Unexpectedly Tony burst out laughing. “Jesus holy Christ!” he said. “And I thought Maria was so demure.”
Lola was shocked by his reaction. She’d wanted him to call the girl every name he could think of. Instead he was laughing as if it didn’t matter. “You mean you’re not upset?” she said.
“No way. She’s got the guest of honor’s tongue up her crack. Hey—maybe I can get a discount on a painting.”
Lola scowled. Her news had not had the effect she’d hoped for. “You’re a pervert,” she said.
“No, babe,” he said, still laughing. “I’m a man.”
• • •
“You know what?” Nick said.
“What?” Cat replied.
“My turn to do something wild now.”
“Thought we just did.”
“Yeah, we did, and I’m wet and freezing my balls off. How about you?”
“Look at me,” she said, shivering. “I’m like something left outside in the rain all night.”
“You’re still a beauty.”
“Ooh, compliments,” she said, grinning. “I like it.”
“Here’s what we’re gonna do,” he said, executing a U-turn and heading back along the Pacific Coast Highway. “We’re drivin’ to Vegas and playin’ blackjack. My game of choice.”
“Oh, in our wet clothes, with you driving seven hundred miles an hour, we’re off to Vegas, so you can play a dumb card game?”
“C’mon,” he encouraged. “You’re an adventurous soul. You gotta like gambling.”
“Can’t say I’ve ever done it.”
“I’ll teach you. I’m a degenerate gambler.”
“That sounds bad.”
“I always win.”
“Why Vegas?”
“Why not?”
“I can think of a hundred reasons.”
“Go ahead,” he said, driving fast.
“Okay. My movie wrapped, I’m beat, and come Monday I’m locked in the editing room. I think I need to go home.”
“That’s not a hundred reasons,” he argued. “Besides, it’s Friday. We’ve got the whole freakin’ weekend. I’ll have you back Sunday night.”
“I can’t walk into the editing room a total wreck.”
“I did your adventure, climbed down a freakin’ cliff to make out with you, and nearly got swept away. Now it’s your turn to do something for me. Here,” he added, tossing her his cell phone. “Call Amy. Tell her and Jonas to come join us at the Hard Rock.”
“Really?”
“My dime. We’ll make it a weekend.”
“You are crazy.”
“Have you noticed that if I’m not telling you that you’re crazy, you’re telling me?” he said, looking more disheveled than ever. “Are we a fuckin’ match made in heaven, or what?”
“Actually, yes,” she admitted, thinking how right he was.
“Go ahead,” he said, shooting her a grin. “Call my sister.”
“What’s her number?”
“Speed dial number one.”
Amy answered immediately. “What happened to you two?” she yelled, music blaring away in the background. “Jonas and me are still at the party. It’s a blast.” “We took off on a side trip,” Cat explained.
“Hmm . . . I see.”
“Anyway, your insane brother has requested that you and Jonas join us in Vegas.”
“Why?” Amy said, completely unfazed. “Are you two getting married?”
“No,” Cat answered, choking with laughter at the thought. “I’m not even divorced, and somehow I don’t get the vibe that your brother is the marrying kind.”
“Stop speaking for me,” Nick interrupted. “You never know, I might marry you. Stranger things have happened.”
“Ooh, I’m so excited,” Cat drawled sarcastically. “Try not to forget that I’m still married.”
“Shut up.”
“Anyway,” she added, talking back into the phone, “hop a plane and meet us at the Hard Rock. We’re driving.”
“You’re actually risking your life in a car with my brother?” Amy questioned. “He’s a lunatic driver.”
“We’ve risked more than that tonight.”
“I’ll run it by Jonas, but you do know that he’s not a spur-of-the-moment kind of guy.”
“Tell him that we’re celebrating the end of our movie,” Cat said. “And that I’m begging him to come. That should do it. Wait a sec—talk to your brother,” she added, passing the phone to Nick.
“Hey, little Sis,” he said, one hand off the steering wheel as they zoomed down the highway. “You gonna make it?”
“If you say so, big Bro.”
“I say so.”
“Having fun, are you?”
“Oh yeah.”
“Told you she was a keeper.”
“Right as usual,” he said, clicking off the phone.
“Can we stop by my apartment?” Cat pleaded. “I need to grab some clothes. Look at me. I vaguely resemble a drowned rat.”
“I’m looking at you,” he said sincerely. “It’s a beautiful sight.”
• • •
Matt emerged from the kitchen. The party was in full swing, crowded with guests laughing, talking, and clinking glasses. A classical guitarist played inspirational music, only Matt was not in an inspirational mood. He was severely pissed as he began searching for his wife—his lovely, gorgeous, famous wife, his delectable, unfaithful bitch of a wife.
Finally he spotted her, talking to Tony Alvarez. He walked purposefully over, his bland face grim.
“We’re going,” he said, roughly taking her arm.
“Excuse me?” she said, shaking free.
“We’re leaving,” he repeated.
“I didn’t say I was ready to leave.”
“I want to go now.”
“I don’t think so, Matt,” Lola said, her brown eyes flashing. “Go back and watch your precious ball game. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
“Don’t talk to me like that,” he said angrily. “I’m your husband. Your legal husband.”
She could see he was angry. Taking him back had been a major mistake. Now she’d have to get rid of him all over again, and she was sure her lawyer would not do it for her a second time.
Tony was watching both of them, his dark eyes cool and appraising.
She wondered if he’d dispose of Matt if she asked him to. Tony was a dangerous man, he’d probably do it. Not that she’d ever consider asking him. The only way she’d get Matt out of her house was to promise him another settlement, exactly like she’d had Otto arrange the first time.
“Go home if you must,” she said. “Send the car back for me.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Matt said, glaring at Tony. “You’d like to stay here with your boyfriend.”
“What did you say?” Lola demanded.
“Everyone at this party knows the deal. You were caught in the bedroom with him earlier.”
“Hey, man,” Tony said. “This is not a conversation to have in public—cool it. People are starin’.”
“Like you give a shit,” Matt said belligerently.
“ ’Scuse me?” Tony said, his face darkening.
“You’re a two-bit druggie loser. A—”
“Enough, Matt,” Lola said quickly, putting her hand on his arm. Enough, or you could end up like Tyrell White—falling from a nineteenth-floor window. An unfortunate suicide. “We’ll leave, if that’s what you want.”
Matt shot Tony a triumphant look, while Lola made a face as if to say, What can I do? She wanted Matt out of her life, but certainly not as the result of violence.
Unfortunately Tony was capable of anything, so to diffuse the situation, she decided to leave the party with Matt, before the two men got into a fight. A fight that Tony would surely win.
Tomorrow she’d call Tony and make everything right. Come what may, their future was together.
• • •
The phone awoke Shelby at 3:00 A.M. She g
roped for it in her sleep.
“Yes?” she mumbled. “Who is it?”
“Shelby, this is Connie.”
She couldn’t imagine why Linc’s sister was calling her in the middle of the night.
“Connie,” she said, struggling to wake up. “Is everything all right?”
“No, I’m sorry, but it’s not.”
“What happened?”
“It’s an emergency, Shelby. A few minutes ago I received a call from a New York hospital.”
“What about?” Shelby asked, starting to panic.
“It’s Linc,” Connie said. "He overdosed on drugs.”
“He did what?”
“Right now he’s in intensive care. Suki and I are on our way to the airport. They’re, uh . . . not exactly sure if he’s going to make it.”
I’m dreaming, Shelby thought. This is all some horrible nightmare.
Then she realized this was no dream, and her world started to collapse.
CHAPTER
* * *
43
“Tell me more,” Cat said, her long legs propped on the dashboard.
“Jeez!” Nick answered, racing his Maserati past a sporty Mercedes. “I’ve told you everything about myself. You give a third degree like nobody I know.”
“I’m excellent at it, aren’t I?” she boasted with a wicked grin. “I should’ve been a prosecuting attorney.”
“You would’ve killed.”
“Thanks,” she answered proudly. “Are we nearly there?”
“I hope so.”
“What a night,” she said, yawning loudly. “I never thought I’d meet anybody who’d want to do the crazy stuff I do.”
“I never met a girl like you either,” he agreed. “It’s a kick.”
“So—may I hear the rest of the Nick Logan life story?” she said encouragingly.
“The rest starts now,” he replied. “I’m sitting in my new car with my new girl. And I like it!”
“Hmm . . . do you think Amy and Jonas have arrived yet?”
“They’ve probably checked into the hotel and hit the sheets. It’s some ungodly hour. Sleep seems like a plan.”
“Sleep would be nice,” she agreed, thinking how much she liked him.
“In a bed—with you next to me.”
“What?” she said, lightly mocking him. “You didn’t enjoy the sand?”
“I can safely say I’ll never forget it.”
“Nor will I. It was good, huh?”
“It sure was. Did you—”
“Of course I did. How about you?”
“Like I could fake it.”
“Men do, you know.”
“You’ve really been mixing with a strange group of guys.”
“Yeah, I should’ve stuck to the classy type of person you hang with.”
“You’re talkin’ about my nefarious past,” he said, changing CDs.
“I am?”
“Right on.”
“Thank God we’re almost there,” she said, checking out a passing billboard.
“When was the last time you were in Vegas?” he asked, pumping up the volume on Kid Rock.
“Don’t recall ever coming here. Isn’t that sad?”
“A Vegas virgin,” he said, whistling. “Wow!”
“Let’s not get carried away. When were you last here?”
“I sometimes fly in for the fights with some of my pals. It’s a regular party scene. Booze, babes, and two monsters knocking the shit outta each other.”
“Sounds delightful.”
“It’s a diversion.”
“And you always win at blackjack?”
“I’m lucky that way.”
“Gambling is an addiction, you know.”
“Does that mean I’m about to get a lecture?”
“Not from me. Trust me, Nick—lectures are not my thing.”
• • •
On the way home, Lola checked with her mother on the car phone.
“Selma was very talkative tonight,” her mother assured her. “The doctors say that she’ll be able to come home in a few days. No permanent damage.”
“That’s such great news, Mama.”
“It’s late, where are you calling from?”
“Matt and I were at a party. We’re in the car.”
“Was it a nice party?”
“Yes, Mama, it was very nice. It was for the artist Raja Mestres.”
“That is exciting.”
“I think I saw Antonio Banderas there—your favorite.”
“What I wouldn’t give to meet that man,” Claudine sighed.
“Next time I’m invited to one of his premieres,” Lola promised, “I’ll take you with me.”
“No,” Claudine said firmly. “You’ll take Matt. He is your husband.”
Oh God, now she’d have to confront the family again when she got rid of Matt. Her problems were never-ending.
Matt was sulking in the car.
“I’m the one who should be giving out the silent treatment around here,” she said, when she got off the phone. “How dare you drag me out of a party while I’m talking to my friends.”
“Your friends?” he sneered. “Is that what you call Tony Alvarez—a friend?”
“Tony’s a very fine director and, for your information, a loyal friend.”
“What were the two of you doing in the bedroom?”
“He was showing me the house.”
“Some of the waiters were laughing about it.”
“Laughing about what?”
“You and him in there, then you with two women. What are you, a lesbian?”
“Oh, for God’s sake!”
They traveled the rest of the way home in silence. When they arrived at the house, Lola marched straight upstairs. Her mind was in turmoil. Thank God Selma had fully recovered and would shortly be coming out of the hospital. Normal life would resume, and Lola decided that there was no way she was about to be stuck with Matt.
There was only one answer. She and Tony should get married, then nobody could criticize them.
How quickly could she divorce Matt? That was the question. And how much would she have to pay him this time? She was rich, but not a billionaire by any means, and getting rid of Matt was turning into a big expense.
Matt walked into the bedroom shortly after.
“No TV?” she said sarcastically, sitting on the edge of the bed, brushing her hair. “Surely you want to sit downstairs watching sports for another three hours?” “I’m not happy,” Matt mumbled.
“Nor am I,” she retorted.
“I’m the one who’s being, treated like crap,” he whined. “I’m your husband, Lola. You married me, threw me out, then took me back. You can’t treat me like a dog and expect to get away with it. I refuse to be made a fool of by someone like Tony Alvarez.”
“I’m glad you brought it up,” she said, seizing the opportunity. “The truth is that we never should’ve gotten back together. We’re not compatible. It was a big mistake.”
“What?” he said, perplexed by her attitude. He’d expected to mend bridges—not demolish them.
“You heard,” she answered. “You’re not the man for me, and I’m not the woman for you. That’s the way it is, Matt. We should both face up to it.”
His left eyelid began twitching—a sign that he was nervous. “What are you saying?” he said, flushing angrily.
“I’m saying this is not working out for either of us. You have to go.”
“Lola—”
“I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”
“Compensated?” he exploded. “What do you think I am—an employee?”
“You know what I mean,” she said, wishing she hadn’t started something that her lawyer would obviously have to finish.
He started pacing around the room. “It’s Tony Alvarez, isn’t it? He always manages to come between us. If it weren’t for him, you and I would be fine.”
“Maybe so,” she answered, putting
down her hair brush. “However, that’s the way it is.”
“That’s the way it is,” he muttered.
“Not only is Tony one of the most talented directors in the world,” she said, deciding that since she’d started it, she may as well lay it all out, “but he loves me, and I’m finally admitting that I love him too.” She was glad that she’d said it. Relieved it was out in the open. No more deception.
“You love him?” Matt said, his bland face turning a dark crimson. “He’s engaged to another woman.”
“Maria is only a smoke screen,” she explained. “Tony and I are meant for each other.”
“You honestly believe that?” he said, shocked she would say such a thing.
“Yes,” she said. “I only took you back because my family begged me to. It was a mistake. I need to be with Tony, and for once I’m doing what I want, not what my family thinks I should do.”
Something exploded inside him. He was filled with a fury he hadn’t known he was capable of.
“You unfeeling bitch!” he yelled.
“Pack up and leave tomorrow morning, Matt,” she said coldly. “Tonight you can sleep in the guest room.”
“You’d appreciate that, would you?” he said, completely enraged. “Why don’t you have your lawyer throw me out, like before?”
“Don’t fight it,” she said, perfectly calm. “I’ve made up my mind.”
“You’re obsessed with Tony Alvarez, that’s what this is all about,” he shouted. “If he wasn’t around, you and I would be very happy together.”
“Whatever you say,” she murmured, tired of arguing. “I’m going to sleep now. I’m sorry it had to work out this way.”
• • •
Shelby did not know who to turn to, so she called Pete, who assured her he’d be over immediately.
When he arrived, she was already dressed and ready to go. She’d written a note to her parents, stuck it on the fridge, and put the puppy in its playpen, where it couldn’t get into trouble.
“I need somebody to take me to the airport,” she said, choking back tears.
“I’ll drive you,” Pete said, hugging her for a brief moment. “Everything will work out, Shelby.”
“This is all because I left him alone,” she said, her beautiful face pale and wan. “I should have gone back to him, done what he wanted. I could’ve walked off the movie. It didn’t matter.”
Hollywood Divorces Page 40