Timing Is Everything

by Steinsiek, Sabra Brown;

  His cameraman elbowed him. “You gonna try for that soundbite, Cary?” Cary glared at him, then headed to the door where Taylor had turned to address the crowd. Usually he was pushing his way forward to get the quote he needed, but tonight, he surprised his cameraman by blending in at the back of the crowd, making no attempt to ask a question. It was almost as if Cary were trying to hide.

  * * *

  As chaotic as the backstage bustle was, it was still calmer than the scene outside. Since Laura had never been involved in the production side of theatre, she was surprised to find the number of people it appeared to take to put on a simple concert. Christine had disappeared almost immediately, but Laura waited inside the door until Taylor came inside.

  Taylor, used to it, deftly made his way through the bustle. Laura followed as closely as she could, afraid of getting lost in all the activity. When they finally emerged onstage, she stopped, overwhelmed by this view of the theatre. It was huge, and, as she imagined it filled with people, she realized what stage fright must be like.

  “Laura?” Taylor walked back to her. “Are you all right?”

  “Good Lord, Taylor, how do you do it? How do you walk out here with all those seats filled, all those eyes staring, all those people…wanting!”

  Taylor laughed. “It’s what I eat, drink, and breathe, Laura. I couldn’t survive without it.”

  He took her hand and led her to the steps of the auditorium where he hesitated. “Look, Laura, I didn’t give you much choice in this. It could be pretty boring for you. If you’d like, I’ll have the driver take you back to the hotel.”

  “Trying to get rid of me, Taylor?”

  “No, it’s just that…well, I never invite anyone to rehearsal. Let alone anyone who happens to be a reporter. There are times that things don’t always go right and, when they don’t, I don’t stop to think about my image.”

  Laura realized that he was afraid she would write something about tonight, something detrimental. It bothered her that he could think such a thing, and, for a moment, she could feel her temper rising. Then she realized that he had no reason to trust her and had undoubtedly been burned in the past.

  “Taylor, I’m not here tonight to report on this. I thought it was a chance to get to know you better. But, if it really makes you this uncomfortable, then I’ll leave—no hard feelings.”

  “Laura, I…please stay. But, if it gets too awful for you, just let my driver know, and he’ll take you back to the hotel.”

  “Go practice, Taylor. I’m fine.”

  She watched him walk across the stage, then made her way into the auditorium. She deliberately chose a seat just outside the range of the stage lights so that she was in shadow. Tonight promised to be interesting to say the least.

  * * *

  The rehearsal was as chaotic as Taylor had promised, but it was obvious he had quickly forgotten she was in the auditorium. He had everything under control, managing all the details of the production as well as his own performance. By the time the rehearsal was over, Laura was impressed with the range of his talents.

  Christine had been in the front row taking notes for Taylor. As he went over a few things with his back-up singers, Laura moved forward to sit beside her.

  Christine smiled at her. “Still here, Laura? These rehearsals can get tedious.”

  “I found it pretty interesting. I guess I’ve never given any thought to what goes on behind the scenes. Is Taylor always this involved?”

  “Absolutely! He’s really a bit of a perfectionist and knows all the technical stuff. He’d be a great director if he ever gives up singing.”

  “Give up singing?” The two women looked up to find Taylor looking down at them from the stage apron. “Wishful thinking, Chris?”

  “I can always dream, Taylor!” she said with a laugh. It was obvious they shared a comfortable relationship, and Laura wondered if there was more than work they had in common.

  As the two women joined him on stage, Christine said, “If you don’t need me later, Taylor, I thought I might go out with the crew for a while. Everything should be ready for you.”

  “Go ahead, Chris. Have fun. And tell them I said thanks for all the hard work this evening.”

  “I’ll see you in the morning, then. ‘Night, Laura!”

  * * *

  As they exited the theatre, the scene from earlier was repeated on a smaller scale. Laura recognized many of the same people who had obviously been waiting for him to come back out. The news crews were long gone; their deadlines already passed. Without the cries of the reporters and photographers, things were almost calm. Taylor stopped to speak with a few of his fans before he left.

  Finally, back in the waiting limousine, Laura looked at Taylor with a new respect.

  He held her gaze for a moment, then said, “What?”

  “Taylor, I have to tell you, this assignment to interview you was last-minute. I didn’t have time to do much homework beyond your usual press release. I’d heard of you, of course, but I had no idea who you were. I have to tell you, I am amazed and impressed.”

  “No wonder you didn’t seem to be intimidated by meeting me!” Taylor laughed. “I know it’s late, but are you still up for dinner?”

  “Sure, I never turn down food. Offer me chocolate and I’ll follow you anywhere. But, Taylor, I don’t think I can face your fans again, so where do you propose we go?”

  “I’d already thought of that. Please, don’t take this wrong, but I thought we’d go back to the hotel suite. It will be quiet there and we can talk.”

  Laura was touched by the sincere concern she saw in his eyes. “It sounds perfect. But I have to warn you, I turn into a pumpkin at midnight!”

  Chapter 4

  The quiet of the suite was soothing after the chaos of the evening.

  A table had been had been set for two. Smoked salmon, cheese, crackers and fruit waited, along with a chilled bottle of champagne and a plate of chocolate truffles. Taylor opened the bottle, then filled and handed her a crystal glass. “To new friends, Laura,” he said, and she smiled as she met his glass with hers.

  “This looks wonderful, Taylor.”

  “But way too formal. What do you say we move it all over to the coffee table?”

  “Great, but I have dibs on the sofa!”

  They quickly moved everything to the coffee table. Laura took off her shoes and sank onto the sofa, her legs curled beneath her. Taylor took an overstuffed armchair facing her, then said, “So, tell me more about Laura Collins, the half-Irish, half-Spanish reporter. Which are you more? Irish or Spanish?”

  “I don’t think I know. Both cultures were—are—such a part of my life. You’d like my parents, Taylor. They’re very special people. They’ve been married for 30 years, and they are still very deeply in love. There were times when we were growing up that Tomás and I felt like we were intruding. I remember it being very embarrassing when I was a teenager and caught them kissing. Yech!”

  Taylor laughed as Laura wrinkled her nose.

  “I think I would like them. They sound a lot like my parents. Dad had no interest in the arts, but he made sure Mom had tickets to everything she wanted. He teased her about it, but there was such love in that teasing.”

  “Your bio said that they’re gone, Taylor. How long?”

  “Almost twelve years. It seems like yesterday. They were on their way to New York to see me in my first big role. Mom was afraid to fly, so they took the train. It derailed in Arizona and they were both killed.”

  “You were so young!”

  “I’d just turned twenty. It was as if I’d lost my whole world. But the worst part of it was that she died without seeing me on Broadway. She’d been so proud… ”

  His voice trailed off as he was lost in memory. Laura sat silent, unsure of what to say or do. If it had been Beth or another friend, she would h
ave moved to embrace them but she hadn’t known Taylor long enough to have that right.

  “Sorry, Laura.”

  “Nothing to apologize for, Taylor. I’ve been there.”

  “Your brother. You mentioned him this afternoon.”

  “Tomás. He was four years older than me, but we were always very close. It took two years for him to lose his battle with cancer. I don’t know which is worse; to watch someone you love struggle or to lose them suddenly like you did.”

  There was a silence as they both tried to figure out where the conversation should go from there. Then they both spoke at once, and the spell was broken by their laughter.

  They chatted easily for a while before Laura asked, “You said this afternoon that your best friend was a woman?” She hoped the question sounded casual.

  “Did I? I don’t remember. But it’s true. Annie and I met in New York just before my time limit was up. We attended the same casting call and literally ran into each other waiting in line. I dropped something, and we both went to get it and ended up banging our heads together.” Taylor smiled at the memory. “We were friends right away, and have managed to stay friends through everything since then.”

  “And your goddaughter?”

  “Megan. She’s eleven now and the love of my life. Her father abandoned Annie before Meg was born. Annie stayed with me until after Meg came, then moved to Tampa. She owns a dance studio there. I finally bought a place there, too, to be closer to them when I’m not on the road.”

  Laura had the feeling that there was more there than he was telling but couldn’t figure out a way to pry further. She glanced at the clock on the suite’s VCR. “Taylor! Look at the time. I have to be at work at eight! I have to go.”

  Taylor, too, was surprised at the amount of time that had passed. “Laura, I’ve really enjoyed tonight. Thank you. Are you still coming to the concert tomorrow, now that you’ve heard me?” His grin was teasing, but his eyes still held a vulnerability that touched her.

  “Actually, it’s today and yes, I’m still coming. I have the tickets the newspaper gave me. I’m expected to write a follow-up article, but don’t worry, none of this will be in it.”

  “I know. I trust you. But those press seats are awful. There are always a couple of seats held for me to give away. Front row center. Think you could stand it? And there’s the charity reception afterwards…would you go with me?”

  Laura looked at him for a long moment. “Taylor, what’s happening here? I don’t want you to get any idea that there’s something more going on than there really is.”

  “It’s been a long time since I sat and talked with someone like this. I enjoyed it, and I’d like to see you again. No strings, Laura.”

  “Good. As long as we understand each other, I’d love to.”

  “I’ll have Christine send the ticket over to the Herald tomor…today, I mean. I try to spend concert days in total silence to save my voice, so I’ll see you afterwards. Christine will bring you backstage.”

  He walked her to the door of the suite. “Eddie? Please make sure Ms. Collins gets to her car safely. Laura, I’ll see you tomorrow. Sleep well.”

  * * *

  Cary slammed down the receiver. He’d just phoned Laura’s apartment again. He’d started calling when he got home at eleven. It was now midnight, and she still wasn’t home. He knew she didn’t like late nights, especially when she had to work the next morning. The difference in their schedules was one of the reasons Cary hadn’t made more progress with her.

  There could only be one reason she wasn’t there. Taylor Morgan! He hadn’t changed much, Cary thought. Still good-looking and attracting the crowds. Still after someone else’s woman.

  * * *

  When Laura got back to her apartment, the answering machine had no fewer than a dozen messages. Apparently, Beth had been calling every fifteen minutes since ten o’clock. Knowing Beth was perfectly capable of calling all night, Laura knew she’d better check in.

  “Laura?”

  “Yes, Beth, it’s me. Who else would be calling you at one-thirty in the morning?”

  “So, tell! And don’t leave anything out.”

  “We had a wonderful time, he was a perfect gentleman, and I’m going to bed now, Beth. Talk to you tomorrow.” Gently she hung up the phone in the middle of Beth’s protest.

  As she got ready for bed, Laura thought back over the evening. Taylor had been a perfect gentleman—and a great companion. As much as she loved Beth and her other female friends, she still missed the companionship she had shared with Tomás. There wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t think about calling and telling him something that had happened or seeking his advice. His death had left a dreadful hole in her life.

  Taylor reminded her of Tomás. Not physically, but on a deeper level, something indefinable. She felt like she knew Taylor a lot better than she had when the evening began. But she also felt like there was so much more to know, and she was sorry that she’d never get the chance.

  * * *

  Taylor stayed awake for a long time after Laura left. He wanted to call Annie and talk to her, but it was after three in Tampa. What could he tell her anyway? That he’d met someone, and, after only a few hours with her, he was in love? He wasn’t ready to hear Annie’s opinion about that!

  Taylor poured the last of the champagne and sank back into the chair, staring off into space. He hadn’t told Laura the whole truth about Annie. They’d been much more than friends. They’d been lovers for almost a year after they’d met, until the pressures of being in different shows on different time schedules had finally pulled them apart. But they’d parted friends and had worked at staying friends despite the best efforts of that snake she’d married. He’d done everything he could to keep Annie out of Taylor’s life.

  It had almost worked, but Taylor wasn’t ready to give up his friend. He’d gone to her apartment unannounced one afternoon and had been shocked at the Annie who’d answered the door. She looked old and tired, and there were fading bruises on her arms and a fresh one on her cheekbone. When Annie begged Taylor to leave, he’d tried to get her to come with him. She refused, and Taylor had to be content with her promise to come to him if she needed help. That had been the last time he’d seen her for several months.

  Then, his phone had rung late one night. Annie was in the lobby of his building, running from the man she’d married. She was pregnant, and the bastard had beaten her because he’d lost a promotion. Taylor had taken her to the hospital. The baby was fine, Annie less so. A broken arm and multiple bruises would mend, but Taylor wasn’t sure her broken spirit would.

  When her husband had shown up at Taylor’s two days later, drunk and spoiling for a fight, Taylor had been only too happy to oblige him, beating him as badly as the bastard had beaten Annie. He would have killed him if Annie hadn’t intervened.

  She’d stayed with Taylor until after Meg was born. He’d asked her to stay permanently—to marry him—but she’d refused. She wanted no more of the New York theatre life and wanted to settle someplace where she could start over. She settled on Tampa, to be near her parents, and Taylor had eventually made that his base to be near to her and Meg.

  He drained the glass, then set it on the table. He’d talk to Annie when he got back… if there was still anything to tell.

  Chapter 5

  The alarm rang at six. Never a morning person, Laura groaned out loud. “Four hours of sleep. I’m not going to make it through the day and tonight’s concert.” Mentally, she checked her calendar and finally decided she could afford to take the afternoon off. A nap today was not going to be a luxury but a necessity she didn’t dare miss.

  * * *

  When Laura got to work, Beth was waiting at her desk. “Well, it’s about time you got here!” she exclaimed as she elaborately looked at her watch.

  Laura glanced at the clock t
hat was just ticking over to eight. “Good morning to you, too, Beth. It’s wonderful to start my day with the Inquisition.” Laura gently pushed her friend out of the chair and collapsed into it. “Now, go away like a good girl. I have work to do.”

  “Uh-uh! No way! Not after you hung up on me last night. You owe me something for not calling you back.”

  “Beth, we cannot talk about it here. Let’s do coffee at 9:30. I have a meeting in a few minutes.”

  Grumbling good-naturedly, Beth left for the art department, and Laura pulled up her schedule for the day. Just as she’d thought, it was light. Her follow-up article on Taylor wasn’t due until tomorrow. The related research piece she was doing on children’s charities could wait a day. She picked up her copy of the day’s edition of the Herald and read her article to make sure there were no mistakes. When the phone rang she answered it automatically, “Laura Collins.”

  “Laura?”

  She dropped the paper and knocked over her soda. “Taylor! I thought you maintained silence for the day.” She dabbed ineffectually at her jeans, much to the amusement of the reporter who sat across from her.

  “I know, but it’s early enough I think I can risk it.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I just wanted to thank you for last night. I…” His voice trailed off.

  “Taylor?”

  “I don’t know why I’m calling, Laura. I just felt like it, I guess.”

  “Well, friends don’t always have to have a reason to call. Although it would probably make my life more peaceful sometimes.”