* * *
Beth had listened silently as Laura told her of the incredible connection between Cary and Taylor.
“Beth, I barely could get through the rest of the afternoon. I kept thinking about the things Cary had done to his pregnant wife. Annie is small like you, Beth. He could have easily made her lose the baby or seriously hurt her. And the things he did to me. Why is he still being allowed to walk the streets?”
Beth refrained from pointing out that Laura had helped contribute to his freedom by not pressing charges. Annie had, too, and so had Taylor back then.
“Laura? Are you going to be all right?”
“I will be, Beth. This week is going to be very busy. And we leave next weekend for New York. There’s not going to be much time to think about it. It’s just it was all such a shock!”
“Laura? Have you thought about telling Taylor the truth?”
“No, Beth. He doesn’t need to know. Thanks for listening. I really wish you weren’t so far away.”
“I’m always just as far away as your phone, Laura. You know that.”
“I know, Beth, and it helps. Goodnight.”
Hanging up the phone, Laura sat silent for a few minutes, then said, aloud, “Damn you, Cary. You’re not going to wreck my life.” Resolutely, she picked up her notebook, and, turning to the section for publicity, she began to make plans for the calls she’d make tomorrow.
Chapter 37
Laura seemed to be fine the next morning when they met at the center. In fact, she was an oasis of calm in the center of the storm that was happening with their move from the rehearsal hall to the theatre. Taylor had no time to worry further about her as they dealt with one crisis after another.
She spent a good part of the day in the control booth at the rear of the theatre. She could watch and make her notes from there while she was using the phone to beef up his publicity appearances. When the end of the day finally came, it was an exhausted trio that met to go over their notes.
“Taylor, I don’t know about you and Laura, but I am simply too tired to think right now. How would you feel about meeting early tomorrow before rehearsal?”
“I think it sounds like a good idea, Daniel. It’s been way too long a day already.”
“Fine, let’s pack it in then,” Daniel said as he closed his notebook. “I’ll see you two in the morning.”
Taylor and Laura walked out together. “How are you, Laura? I feel like I haven’t seen you all day.”
“I’m fine, Taylor. I was able to schedule some interviews, and we’ll need to go over them as well. Can we try for dinner tomorrow? That way I can make any changes you want.”
“Tomorrow should be better. We’ll plan on it. Goodnight, Laura.”
As he drove home, he realized he needed to call Annie. She was expecting a report on Laura. But, after a shower, the temptation to lie down for a while proved to be too much. He closed his eyes and was asleep almost instantly, not waking until morning, never hearing the phone when Annie tried to reach him.
* * *
The next day was almost as chaotic as the one before. Starting earlier had only served to make the day longer, and the last thing Taylor wanted to discuss was the new publicity schedule. As Laura set it out for him over dinner, he finally just closed the folder she had given him.
“Laura, I’m sorry. Just set up whatever you think is best. I’ll do them all. Right now, I just want to stop thinking about the tour in any form.”
They finished their dinner in silence, then went their separate ways.
* * *
The third time proved to be the proverbial charm. Rehearsal ran like clockwork, music, lights, costumes all finally coming together. By the end of Friday’s rehearsal, everyone was feeling good about the imminent tour.
“That’s it then, people. I think we have a show,” Daniel said as he dismissed them on Friday afternoon. “I will see all of you bright and early on Monday morning in New York.”
As the others left, Daniel turned to Taylor. “So, what are you doing with your last day of freedom, Taylor?”
“Same thing you are, Daniel…packing! I’ll see you Monday morning. Thanks for pulling this all together.”
Daniel waved away the thanks as he headed out the door. Taylor glanced up at the control booth and caught a glimpse of Laura’s bright hair. He produced a piercing whistle that brought her to the door. “The day’s over, Laura. Let’s go!”
She waved at him and then returned to gather up her notebook and folders. Coming down the aisle to him, she said, “Sorry. I just got off the phone. I really wish you would take a serious look at the publicity schedule I’ve put together, especially the New York segment.”
“I will tomorrow, I promise. I plan on going to Annie’s for a while, but there should still be time to look at it.”
“Have fun. I need to do some shopping before we leave on Sunday. How do you want to handle getting to the airport?”
“Arrange a car and driver, Laura. You can bring the car over, and they can pick us both up at my place.
“I’ll see you then, Taylor. Have a good Saturday.”
* * *
There was a message from Annie waiting when he got home. When he called her back, she said, “Taylor, Meg’s sick. She has this flu that all the kids are passing around. You’d best not come out tomorrow.”
“Annie, that’s my last chance to see you for a while.”
“I know, but you don’t want to be around Meg to catch this stuff. It’s not going to go over well with your audience to have you barf on stage.”
“Lovely image, Annie! But, you’re right. Tell Meg I’ll call her tomorrow.” Remembering that he’d not yet asked about her headaches, Taylor went on, “Annie?”
“Oh, no! Taylor, she’s getting sick again. I have to go.”
Taylor hung up the phone. While he was truly disappointed that he wouldn’t be able to spend any time with them before he left, a day of peace and quiet certainly had its advantages.
Chapter 38
Valentine’s Day. Opening night in New York. As he dressed for the concert, Taylor thought back over the last few days.
The trip to New York had been uneventful. He’d gone over the publicity schedule on the plane. It was more than he was used to doing, but Laura had planned out a balance of television and print interviews starting with the morning shows this week. She was doing an excellent job weeding out the requests and had worked with the president of his fan club to make sure all of their needs were addressed. She’d even talked him into making a short appearance at the fan club’s post-concert party tonight. As he tied his bow tie, he glanced down at the picture of his parents. “You’d like her, Mom. You told me I’d know when I found the right one, and you were right. I just wish you could be here for our wedding.”
There was a knock at the door. “Five minutes, Taylor.” Laura looked wonderful. She was wearing the same copper-colored outfit she’d worn to the charity party in Albuquerque. “Is there anything you need?”
“I’m fine, Laura. How does it look out there?”
“Everyone seems to be ready to go. It’s a full house. Your fan club is in the first five orchestra rows and they are beyond excited. So, be prepared!”
“Thanks, Laura.” He turned away from the mirror and came over and put his hands lightly on her shoulders. He felt her tense at his touch, but didn’t remove his hands. “I don’t think I could have done this without you.” He leaned down and lightly kissed her cheek as they heard the opening music begin. Smiling at her, he said, “They’re playing my song. See you after the concert, Laura.” She watched him as he ran down the hall and up the stairs to the wings of the stage. She could still feel the gentle pressure of his hands and of his lips as she heard the audience erupt into frenzied applause as he made his entrance.
* * *
Lau
ra watched the concert from the wings, amazed all over again at the tremendous presence that Taylor projected from the stage. No wonder his fans loved him. He had the perfect balance of flirting, storytelling and talent.
As he came offstage for the intermission, Laura handed him a bottle of water and followed him back to his dressing room.
“It’s going well, Laura, don’t you think?”
“It couldn’t be going any better, Taylor. It’s perfect.”
“Thanks,” he said as he smiled at her. “I like knowing you’re there. I can feel you watching.”
She blushed, then said, “Is there anything you need, Taylor?”
To take you in my arms…to kiss away your fears…to make love to you ’til morning… All of those answers occurred to Taylor, but he only said, “No. I’ll just rest for a minute.”
“I’ll call you when it’s time,” she said as she closed the door behind her.
It didn’t seem possible, but the second half of the concert was even better than the first. Taylor was riding high on the enthusiasm of the audience. After his “final” number, Taylor came offstage and, without thinking, picked Laura off her feet and whirled her around before he kissed her. “This has been an incredible evening!” he said as he put her down and returned to the stage for the first of his encores.
Laura retreated to his dressing room where she tried to stop the shaking that his exuberance had begun. A part of her was thrilled with his kiss, but the larger part of her feelings had to do with being imprisoned in his arms, the helpless feeling as he’d kissed her. Looking into the mirror at the white face her makeup couldn’t hide, Laura’s eyes filled with tears. “Damn! Why can’t I forget what happened and get on with my life?” she said to her reflection. “Why is it so hard?”
She heard the growing swell of applause and realized that Taylor was finished. He would be back here in a moment. Taking a tissue she carefully wiped the tears from her eyes and pulled herself together. It was a smiling Laura that greeted Taylor and Daniel as they came laughing into the dressing room.
“Congratulations, gentlemen!”
“Thank you, Laura,” Daniel said as he swept her a bow. “We couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Nonsense, Daniel.”
“No, Laura, Daniel’s right. You were a big part of this. Welcome to show business.”
“Taylor, you need to get changed so we can head over to the fan party. I promise, you don’t have to stay there more than fifteen minutes.”
“See what a slave driver she really is, Daniel?”
“Which is the main reason I’m glad she’s your assistant, not mine,” Daniel said as he ducked out the door.
As they came through the hallway to the rear entrance of the ballroom where the fan club was meeting, Taylor pulled off his overcoat and handed it to Laura. He was wearing jeans and a blazer with a turquoise shirt that matched his eyes. Before she went through the door to let the club president know that they were there, Laura stood on her toes to whisper in his ear, “If you’re trying to impress them, Taylor, be sure you turn around at least once.” Startled, he looked at her as she waved to him before going through the door. If he didn’t know better, he would swear she was flirting with him. Consequently, his smile was even brighter than usual as he came through the door and greeted the crowd that was responsible for his success.
The reviews of the concerts in New York, combined with Laura’s publicity schedule, resulted in sold-out concerts for the entire tour. Everything ran smoothly for Taylor, and he knew that was completely due to Laura. He’d had no idea what an incredible job she would do when he’d decided to ask her to take the job.
Most of the concerts had been in the East, but, as they traveled to the final concerts in California, they stopped in Denver for two nights. As a surprise, Taylor flew Laura’s parents and Beth from Albuquerque to join them. She had been thrilled, and the spontaneous hug she gave him was more than sufficient thanks.
Slowly, she had begun to relax, no longer jumping when someone touched her. At a run-through to get familiar with one of the theatres, he’d noticed her when they were taking a break. She was talking with some of the vocalists when one of them said something that set the whole group off in laughter. One of the male members of the orchestra put his arm around her as they stood there, and she didn’t move away or seem to be uncomfortable. The healing process was slow, but he could see it happening.
The tour officially ended with a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, but it wasn’t really over. After a week off, they’d move to Catalina Island where there would be two more concerts that would be filmed and edited into a television special to be shown in the fall.
Chapter 39
The various members of the ensemble had been full of their plans for the break. Some were flying home for a quick visit; others were planning on playing tourist. Laura had waited for Taylor to give her some idea of his plans. Since their break was falling as her parents were in Europe for a conference, she had made no plans to go back to Albuquerque. Beth was going to be gone, too, so she had no reason to make the trip.
Not only had Taylor not said anything, but he’d been uncharacteristically withdrawn. The night before they began the final week of concerts, Laura had asked for some of his time, and they’d met for dinner in his suite.
“Taylor? What are your plans for the break?”
“I guess I should make some, shouldn’t I? Are you going home?”
“No, Mom and Dad are in Europe. Beth has to go to her cousin’s wedding in Ohio. I thought I’d just find someplace out here and do nothing for a few days.”
“Sounds pretty good to me. Any particular place in mind?”
“Not really. Taylor? Are you all right?” Laura’s voice was concerned.
“I’m fine, Laura.” He’d stood and walked to the window before he continued. “The town I was born in is within a day’s drive from here. I haven’t been back since my parents’ funeral.”
Laura waited for him to continue, but it was a long time before he did. Turning to face her, he said, “I’ve been thinking about going back there, Laura, but I really don’t want to do it alone. Could you give up a couple of your days of nothing to come with me?”
Laura hesitated. She’d known for weeks now that she was in love with Taylor. What Cary had done hadn’t changed that. The nightmares were gone, her body seemed to be coming alive again, but she wasn’t ready to risk her feelings. Going with Taylor would be a definite risk.
She also knew that if she chose to let him know her feelings, she would have to tell the truth about what had happened to her. The thought still frightened her.
“Laura, it’s all right if you say ‘no’,” Taylor said gently.
“I don’t know what to say, Taylor. It’s not something I’d thought about.”
“Then, please, think about it. I’ll probably go either way, but it would be a help to have a friend with me.” Suppressing his somber mood, he said, “I think I’m going to go for a swim. Want to come along?”
Begging off, she returned to her room where she called Beth.
* * *
“Hi, Beth, it’s me!”
“Laura, I was just thinking about you! How are things in the jet set?”
“Pretty slow, actually. We start the last week of concerts tomorrow. Then a week off before we go film the special on Catalina. I was going to come home, but Mom and Dad are gone, and you’re going to the wedding.”
“Don’t even mention the wedding to me! I don’t know how I got roped into being a bridesmaid. She’s chosen bubblegum-pink satin dresses, Laura! With big bows across the rump! I’m going to look like a giant wad of chewing gum!”
Laura laughed. “Be sure and send me pictures. I can’t wait to see this outfit.”
“Thanks so much for your support!” Beth was laughing, too. “Promise me that you’l
l choose something decent for me when you get married.”
“I’ll give some thought to it.” Married. Not anytime soon, Laura thought.
“How are you, Laura?”
“I’m better, Beth.”
“And Taylor?”
“Actually, he’s why I’m calling. He asked me to spend part of the break with him, to go back to his hometown.”
“Just the two of you?”
“Yes. Beth, I don’t know what to do. I’m still in love with him. I figured that out almost right away. And I want to be with him, but… ”
“But what, Laura?”
“Before I can make any kind of relationship with him, I’ll have to tell him about Cary. And I’m afraid to.”
“Afraid, Laura? What do you think he’s going to do?”
“I don’t know. It could go almost any way. He could be supportive. He could blame me. Beth, I don’t know! I’ve never had to do anything like this before.”
“He’ll understand, Laura.” Beth was tempted to tell her that he already knew, but that was Taylor’s choice to make, not hers. “I know he’ll understand.”
“I wish I could be as sure as you are,” she said quietly before changing the subject. “Enough of that. Tell me what’s going on at home.”
* * *
Taylor didn’t understand why he felt so compelled to go back to Woodland. He’d never really missed it before. He hadn’t stayed in touch with most of his friends. The house had been sold long ago. He’d never planned on going there again.
All of this could be traced back to Laura. Seeing her with her parents in Denver and listening to her relate small tidbits from their phone calls had made him acutely aware of the absence of family in his life. He called Annie and Meg at least once a week, but, lately, that hadn’t been enough.
Now that he’d asked Laura to go with him, he was already beginning to regret it. Maybe she’d turn him down.
Timing Is Everything Page 20