The Blush Factor

by Gun Brooke

  “Sleeping. She’s okay, thanks.” Addison pulled up the duvet and reached for the laptop. “Thank you. For being here.”

  “You’re welcome. I didn’t do much. I was here working anyway.” Eleanor waved dismissively.

  “You did more than that. You know you did.” Addison ran her fingertip along Eleanor’s cheek on the screen. “If you only knew how it felt to have someone here…sort of. Who cares.”

  “Oh, Addison.” It looked like Eleanor placed her hand on the screen as well. “I would’ve liked to be there in person. I would’ve liked to hold you.” She spoke so quietly, the microphone barely caught her words. “I hate to see you distressed.”

  “I don’t like it much either.” Addison tried for some humor. “I would’ve loved for you to be here. To be able to talk to you face to face. You know.”

  “I know.” Her eyes so soft now, they nearly looked blue, Eleanor sighed. “It’s getting late. You should go back to sleep.”

  “Yeah.” Addison didn’t want to turn off Skype and lose sight of the woman she couldn’t get enough of. She could look at Eleanor forever, memorize every one of her features: the high cheekbones, strong jaw, pale-pink lips, and, oh dear God, those expressive eyes. She confessed to herself that she also wanted to run her fingers through the short, wavy hair. It looked like it would be silky, and she could imagine it curling around her fingers and pulling her in. “Um, may I ask a favor?”

  Eleanor nodded briefly, a tiny frown on her forehead.

  “Can we keep Skype on just a bit longer? You can turn it off if I start snoring.” She pulled her right shoulder up in a quick shrug. “If that’s okay.”

  Eleanor smiled. “If you want. Sure.”

  “Thank you.” Addison curled up and grabbed one of the pillows to hold against her. “Night.”

  “Good night, Addison.”

  Not sure where her courage came from, Addison pressed her fingertips against her lips and then the screen. Closing her eyes, she listened to the faint sound of Eleanor typing and using the touchpad on her laptop. It was oddly reassuring, and in only minutes she went back to sleep.

  Chapter Ten

  Addison stepped inside and dropped the grocery bags on the hallway floor. Bone tired, she rubbed her neck. Spending a whole day editing video clips sure did a number on her trapezius muscles. Carrying cartons of milk and orange juice three blocks from the grocery store wasn’t exactly relaxing them either. Truthfully, she’d been this tense for two days, ever since Stacey had her bad migraine attack.

  She hung her jacket up and frowned at the sight of Stacey’s jacket and schoolbag sitting on the floor. Was it really too much to ask of her to use one of the hooks? They were right there. Muttering, Addison hung up the black leather jacket she’d worked so much overtime to be able to buy for Stacey’s seventeenth birthday.

  She walked down the hallway and found Stacey’s door closed. Knocking, she frowned when she didn’t get a reply. “Stacey?” She opened it and found her curled up, silently hugging a large pillow. “You all right, honey? Is it your head?” Forgetting her annoyance, she rounded the bed. Stacey’s face was streaked with tears and smudged mascara, and her chocolate hair lay in wet tresses against her cheeks.

  “No. Head’s fine.” Stacey spoke in a low, scratchy voice. “I’m terrific, but clearly I’m not Elphaba.”

  “What? What do you mean?” Addison pulled her into her arms. “I thought it was decided.”

  “It was. Was.” Stacey freed herself and pulled her legs up, hugging her knees. “Until my so-called friend Christine went to the director and explained that I wasn’t fit to sing since I was having surgery and might have permanent fucking brain damage afterward.”

  Stiffening, Addison clenched her teeth so hard, she was prepared to hear them shatter before she was able to relax them enough to speak. “She did what?” she murmured. Her tone broke through Stacey’s sadness, and she flinched.

  “Oh, God. That voice means you’re going to kill someone. I know it.”

  “She went to the director and this person listened to such garbage?” She couldn’t remain seated. “I want you to give me the director’s phone number. This. Instant.”

  “Addison. Please. Don’t blow a fuse at him.”

  “Oh, trust me, my fuses are blown.” Addison pulled out her cell phone. “Well?”

  “All right, all right. Geez.” Stacey grabbed a binder from the shelf above her desk, browsing through it with trembling fingers. “Here. That one. Mr. Hiller.”

  “Okay.” Addison dialed as she left the room and walked into her own bedroom, closing the door. She wasn’t going to murder this man over the phone in Stacey’s presence. He might also ask hard questions that she wasn’t prepared to answer in front of her.

  “Hello?” a male voice said, sounding slightly out of breath.

  “Mr. Hiller?” Addison sat down on her bed, hugging a pillow tight.

  “Yes?”

  “I’m Addison Garr, Stacey Garr’s sister. I just came home and found my sister crying, completely heartbroken.”

  “Ms. Garr. I’m sorry. I’m on my way to a faculty meeting—”

  “I don’t care. Why did you take the part of Elphaba away from Stacey?”

  “Because it was in her best interest, Ms. Garr. Her medical condition alone—”

  “Her medical condition? You don’t know anything about that.” Tapping her foot now, Addison fought to remain calm.

  “Of course not in great detail, but I learned from one of the other students that Stacey hadn’t explained her situation fully, and neither I nor the school can assume responsibility for her safety.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? It’s a school play. Not Survivor on an uninhabited island.”

  “It’s a school play where Elphaba will swing from the rafters in a harness, Ms. Garr. If Stacey gets ill or her condition deteriorates, she could fall down or, worse, her aneurism could burst. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. I know how happy Stacey was to be cast as Elphaba.” He sounded sincere, even distraught. “I wish I could do something, I really do, Ms. Garr. Stacey’s voice was the best by far, and her stage presence is amazing. When her health is restored, I think I can guarantee she will be cast in the next musical in her senior year. It would be a crime not to.”

  Addison gave a muted sob, muffling it against the pillow. She hadn’t known about Elphaba swinging from any rafters. “I apologize for yelling at you,” she said. She could hardly speak, her voice was so husky. “I understand, Mr. Hiller.” She did. The school would be held accountable if anything happened to Stacey while rehearsing or performing. The truth was, until Stacey’s aneurism was dealt with, she was a ticking time bomb. She couldn’t blame Stacey for sticking her head in the sand and pretending everything was fine. She’d been doing the same thing. “I’ll talk to her. I’m not sure she’ll understand, at least not right away, as this was her dream part.”

  “If it’s any consolation for her, tell her that friends of mine will be attending the dress rehearsal. I don’t know if you’ve heard of Chicory Ariose. They’re a pretty famous all-female group.”

  “No, I don’t think so. Stacey might have, though. She’s the one with the music talent at our house.”

  “Anyway, two of them, Eryn and Mike, have been friends of mine since I lived in East Key. I was so excited about this year’s cast, including Stacey, I asked them if they’d come listen. When they come, I’m going to insist they hear my original Elphaba sing. Would you please let Stacey know that?”

  Addison changed her initial opinion of Mr. Hiller completely. “Thank you. I really appreciate your honesty and that you’re looking out for my sister. She’s been through a lot over the years and it’s still tough going, as you can imagine.”

  “Anytime, Ms. Garr. And please, when it’s time for Stacey’s surgery, do keep us in the loop.”

  “I will. Thanks for taking the time to explain.” Addison said good-bye and disconnected the call. Sighing, she rubbed her
temple. She felt so bad for Stacey. Feeling her pain and disappointment, she wanted to ease her sister’s heartache.

  Just as she was about to get up and go back to Stacey, her phone buzzed, notifying her of a text message.

  How is Stacey doing?

  E.

  How could one text message infuse more oxygen into the air? Addison smiled and held the phone harder. Tapping the screen she typed in her reply.

  Her head is better. Major disappointment here today re: school musical. Lost her part. Going to try to cheer her up now.

  Addie

  Tucking the phone into the pocket of her hoodie so she’d feel it vibrate, Addison thought of how Eleanor had watched over her as she slept, completely drained, two evenings ago. The way they’d interacted after Addison woke up still made her blush. Weak at the knees, she recalled Eleanor’s voice calling her name, waking her via Skype.

  She stopped her mind from going there and hurried back to Stacey, who now sat listlessly at her desk, staring down at her homework without moving.

  “Sweetie-girl, listen.” Addison pulled up a pink-and-blue stool to sit next to her. “You won’t be playing Elphaba, that’s true.” She explained about liability and how it worked, but she could tell this didn’t help lift Stacey’s mood at all. “Have you heard of Chicory Ariose?” Addison stroked Stacey’s back.

  “What? Chicory…? Oh, yeah, the improv jazz and blues group. I have, yes. Mainly because they’ve done several songs with Noelle Laurent.” Stacey looked interested for the first time since Addison came home. “Why?”

  “Mr. Hiller was actually quite heartbroken to lose you as Elphaba. He said you were a shoo-in next year when they do the musical your senior year. And”—she held up a hand when Stacey’s eyes darkened again—“and this year, at dress rehearsal, two members of Chicory Ariose are going to be present. Mr. Hiller hoped you’d be available to sing even if you can’t play Elphaba.”

  “Wait. Run that by me again.” Stacey sat up straight. “Mr. Hiller knows someone in Chicory Ariose and thinks they should hear me sing? Me? Really?” A smile broke through, and even if her eyes were red and swollen, that smile illuminated her entire face.

  “Really. I believe he called them Eryn and Mike.”

  “Mike? Oh yeah, the drummer is a girl, but her name is Mike. I think she’s the one who’s with the opera singer. You know, the one who lost her sight?”

  Addison gaped. “Vivian Harding? Even I’ve heard of her.”

  “And Eryn, the other one Mr. Hiller mentioned, is married to a woman also. Can’t remember her name, but she’s super rich. Perhaps your Eleanor knows her.”

  “She’s not my Eleanor.” Addison’s cheeks warmed. “Don’t keep saying that. Someone might overhear you one day and that could mean trouble.”

  “Only if it was remotely true or if—oh, God, you’re blushing!” Stacey’s eyes grew huge. “You’re totally blushing and that can only mean one thing. Something happened.”

  “What on earth are you talking about?” Annoyed now, and also a little bit relieved that Stacey wasn’t crying anymore, Addison put her hands on her hips.

  “Last time we talked about Eleanor Ashcroft, you were all hung up on her not listening to you and how those yoyos at Face Exquisite were undermining you. And now…you blush when I mention her. When I call her yours.” Stacey mimicked Addison’s stance. “And what’s this? You only go ‘oh, I’m your big sister so don’t give me that’ on me when I’m close to figuring something out. Honestly. Like taking candy from a baby.”

  The girl was too clever for her own good, Addison thought darkly, and glowered at her. Yet a part of her wanted to cheer since this was enough distraction to keep Stacey smiling. “Eleanor and I—”

  “See? Exhibit A, ‘Eleanor and I,’” Stacey said, sticking her index finger in the air.

  “Shut up. Eleanor and I have Skyped a few times, mainly about business, but also that evening a few nights ago when you were so sick, remember? She’s been really nice and understanding. I actually got a text from her asking about you just now. See?” Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, she handed it to Stacey.

  Stacey tapped the screen a few times, and then her eyebrows seemed to fly off her face. “Um. Addie? You sure you mean this particular text?”

  “What do you mean?” Taking the phone back, Addison scanned the messages. She saw the one she’d replied to and then discovered another one from Eleanor she’d missed while focusing on Stacey.

  I wish I could be there for you. I keep thinking about our chats. I missed you last night. Tonight at 8? I hope that will help me sleep.

  E.

  Crap. And of course Stacey had to see that one.

  “She missed you? I thought you work together?” Stacey looked more confused than teasing at the moment.

  “We do, but mainly at a distance. She’s very hands on, really—” Her face on fire after that stupid comment, Addison forged ahead. “I mainly work with her representative in another building and the head chemist right now. I told you that. We’re coming up with new products. And she didn’t miss me. She missed me as I didn’t make it to the chat last night.”

  “Ha. I think I’m right and you’re wrong. As for the makeup, yeah, I remember. Cruelty free against cruel ones.” Stacey tilted her head. “So since you two aren’t working together in the same place, she misses you. That’s awesome.” Stacey winked.

  “It’s not what it sounds like. You’re forgetting something, Stace. Eleanor isn’t a lesbian.”

  “We talked about that already. According to the tabloids, she hasn’t been in a long-term relationship for years. Hardly ever, as far as I’ve found out. I know you didn’t want me to, but I’ve researched her some more since you’re so gone on her.”

  “Gone on her? Oh, my God, Stace. I find her attractive, but that’s all. She is attractive. I’d think so even if I was straight.” Covering her face with both hands, Addison peeked at Stacey between her fingers.

  “Which proves my point. You’re totally obsessed with her.” Looking proud of her own powers of deduction, Stacey ticked off more arguments on her fingers. “So, no long-term boyfriend for Eleanor. She’s very private and she’s a workaholic. Even if she’s not aware of why she’s hot for you—”

  “Stacey!” Shocked and amused at the same time, Addison thumped Stacey’s shoulder. “Not another word. You’re impossible.” And she was too close to the truth. Eleanor had confessed to being confused about Addison. Surely that’s what Eleanor meant when she’d said, “I found myself thinking of you far more than what’s logical, or prudent, for that matter.” That said, Addison was still terrified of reading anything more into what Eleanor was saying. She’d met straight women who were curious and eager to experiment, only to decide they were really very straight once they’d satisfied their curiosity.

  Having fallen for that once, she’d put it right up there on her list of stuff she didn’t care to do again. If that happened with Eleanor, it would break her heart. It was much better to keep her distance and just enjoy the fact that Eleanor seemed to like her, as well as her efforts at work.

  “You feeling better?” Addison slid a hand underneath Stacey’s hair and cupped the back of her neck.

  “Yeah. A little. Mr. Hiller’s idea that I should perform for half of Chicory Ariose isn’t bad. Makes it hard to stay mad at him.”

  “And you’ll get a part next year.” Addison smiled encouragingly.

  “Seems far away, but that’s cool.” Stacey sighed and looked at her desk. “Better get on with my French homework. How one language can have so many exceptions to rules in its grammar is beyond me.”

  “I know. I remember tearing out tons of hair when I took French.”

  “And your French still didn’t stick, did it?” Stacey stuck her tongue out and grinned.

  “Behave, or dinner will—shoot!” Remembering the groceries sitting on the hallway floor, with ice cream melting all over the place, no doubt, Addison sprang to her feet. “Do
your homework and I’ll start dinner, okay?”

  “Okay.” Stacey sat motionless for a moment before suddenly hugging Addison tight. “Thanks. You’re the best,” she whispered.

  “Oh, sweetie-girl.” She hugged Stacey back. “Love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  As she walked out to the abandoned groceries, Addison answered Eleanor’s text.

  Thank you. Crisis averted, I think. Looking forward to 8 pm.

  Addie

  The response came just as she dumped the groceries on the kitchen table.

  Good. See you then. If there is anything I can do for Stacey, you must tell me.

  E.

  This wasn’t the first time Eleanor had offered to help with Stacey. What could Eleanor possibly get out of caring for a girl she’d never met? Perhaps she was merely a caring person despite her boardroom-barracuda reputation? To be honest, Addison hadn’t seen any of the barracuda personality directed toward her. Yes, Eleanor had dealt harshly and methodically with those on her staff that weren’t doing their jobs to her satisfaction. That was true. Still, Eleanor seemed to really care about her. Addison wanted to believe in Eleanor’s good intentions and the attraction she had all but confessed to, but how could she possibly lower her guard when she knew so little about her?

  Putting away the groceries, Addison tried to push away the thoughts of what it would be like to give in to her desire when it came to Eleanor. What if she came on to Eleanor and she realized being with a woman wasn’t her thing? Eleanor could be totally repelled, which would crush Addison once and for all.

  Addison didn’t understand how she could be so certain, but she was. When it came to Eleanor, she would have to be very careful, but a small voice in the back of her head snickered insistently, “Too late!”

  Chapter Eleven

  Eleanor regarded the text on her cell phone with equal parts trepidation and excitement.