Walker Spirit

by Bernadette Marie

  Did you give Gregory my address?

  She looked through Facebook as she waited for a reply.

  No. He asked me to call the florist he bought them from and give it to them. Wants to wait ‘til you invite him over. Not a stalker.

  Laughter rolled through her as she read the text. Well then, he might be the most honest man to come out of Hollywood yet.

  Because it intrigued her, she brought up the IMDb app on her phone and searched for Gregory Bishop.

  If there was any perk to seeing someone famous, it was that when she missed his face, she need only look him up online and there he would be. Of course, since the first eighteen photos of him were with sexy, elegant women, she’d have to look past that. A few, she recognized as co-stars in his movies. But there was one… A luscious redhead with an amazingly toned body and long, long legs.

  Audrey took in a long breath. She knew this was the ex, since one of the photos also had Black Sabbath in it. This was where she needed to hoist up those big girl panties and keep that ex part in mind. She also had to keep in mind that she knew it was an ex because she’d heard about it on TV.

  Considering that the fragrance from the roses was filling up the room, and she’d been the one kissing him yesterday, it was a bit easier to remember. But it mixed very heavily with the shouldn’t-expect-too-much part too.

  This time when the doorbell rang she moved to it, her professionalism already taking over. “Hey, Starla, how are you today?”

  The forty-something, a mother of three, smiled at her. “I’m so grateful you are taking clients. I’m a mess,” she said. Her voice dripping in southern drawl.

  “Happy to do it. Your next appointment will be at my new salon,” she offered, as she began to escort her client to the kitchen.

  “Oh, my, Lord.” Starla stopped as they walked through the living room. “Who sent you such a bouquet? Those are absolutely breathtaking.”

  And it begins, Audrey thought. “I met a guy. It’s not serious,” she quickly added.

  “He wants it to be.”

  “Why would you say that?”

  “An arrangement like that would cost a couple of hundred dollars. He must like you an awful lot.”

  Audrey’s breath caught in her chest. “Maybe he had a Groupon,” she quipped, and that brought a roll of laughter from Starla as they walked into the kitchen.

  As she set Starla in a chair and covered her with a cape, she thought about what she’d said. A couple of hundred dollars. It was already too deep, she argued with herself. A dress, a fine dinner, and the roses. She could hardly breathe. It had already gone too far.

  Gregory stood looking at himself in the full-length mirror as the final pieces were added to his uniform.

  “Stunning,” he said at his reflection. “Futuristic military does me good.” He laughed as the woman adjusted his jacket. “Hey, Kent,” he called out, as Gregory saw him walk in.

  “It will never cease to amaze me that they can reproduce what I have in my head.”

  “Nice, huh? Lieutenant Price is going to be a very popular character. He has a lot of great one-liners. Those are the kinds of things you hope for. That’s what goes down in history. Can you imagine the eighties without cult classic movies?”

  Kent laughed. “Life moves pretty fast,” he began.

  “If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it,” Gregory finished the quote. “Ferris Bueller was a genius.”

  “I took a day like that after I saw the movie.”

  “You did?” Gregory lifted his arm as the woman working on the jacket ran her hand over the fabric.

  “Yeah. Went bowling. Watched a movie. Even went to the library.”

  “Library? That’s not the same day Ferris had.”

  Kent nodded. “The librarian was a friend of my mother’s. She mentioned how she’d seen me that day and I got caught.”

  “Ah, but you lived on the wild side for one day.”

  “Sure.”

  Gregory slipped out of the jacket, and the woman hung it up on the rack before she returned with another. This one would be worn in the scenes after his spaceship crashed. It was not as nice as the first, but that was the fun in wardrobe fittings.

  “Are you heading out?” Gregory asked.

  “Yeah. I have a few rewrites for the battle scene that they want. I just wanted to stop by and say I think Audrey got your flowers.”

  Gregory tugged on the ripped jacket and smiled in the mirror. “I’ll call her later. Thanks for doing that for me.”

  “Sure. Hey, Bethany wanted to know if you’d like to come for dinner when you’re done.”

  Gregory turned to look at him. “At your house?”

  “Yes,” Kent said pushing up his glasses. “If that works for you. I suppose we could go out, but Bethany thought…”

  “I’d like that,” Gregory interrupted. “Thank you.”

  “Sure. I feel obligated to tell you that I think she’s feeling you out.”

  “Why would she do that?”

  “Audrey.”

  The smile came easily as Gregory tugged off the jacket and handed it to the woman to hang up. “Making sure I’m a good person?”

  “I don’t know for sure. She mentioned inviting Audrey too,” Kent said scratching his head. “Unless you don’t want her at dinner.”

  Gregory made sure not to let the laugh that built in his chest escape. “I would love to have dinner at your house. And it would be even better if Audrey were there.”

  Kent smiled. “Great. Great. I’ll let Bethany know. Tomorrow at seven?”

  “Seven works. They only have me on the schedule until four.”

  “Next week we’ll have some long days ahead of us.”

  And that said a lot, Gregory thought, as the woman working on his wardrobe brushed her hand over his pant leg. Sixteen hour days loomed in the near future. What had he started?

  Guilt swirled in his belly. He was beginning something with a woman, who was already hesitant, but their schedules were about to tear them apart before they even began. That guilt turned to depression in a swift moment, and he breathed through it. Well, what did he expect? This part of his life was routine. He should have thought about that before he kissed Audrey during their walk—which he’d scammed too.

  Kent looked at his phone when it dinged. “Gotta go. Bethany’s already looking for me. Married life, huh?” He tried to look depressed, but Gregory could see through it. There was absolute bliss on that man’s face.

  Kent raised a hand in a wave and walked out of the room.

  Gregory stood in front of the mirror as the woman tugged on his pant leg. Someday maybe he’d have that same blind bliss on his face when his wife texted him—someday.

  11

  Gregory reclined on his bed, and Black Sabbath laid across his feet, snoring. It certainly was better having him there, he thought. And if he could make it happen, the dog would never leave his side again.

  He flipped through the channels and stopped when Deadpool flashed on the screen. Dropping the remote, he humored himself with the rawness of the movie. It encompassed everything he loved about making movies. Sure, anyone who might see him filming wouldn’t think it was much. The sets looked rough, and green screens were abundant. It took a lot of concentration to perform scenes when the set itself would be added later. And anyone who thought it was easy to act in a high-tech sci-fi never had to perform with a tennis ball on a stick, which, if done right, would be a ravenous alien causing havoc in the universe.

  Black Sabbath lifted his head, yawned, and shifted his position. Gregory smiled. He loved that dog, mostly because he loved Gregory back.

  The thought of love, even the kind he had with the big, noisy dog, made him think of the sexy hair stylist whom he hadn’t seen all day. He picked up his phone and scrolled through the contacts until he came to her picture. The thumbnail photo was gorgeous. That moment in the street, her hair swept up, and the deep neckline of that fantastic dress
he’d bought her, it took his breath away.

  Looking at the time, he realized it was getting late. Perhaps he’d text her instead of call.

  You are on my mind. -G

  He picked up the remote and changed the channel as he waited for her to reply. Instead, his phone rang in his hand.

  Black Sabbath lifted his head and watched as he slid his finger over the screen and placed it to his ear.

  “Hello?”

  “It seems as though you’ve been thinking of me all day,” Audrey’s voice soothed like satin over him.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “I received an amazing bouquet of roses today with the same message as your text. And imagine that I had no way to thank you—until now.”

  He chuckled as the dog moved closer to him and he ran a hand over the dark fur. “Now you have my phone number. Feel free to use it.”

  “Someone in your position shouldn’t just give that number out,” she warned.

  “Only people I trust have it.”

  He heard the sigh. “You trust me?”

  “Looks like it. I got a dinner invitation for tomorrow night.”

  “I did too. Any chance it’s at the same place?” She laughed, and it zipped through him, filling his chest with warmth.

  “Your sister’s house?”

  “Sounds like we’re having dinner in the same place then.”

  “Let me pick you up,” he offered as he rubbed Black Sabbath behind the ears.

  There was a moment’s silence, and he worried that he’d crossed a line somewhere, but he waited.

  “Did you really have Kent call the florist and give them my address?”

  He paused petting the dog. “Yes. I wanted to protect your privacy. When you give me your address, I’ll know it’s okay for me to have it.”

  “Just like you giving me your phone number?”

  He chuckled again. “Yeah.”

  “Then I’ll let you pick me up. I’ll text you my address.”

  “Appreciated. I’ll pick you up at six-thirty.”

  “I look forward to it,” she said. “Oh, and thank you for the flowers. They are beautiful.”

  “So are you. And you’re welcome.”

  “Good night, Gregory.”

  He felt the embrace in her words. “Good night.”

  A moment later his phone buzzed again, and he noticed the text message. A photo of her bouquet accompanied her address.

  Gregory rested the phone on his chest and closed his eyes. Perhaps he’d sleep well tonight.

  The large bouquet of roses on the table was a conversation starter for Audrey’s clients who arrived through the morning for their appointments. Not wanting to divulge anything too personal, she let them think they were a congratulations gift for the new salon, and left it at that.

  After four haircuts and a basic color touch-up, Audrey headed to the salon where Russell and Gerald were busy working on the flooring.

  “You guys are making some great progress,” she said as she stood at the door and looked in.

  “Yeah, we’re doing okay,” Russell said as he sat back on his heels. “Gerald thinks you should buy us lunch.”

  She laughed as Gerald wiggled his eyebrows at her. “I could really use a big pizza,” he offered.

  “You don’t say?” She checked her watch. “Sausage?”

  “Only way I eat it,” he agreed.

  Russell shook his head. “That’s boring. It needs pepperoni and some veggies too. Geeze, don’t starve me.”

  “I’ll make it work,” she offered. “How far do you think you’ll get today?”

  Russell shrugged. “I’m going to say half because I really want to finish this up by tomorrow. Lydia has a few more things she wants to do at her house, and at some point, I need to work on my own house.”

  “I appreciate this,” she said as she slid on her sunglasses. “You guys are the greatest.”

  “That’s what family is for,” Russell called out after her as she turned and left the store.

  As she walked past the flower shop, she noticed Bethany inside. She pushed open the door and warmed at the smile her sister offered.

  “Hey, your shop is coming along nicely,” Bethany said.

  “It pays to have a talented family. I’m headed over to get a pizza for the guys. Would you care to join us for some lunch?”

  Bethany’s eyes grew wide. “Oh, I’d love that. With Kent working so much on this movie, my schedule is a little wonky. I forgot to pack lunch, and I didn’t even go to the store because I knew he wouldn’t be around for dinner most nights.”

  “Except for tomorrow, right?” Audrey laughed. “You are making dinner for us since you invited us?”

  Bethany laughed. “Of course.” She grinned as she slid a plump rose into a bouquet. “I think it’ll be an interesting night.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “A couples’ night with my sister,” she paused, “and her man.”

  Audrey stared at her and her mouth opened to protest. “He’s not my man.”

  “I hear he’s smitten with you.”

  “Doesn’t mean I’m claiming him.”

  “Yet.”

  “Seriously. It’s a phase, and you know as well as I do that when he packs up his dog and his life to head back to California, this smitten thing will be over. I’m not buying into it.”

  Bethany shrugged. “For one night it’ll be nice.” Her smile eased into a hint of sadness that clouded her face. “I guess I should have asked if it was okay with you to have you both there. I don’t get to entertain too much.”

  “Don’t get all sad on me. It’s fine. I just don’t want you reading into it, that’s all. Sure, he’s a super guy, but he’s an actor, and you know that…” She stopped and swallowed back her words, but she saw the anger flash in her sister’s eyes.

  “Yeah, I know. They’re no good for anyone.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “You didn’t have to. Maybe you should talk to Kent and see what reservations he has about it. I mean he did marry a washed-up Hollywood addict.”

  They’d had this misstep more than once since Bethany had moved to Georgia. And usually, it was Audrey’s mouth that started it. So she walked around the counter and pulled her sister into a hug.

  “I’m sorry. You know I don’t think of you like that.”

  It took a moment, but Bethany eventually agreed. “It’s different out there. But not everyone buys into it. He’s different, Audrey.”

  She knew that. She knew it deep in her soul. But could she believe it? After all, she’d only known the guy a week.

  “I’ll let you know when I’m back with pizza. Call Pearl and Lydia and see if they want to come over, too.”

  “Why don’t we eat at the reception hall? It’s cleaner over there,” Bethany offered, as Audrey walked to the door.

  “It’s a date. I’ll be back in a half hour. Round the troops.”

  Audrey started down the street toward the Italian restaurant on the corner. It had been there as long as she could remember. It was a staple for her father for a long time. Because he didn’t know how to handle the nights he had his kids, they’d go to the restaurant, order pizza, and he’d shell out quarters to each of them to play the arcade games in the back room. He had to have spent a small fortune just to keep them occupied, but they didn’t care. They all four were together, and that was what mattered during those times. She and Pearl only got to see their brothers on special occasions or when the entire family would meet for dinner at their grandparents’ house. Then it was them and their cousins, and Audrey adored those times as well. Sadness filled her chest when she thought that Bethany had missed all of that. She’d only ever come to Georgia a few times when she was younger. But what was important was that she was there now and they were all together. She’d do anything for her brothers and sisters, and she knew, in turn, they’d do anything for her.

  Audrey opened the door to the restaurant and walked to t
he counter. She ordered a couple of pizzas and a salad. While she waited, she walked to the back room and looked at the video games, which looked to be the same ones from her childhood.

  Would her children play there, she wondered, and then laughed to herself. She was already thirty-one. Time was slipping to think of a family of her own. Then again Eric and Susan were having a baby, and Eric was already forty. Maybe there was time. She’d always been sure not to rush into marriage and family. It spooked her. And why not? She’d yet to see a marriage work—except for her grandparents and her aunt and uncle. When had she become so closed minded, she wondered? A few unfortunate circumstances seemed to have clouded her mind.

  When they called her for her order, she gathered the pizzas and the bag with the salad and started back toward the Bridal Mecca. It seemed to her she needed an attitude adjustment. This Negative Nelly wasn’t going to cut it if she did truly want to find some happiness in her life.

  Her mind wandered to the upcoming dinner she’d be having at her sister’s house. Maybe if she shared in her sister’s optimism, it wouldn’t be as bad as she’d already made it out to be. After all, she did like Gregory Bishop, and not just the look of him. No, she didn’t think it would work out in the end, but maybe it would for the moment. Wasn’t it worth giving a chance even if it only brought her happiness for a moment?

  12

  One more turn in the mirror and Audrey decided to change her clothes for the fifth time. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting. It was only dinner at her sister’s house. That had always been casual. Why was she worried about the dress code?

  She spun one more time in the sundress with the cropped sweater she’d put on. It was cheery, she thought, with little rosebuds and the scooped neck. And when she heard the doorbell, she knew that it was the final choice for the evening as she had now run out of time.

  As she hurried down the hallway from her bedroom, her heart kicked up its pace. Gregory Bishop was about to step into her house. Certainly, this wasn’t the time to get star-struck. After all, she’d already kissed the man. Oh, and what a memory that was. That would keep her warm on cold nights.