers exactly why she came here, and frowns. If these two knew what she could do they probably wouldn't be so nice to her. At least, that's her thought. Then again, her brother thought it was cool. Some people can get used to anything. "I guess I should get that book, huh?"

—-

"A book for each cast member," Nathan agrees wryly, standing casually as Erin signs the book for him. It's all too tempting to try and peer and see what she's writing, but he shows some restraint and patience, hands in his pockets. When the book is handed back over, he scans the message and tries not to grin dorkily because there is no way Cass would let him get away with that without mocking. He mutters a 'thanks' again, as he pulls out his wallet to pay for the dream dictionary, handing over to Cass the few crisp bills he just has handy.

—-

"Ah, right!" Cass'd forgotten the book for the moment. What a bad store owner she's made at the moment. If she weren't such a small store, she would give the book to Erin for free, but she needs every sale that she can get. Even the one from Nathan. Especially since she can't sell a book with an inscription to Nathan in it. Giving Erin the total for her book, she starts writing out a receipt for her. Nathan doesn't even need one. He's in the store often enough and he's not going to want to return it. "Now I just have to convince you to make your other cast members stop by here to make Nathan, here, buy more books." There's a bit of a teasing smile shot at the politician's way, before she punches the right button on her cashier to give both Erin and Nathan change. There is certainly no way she'd allow a goofy smile to go unmocked if she caught one. So, it's lucky for Nathan that he didn't break.

—-

Actually, this was a nice night, everything said and done. Let it be known that Erin is a vain creature, and enjoys the attention immensely. Obviously, there won't be any complaint from her! Humble? Not so much. Still, she seems nice enough, but that's easy enough to do after a lifetime of alienating people.

"I'll spread the word." Taine? Will probably stop by. She's not so sure about the others, though… Erin isn't going to tell Cass that she never would have come here if not for Ali, because that's just rude. "Thanks. And I'm really sorry I came in here after close." She eyes the notepad that Cass is still holding… Some people are just shy. It sounds a little conceited but she'd rather ask than have someone kicking themselves that they were too scared to ask. "I know I'll see you again, but… Do you want me to sign that?"

—-

Nathan carefully sets the book down onto the surface where their mugs have been placed. He will KEEP THE BOOK FOREVER. For now, he simply picks up his mug of wine and takes a finishing sip as Cass and Erin talk, and he picks up the bottle to refill, just as Erin asks that of Cass. He glances over, and says, "I'm sure Cass is far too mature to collect autographs, right?" He smiles over at Cass - that insincere, politician-style one that doubles as a 'I'm an asshole and it's fun' smile.

—-

One Life to Live stars? In Enlightenment? That would be glorious. Who knows, they may actually come and that would make Cass' day. "It's fine. Honestly." Because she's Morgan Starr on One Life to Live. Though, honestly, she may have been nice and let in anyone who needed Activating Evolution. Of course, they'll never know. It's not that Cass was shy persay in asking for a signature. She was just waiting for the exact right perfect moment in time to do so. Which just so happens to be now. "That would be lovely, actually. I'll put it up in the back with the picture I have of a friend dressed up as Poison." She just shoots Nathan a bit of a glare for his comment, only replying, "Not at all! Maybe I'll get you to sign one of your old ties for me." Could be worth something one day if he does become president.

—-

Ah, it's starting to make sense now. Erin thinks she gets it. These two must be married… That's where the banter's coming from. Married or related. She gives them both an odd look, though there's a smile there for them, too. Subtle, but present, as she takes the note pad and scrawls something with the Sharpie: Cass — Thanks for your help. Erin McCarty. Flipping the page, she jots down something else, before handing the whole thing, along with the marker, back. Picking up the information Cass had previously written for her, she starts heading for the door.

On the second page, Cass will find this: 'I make people sick. I don't know how to stop it. I need help.' Along with that, her phone number, and the note, 'I'm trusting you.'

—-

Nathan only slightly chokes on his wine when Cass brings up Poison, but Nathan plays it cool otherwise, only casting her a narrowed look and saying nothing on the subject. He gives a singular wave to Erin as she makes for out. "Thanks for shopping at Enlightenment Books," Nathan quips, STEALING CASS'S LINE, and that would be the second time in his life he's ever said it - the first time was when he was working here, and after he spilled money all over the floor, in fact. And if more soapstars are gonna be swinging by? He's going to hang out here way more often. As soon as Erin turns for the door, he casts Cass a 'did that just happen' glance - but he'll wait for the door to close before gushing.

—-

It's a good thing Cass isn't a telepath or something otherwise she'd probably manage to trip over herself while standing still at the thought of she and Nathan married. Or even related in any way. Taking the pad of paper back, she smiles at the soap star and slips the sharpie back in the holder for all those pens, pencils, markers and scissors. "Thank you." Giving Nathan another glare at stealing her line, she then goes back to smiling and waving at Erin until she's out of the store. That's when she'll turn to Nathan with a giddy smile on her face. That totally just happened. Reading what she wrote on the first page she smiles and then flicks to the next one and skims it. Blinking, she looks up at the door and then quickly rips the two pages off. The second sheet is folded and put in her pocket the top sheet is carefully put on the counter where it will not get wine spilled on it.

—-

And… door closes. Nathan unsteadily sits himself down once more, and reaching, he opens the book to the blank page where Erin wrote down his message, because he wants to read it again, and also show it off. Which he does, picking up the book and angling it so that Cass can see. The bookstore owner's giddy smile is met with a slightly wide-eyed look of 'omg!11'. "Erin McCarty says she'll vote for me. What does yours say?"

—-

Dropping into her own seat, Cass takes a long drink from her mug of wine. That she totally needed. Leaning over, she picks up the sheet of paper and holds it over for Nathan to read for himself. As for that second sheet, that she'll keep under wraps for now. "See, this is why retail can be fun." Famous people sometimes come in and sign things for them.

—-

"We were closed," Nathan points out, and amends that to, "You were closed. It doesn't count as a retail-related happenstance." He sets the book back down again and takes a long sip of wine, looking very pleased with this turn of events. "I think she liked me."

—-

Raising an eyebrow at the use of 'we', Cass just laughs and takes another, smaller sip of her wine. "I sold her something, didn't I? And you bought something. That qualifies as retail!" Swirling her wine around a bit, she just smiles at Nathan. "Well, she did say she'd vote for you. Maybe she did."

—-

Nathan smirks over at Cass and gives a smug little shrug, settling back into his chair. He'd refill the last few mouthfuls still in his cup, but likely it'd be a good idea to get on the road before he consumes half a bottle of wine, so he doesn't go to do so, nursing the remaining dregs of wine for the time being. For now, he tilts his head towards the door, indicating where Erin had left. "I wonder what she wanted that book in particular for," he says, in a tone that suggests that they're likely not wondering too hard. It's not exactly a title most soap opera actresses are after without a good reason.

—-

"Maybe she's a spy." Cass replies with a grin, attempting to change the subject with humor. Or make it a little bit too preposterous. "Or it's research for upcoming episodes." Who knows? Well, Cass does for the moment, but the woman entrusted her with her confidence and she's not about to spill it over Merlot. No matter how much she likes Nathan. "Have you read it?" she asks, curiously.

—-

These answers get a slight nod, although Nathan is thoughtful. Maybe he's just been running into too many people like him lately. Maybe that book just has resonance. Maybe he's overthinking it. "Read it? Absolutely not," he says, although he may have skimmed a section or two. "But Peter waved it at me once, sometime ago, telling me about how he can fly."

—-

Everything about them seems to have a strange serendipitous nature lately. The book, meeting…everything happens for a reason, it would seem. That's hard to swallow for Cass, even though she does own an occult bookstore. But, she's starting to believe it enough to not be surprised by it any more. "Maybe you should. It's pretty interesting. And Peter can fly. As can you." Just…don't talk about it too much. As jittery as Cass is drinking wine this fast she may just want to throw up.

—-

"I'll put it on my to-read list." Along with the forty-five other books Nathan has been intending to read for the past few years, and has never had the time to start, or finish even if he does start them. His last helping of wine is polished off, and he picks up his newly bought book once more - not without taking one last peek at the autograph, which he may be doing all the way home - before pushing himself up to stand, somewhat carefully. "Elena's going to be incredibly jealous, you know," he adds, as he picks up the briefcase he had stashed against the desk.

—-

"That's politican speak for, 'I will never think about it again'." Cass knows when she's being brushed off, at least. Either that or she's just getting used to Nathan's mannerisms. "Do you think we should have gotten her an autograph, too? I didn't know she was getting into the series." It's not something the two have talked about. Cass' is going to be stuck up on the cork board that has important numbers, the employee schedule and a picture of Jack in his costume. Still nursing her mug, she doesn't stand yet to walk Nathan to the door. "You know, I really do enjoy these wine at Enlightenment nights."

—-

"Maybe you can get one for her next time," Nathan suggests, as he moves for the door, which is still unlocked from Erin's visit. "Then maybe you can ask if Dr. Pryce's accent is real." Inquiring minds want to know. With a slight twist of a smile, Nathan hesitates then inclines his head to Cass. "Having spent an hour working here, I'm not surprised," he says, brushing off the sentiment in favour of a quip, but if she knows Nathan at all, that's code for 'me too'.

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