Dreaming With A Broken Heart (Hollywood Legends #1)

by Mary J. Williams

  “Heartless bastard.”

  “Yes,” Jade agreed. Heartless. It described her father perfectly.

  Jade didn’t linger on the abuse. She did that too often with her therapist. Callie didn’t need those images in her head — no one did. That last day was too fuzzy for Jade to share any details. Her therapist didn’t think she would ever remember it clearly. Thank God for small favors.

  When Callie didn’t ask why Jade would go back to her father’s house after she got out of the hospital, Jade was surprised. She soon found out the other woman understood the situation without explanation.

  “Where else would you go?” Callie reasoned. “You were in no condition to look for your own place. Even if you could, what then? No, you were smart to take advantage of your father’s resources.”

  “Take advantage.” Jade rolled the concept around in her brain. “I hadn’t thought of it like that. I like it. I’m taking advantage of him.”

  Callie chuckled. She liked Jade. She was a strong young woman. Stronger than she knew.

  “Something tells me that’s about to change. When are you moving out?”

  “There is no way you could have guessed that.” Jade’s eyes narrowed. “Are you psychic?”

  “No.” Callie refilled Jade’s glass, a smile on her lips. “I don’t believe in ESP, do you?”

  “I didn’t use to.”

  “Caleb calls it woman’s intuition.” Callie rolled her eyes. “I love him enough not to point out that is a dated, chauvinistic term used mostly by men. Like patting us on the head and saying good dog, aren’t you clever.”

  “Ouch.”

  “I know it sounds extreme,” Callie said unapologetically. “I’m not as militant in my women’s liberation stance as I used to be. Even Gloria Steinem has mellowed a bit over the years.”

  “Do you know Gloria Steinem?”

  Callie nodded. “We had dinner just last month. Next time she’s in town I will be sure to introduce you.” Callie hid her smile when Jade’s eyes grew wide. “You are exactly the kind of young woman she admires. I agree, by the way.”

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  How was she supposed to talk when her throat was tightening with emotion? For the first time, Jade knew what it must be like to have a mother to confide in. Damn it, she was not going to cry.

  “If you need to cry, go right ahead,” Callie told her. She gathered Jade into her arms. “In fact, I think I’ll join you.”

  Jade might have held out on her own. However, the second she felt Callie’s arms around her, she couldn’t hold back the tears.

  That was how Caleb Landis found his wife and her guest. Not sobbing. More like gently weeping.

  “If I need to kick someone’s ass, tell me now. I’ll call my four strapping sons for back-up.”

  “No one’s honor needs defending, my love.”

  Callie sent her husband a reassuring, if somewhat watery smile. She took a napkin, wiping Jade’s cheeks before kissing each one. Oh, brother, Jade thought. That simple, sweet gesture almost started the water works going again. The only thing that stopped her was Caleb Landis. It would have been too embarrassing to break down for a second time with him sitting three feet away.

  “I thought you were in meetings all day.”

  “I did. In case you haven’t noticed, it’s almost seven.”

  Seven? Jade looked at her watch. Where had the time gone? She was about to thank Callie for a wonderful afternoon when she found herself witness to an intimate moment that she probably should have turned away from, yet couldn’t.

  Callie didn’t greet her husband with a kiss. Instead, she smiled. It was the most expressive smile Jade had ever seen. It radiated over her entire face, lighting it up.

  “Your eyes are purple.”

  Jade was so amazed by the transformation; she didn’t realize she had spoken aloud.

  “Yes, they are.”

  Caleb’s voice deepened as he said the words. She felt like an intruder. The moment between husband and wife was so intimate. Jade wanted to slide from her chair, leaving them alone.

  “There aren’t many men lucky enough to know by looking at her if his wife is still in love with him.” Caleb lifted Callie’s hand to his lips. “I dread the day those expressive eyes stop turning purple for me.”

  “I’ve loved you for almost forty years. God willing, we will have another forty or fifty.”

  “Wow!”

  “Are we a little too corny for your taste?” Caleb asked, giving Jade a friendly wink. “Our sons say we should tone it down around guests.”

  “Jade is not a guest,” Callie informed him. “She’s a friend. Soon to be a very good one, if I’m not mistaken.”

  “That is good news. Friends, real ones, are hard to come by.”

  She would not cry again, Jade promised herself. God, what was wrong with her? At her lowest moments — during her marriage, after she returned from the hospital — she didn’t cry as she had today. Finding a sympathetic friend was playing havoc with her normally rigid control.

  It wasn’t only Callie, Jade realized. It was the Landis family. Even Caleb, who should have intimidated her, instead made her feel welcome. And Garrett… A thought popped into Jade’s head. She knew she shouldn’t ask. Don’t go there, some inner voice warned.

  Jade didn’t know if it was the company, the lemonade, or the cookies. Something made her ignore the warning

  “Does Gar… I mean, did any of your sons inherit your eyes?”

  “Poor Garrett,” Callie laughed. “All through high school, his brothers gave him a hard time when he would date a girl. They would mention her name then gather around to see if his eyes turned purple. It became a game. He was young enough to be self-conscious. It didn’t matter that he knew he wasn’t in love; he would close his eyes so his brothers couldn’t see. They would gang up on him, hold him down — force an eyelid open.”

  Caleb chuckled. “None of the boys cared one way or the other if Garrett was in love. They liked two things above all others. Giving each other hell and rough housing. Combine the two — they were in heaven.”

  “Was he…” Damn it, Jade chastised herself, spit it out. “Was he ever in love?”

  “I don’t think so,” Callie said. “His eyes are very expressive, like mine. It is possible they won’t ever turn purple, even when he falls in love.”

  “It will be interesting to find out.” Caleb squeezed Callie’s hand.

  “The way he and his brothers are going, I’m beginning to doubt they possess the love gene. Though they have liked a lot of women.”

  “You might not look like anyone’s mother, my love, but on occasion you sound like one.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Callie huffed.

  Jade was getting the idea this was not a new topic.

  “The boys like to play the field,” Caleb explained to Jade. “Is there anything wrong with that?”

  Was he asking her? Hoping he didn’t expect an answer, Jade took a sip of lemonade. Discussing the Landis brothers and their sex lives — especially Garrett’s — seemed like a topic she should avoid at all costs.

  “Now you’ve embarrassed Jade,” Callie admonished her husband.

  “No, honestly.” Jade smiled at her hosts.

  To be honest, embarrassed didn’t begin to cover how she was feeling. This was new territory for Jade. Her lovers could be counted on one hand. The number of parents she met while that man was her lover? Counting Callie and Caleb? Two. It was fine until the subject veered too close to what she and Garrett did in a seedy motel room several times a week. How could she not think about it?

  Time to go. Now. She was hours away from meeting Garrett. The last thing she wanted was thoughts of his parents running through her head at an inopportune moment. Talk about a mood killer.

  “Speaking of Garrett,” Caleb said.

  Jade’s hand froze as it reached for her purse. Now, what?

  “He called just before
I left my office. Seems there’s been some problem with the second unit. He has to fly up to Vancouver right away. Should be in the air right now.”

  Jade’s heart sank. She wouldn’t be seeing Garrett tonight. He probably left a message on her phone. As silly as it was, Jade couldn’t wait to hear it. If she couldn’t be with him, his voice would have to do.

  “I should be going.”

  “Of course. It is getting late.” Callie smiled. “Unless you would like to stay for dinner?”

  “Oh, I don’t know.” Jade almost said yes without thinking. She loved being here. Only a few hours and the Landis house felt more like home than hers ever had. Still, she didn’t want to overstay her welcome.

  “In case you think Callie is only being polite, don’t worry,” Caleb said, a twinkle in his eye. “If she didn’t want you to stay, she wouldn’t ask. Isn’t that right, my love?”

  “Too true,” Callie sighed. “I have no filter when it comes to such things. When I was a struggling actress trying to impress the movie world, I bit my tongue so many times I’m surprised I didn’t bite it off. Now that I’ve become…” she turned to her husband. “What did that article call me?”

  “A legendary icon.”

  Callie rolled her eyes. “God! Can you believe that? It’s flattering, but honestly. I’m not that old.” She sighed. “Never mind. The point is I no longer have to suffer the company of idiots. So, please, stay for dinner. I think Lorena made a pot of corn chowder.”

  “And her sourdough rolls?” Caleb asked hopefully.

  “And cherry pie for dessert.”

  “This is why I have a personal trainer,” Caleb said to Jade. “And a pimped out workout facility in the basement. And two swimming pools. When a man is married to a legendary icon,” he patted his flat stomach, “he can’t afford to get fat.”

  “Careful, or I will put my legendary foot up your nicely toned ass.” Callie gave him a playful shove. “Go tell Lorena we have one more for dinner.”

  Jade watched the two with wonder. What was it like to love someone that much for so long?

  “If you aren’t careful, you won’t be able to get rid of me.”

  As she had when Jade arrived, Callie took her hand, leading her into the house. This time she put an arm around Jade’s shoulder.

  “From now on, consider our doors open. I will be insulted if you wait for a formal invitation to stop by. Anytime, Jade. Call if you want to talk, stop by for no reason. I’m here for you.”

  Jade wanted to return the easy affection Callie showed. An arm around the other woman’s waist, her head on her shoulder. That kind of thing didn’t come casually to Jade. Maybe. In the future. She felt a warm feeling radiate through her body when she thought about that. There would be time to let her guard down with Callie just as she had with Garrett.

  Garrett. Wondering if there was a message on her phone would prey on her through dinner if she didn’t check.

  “May I use the bathroom?”

  “Of course.” Callie showed her a room just off the foyer. “There is nothing for show, I hate that. Use any of the towels and soap.”

  One more reason to love Callie. There wasn’t a common bathroom in her home that didn’t have little soaps or monogrammed hand towels. Why put something out if it couldn’t be used?

  After shutting the door, Jade quickly made use of the facilities. She carefully washed her hands before eagerly reaching for the phone.

  Fifteen messages. Most were from her father. No surprise there. Melinda Hurst. Jade wondered how the awful woman got her phone number. Then instantly answered her own question. Melinda and Anson Marlow were close. Whether he encouraged Melinda or the other woman who wanted another chance to sharpen her claws on Jade, it didn’t matter. Let’s do lunch? Jade deleted the message. Not in this lifetime.

  Finally, almost at the end of the list was Garrett’s name. Not a text. As she hoped, he left a recorded message. Smiling, Jade hit play.

  Something has come up in Canada. I won’t be able to make it tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be back in Los Angeles. This could take a day or it could take two weeks. I’ve gotten hooked on the way you taste, honey. Hey, that’s it. You taste like honey.” Garrett’s voice lowered making Jade’s breath catch. “Spicy Jade honey. I could make a fortune selling it. I’m afraid I’ll have withdrawals. Luckily, I’ve thought of a solution. Phone sex. Midnight. Clothing optional. Text me if you can come. And yes, I meant to make a dirty pun.”

  In her haste, Jade almost dropped her phone. She left him a one-word message. Nothing else was necessary. With a smile, Jade texted YES!

  CHAPTER NINE

  MIDNIGHT COULDN’T ARRIVE soon enough. Finding ways to pass the time wasn’t difficult. She found some of it enjoyable. Some of it not so much.

  Jade somehow put thoughts of phone sex with their son out of her head while she shared a delicious meal with Callie and Caleb. As she discovered with Garrett, good company and interesting conversation made it easier for her to eat. She no longer dreaded having food set in front of her. Before, her taste buds seemed dead. Now, she reveled in the flavors of the creamy chowder laced with bacon and onion. The warm sourdough rolls, smeared with butter, melted in her mouth. And the cherry pie? She enjoyed it almost as much as chocolate pudding.

  Pleased by how Jade relished the meal, Callie insisted they make it a regular thing. Once a week. They had uncertain schedules so the actual night was left fluid. Jade left with a warm feeling she attributed to good food and better company. She had few real friends. Knowing she could add Callie to the list made her feel like she could have floated home, a full stomach and all.

  When the cab dropped her at the usual corner, Jade didn’t hurry back to the house. She strolled, taking in the evening air that was laced with honeysuckle and roses. She couldn’t remember a time when she felt so relaxed. Unburdened. That was the word. Sharing everything with Callie was another step. A big one.

  Jade’s therapist listened, was sympathetic. Still, she was paid to do so. Then there was Garrett. Telling him had been hard. Brutally so. He didn’t turn away. Now, he was her lover. Her secret lover. Hidden from the world and shrouded in the shadows of her making. Until she could be with him in the light, there was a very good chance it would end. Soon.

  Jade put that thought aside. She had him for now. Tonight. With a smile, she wrapped her arms around herself. Phone sex. That would be something new.

  She turned to the entrance of her house, pushing the security pad keys to disengage the lock. The camera followed her movements. When she snuck out to meet Garrett, Jade followed a carefully mapped out path that kept her out of camera range. She was proud of that. Her father was certain his system had no flaws. Maybe someday she would tell him the truth. The look on his face would be worth the inevitable icy dress down.

  Tonight, Jade wasn’t hiding. Instead of keeping her head down, she looked up, smiled, and then waved. That should confuse whoever had the tedious job of reviewing the footage. Jade glanced at the camera. She never smiled. She never waved. What the hell was going on?

  Jade wasn’t surprised when the front door opened before she reached it. She had left hours ago without explanation. It was after nine. Staying out past dark was another thing Jade never did. Neither the staff nor her father was used to Jade stepping away from a seemingly set in stone routine.

  Stepping through the door, Jade gave the nervous-looking maid a serene smile. Let them all wonder what was going on. Before they became used to the new her, she planned on being gone.

  “Good evening, Miss Marlow. Your father—”

  “Let me guess. My father wants to see me.” Jade didn’t pause. She turned towards the office, her footsteps steady. “He spends so much time worrying where I am, you have to wonder how he manages to run a multi-million dollar empire.”

  Jade didn’t bother to knock. Something else new. Walking in without an invitation was a big no-no. Too much, too soon? Jade wondered. Her evening with Callie and Caleb embo
ldened her. The look her father gave her made her wonder if it was a false bravado that would crumble with his first words of disapproval. She was about to find out.

  “Where have you been?”

  “I had dinner with friends.”

  Friends. It felt good to say. It felt even better knowing it was true.

  “Lying serves no purpose,” he sighed. “I called your acquaintances. Neither of them knew where you were.”

  Anson Marlow was good. Jade would give him that. In two brief sentences, he called her a liar. And reminded her that she had no real friends. Acquaintances. Numbering two. She waited for her heart to start beating faster. The guilt. The shame. The feelings of inadequacy. She waited. And waited. Nothing. Oh, maybe a twinge. You couldn’t get rid of a lifetime of triggers overnight. It was happening, though. New Jade.

  “Are you amused by this?”

  Her father didn’t sound angry. He sounded incredulous. Jade was supposed to cower, not smile. By now, she should have confessed all. Her apologies should be pouring out. Apologies he would take as his due but never verbally accept. One more piece of the pattern. It was ugly, passive aggressive shit. Time for a new game. One where only she knew the rules.

  “I have no sense of humor, Father.”

  Jade said it with such matter-of-factness, she could see her father struggling to decide if she were serious or being sarcastic.

  “You left this afternoon without leaving word where you could be reached.”

  “There was nothing planned for this evening. I wasn’t needed, so I took some time for myself.”

  Jade could see her father’s frustration mounting. She was evasive without any outright disrespect. How was he supposed to handle that?

  “I needed your input on the banquet.”

  “Which banquet?”

  “Parker Shipping.”

  “The one we’re hosting in September?” Two months from now?

  “Yes.”

  “I see.”

  Jade saw all right. Anson Marlow felt his control over his daughter slipping. It was slight. Little things here and there. Nothing he was sure couldn’t be fixed. He thought he could pull in the slack by reminding her of her duties. Her job was to be his hostess. If he had questions about an event, she was expected to be there to answer them. The fact that the event was months away didn’t matter. The banquet was already planned to the last detail. Details they went over together and documented in a folder on his computer.