by Renee Porter
Ryan could tell that Charlie had a retort on her lips but chose not to respond. She was sure it was something to tease the woman but the furrow of her brow let her know that it wasn’t probably the best time to make jokes.
“Where does it hurt?” Charlie asked as she sat next to Ryan. The brunette swallowed thickly as she turned her back carefully and pointed to the offending muscle. Ryan felt Charlie move her hands to her back and her face warmed immediately. She felt the strong fingers push lightly and dig into the muscle. The warmth from her face immediately pooled around Charlie’s probing fingers and she swallowed a groan from the pleasure she found.
“Right there?” Charlie whispered. Ryan just nodded her head, grateful that Charlie couldn’t see her face. She was biting her cheek from the feeling that Charlie was eliciting. This feels too good.
“Taking a break?” Charlie’s fingers immediately withdrew as Ryan felt her warm skin grow cold at the sound of Jonathan’s voice.
“Back spasm,” Ryan stated simply. Jonathan’s eyes seemed to soften and then harden again when he looked at Charlie. This was something that Ryan started to pick up on. For some reason, Jonathan had an issue with Charlie getting too close to Ryan. A part of her wanted to believe that Jonathan didn’t want Charlie hitting on his best friend but that immediately flew out of Ryan’s head. There was no way that someone like Charlie would be interested in someone like Ryan. She was Hollywood royalty for goodness sake. What would she even want with someone who doesn’t even share her passion for television and movies?
“Mhmm,” Jonathan glanced between the two women until Charlie stood, taking her place in front of the engine again. The light was starting to wane and there wouldn’t be much more time to actually work. She had wanted to get the valve in place before the end of the night.
“So what’s up, Jon?” Charlie asked. Ryan caught Jonathan’s narrowed gaze at his cousin and Ryan gave him a taste of his own medicine with her own stare down. He must have felt her locked eyes because he finally removed them from the brunette’s and shook his head when he caught Ryan’s green orbs.
“Nothing really. I was just wondering if you two would like to join me tonight for a drink. One of my clients just got a national pilot and I want to celebrate.” Jonathan smiled widely as the two women rang out their congratulations.
“That sounds fun. Where were you thinking?” Ryan asked.
“Somewhere in WeHo? Maybe the Abbey?” Charlie hadn’t lifted her head as she continued working on the engine. Her tone arms flexing and releasing with every turn of the wrench.
“I haven’t been there in a while. I would love to go. Charlie?” Ryan asked wondering why the woman was so quiet but finally she broke her silence.
“Sorry, I would love to celebrate but I’ll probably just stay in.” Charlie looked up quickly at Jonathan, making brief eye contact and then back down at the engine block.
“You don’t have to be worried, Charlie.” Jonathan stated in an almost exasperated voice. Ryan was immediately confused as to why Charlie would be worried about going out.
“You know why I should be worried, Jon.” She pointed the wrench in his direction as he surrendered up his arms.
“Worried about what?” Ryan finally asked. The two cousins looked at her quickly, almost as if they had forgotten she was there. Jonathan opened his mouth to say something but Charlie responded instead.
“It’s difficult for me to go out. I get recognized and before you know it the club is surrounded by paparazzi and it’s difficult just to leave…let alone have a good time.”
“Oh.” Ryan hadn’t even considered how difficult it must be for Charlie just to be out in public. Ryan didn’t try to sound dejected but she was afraid at how it sounded. She didn’t want Charlie to feel bad. In fact she wanted Charlie to have a good time. “What about a disguise?”
Jonathan gave a smile over at his cousin. “A disguise is perfect. We can butch you up. Shave your head and then you can wear something that Ryan owns.” Ryan scoffed at Jonathan as she threw a dirtied rag in his direction. He dodged it with disgust on his face. Heaven forbid the man look anything other than pristine.
“Actually, that might work.” Charlie said as she closed the hood, wiped down the wrench and then her hands.
“Butching you up?” Jonathan asked with seriousness. Ryan laughed at Jonathan and Charlie joined in with the chuckle.
“I have a couple of wigs and I can wear my glasses. I may be able to pull off hipster c -chic.” She shrugged her shoulders and looked over to Ryan. “You sure you’d be okay to go out with your back?” Ryan waved her off and nodded her head.
“A couple of drinks will help me drown the pain.”
“And kick up the chances of you finding a woman, right Charlie?” Jonathan made it a point to look directly at Ryan and her cheeks flared. She didn’t know why she had felt so self-conscious at that moment. She didn’t know why she didn’t want Charlie thinking about her looking to date. It was ridiculous.
Charlie looked over at Ryan who produced a smile that looked anything but happy. She steeled her back, shaking her head. “Right. Got to get out to finally meet someone.” Charlie shrugged her shoulders as she grabbed the tools and placed them inside of the garage. “I’m going to go get cleaned up. The valve is done, maybe next week we can work on the clutch. See you later.” Charlie left without a second glance back and Ryan finally asked Jonathan what had been on her mind over the last few weeks.
“Why are you acting jealous?”
Jonathan raised his eyebrows. “Jealous? I am not acting jealous.”
“Yes you are. Every time Charlie and I are in a conversation or if she just so happens to even touch me even in the friendliest way possible, you always get this look in your eye.”
Jonathan sighed as he took a seat down next to Ryan. He opened his mouth to say something but then thought better of it and smiled. “You’re right. I am jealous. It’s been you and me for a long time and you two are becoming good friends. I just don’t want to be replaced.”
Ryan eyed him carefully and then her shoulders relaxed. “You’ll never be replaced, Jon, you know that. I like your cousin though. She’s a lot like you so it’s easy to see why I would like to be her friend. Just promise me that you’ll ease up on her? I take it there aren’t a lot of genuine people that she can trust.”
Jonathan nodded his head as his own question formed on his lips. “Just friends?” He asked her. Ryan looked at him if he was insane. Was her best friend actually asking if there was something going on between her and Charlie?
“Yes, of course. First off, I never fall for women that I don’t have a chance with. And secondly,” Jonathan held up a hand to Ryan to stop her from continuing.
“Even if she wasn’t my cousin I would stop you there. I’m not going to sit here as you denounce your character and say that she’s out of your league. If anything, it’s the other way around.” Jonathan stood as he wiped off the dirt from his slacks. “I’d like you two to be friends, just be careful okay?” With those last mysterious words of advice, Jonathan walked away from Ryan. “Be ready by eight!” He called out to her. Ryan shook her head as she tried to determine what Jonathan was saying and why she should be careful about Charlie.
***
The Abbey was considered one of West Hollywood’s premier gay bars. With the relaxed atmosphere in the outside lounge and thumping beats inside, it was easy to see why so many people, gay and straight, decided to spend their time dancing and drinking there. Charlie looked around the heavily populated area, taking in the sights and sounds. To her right, two women kissed as a man stood between them, licking his lips with the sensual display. Charlie shook her head as her eyes darted toward the bar area. It had been hard to keep an eye on Ryan as she darted away from their small group to grab them all drinks. But as if her silent wish came true, the masses parted and Charlie scrunched her nose up in confusion.
“Who’s the woman talking to Ryan at the bar?” Charlie readju
sted the hat and glasses that served as her disguise. She was wearing a blonde wig with razor straight hair and her dark eye makeup and glasses made it almost impossible for anyone to recognize the woman. She took the last sip of her drink as Jonathan huffed as he answered.
“That’s trouble,” he said with irritation. Charlie kept her eyes on the tall, thin, brunette who leaned in close to Ryan. A protective flutter resounded in her chest and she tightened her jaw as she saw Ryan lightly push the woman back to give her space. Ryan obviously was not finding the interaction enjoyable and Charlie almost stood to get up and pull the woman back to give Ryan space.
“Her name is Naomi. She’s Ryan’s ex.” Charlie widened her eyes as she took in the brunette’s features. She was familiar to Charlie for some reason. The stance, the high cheekbones, the thin waist and ample chest. This woman was definitely a model, and then it clicked.
“That’s Naomi Hart, isn’t it? The Victoria’s Secret model?” Jonathan nodded his head in answer and Charlie shook her own in astonishment. Ryan had dated Naomi Hart. The woman was very much in the limelight and a part of her wondered how someone who shied away from the excitement of Hollywood could have dated one of the most popular models inside of its belly. She turned her head over to Jonathan, begging for an explanation.
“She and Ryan dated for a year about four years ago. She caught Naomi cheating on her with some photographer.” Charlie’s frustration grew.
“Who in their right mind would cheat on Ryan?” Jonathan raised his eyebrow at his cousin’s outburst who shrugged her shoulders in response. “You know what I mean, Jon.”
“In my defense, Naomi was small time when we started dating,” Ryan sat down handing the others a round of beers. Charlie smiled, visibly blushing at the thought of being caught talking about her and Naomi’s relationship. Ryan however, didn’t seem to mind. “She was only doing small gigs until she caught a lucky break She’s part of the reason why I don’t like to start relationships with people in the business.”
“I caught Charlie up on the drama. I hope you don’t mind,” Jonathan said.
Ryan shook her head. “Not at all, I don’t mind sharing my horrific dating life with her. Although I’m pretty sure she’s already privy to it.” Ryan smiled as she took a sip of beer and Charlie shook her head as Jon continued to discuss their relationship.
“Naomi is still hopelessly in love with Ryan. She continually tries to get her back. Pretty shameless, might I say.”
“You totally may,” Ryan said. Charlie looked over at the model who was eyeing them carefully.
“Did you tell her that I caught her in my bed with her photographer?”
“In your bed?” Charlie asked astonished. She eyed the woman to see if there were any pangs of regret but the way that Ryan held her glare she realized that the woman was over the drama.
“Yeah. I was stupid to even think that Naomi could change. I knew her reputation but she laid it on thick. Telling me that I was her one and only, that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with me. You know…everything that a girl wants to hear.”
“That’s despicable,” Charlie said. Ryan leaned in to look over to Jonathan.
“Hey, Jon, I like her. You should keep her around.” Ryan laughed and Charlie beamed with the tease. This was how their budding friendship was starting to form. Easy banter, and when serious conversations came up, Ryan would discuss them with seriousness but then find a light humor in them as well.
“She looks like she wants to maul you,” Charlie whispered in Ryan’s direction. Ryan considered her for a moment before responding.
“Naomi thinks she owns everything about me.”
“And she makes it a point to hit on any woman that Ryan is interested in.” Jonathan said.
“Or talk to.”
“Or look at.” They ping ponged back and forth and Charlie shook her head at the audacity of the woman.
“That’s why I tend to choose blind dates. A lot of the women I know, also know about Naomi and her ‘staked claim’ so it’s hard for me to find someone that’s willing to go against her.”
“And if they do,” Jonathan piped up, “Naomi goes out of her way to show interest in them so they won’t show interest in Ryan.”
Charlie furrowed her brows not really believing what she was she was hearing. “So if you’re dating someone…” Charlie asked not finishing.
Ryan took a sip of her beer and nodded, finishing for Charlie. “Then it won’t be too long for Naomi to weasel her way in and try to sabotage me. to try and take her away . I can’t blame them though, Naomi is a model and physically she is stunning. She’s much more interesting than I am me .”
“That’s not true,” Charlie said as she kept her eyes on the model. She stared her down as Naomi locked on Charlie’s gaze. She was forced to look away as she thought she might have seen a flicker of familiarity there. “If I had a choice between you two, I would choose you, no question about it.” What Charlie had said was the truth. Ryan was far more beautiful than Naomi and her personality made her even more beautiful than any woman she had ever met. Charlie heard Jonathan clear his throat as she realized what she said. She looked over at Ryan who held a shy smirk. “You know what I mean...” Charlie took a long swig of her beer as she eyed Jonathan over the long neck of her bottle. His eyes were glassy and he was obviously feeling the drinks because instead of giving her a death glare he gave her a knowing smirk.
“Well thank you. That gives me hope that I’ll find someone someday who might think the same thing.”
“You will, Ryan. Anyone would be lucky to be with you.” Jonathan stated.
“Anyone?” Charlie challenged Jonathan. Ryan looked between the two cousins, that feeling of secretiveness becoming thick in the air again.
“Within reason, of course.” Jonathan sputtered out. “Say, Charlie, while we are on the topic. Anyone here catching your eye?” Charlie’s demeanor changed suddenly as her face warmed to Jonathan’s question. Ryan wasn’t sure why he was asking. For the most part this was a gay club, although everyone, gay or straight attended.
“No. Not my kind of crowd.” She took another swig of her beer as Ryan thought of her answer. It could have meant so many things. That she wasn’t a lesbian so there wouldn’t be anyone that she wasn’t interested in. Or maybe Charlie went for actors who held the same interests in her and schedules. Ryan thought it would be easier for her to date someone like that, not some woman that didn’t want any part of it. Woah, down there tiger. She’s not interested in anyone here, remember?
“You know, maybe we should head out before Naomi tries to make another pass. I don’t think I have enough in me tonight to swat her off again.” Jonathan nodded at Ryan’s request and moved to get up. Charlie and Ryan mimicked him and before they knew it they were back at home and walking to their respective houses.
“Thanks for tonight,” Ryan quickly hugged Jonathan and then turned to Charlie. They hadn’t really ever hugged but for some reason, Ryan was feeling pulled toward the brunette and before she knew it she wrapped her arms around her. She was rewarded with hands encircling her waist and sighed quietly when she finally pulled away. “And thanks for what you said about Naomi. It was really nice of you.”
Charlie shrugged as she turned from Ryan, and started gliding up the stairs after Jonathan. “It was the truth,” she said before waving a goodnight. Ryan smiled widely as she took the steps toward her house, the night filling her head with endless possibilities.
Chapter 4
Ryan looked up at the sound of a knock on her office door. Usually she had liked to keep it open but the woman was doing much needed research that even she was embarrassed looking at. At the sound of the knock she quickly minimized her browser window and stood, prepping herself to sound welcoming. As the door opened she stared at a blank wall, but the small laughter coming from about three feet down, made her eyes cast downward and they were met by the small crooked smile of George Jackson.
“Hi Ry!�
�� The three-year-old grabbed hold of Ryan’s thigh as she chuckled at his enthusiasm.
“Hi, ya, Georgie! Why aren’t you with grandma today?” Ryan grabbed him from underneath his arms and lifted him up so they were now face to face. She stared at his dark chocolate brown eyes and she literally melted. She had remembered when he was nothing but cantaloupe in Katie’s stomach and even she had to admit that he was growing up to be a handsome young boy.
“Granny’s not feeling good,” Georgie said as he fiddled with Ryan’s collar. Ryan looked cautiously at the young man and eyed the hallway for Katie to see exactly what he had meant. She knew that Katie’s mother had some health problems and she wanted to make sure everything was fine.
“There you are, munchkin!” Katie came rounding the corner and gave Ryan an apologetic smile. “George, you know not to run off like that,” Katie chastised. George was about to defend himself like any three-year-old would, but instead Ryan came to his guard.
“He can’t help it, Katie. He missed me.” Ryan smiled wide as she peppered George with kisses on his face. The boy giggled as he tried to deftly dodge Ryan’s lips. “He also said that Granny isn’t feeling well. Is everything okay?”
Katie gave out a huff of breath but the soft smile let Ryan know her concern was unfounded. “Mom just has a headache. She’s been getting them more often but the doctor said it’s a given with her affinity towards everything but water.”
Ryan chuckled at her friend and then released Georgie to the ground so he can sit in the ‘big person’ chair at Ryan’s desk.
“He’s getting so big,” Ryan said as she watched Georgie pretend to pick up the phone and make a business deal.
“He is,” Katie sighed. “I can’t believe he’s going to be four soon. Honestly, it happened in the blink of an eye. It felt like yesterday I was screaming in the delivery room wanting so badly to get him out. Now I can hardly keep up with him.” Katie’s eyes scrunched up as she moved toward Georgie who was now pretending to use the computer keyboard as a spaceship control panel.