Slender Bridge

by Katrina Clemons

“I put an extra slice in there for you, along with some grapes.”

  “Thank you. It would be awkward to go back empty-handed.”

  “Not nearly as awkward as it would have been if I had not gone back inside and packaged those things as a legitimate reason for your being here.”

  “Ahhh. Gotcha. So I guess a kiss or hug or any physical contact is out of the question?”

  “Definitely not. I’ll probably be wiping nose prints off the back door glass when I get back inside.”

  As I stood, she stepped back, putting some space between us. I held up the bag.

  “Thanks again. I’ll be waiting for your response to my question. It is a serious request.”

  “I know. Have a good shoot this evening. I’ll see you at dinner.”

  “I look forward to it.” I watched her turn and go back inside. Reluctantly, I left. On the walk back, all I could think of was Helen. Every tilt of her head, the laughter in her eyes, her dimples, the way she waved her hands animatedly at times: I found everything endearing.

  When I got back to the production lot, I went straight to my trailer. I took out my cake and grapes and put them in the fridge. I was about to step out when there was a knock, and then the door was pushed open. Vivian pushed her head inside.

  “You’re back. Good. They want you in make-up in twenty.”

  “I got your cake.” I held the bag out to her.

  She came in and plopped down on the couch and opened the container.

  “So, did you have a good visit.”

  “Yes.” I tugged off my shirt and started rifling through the rack for the outfit for that evening.

  She ate her cake in silence while I changed. I buckled my belt and looked up to find her watching me. I held my hands out.

  “What?”

  She sighed. “I’m serious, Scott. Don’t hurt her. She’s not like the others. She’s different. She’s special. I don’t want you to lose this one.”

  “I’m taking things one day at a time, Vivian. Don’t push it.”

  “I will cut off your balls and feed them to you, sweetie.” She smiled with cold eyes. “That’s a promise.” She flicked her wrist. “Be in make-up in ten minutes.” She slipped out of the trailer and, and I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. Very few persons in my life could be frank with me and get away with it.

  I checked my appearance in the mirror and walked to the door. As I was about to step out, the cellphone chimed with an incoming text. I dashed back and saw Helen’s name on the screen.

  I’m free on Wednesday evening.

  My face lit up.

  Wednesday evening it is. We’ll talk and work out the details later.

  I had a permanent grin on my face for the rest of the day. It was fortunate that the scene was one requiring my character to be in high spirits.

  It took some juggling to get my scenes on Wednesday shot by two p.m. I had Vivian call me a cab and was back at the hotel in a flash. I had no idea where we were going or what would happen afterward. I was going to be with Helen for longer than a few minutes, and in a space where we could talk. That was all that mattered.

  I took a nap then got up around six p.m. A quick shower revived me. I was in my clothes and waiting by the time Helen texted to say she was in the parking lot. We had decided that I would come down to her and not have her wait in the foyer. The fewer observers, the better. Admittedly, it felt good to be going on a date without the risk of waking up the next day and seeing my picture splashed all over the front page of the tabloids.

  As I rounded the corner, I saw a pair of headlights flash twice. That was our signal. I walked quickly and folded my lanky frame into the tiny hatchback. I resisted the urge to pull her into my arms. I waited until she pulled out of the parking lot, and we were on our way before I slowly slid my hand across to caress her cheek. She glanced at me quickly, then turned her attention back to the road. A tiny smile graced her lips as we continued our journey in silence.

  I paid scant attention to where we were going: I had eyes for only Helen. She was wearing a simple blue dress with short sleeves. Her hair was at her nape in a loose bun with a few wayward curls sticking out here and there.

  “I like it loose, you know.” I touched her bun.

  “Not when it’s getting into my food.”

  “Will you let it out for me after dinner, then?”

  “Maybe.” She slowed down and made a turn into a parking area. She switched off the ignition and turned towards me. “We’re he-“

  The rest of her words were cut off as I covered her mouth with mine. The kiss was brief as I pressed my lips against hers. I felt the barest of flutters as she responded. I pulled back and smiled.

  “Let’s eat, shall we.”

  When I had voiced my concern about being incognito, she had taken me very seriously. We were at a pier. We had to take a ferry to the restaurant, which happened to be on a boat. The space was intimate, and the likelihood of being recognized practically zero.

  We enjoyed a candlelit meal with the gentle slap of the waves creating a soothing ambiance. After dessert, we took a walk up to the balcony. I held her hand lightly, intertwining my fingers with hers.

  She looked up at the sky and sighed. “This is one of the things I would have missed if I had stayed in the city. I’ve always loved looking up at the stars at night.”

  “Well, you can’t look up at them during the day,” I smirked.

  She rolled her eyes. You know what I mean. They’re beautiful, aren’t they.”

  I looked up, and my breath caught in my throat. She was right. The night sky was a beautiful thing to behold. She continued to speak.

  “You know, when I was a child, I used to try to spell my name out in the stars. Then when I grew older, I learned about constellations. For my thirteenth birthday, my parents took me to an observatory. It was one of the most thrilling experiences in my life.

  “What was it like growing up in a town like this?” I continued to play with her fingers as we looked out over the water.

  “It was the absolute best place to grow up. And I had the best parents. But I’m sure everyone thinks that about their childhood.”

  “Don’t be so sure,” I muttered then cleared my throat. “Do you have any siblings?”

  “No. I’m an only child.”

  “Didn’t your parents want more children?” I thought about one of the many bitter arguments I had overheard where my mother told my father that he was fortunate that she had even had one child and that it was a son to carry on his name, as she had no intention of producing others.

  “They did. But it just wasn’t in the books. I was the third pregnancy and the first live birth.”

  “Wow!”

  “Wow indeed. But I got enough love for ten children. I never felt alone, ever. What about you? Do you have any siblings?”

  “No. I’m an only child, just like you. So tell me, what was it that had you in the city?”

  “I had just left culinary school and was trying to break into the industry. I spent a year washing dishes with my culinary degree.” She made a face.

  “So how did you end up back home? Are your parents well?”

  “Yes, they both are. They sensed I was miserable and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Andy’s belongs to all three of us. I just happen to be the face of the operation. My father cashed in some assets, and my mother quit her job to work there. Any success I have is because of them.”

  “Nice.” I played with her fingers absentmindedly as I remembered how happy I had been to share my first screen test with my father, only to have him shoot it down by saying I would only be a B grade actor at best. If I ever made it on the big screen, it would only be as an extra. It had been nine years since that first screen test.

  There was not one year that I had not had at least one box office hit. He had opened no doors for me in the industry. I had made it on my merit as I had marketed myself as Scott Adams. It was not until the studio had asked for
my documents to draw up the contract for my first film that the connection between myself and Frank Dawson was made. I listened as she chatted happily about her childhood and her parents. Sadly, I could not relate.

  She leaned against the rail and sighed. “One day, I want to have children. And tell them of the part their grandparents played in the legacy of Andy’s.”

  I looked up sharply. “Children? As in more than one child?”

  She smiled at me. “Yes. Children.”

  “Good luck with that. I don’t think I ever want to subject a child to the possible solitude existence being an only child might bring.”

  “You don’t want children?” She looked at me, puzzled.

  “Nope. Never have and never will. The Dawson line ends with me. But enough about me. Tell me some more about Andy’s.

  It was close to ten p.m. by the time we went back to the parking lot. Our vehicle was the only one there. I reached across and massaged her nape, caressing her hair, which was still in a bun.

  “You promised.”

  She smiled. “I did, didn’t I.” She reached up and removed a few hairpins. I watched as the curls untwisted from their confined state. I put both hands in her hair and gently drew my fingers through the thick curls. I was not going to pretend. I turned her face up to mine and lowered my head. I felt her hands creep around my waist as her lips opened underneath mine.

  I kissed her deeply, intoxicated by the taste of her mouth. She responded without inhibition. When at last, I lifted my head, our chests heaved as we attempted to catch our breaths.

  “It’s time we were getting back.” She whispered as I pressed my lips to hers once more. I pressed my forehead against hers.

  “I know, but I don’t want to go back.”

  She chuckled. “Neither do I. But, we’ve got to go. It was a lovely evening out, but let’s face reality.”

  “What is reality?”

  “In another six to eight weeks, you’re back in New York, and I’m here in Creek Town. You’re back to your fast track life with a starlet in your bed every three months. I stay here churning out menus. Back to our regularly scheduled program and all that jazz.”

  I pulled her closer. “Helen, stop overthinking things. Can’t we just take one day at a time?”

  “Scott, I have to be real. You are who you are.”

  “But you’re different, Helen. You’re not just another woman. There’s something different about you.” I brushed my lips against hers softly. I nibbled at their softness until I felt her lips part beneath mine once more. I pulled her flush against my body. She gasped as she felt the unmistakable press of my erection against her. She trembled in my arms as my tongue delved deeper still.

  When, at last, I raised my head, she leaned against me weakly.

  Silently we got into the car. I wound my hand into her hair and massaged her scalp lightly. I felt a shard of disappointment rise. I recognized the now familiar street as I could see the hotel in the distance. I swallowed against the lump that had formed out of nowhere. I braced for our separation as we approached the gate. Then she kept driving. I looked at her, puzzled. Dared I to hope that we were going where I thought we were?

  She did not stop until she pulled into the parking lot of an apartment complex. She took a deep breath as she stepped out of the car. I did not hesitate to follow her upstairs.

  Chapter 12 – Scott

  I waited for her to lock the door behind us before pulling her into my arms. My chest heaved against hers as I looked into her eyes. I had never felt the need for consideration before. But as I stood there with her in my arms, I knew that if she changed her mind at that point, I would call a cab to take me back to the hotel that instant.

  “Are you sure?”

  Her only response was to pull my head down to hers.

  Her lips pressed hotly against mine. Gone was the hesitation as she pressed her tongue hungrily against my mouth, forcing me to open to her - how the tables had turned! And I was not opposed to the wildcat in my arms.

  I swung her up into my arms. I lifted my head just long enough to ask which way to her room. I followed the direction in which she pointed. A shaft of moonlight illuminated us as I sank on the bed with her. We groaned hungrily. She squirmed and pressed her body against mine as I thrust into her softness. I already knew that this first time would be quick. This encounter had been brewing since Miami and was more than a year overdue.

  I raised long enough to pull her dress up and over her head. Her brassiere and panties followed, and I slid one hand down her stomach to delve between her thighs. I groaned into her neck as I found her hot, slick, and wet. I sat up and whipped my shirt off. My trousers were next, and soon I was pressing my naked flesh into hers. I wedged a thigh between hers as my lips found hers once more. Her mouth moved restlessly beneath mine. She suckled on my tongue, and I felt my body grow even harder.

  She trembled beneath me as she parted her legs. Her hands reached between us, and I groaned against her mouth as she took hold of me. I felt my wet tip press against her heated core. I raised on my forearms and held her gaze. I watched her face as I pushed forward. Her lids fluttered as I slipped deeper. I shuddered as I felt her body close around me. She was so hot and wet! She pushed her legs further apart and raised them to wrap around me. There was no holding back.

  I gave a mighty heave and buried myself deep inside her. I did not stop until I was all in, all the way to my balls.

  “Ahhhhhh!” She cried out as her hands clutched my shoulders. I buried my face in her hair and purred softly.

  “It’s okay, my baby.” I pulled back slowly, then thrust forward again. I felt her pussy tighten around me as she stretched her legs. She twisted and squirmed as she pushed up against me forcefully. Her fingers raked down my back.

  “Oh! Fuck! Helen! I’m not going to last very long if you keep doing that, baby.”

  She panted as she continued to squirm against me, forcing me to move. “I don’t want it to last. I want it hard, and I want it right now!”

  I took a deep breath as I pulled back, then thrust into her hard and fast. The bed jumped with every thrust, and she went wild beneath me. Our bodies twisted and ground against each other as we moved harder and faster. I gripped her shoulders tight as I hammered into her. She threw her head back as her pussy clamped down on me. I felt her grow slick with her juices as she climaxed. Her mouth was open in a silent scream as her body bowed up and into mine. She gripped my buttocks and pulled me into her. That was my undoing.

  “Oh! Fuck! Helen!” I pressed deep as my body fell apart and poured into hers. Every muscle in my body was at attention as my cock pulsed and gushed deep within her. Perspiration soaked us both as I felt my body relax and sag. Our chests heaved against each other as we fought to catch our breath. I searched for her mouth and pressed my lips against hers. I held her to me as I rolled over, still buried deep inside. I pushed her into a sitting position.

  “Ride me, baby. Ride me fast and ride me hard. Ride me until you come screaming. I want to hear you scream.”

  She pressed her hands against my chest as she placed her legs along the outside of my thighs. She soon established a rocking motion that had me hard again. I watched as she ground her hips into me. I reached up to cup her lovely breasts as they bounced. As I flicked her nipples, I felt her pussy tighten. I grinned. I seemed to have found a connection.

  I continued flicking and pinching the tiny nubs until she began to ride faster, pressing harder. When I sensed she was almost at the crest, I reached one hand down to find the nub of her stiff little clit. I flicked it once, then again, then a third time. On the third flick, I pinched her nipple. I felt her pussy grow incredibly tight. She threw her head back and continued to ride.

  “Come for me, baby. You know you want to. Scream for me like the little banshee I know you are under that soft, sweet exterior. I want to hear you scream, baby.”

  “Nuh-uh!” She shook her head in denial.

  “Uh-huh. Come for me
, baby. Let that hot, wet pussy cream all over my fucking cock.” I felt her pussy grow hotter than I thought possible. I rubbed her clit hard. That was her undoing.

  “Oh! Fuck! Scottttttttttt!!!” Her legs trembled as she came.

  “Yes, baby. That’s it. Come for Scottie!” I continued to rub her clit. She threw back her head and gave me what I wanted.

  “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!”

  As she came down from her climax, I gently pulled out. I rolled from beneath her and positioned myself behind her, gently pushing her torso down to the bed. I slipped back into her from behind and was pleased to feel her push back against me. I held her hips tightly against me as I pummeled her from behind. I enjoyed the sight of my body disappearing and reappearing in hers. I brought her to a climax once more before I allowed myself to find satisfaction for a second time that night.

  As we lay with arms and legs entangled, I played in her hair. Her fingers moved restlessly against my chest until they stopped moving altogether. Her even breathing told me that she was asleep. I lay awake thinking for a while before my eyes grew heavy, and sleep overtook me.

  We fell into a routine quickly. We decided against meeting anywhere near our respective jobs. She adjusted her time off to coincide with the days my scenes wrapped up early. On those days, I would head back to the hotel, shower, change, and be ready for her to pick me up within the hour. I learned quite a bit about the state of Maryland on those afternoons as we had many excursions. She took me to the aquarium downtown one day. My beard and mustache were the perfect disguises, coupled with a cap and dark glasses. Another day we went to the museum. We went on picnics and even visited an amusement park.

  Inevitably, we always ended up back at her apartment. We would make passionate love throughout the night, getting maybe an hour or two of sleep. She would take me back to the hotel by five a.m. for me to be ready by six. We went relatively undetected. I suspected Vivian knew what was going on, but she never confronted me. But whenever she saw Helen and me together in public, having ‘casual’ conversation, she had a gleam in her eye.

  Production was on schedule, and as June drew to a close, we realized that we had only a week remaining. The reality of leaving Helen began to close in on me. I was not going to allow it.