Charlotte Dawson read the Washington Post's review of her latest film and smiled.
"Mrs Dawson's performance in her latest movie was both talented and shocking. It has to be said, ladies and gentlemen, that this critic, who has repeatedly lamented the actress's work in the past, will henceforth, never be able to watch her perform again, without his memory being plagued by some of the more disturbing images from her latest film."
"Pompous git," a barely dressed Charlotte snorted and tossed the paper onto the couch. She knew which images he was referring to, and thanks to the internet, so did every hot-blooded male in America.
Her participation in this low budget, independent film noir, had not only surprised Hollywood, but the whole world, and the film's director in particular. Remembering the lunch where she pleaded with Lars, to cast her for the part of Lisette, caused Charlotte to giggle.
o0o
"You do realise what is expected of the leading lady?" Lars demanded incredulously. Charlotte had nodded innocently and watched him shake his head. "But you've never done a sex scene before, let alone what I'm proposing," he continued in mild protest. "How do you think the American public will react to seeing the former Miss United States performing..." He shook his head and left the sentence unfinished as he contemplated the future. "This could end your career," he said candidly, "and mine."
Charlotte stared at him before speaking. "Or it could be the comeback I need. My career has stagnated, and I've done nothing noteworthy lately. I'm in mid-thirties, and all I have to my name are a few beauty pageant titles, corny romances that Hollywood insists are perfect for me, and one play on Broadway, which enjoyed minor success. I need a new challenge, Lars, and this Lisette character is exactly that," she concluded decisively.
Lars shook his head in disbelief and tried once more to save his soul. "If I cast you, Charlotte, and I'm still not certain you're the right choice, you do realise what I'll have you doing?"
The actress nodded. She had read the script. Smiling warmly at him, they both knew Charlotte would get the part. Her participation in this film was too good to be true. Having one of Hollywood's leading ladies 'perform' in his movie would not only bring him fame and fortune, but it would also elevate him to the big leagues. And all she had to do was lose her cinematic virginity.
"All I'm saying is," he continued as Charlotte sipped her wine, "is that, 'The Brown Bunny' and '9 songs' will seem like child's play compared to what I have planned for Lisette." The actress nodded her consent. "Nothing will be simulated," he added, hoping this would discourage her. "It won't be done distastefully, Charlotte, but it will leave nothing, and I do mean nothing, to the viewer's imagination. Are you prepared for that?" Charlotte remembered the wispy smile she'd given Lars before replying.
"I hope so."
o0o
She gazed out of her penthouse window. In the distance, she could see Liberty Island. Last night, she’d attended the American premiere of her film and was still bathing in her newly found reputation. Charlotte had enjoyed playing Lisette, a nymphomaniac aid worker who travelled around the globe's hotspots, trying to help the weak and helpless people housed in African refugee camps, while at the same time assuaging her sexual cravings with the local men. The experience had proved to be more fulfilling than she had imagined, especially with Lars pushing her throughout filming, to find the inner slut she needed to play Lisette.