Smile Number Seven

by Melissa Price

  “I’ll let you in on a secret. Being a bitch wasn’t as easy as I made it look. I was a better actress than you gave me credit for.”

  “Oh, come on, honey, you were a natural! I’ve never underestimated your talent. It was your character I didn’t trust.”

  They smiled into each other’s eyes, Rina wondering what Britney was really like now. What it would have been like had she only gone to the dark side a little less often.

  Britney took a sip of her cappuccino and gently placed the cup in the saucer. “Do you still find me attractive?”

  “It’s not a matter of opinion. You are attractive.”

  “That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

  Rina sighed. “Brit, a part of me will always be attracted to you.”

  “Then why not us?”

  “Because I know now what it’s like to be attracted to who someone is, on every level. Someone who never feels a need to diminish me or compete with me—someone who knows how to love who I really am.”

  “I love who you really are.”

  Rina tried not to say it but lost the battle. “Sadly, you never knew who I really was.”

  “So there’s someone in your life now.”

  “That topic is off limits.”

  “Why, Rina? Don’t you trust yourself?”

  In a flash, Rina saw who they used to be together—when it was good between them. “Why on earth would you think that?”

  “Because I saw your expression just now when I asked you if you trusted yourself.”

  “Well, I don’t know what you think you saw…”

  “I know what I saw.”

  “It’s getting late,” said Rina. “Let’s quit while we’re ahead, Brit—before anything bad happens.”

  When the maître d’ came to tell them their limo was waiting, they stood to leave the restaurant. As usual, everyone turned to look at them, and Rina smiled graciously on the way out. Partitioned from the driver, they had a brief call with Reese from the limo and then rode in silence for the next few minutes.

  “Rina, is there ever a time when you think of us?”

  “I’m sure I have.”

  “Are the thoughts ever good ones?”

  Rina glanced away and then looked back at Britney. “You and I have been almost everywhere two people can go, except the one place where it all fit together.”

  “Who is she?”

  “No one you know or that anyone you know knows.”

  “What is it about us? No matter how bratty I’ve been in the past or how many sarcastic digs you throw at me, we still have chemistry. That’s why we were cast opposite one another. We have chemistry—we always have and we always will.”

  Rina stared into her eyes.

  Britney slid close to her. “It’s there and you know it.”

  Britney passed her hand along Rina’s thigh.

  Rina pushed it away. “I can’t believe you. Have you ever had any respect for me or what I want?”

  “I can feel the attraction, Rina.”

  Rina felt her face flush. “Well…”

  “Well, what?” Britney smiled and stroked Rina’s cheek.

  “Well, it’s not going to happen. Not this time.”

  Britney leaned back and studied her. “Were you this loyal to me when we were together?”

  With a nostalgic smile, Rina nodded.

  “I really did blow it with you. Each time. Okay, have your fling. Knowing you, it can’t last forever.”

  Rina stared at her. “No need to push my buttons, Brit. She isn’t a fling, and if I’m lucky enough to have her, I’m hoping it will last forever.” I can’t wait to hear Julia’s voice tonight.

  Britney smirked. “Nice try. I’m not buying it.”

  “Why?”

  “Because your image, your brand won’t allow for it. You would never allow it to get out there. Whoever she is, she’ll eventually figure that out and that will be the end of it.”

  Rina was first out of the limo the instant it stopped in front of the hotel. Britney followed her inside and into the elevator. As soon as the door closed and they were alone, Britney grabbed Rina and planted a kiss on her lips.

  Rina pushed her backward. “Stop it!”

  The elevator door opened to Britney’s floor first. She stepped out, turned back to Rina, and smiled. “That push was a split second too late to actually convince me. Night, Rina.”

  When the door closed, Rina leaned back against the wall and exhaled hard.

  She’ll never change! Still a good kisser, though. Dammit!

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  Dead on her feet after preparing for the Starlight’s next catering job, Julia yawned five times while steering lazily toward home. Somehow, even the sports car seemed to know how tired she was, and it wouldn’t drive faster than the speed limit. When her headlights caught a reflection on the dark road near the ranch, she turned on her high beams. Nicki’s black Mustang was parked off the road by her gate. She rolled to a stop beside it and got out.

  She looked through the partially open passenger window to see Nicki sleeping in the driver’s seat. “Nicki? Great. What are you doing sleeping outside my gate? Nicki! Wake up!” Still no response, Julia opened the door, reached across, and blared the horn.

  Nicki jolted awake. “Huh?” Bleary eyed, she adjusted her head position and rapidly blinked several times. “Juliaaaa. You’re home,” she smiled.

  “Please tell me you didn’t drive drunk!”

  Nicki grinned and held up an anonymous bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag. “Nope! Did all my drinking right here, waiting for you. But, but, you get home so late.”

  “All right, don’t drive. I’m going to pull my car inside the gate and then drive your car to the house. Climb into the passenger seat.”

  Julia pulled her car inside the gate, grabbed her gear, and walked back to Nicki’s car. She got in and dumped her stuff on Nicki’s lap. “What the hell are you thinking, Nicki?”

  “I’m thinking…that’s a really nice car, Julia. Where did you get that car?”

  Julia backed up the Mustang and jolted it forward. “At a car store.”

  Nicki laughed. “A car store. That’s funny. Am I going to your house?”

  “You’re already at my house.” Julia turned off the engine and grabbed her knapsack off Nicki’s lap. She got out and tossed the knapsack onto the porch as she walked around the front end. “Can you get out on your own?” she asked, holding open Nicki’s door.

  Nicki turned on her side and closed her eyes. “Can’t I sleep right here?”

  “Sure.” Julia closed her door.

  “No, wait! I want to come with you.”

  Julia sighed. “Oh, boy. Okay come on, but you’re sleeping on the couch.”

  “Why?”

  “Understood?”

  “Fine. Will you make me some coffee?”

  “Why? Do you want to be an awake drunk?”

  “No. It’s what people do. They have coffee. Who am I to fuck with tradition?”

  “I’ve had a long hard day and I’m going to bed early.”

  “Do I really have to sleep on the couch, Julia?”

  “If you want to sleep here, you do.” She guided Nicki out of the car and up the steps to the porch. “How did you get this plastered?”

  “I didn’t eat, and I wanted to talk with you. So I thought I’d wait till you got home.” Nicki stopped and turned to her. “But I waited so long—and I was thinking of you, missing you.”

  “Well, at least you had the sense not to drive.” She guided Nicki into the house where the woman fell onto the couch. “Will you eat some scrambled eggs and toast?”

  “You’re an angel.” After a minute, Nicki stood and felt her way along the wall into the kitchen and sat.

  Julia lit the stove and grabbed her ingredients. In fewer than five minutes, she had served breakfast. “I’ll be back. I need to change out of this and put my gear upstairs.”

  “Thanks for making th
is. It’s really good.”

  Julia ran upstairs and changed her clothes. As she was making her way back downstairs, her cell phone rang. She picked up immediately when she saw it was Rina calling. “Hi, honey. I’m still on the move since five this morning.” Julia sat on the step. “How did it go today?”

  “We have a scene to reshoot tomorrow, in addition to the new scene. Vancouver is a cool place. I think you’d like it here.”

  “I don’t know when I’m going to be able to get away to come up there.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t call you the past couple of nights…”

  “Yeah, I noticed.”

  “It was work, eat, and sleep.”

  “I figured. Same here. Still I missed hearing you say good night.” Julia heard Nicki opening kitchen cabinets. “You sound tired, Rina.”

  “I am. Tomorrow’s going to be a challenge but hopefully we’re all on the same page now. Neither Britney, Reese, nor I liked a scene we shot today.”

  “So how’s it going with Britney?”

  “Fine. Just fine.”

  Did she just hesitate? Julia tapped her foot against the step. “You sure?”

  “Yes, it’s fine. How did your last party go?”

  “We did great, but it left me exhausted. We’re still trying to hire one more person and then things should be easier.”

  “I have an early call tomorrow for the horse scene and I need to get my beauty rest,” said Rina.

  “If you get any more beautiful, my eyes may just fall out of my head—once I can open them again.”

  Rina chuckled. “You’re sweet.”

  “I won’t ask you to call with such a busy day tomorrow, but it would be really great if we could talk sometime—have a real conversation. I miss you.”

  Rina sighed. “I know. All of our conversations are starting to sound like this one.”

  “You mean like News, Weather, and Sports.”

  “Yes.”

  “I love you, you know.”

  “I love you too, Julia. I’ll call as soon as I can. Good night, sweetheart.”

  “Sweet dreams, babe.”

  Julia stared at the phone in her hand, shocked out of her moment by Nicki rustling around in the kitchen. “Nicki?” She hopped down the steps and rounded the corner to find Nicki eating a big bowl of chocolate ice cream.

  Nicki turned to her. “Oh my god, this is so good. You should have some. There’s never been a better bowl of chocolate ice cream anywhere on the planet!”

  Julia couldn’t help but watch her and laugh. If there was one thing Nicki had that Rina never would, it was a crass simplicity that wasn’t without charm. Julia tossed her phone onto the counter, grabbed a spoon, and stuck it into the ice cream container. She stuffed a big bite into her mouth and savored it as it melted down her throat. She looked at Nicki. “You’re so fucking right! Best ever.”

  Nicki laughed. “I told you. I’m actually starting to feel human. I was really out of it when you woke me. I’m finally down to seeing two of you. It was three. Kidding! I see only one of you. The one I want to be with.” She gulped some water. “You know, I don’t think I really appreciated how talented you are when we were together.”

  Julia sat on the stool next to her. “Those things were just not what you’re into. And that’s okay. What wasn’t okay was sticking your tongue down that stripper’s throat with your hands all over her ass at your party. I was standing right there, Nicki. You humiliated me and hurt my feelings.”

  “I regret that. I really am so sorry. You didn’t deserve to be treated that way.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nicki grinned. “Now can I sleep with you?”

  Julia slapped her arm lightly. “You have the weirdest sense of humor.”

  “Don’t you believe in second chances, Julia?”

  “I’m with someone else.”

  “Where is she?” Nicki peeked around the corner and sat back down.

  “She’s not here.”

  Nicki looked into her eyes. “I am.”

  “Right. I’m going to walk down to lock the gate and get my car.”

  Nicki took a deep breath and sighed. “I’ll be able to drive in a while, I think.”

  “Forget it. I’ve got your keys. When I come back, I’ll get you a blanket and pillow. You’re on the couch tonight, stud.”

  Too tired to be exhausted, Julia ambled down the long driveway to her car. Having heard Rina’s voice, she finally could breathe again. Still she had that sense—that hesitation she thought she’d felt in Rina when she asked her about Britney. It wasn’t from anything she had said—but from what she didn’t say. This distance, this communication breakdown, wasn’t doing their relationship any good. Starting her car, she realized Nicki was staying over. Do I tell Rina? Why say anything? It’s perfectly innocent—and it’s not like I want Nicki here or invited her over. I can’t let her drive after drinking. Shit. If I don’t tell Rina, will I feel guilty? Now that she’s on location our conversations are so short. How do I work, “my ex is drunk and crashing at my place” into that call?

  She closed the windows and turned off the car. When she reentered the house, Nicki was asleep on the couch. Julia gently lifted her head and placed a pillow underneath, then covered her with a blanket. She wondered what would have happened had Nicki never broken up with her when and the way she had. I would have already left the diner that night, and I’d never have met Rina—and I’d probably still be dating Nicki.

  Julia turned on a night light, turned off the big lights on her way upstairs. She fell facedown on her bed, realizing as she did that she’d left her phone downstairs. Should plug it in, maybe see if there are any texts from Rina, she thought muzzily even as she burrowed into the bedding. Or at least get undressed. Right…

  Chapter Thirty-Five

  Rina arrived at the stable early the next morning while the tech crew was still setting up. She basked in the set’s ambiance, created on what had once been an actual ranch. The brisk air made her think of Julia and how proud she would be that Rina had embraced riding in the way she had. Not to mention how particularly impressed she’d be by how ridiculously early it was and the fact that Rina wasn’t even groaning about it.

  After her ordeal with Britney’s advances, she’d wished she was with Julia, riding up the mountain together at the Y2 after her lover served her coffee in bed. She reflected on their final ride—how the storm had stranded them at the cabin where they had made love in front of the open fireplace. Cowgirl style! The thought made her chuckle. I could use a little cowgirl style right now.

  “So you’re my date today, Smokey.” Rina stroked the horse’s soft nose and patted his neck.

  “How do you do, Miss Verralta? I’m Mike, Smokey’s trainer. You ready for your scene with Smokey?”

  “Nice to meet you, Mike. He’s a fine looking horse. Gentle.”

  “Thanks for noticing. Most actors don’t know the difference. He’s been in a lot of movies.”

  Rina smiled. “Good. He can cover for me if I screw up.”

  “I bet you know how to ride,” Mike said with a nod.

  Rina had the revelation right there. “Yes, I do.”

  “You know, you didn’t need to come so early.”

  “I did, actually. I wanted to introduce myself to Smokey and talk to him. Would it be okay if I gave him a light brushing? It relaxes me.”

  Mike nodded in approval. “Stay off his right hindquarter. He gets a little sensitive to strangers touching him there.”

  “Are you sure you don’t mind me brushing him for a few minutes?”

  “He’ll love it.” The trainer smiled. “I’ll leave you to it then. Be back in a few so you can saddle up and I can adjust your stirrups.”

  “Thanks, Mike.”

  Rina brushed Smokey, seeking the Zen state she’d always found so easily with Thunder. She wondered what Julia was doing at that moment and then found herself tense about Britney’s ambush-kiss. Why did I hesitate to push her
away?

  “Good morning, Rina,” said Britney when she entered the barn.

  Rina smiled. “Morning. What are you doing here?”

  Britney smiled and sauntered over to where Rina stood. “Last night you told me you like to come early before you ride, so I thought I’d come see what this barn magic is all about.”

  Rina passed the brush lightly along Smokey’s back. “This is pretty much it.”

  Britney laughed. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “Sorry to disappoint you.”

  Britney watched quietly. “You missed a spot back here.”

  “Smokey is sensitive there and doesn’t like strangers touching it.”

  “About last night, Rina.”

  “What now?”

  “I’m not sorry I kissed you. I don’t think you were either.”

  “You should have respected my wishes—which I made pretty clear in the limo.”

  “I would have, had I thought that’s what you really wanted. You forget that I know you pretty well, too.”

  Rina remained silent.

  “Why can’t you admit it, Rina?”

  “Leave me alone, Brit. I’m trying to focus. We have a scene to shoot with Smokey, and I don’t want a do-over. Especially since we have to reshoot that other scene today.”

  Britney placed her hand on Rina’s hip from behind and whispered in her ear. “Come on, honey, one more chance?”

  Rina elbowed her lightly to push her back. “Stop it,” she said between clenched teeth.

  “You almost sound like you mean it. Almost.”

  Reese’s assistant entered the barn. “Finally!” said the perky intern. “Miss Cavell, I’ve been looking for you everywhere. They’re ready for you in makeup. Miss Verralta, your stylist will be here shortly.” She turned to leave and whirled back around. “And Reese said he’ll come find you.”

  Rina accompanied Mike as he led Smokey out of the barn. “You mind if I ride him around the ring?” she asked. “Get to know him a little?”

  Mike smiled. “Not at all. He needs to warm up anyway. And I need to see what you can do even though your stunt double will do the runaway scene.”