Hollywood Princess

by Dana Aynn Levin

  “Baby, no! I can’t lose you. I love you, Eli,” Danny pleaded.

  “I don’t want to, Danny, but. I have my pride.”

  “I hurt you. Just what I didn’t want to do.”

  “Yeah, well guess what? Elizabeth Jacobs is breakable.”

  “No. You’re just young and inexperienced.”

  “What does that mean? If I’d had five other boyfriends first this wouldn’t hurt?”

  “Yeah,” Danny smiled, “Because then you wouldn’t even be my girlfriend.”

  “Daniel, you’re a hypocrite.”

  “Absolutely,” he smiled again and kissed my head.

  “Don’t do that! I have not forgiven you!”

  “Yeah. I wouldn’t forgive me yet either.” Danny smiled then added, “Better this happened now than in fifteen years.”

  “You are not your father, Daniel.”

  “I’m just like Dad. Find the most wonderful girl in the world, have her fall in love with you, then break her heart. What’s wrong with us Newman’s?”

  “Danny, you’re not Steve,” I said firmly. “You told me the risks of loving you. I chose to ignore them. I was having too much fun.”

  Danny grinned. “Me too. I was having too much fun.”

  I slapped his face. Hard. Danny winced at the sting and rubbed his cheek.

  “With you, Elizabeth. You’re the only one I have too much fun with.”

  “I have to go. I need my space.”

  “You do. I deserve whatever you throw at me.”

  Danny took my hand again and looked at me with pleading eyes. “Eli, if you do break up with me, can you tell me by Wednesday?”

  What the hell? “Wednesday? I can’t put a timetable on my decision.” I frowned.

  “I’ll need to cancel our plans for next weekend.”

  “Next weekend?” I paused. “Right. Valentine’s Day.” I frowned.

  It would have been my first time having someone to celebrate with. I had imagined the roses, at least two dozen red ones that Danny would have bought. We would have gone somewhere romantic for dinner, perhaps The Beach House. Maybe this time we would have stayed at the Inn. That would have been just like Danny. He could be so sentimental.

  “I had a great weekend planned. I’ll cancel it. There’s always next year.”

  “That’s so unfair,” I sniffled. Tears ran down my cheeks. “You’ve probably planned the most romantic time.”

  “Of course I did. I love spoiling you.”

  “You’re impossible,” I sighed and wiped the tears away with the back of my hand. “I do believe you love me, just in your own peculiar way. That’s what makes this so difficult.” I rose from the bed.

  “Will I see you later?”

  “I doubt it.”

  I took two steps toward the door before coming to a screeching halt.

  “Shit!” I exclaimed. “I have to see you at dinner or everyone will wonder. I don’t want you saying anything to anyone, especially not our roommates.”

  “We have to keep talking, Eli. As long as we’re talking we can work this out.”

  “I doubt we can,” I said sadly.

  “I love you, Eli. Remember that.”

  CHAPTER 49 - ELIZABETH

  Everywhere I went the next morning my eyes darted in all directions, certain that Danny was lurking somewhere at the edges of my peripheral vision. The predictability of my schedule was the problem. Danny knew where I should be if he wanted to ‘run into me.’ Sanity demanded I shake things up for the afternoon.

  I stopped at The Café for lunch. I did not want to relive last night’s debacle at dinner. Forced to smile and act as though nothing were the matter, Danny sat by my side, the ever-adoring boyfriend. Our friends never suspected that all was wrong in the Jacobs-Newman household.

  It was a deplorable situation made worse because in spite of my anger and hurt, I found myself enjoying Danny’s attention. I did not want distractions like this while I was so vulnerable.

  After my sandwich, I returned to my room where I packed a gym bag and headed to the swimming pool. An hour of laps was the perfect outlet for my energy. The solitude would let my mind drift and hopefully I’d see things more clearly.

  By three o’clock I was spent and mentally only marginally improved. I showered and changed to sweats. My damp waves fell down my back creating a wet spot on the back of my shirt. I even wore my fuzzy pink slippers. Nobody was going to get me to leave the comfort of my secure cocoon.

  Rachel and Chloe had late classes. Their well-intentioned concern was not what I wanted. I needed to be alone. Peace and quiet! It felt so good.

  While I sat at my desk pretending to read French, I was exchanging Facebook messages with Steff. As far as I would tell her, all was well. No need to alert her until I had concrete news to report. I hated this.

  An unexpected knock came on the door to the suite. The interruption jarred me. Someone must be looking for Chloe. “BRB” I messaged Steff . “Let me see who it is and get rid of them,” I thought.

  I shuffled to the door and opened it. Danny! What was he doing here? I frowned. Then I giggled. There Danny stood, smiling shyly and carrying the largest bouquet I had ever seen. Danny must have purchased every stem the florist had in stock.

  “I’ll be right with you. I’m on with Steff.”

  I returned to my computer, typed “g2g. DN,” and then I logged out.

  Danny had followed me into my room. I sensed hesitation.

  “Elizabeth, I’m so sorry about everything,” Danny said quietly. “These are for you,” he added, and he handed me the vase.

  The vase was quite heavy, and I placed it on my desk. “They’re lovely,” I said.

  I felt unusually timid. I had nothing to say and Danny was silent, awkward. What did he expect? I certainly wasn’t going to jump into his arms.

  Danny fidgeted. His eyes were downcast while he mindlessly picked at a cuticle. I had never seen Danny insecure before. Did he not know what he wanted to say, or did Danny fear my rejection? Were Danny not the subject of my ire, I would have felt sorry for him.

  “Eli, baby I miss you,” he began in a soft uncharacteristically tentative voice. “I don’t want to be without you. Baby, what can I do to make everything right?”

  “Danny, beautiful as these flowers are, if you think this is how to make things right, you’re wrong. I trusted you. I loved you with all my heart. I gave you everything I had.”

  “E, I’ve learned my lesson. I’m miserable, baby.”

  “I’m miserable too,” I admitted, “But you betrayed me. If I can’t trust you, what do we have? Trust is what’s most important and flowers won’t earn it back.”

  “You’re right, Eli.” Danny removed a plastic card from his shirt pocket. He placed it in my hand and wrapped my fingers around it. “Perhaps this can be a start.”

  I looked curiously at the plain, unmarked white credit card.

  “What is this?” I asked.

  Danny smiled, pleased with himself. “It’s my room key. I told security I lost mine so I could get one made for you.”

  “Your room key?” Why? I was on the verge of breaking up with him.

  Danny wrapped his hands around mine. His hands filled me with their unwelcome warmth.

  “I want you to come and go whenever you want,” he explained. “Twenty-four/seven. My room is your room, Eli.”

  I gaped at him. The implication was clear. Danny would not give me his key unless I could trust that he would be there alone every evening. A tear escaped my eye.

  “Danny, are you sure about this?” I was so vulnerable.

  Danny hugged me tightly.

  “Yes, I’m sure. I love you, baby.”

  I looked into his eyes. The sapphires were filled with depth and sincerity.

  “I love you too, Daniel.”

  I walked Danny to the door. Standing on toe I kissed his cheek.

  Last week I would have been thrilled to pieces if Danny had given me a key to his
room. Now I was conflicted. My anger at his betrayal was strong, but if he was trying to demonstrate trust, there was no more powerful a way than this.

  I wanted so badly to trust Danny again. Was I gullible if I accepted his key? Was I letting my need to love Danny cloud my judgment?

  I needed a confidante. Ellen had lived through worse, and it placed her in a unique position to provide council.

  When I reached her at home, Ellen was happy to hear from me, but she sensed right away that this call concerned her son.

  Without hesitation I explained the situation.

  “Oh, Elizabeth,” she empathized, “What does your heart say?”

  “My heart? My heart says I love Danny.”

  “And he loves you. Elizabeth, it sounds as though you want permission to give Danny another chance. That’s why you didn’t call Miranda.”

  I considered what Ellen was saying. “I suppose,” I answered sheepishly.

  “You love Danny very much Elizabeth and you don’t want to give that up. That’s okay. What he did was despicable, unforgivable even. Is Danny aware that you’re hurt?”

  “I haven’t been shy. Danny knows how hurt I am.”

  “Elizabeth, he won’t do it again,” Ellen said, confident.

  “How can you be so certain?”

  “Years ago, Steve hurt me similarly, only there was more to it. Danny knows part of it. You can’t keep secrets from someone living in your house. Danny heard us arguing. He heard me crying. We sent Danny to Bromley so we could work things out.”

  “I’m so sorry, Ellen.”

  “It’s okay, dear. Steve and I went to counseling and our marriage is much stronger now. I sincerely believe that.”

  “I can’t imagine you and Steve divorced.”

  “Neither could we. That’s what saved us. That and the devastating affect it had on Danny. He’s very sensitive.”

  “Danny doesn’t want anyone to know that, but I know.”

  “Of course you do. That’s why Danny will never do this to you again. Danny feels as badly as you do. Part of him died seeing you so hurt. He’s devastated. Danny loves you. He’s crazy about you. He feels terrible knowing he’s violated your trust. But Elizabeth, you can trust Danny. If you want permission to patch things up, you have it. Tell him you want to work it out if that’s what you want.”

  “That’s what I want. I can’t imagine not being with Danny.”

  “I know, dear. I can’t imagine it either.”

  “Ellen, how do I get past the humiliation?”

  “You are Elizabeth Jordan Jacobs. Act it!” Ellen admonished. “Those who may want to hurt you will realize they don’t stand a chance. You need to give yourself back the power.”

  Ellen was right. I had been playing the victim. No more.

  “Danny must be trying everything to win you back,” Ellen laughed.

  “He is, Ellen. Danny brought me a huge flower arrangement. Then he gave me my own key to his room.”

  “Then hang up and use it Elizabeth. Danny wants to do the right thing. He loves you very much. Remember, you have to follow your heart.”

  Ellen was right. I had the power. I was Miranda Jordan’s daughter. Steven Newman’s son expected no less from me. I owned one of the most recognizable faces in America; time to let it show. Danny always said I should. The new me would be formidable like Mom. Danny deserved the best girlfriend I could be. No girl should be more desirable.

  Twenty minutes later I emerged looking like a proper girlfriend for Danny. I dressed in my favorite jeans tucked into Uggs and a stylish low-cut sweater. My Peretti heart rested just where I wanted Danny’s eyes to alight.

  I wasn’t going to make it easy. Danny needed to win me back. At the same time, I had to show Danny that with me he would have no reason to look elsewhere.

  Standing in the hallway outside Danny’s suite, I regarded my new keycard. Danny had told me to use it, but did his roommates know? I starred at the keycard again. If Danny’s roommates were taken by surprise, I would leave it to him to explain.

  Taking a deep breath, I inserted the card into its slot and pulled it out.

  Miranda Jordan’s daughter let herself in and found Danny pacing the room, all nervous energy and on a phone call. I waved the card at him. Danny smiled, pleased to see me, and motioned for me to sit. I remained standing.

  “I’ve got to go,” Danny spoke into the phone. “I’ve got company. See you at eight.” He placed the phone on the desk.

  Danny studied my face, my posture, and my cleavage. Noting the heart, he smiled, a shy smile.

  “Hey,” I said quietly. “The card works.”

  “I’m surprised to see you, Eli. I wasn’t expecting you.” There was pain in his eyes and hope in his voice.

  “It’s been a long afternoon.” Then I paused. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

  Danny took my hands and massaged my finger tops. The warmth of his touch began melting my resolve. I couldn’t help smiling. In return, he smiled back.

  “I spoke to Ellen,” I confessed. “She’s very supportive. She’s been through this.”

  “I know,” he answered curtly. “Did Mom tell you to tell me to go to hell?”

  “Not at all. She provided insight. Ellen wants you to realize you’re not Steve.”

  “I know. I called her too. Mom’s very disappointed and thinks I’m a schmuck.”

  “What do you think?”

  “She may be right,” he answered and pulled me to his chest. “I’m sorry, baby.” Danny stroked my hair. “I really am so very sorry. I want to make it up to you so badly”

  “I believe you.”

  “You do?” Danny loosened his hold on me to look into my eyes. I nodded. “You do.” He tilted my chin up and gently kissed me.

  Danny held me very closely, as though he were afraid to let go.

  “I love you so much, Elizabeth. I promise I will never hurt you again.”

  We kissed again. All would be good.

  CHAPTER 50 - ELIZABETH

  “Band rehearsal tonight,” Danny announced as we were nearing the end of dinner. “I want you to come.”

  “I thought rehearsals were closed.”

  “Not to you, baby.”

  I didn’t want to go, but…

  “Okay, I’d love to.” I smiled, and I kissed his cheek. Ha! Village girls.

  After dinner, we stopped at Berkeley Hall so I could grab a book. I wasn’t sure I would have the opportunity to read, but just in case.

  On the way out, Danny kept his arm snuggly around my shoulder. I was convinced he wasn’t going to let go of me for even a moment tonight.

  Outside on the landing, Danny took my hands and smiled. His grin was so infectious I couldn’t help giggling. Completely engrossed in each other, we practically skipped down the front steps.

  “Won’t the guys get angry when I show up?”

  “If I say I need my girl, too bad on them. Besides, you’re an asset.”

  “How am I an asset?”

  I hadn’t planned on doing anything at the rehearsal except stay out of the way.

  Danny stopped and gazed into my eyes. “Your presence will make a big difference even if all you do is sit on the couch.”

  I laughed. “That sounds so hokey.”

  “It’s true, Eli,” Danny laughed. “You’re right. It does sound hokey, but it’s true.”

  We both laughed, and Danny hugged me.

  “Eli, I’m worried about Friday,” he said, his chin leaning into my shoulder. “Ron, Kirk, even Duncan, they’re serious musicians. These guys are so much better than me. I’m bass by default. And my voice; I’m lead singer when I’m a serviceable tenor at best. I’m not confident.”

  Danny burst into laughter, hearty and uncontrollable. He wiped a tear from his eye. I didn’t know what he was laughing at, but now I was laughing at his laughter.

  “Eli, these guys are awful. Ron and Kirk can barely sing back-up. If I wake up with laryngitis on Friday, we’re
screwed.”

  “Don’t even think that way. And you are not a serviceable tenor. I love your voice.”

  “Thank you, baby,” Danny said and he hugged me. “I think you may be more than a little biased, my number one fan.”

  “I’m being perfectly objective. I’ve heard you sing. Danny, your voice comes through with power, clarity and passion. I feel the lyrics when you sing.”

  “Eli, you were wasted.”

  “Danny, you’re an excellent singer.” I was adamant. “I felt the passion.”

  “Of course you did. It was directed at you. And you were wasted. Kirk says I’ve been lackluster this week.”

  “Because we’ve been fighting?”

  Danny shrugged. “But hey, that’s over. Now I have my passion back.”

  “That’s why you want me at rehearsal?”

  Danny drew me close and held me in his arms. His eyes locked on mine. My heart skipped a beat.

  “It’s much easier to perform with passion when the object of your passion is in the front row.”

  “I’m there for you. Always,” I said breathlessly.

  Danny pulled me closer. His lips pressed into mine, and I eagerly responded, parting my lips for him as my hands entwined in his hair.

  “Dan?” A female voice interrupted.

  Our lips parted yet we continued in our clinch. I giggled before I dropped my hands to Danny’s waist while he continued cradling me against his chest.

  “I thought that was you,” Phoebe said.

  On their way up the steps of Berkeley Hall were Phoebe and another girl I didn’t recognize. The pink streak in her otherwise medium-length blonde hair distinguished her from the blandness her preppy clothes and looks would have otherwise been assigned to.

  Pleasant looking in that way a man might find attractive but women didn’t, the girl smiled at Danny, naturally. She must have been at least five foot eight and large boned. I felt so petite, but I was well protected. Danny’s arm remained holding me as though I required shielding.

  “Phoebs, Amelia, what are you doing here?” Danny asked.

  Amelia. So this was Amelia. My face had better not betray the queasy sensation brewing in my stomach. Danny’s arm tightened. He felt the shudder of revulsion I was trying to hide behind a plastic smile. I could do this. I had the power.